The Café Royal near Piccadilly Circus, established in 1863, is to be relaunched as a 160-bedroom hotel, reports the Telegraph.

In recent years the building has principally been used as a function venue, but in Victorian times it housed one of London’s most celebrated restaurants, famous not least for the patronage of Oscar Wilde.

The dining room itself – which is a riot of cherubs, crimson and mirrors – will have to be incorporated into the new format, as it is Grade 1 listed.