Elegance defines The Goring, a luxurious hotel tucked into London’s fashionable Belgravia. While the property is known for its Edwardian architecture, bespoke furnishings and impeccable linens, many guests recall something more whimsical: the wooden sheep that grace each guestroom.
Opened in 1910 by Otto Richard Goring, the hotel retains a Five AA Red Star rating and frequently welcomes royalty and dignitaries. It attracted worldwide attention when Kate Middleton stayed there the night before her wedding to Prince William.
When Otto’s grandson, George Goring, assumed management, he introduced a single carved wooden sheep covered in soft fleece, affectionately named Barbara. The idea proved so popular that the hotel expanded it into a private flock: a local farmer supplied additional fleeces and craftsmen created a full-size wooden sheep for every room.
Today the sheep remain a signature detail and an integral part of The Goring’s character, blending a playful touch with the hotel’s traditional refinement. Each morning a staff member places a fresh flower in the buttonhole of a statue of Otto Richard Goring in the foyer, a small ritual that honors the founder as descendants and long-serving staff continue to run the hotel and welcome guests.