The Langham

The Langham Hotel in Portland Place, London was, at the time of its construction in the 1860s, one of the most modern hotels in the world and was the choice of some illustrious guests.

As a luxury hotel, however, it struggled financially in the economic depression of the 1930s and its owners considered selling it as a potential home for the BBC when they outgrew their facilities at Savoy Hill. As it happened, the purpose-built Broadcasting House was constructed across the road and the hotel became inextricably linked with the BBC for the next fifty years. 

During World War 2 was in constant use as an additional broadcast and support facility, and its proximity to Broadcasting House also made it vulnerable to attack. On 16 September 1940, Broadcasting House came under intense fire from Luftwaffe raiders who destroyed a large section of the hotel’s west wing.

The BBC's wartime staff used to broadcast from the roof of The Langham, in particular the US correspondent Edward Murrow. JB Priestley was also a regular guest in this period - in order to be close to Broadcasting House for his frequent late-night transmissions of Britain Speaks to North America. General De Gaulle also stayed for periods at The Langham, when recording his famous broadcasts to occupied France from Broadcasting House.

The whole building was purchased by the BBC in 1965 - the Palm Court was used as the reference library, and it became well-known for its staff restaurant, bar and refreshment rooms. It was used as the location for training the new crews and presenters for BBC Local Radio. The BBC sold the site in 1986 and it is once again a luxury hotel.