Susan Scott, archivist, The Savoy and Simpson's-in-the-Strand
London's Savoy is the only hotel to employ a dedicated archivist. Susan Scott has just compiled a walking tour of the Savoy and Simpson's-in-the-Strand for guests to learn about the hotel's history and heritage. She talks to Emily Manson
Caterer What interests you about archives?
I always wanted to do something where I could work with original material. It's not like being in a library, because the things I work with are irreplaceable.
Caterer Why does the Savoy need an archivist?
Because it's the oldest luxury hotel there is a lot of material that dates back from its opening, and it needs to be managed professionally.
Caterer Have you dug up lots of funny stories?
The funniest thing is Fawlty Towers. John Cleese had a friend, Andrew Lehman, who worked at the Savoy, and he apparently told him stories about deaths in hotels and the difficulties of disposing of the bodies. Cleese used it when writing Fawlty Towers and called the dead guest Mr Lehman. It's nice to think we inspired something like that.
Caterer What's the oddest thing you've come across?
A picture of a coffee perambulator - it was the latest in Victorian "Hostess trolleys" and is very rare. It looks like a Victorian pram but it's actually a trolley with little shelves inside and all the paraphernalia for making Turkish coffee at the table. It's quite amazing.
Caterer Why have you created the walking guide?
It was a great use of my knowledge from years in the archive here. There are two tours, one outside and one inside, and guests can go at their own pace and learn as much as they want.
Caterer Why are people so fascinated by the Savoy's history?
Because it's such an icon. During its time, everyone who was, and is, important has been to the Savoy, and people like thinking they are following in those footsteps.
Caterer What's the most striking change that's occurred at the hotel?
The most obvious big change is the loss of the riverfront balconies - they went in 1910 because, despite the Savoy having more bathrooms than any other hotel at the time, they wanted to install more along the riverfront. It's such a pity, as it really changed the look of the hotel. Previously they'd all had red stripy awnings and it looked really Continental.
Caterer The Savoy's always had top celebrities to stay, are there any who particularly stand out?
We've had Frank Sinatra, Fred Astaire, Giacomo Puccini and Enrico Caruso alongside others like Coco Chanel, Charlie Chaplin and Babe Ruth, the baseball player. Marilyn Monroe's the only super-celeb who never stayed, but she did do a press call here in an extremely racy dress, which caused quite a stir at the time
Source: .Caterer & Hotelkeeper
