Celebrating our awards with a competition

We’re celebrating our bar manager, Alessandro, and his win in the prestigious Mayfair Times Community Awards, and sharing his journey in mixology.

At DUKES London, we don’t just make drinks; we create an experience, an occasion, something to celebrate, with each beverage meticulously crafted under the expertise of our very own Alessandro Palazzi.

So, we’re thrilled to announce that he’s recently been honoured with the Hospitality Hero Award at the prestigious Mayfair Times Community Awards — a deserving winner!

A testament to his unparalleled contribution to the world of hospitality, we’re honoured to have him as part of our expert team, and are looking forward to the future of DUKES with him heading up the bar…

Mayfair Times Community Awards: DUKES Bar

Nestled within the elegant confines of our DUKES London, our iconic bar is internationally renowned for concocting what some hail as the world's best Martinis, a sentiment echoed by

The New York Times

Frequented by none other than James Bond author Ian Fleming, DUKES Bar is said to be the inspiration behind the iconic 'shaken, not stirred' line.

About Alessandro, Our Mixology Maestro

Alessandro's journey in mixology began in 2001, when he joined DUKES Bar as a bartender under the guidance of the legendary Gilberto Preti.

After venturing to esteemed establishments like The Ritz in Paris and The Milestone Hotel London, he returned to DUKES in 2007.

Over the years, Alessandro has earned some incredible accolades, including the 'Best Bar Manager' award at the Class Awards during his tenure at The Great Eastern Hotel, London.

Mayfair Times Community Awards: Crafting Experiences

As a

'Keeper of the Quaich

UK Gin Guild

With over 20 years of experience, his journey reflects not just a career but a passion that started in 1975, igniting a love for hospitality that has only grown over the decades.

Alessandro's signature creations, including the renowned Fleming 89, showcase his ongoing commitment to excellence.

Collaborating with London-based perfumery

Floris

His recent ‘Hospitality Hero’ accolade in the Mayfair Times Community Awards is testament to his passion, flair and creativity when it comes to crafting unique and unparalleled drinks.

Mayfair Times Community Awards: Honouring a Legend in Mixology

Beyond the bar, Alessandro often does seminars, where he teaches, excites, and moulds the minds of aspiring bartenders.

His advice to them is: “To become a bartender, you must be diplomatic, acrobatic, and charismatic. Once you understand these key ingredients, then you can make cocktails.”

Alessandro's dedication to

DUKES London

As we celebrate his recent achievement with the Mayfair Times Community Awards, we invite you to join us at

DUKES Bar

Alternatively, why not read our previous blog to discover our exclusive London dining experience?

Nestled in the historic heart of St. James’s, only a five-minute walk from the majestic Buckingham Palace,

DUKES London

EarthCheck, after already achieving Bronze, underscoring its dedication to the environment, the community, and responsible business practices.

A Purposeful Approach to Responsible Hospitality

DUKES London understands that a stay at a sustainable London hotel should not only reflect the highest standards of comfort but also embrace practices that protect and preserve the planet. Every member of the DUKES team plays an essential role in this vision, embracing a culture of responsibility and working toward a collective goal of positive environmental impact.

This dedication to sustainability is not only evident in day-to-day operations but also in the ongoing efforts to improve and refine practices. By operating with transparency and accountability, the hotel hopes to inspire guests to join them in their journey toward a more sustainable future.

Key Areas of Impact

As a sustainable London hotel, DUKES London’s path to certification encompasses a series of carefully targeted areas, each designed to create lasting, positive change. Key aspects of this journey include:

Reducing Carbon Emissions and Waste Management: DUKES London has set ambitious goals to reduce its carbon footprint and is implementing new systems to cut down on waste sent to landfill. Recycling and composting practices are emphasised throughout the property, while single-use items are minimised wherever possible. By switching to energy-efficient lighting and appliances, investing in cleaner energy sources, and optimising waste management practices, DUKES London is significantly reducing its environmental impact.

Conserving Water and Energy: In line with its commitment to responsible resource management, the hotel has introduced a series of water-saving measures such as low-flow faucets and water-efficient laundry processes. Through thoughtful choices, like energy-efficient heating and cooling systems and LED lighting, the hotel ensures that both guest comfort and sustainability goals are met.

Supporting Local Suppliers and Using Seasonal Ingredients: Recognising the importance of reducing food miles and supporting the local economy, DUKES London prioritises locally sourced and seasonal ingredients. By collaborating with nearby suppliers, the hotel not only supports regional businesses but also provides guests with fresh, local produce. This practice reduces the carbon footprint associated with transport and helps foster close ties within the community.

Prioritising Local Employment: DUKES London believes in fostering a positive relationship with the local community by prioritising employment opportunities for local residents. By offering training and development programs, the hotel creates an inclusive, skilled workforce that benefits both the hotel and the community, strengthening its role as a responsible sustainable London hotel.

A Transparent Path with EarthCheck

To hold itself accountable, DUKES London is collaborating with EarthCheck. EarthCheck’s system tracks the hotel’s progress on various sustainability indicators, including energy usage, water consumption, and waste production. Regular assessments and data-driven reports allow DUKES London to set benchmarks and maintain transparency with guests, showcasing the property’s commitment to responsible operations as a sustainable London hotel.

Creating a Culture of Responsibility

DUKES London’s dedication to sustainability extends beyond operations - it’s embedded within the very culture of the hotel. By fostering a work environment that values well-being, inclusivity, and growth, the hotel empowers team members to actively participate in sustainable initiatives. Training programs educate staff on best practices, while internal policies encourage environmental stewardship, waste reduction, and responsible resource use.

Furthermore, as a sustainable London hotel, DUKES London is passionate about educating guests on its sustainable journey. From information at check-in to signage throughout the hotel, guests are invited to learn about the property’s eco-friendly initiatives and can choose to participate in practices such as towel reuse and energy conservation. This collaborative approach not only enhances the guest experience but also creates a shared sense of responsibility and community.

As the hotel strives toward Silver certification with EarthCheck, its dedication to creating a luxurious yet environmentally conscious guest experience remains a key priority. By championing sustainable practices, fostering community connections, and educating both team members and guests, DUKES London invites everyone to join them in protecting the planet and enjoying a responsible stay that honours both the past and future.

Join Us on Our Journey

DUKES London’s commitment to sustainability is an invitation to guests to take part in a responsible, memorable travel experience. As a trusted sustainable London hotel, DUKES London ensures that each stay contributes to a greener future. At DUKES London, luxury and sustainability go hand in hand, creating a legacy that will benefit generations to come.

To find out more about our sustainable practices, please visit our website:

https://www.dukeshotel.com/sustainability.html