A once-inaccessible stretch of the Thames in Fulham has undergone a dramatic transformation, emerging as one of west London’s newest lifestyle destinations. The redevelopment — part of the £350mn upgrade of Fulham FC’s Craven Cottage riverside stand — has opened a 200-metre waterfront promenade that for centuries was closed to the public. Today, it is vibrant with families, outdoor diners and scenic river activity.
At the heart of this revitalised zone is the Fulham Pier Hotel, a newly opened 13-room boutique property offering privileged access to the wider Fulham Pier development, including a members’ club, dining venues, and — soon — a full spa with an infinity pool overlooking the river.
A Decade-Long Vision Comes to Life
The redevelopment began taking shape after billionaire owner Shahid “Shad” Khan acquired Fulham FC in 2013. According to Glen Sutton, director of Fulham Pier, the project was driven by a vision to turn the riverside into a year-round community destination, not simply a football venue active on match days.
Khan’s team negotiated an unprecedented deal with the Port Authority of London to extend the stadium footprint into the river — a process that began construction in 2019 and has now produced a bustling, multipurpose cultural and leisure hub.
A Riverside Destination Beyond Football
The ground-level Riverside Market now features more than ten street-food stalls, a florist, and relaxed bars with uninterrupted river views. Below sits a theatre hosting cultural programmes throughout the year — including roller disco events and school performances — and converting into a sports bar on match days.
The development’s aesthetic, from bars to lounges, leans toward a modern mix of luxury and creativity, blending scenic waterfront views with vibrant community energy.
Introducing the Fulham Pier Hotel
On the Stevenage Park side of the pier lies the boutique Fulham Pier Hotel, comprising:
- 9 bedrooms
- 3 junior suites
- 1 penthouse suite with private terrace and retractable roof
Rooms feature contemporary decor in colour themes inspired by the Thames — azzurro, ruby, emerald and terrazzo — and offer floor-to-ceiling windows, large balconies, marble bathrooms, Diptyque amenities, and Japanese smart toilets.
Across the water, the wetlands, rowing clubs, and green spaces of Barnes provide a rare sense of tranquillity, with virtually no light pollution — a unique perk for London accommodation.
Who Is the Hotel For?
General manager Janos Szabo notes that the hotel primarily caters to:
- Families of local residents (especially during home renovations)
- Guests attending stadium or pier events
- Visitors arriving for major west London occasions such as:
- the Chelsea Flower Show
- Wimbledon
- The Boat Race
- Queen’s Club tennis tournaments
With rates starting at £300 per night, the boutique feel aims to serve a premium, neighbourhood-focused clientele — and bookings are already near capacity for the festive season.
Dining, Lifestyle & Amenities
Although the hotel itself has no on-site restaurant, the pier development offers an impressive range of dining and leisure choices:
Brasserie Constance
Helmed by Michelin-starred chef Adam Byatt, serving refined dishes such as crab vol-au-vent, clay-pot chicken, and theatrical tableside desserts.
Lighthouse Social
A three-floor private members’ club featuring:
- Bars and lounges
- Restaurants
- Private dining rooms
- Cinema room
- Crèche
- A 2,000 sq ft rooftop terrace
Breakfast for hotel guests is served here, with interiors by the Parisian studio Dion et Arles.
Coming Soon
A spa and wellness centre with a heated infinity pool overlooking the Thames, enhancing the “urban resort” positioning of Fulham Pier.
A New Riverside Landmark
Evening walks along the illuminated promenade and morning wake-ups to the gentle sounds of water birds reinforce the destination’s appeal. Once an overlooked section of the Thames, Fulham Pier has become a stylish, multi-purpose extension of the city — and Fulham Pier Hotel sits at its heart, offering a boutique stay that blends luxury, calm, culture, and community spirit.
