Architect Arthur Keen mixed ‘Wrenaissance’ style with Arts & Crafts influences, working with some of the best artists and craftsmen of the time to create much of the exterior and interior design: ornately plastered ceilings, carved fireplaces, oak panelling, and finely worked plaques. Sadly, the building’s fifth floor was damaged by a bomb in World War II. Later, the church’s congregation dwindled and by 1961, there were just 12 worshippers in the chapel on a Sunday morning. It closed to churchgoers soon afterwards and the building was bought by London Transport before its ‘miraculous’ revival began in 2012 with many of its features beautifully restored by master craftsman from across the world.

Given the history of the Bloomsbury Group, the Arts & Crafts decoration of the building and the theatrical tradition of the area, it was only natural that Jacques Garcia was chosen to create an attractive interior in a typically non-English style.

L’oscar showcases the theatrical opulence in which the Parisian interior design excels: stylized peacock motif doors, a mirrored counter at the center of the hotel’s Baptist Bar, hollow-stem Champagne coupes, butterfly wing taps and an eclectic range of objets d’art scattered around the hotel.

Apart from its absolute commitment to service and standards, L’oscar does not take itself too seriously.