Found at an English silver market, this lovely Vintage Silverplate Covered Entrée Dish was witness to tableside stories, grand occasions, and celebrations at London’s iconic Savoy Hotel. Produced by the esteemed English makers Mappin & Webb, its classic oval form is finished with elegant loop handles and proudly engraved with the Savoy name—a wonderful tangible connection to one of the world’s most legendary hotels.

Beautifully suited to serving everything from breakfast favorites to vegetables and side dishes at a festive gathering, this handsome piece brings the romance and graciousness of a bygone era to the table.

Strictly one-of-a-kind and subject to prior sale. In very good vintage condition. 12 3/8"L x 8 1/2"W x 3 1/2"H.

Learn More About The Savoy Hotel

Impressed by the American hotels he had seen at the height of the Victorian era, theater impresario and entrepreneur Richard D'Oyly Carte set out to build his own luxury hotel in the heart of London. He selected a site adjoining his celebrated Savoy Theatre, creating what would become one of the most influential hotels of its time.

When its doors opened in 1889, The Savoy Hotel set a new standard for comfort and modernity. It was among the first hotels in London to be lit entirely by electricity and featured hydraulic lifts—then known as “ascending rooms.” Guestrooms were connected by speaking tubes to various parts of the hotel, including the valet, maid, and floor waiter. The Savoy was also an early pioneer in offering private bathrooms for many of its rooms, with innovative features such as quickly filling baths and advanced plumbing.

Innovative and persuasive, D’Oyly Carte enlisted the renowned hotelier César Ritz to manage the hotel and brought in Auguste Escoffier—one of the leading chefs of his day—to run the kitchens. In its early years, guests included Sarah Bernhardt and Nellie Melba, for whom Escoffier famously created dishes such as Melba toast and Pêches Melba.

The early 1900s were years of great exuberance for The Savoy, as its grand parties and galas became legendary throughout London. American millionaire George A. Kessler hosted an elaborate “Gondola Party,” during which the central courtyard was flooded and transformed into a Venetian scene. Guests, in costume, dined in a gondola while entertainment included a performance by tenor Enrico Caruso—and even the presentation of a birthday cake delivered by a baby elephant.

From its earliest days, artists and public figures were drawn to The Savoy. Claude Monet painted celebrated views of the River Thames from his rooms there, and James McNeill Whistler also depicted the river from the hotel. Other notable early guests included the future Edward VII, Lillie Langtry, H. G. Wells, George Bernard Shaw, and Oscar Wilde.

The hotel became known for its meticulous attention to guests’ preferences, keeping detailed records to anticipate their needs. Anecdotes from later years include staff carefully arranging personal items to suit returning guests and taking special precautions—such as providing fireproof bedding for actor Lionel Barrymore, who was known to smoke in bed.

Throughout the 20th century, The Savoy continued to host an extraordinary roster of guests, including Frank Sinatra, Marilyn Monroe, Louis Armstrong, Elizabeth Taylor, Coco Chanel, The Beatles, Elton John, and many others—cementing its reputation as one of the great hotels of the world.