BT Tower revolving restaurant to return - haunt of celebs from The Beatles to Muhammad Ali

The famed revolving restaurant at the top of the BT Tower is set to return, according to the man behind the building's purchase.

It was announced on Monday that the tower in Fitzrovia will become a hotel, after it was sold by BT to MCR Hotels for £275 million.

The Sunday Times reports today that MCR owner Tyler Morse said he plans to create a dining experience that “will be better” than rival revolving restaurants such as that on top of the CN Tower in Toronto.

But he told the paper: “We haven’t figured out everything yet.”

The building's Grade II listed status means coming up with proposals and navigating the planning process could take years.

MCR is embarking on a “listening tour” to gather opinions from locals and conservation groups.

In 1966 the Top of the Tower restaurant opened and soon photos of celebrities from The Beatles to Muhammad Ali, having made the ascent for dinner, became a common sight.

While the 177m tower's viewing platform closed after a terrorist bomb went off in the restaurant's toilets, the restaurant itself remained open until 1980, when holiday camp owner Sir Billy Butlin decided not to renew the lease.

Announcing the Tower's purchase on Wednesday, Mr Morse said: “We are proud to preserve this beloved building and will work to develop proposals to tell its story as an iconic hotel, opening its doors for generations to enjoy.”

Brent Mathews, property director for BT Group, said: “The BT Tower sits at the heart of London and we’ve been immensely proud to be the owners of this important landmark since 1984.

"It’s played a vital role in carrying the nation’s calls, messages and TV signals, but increasingly we’re delivering content and communication via other means.

"This deal with MCR will enable BT Tower to take on a new purpose, preserving this iconic building for decades to come.”