The London Hotel & Sidmouth Assembly Rooms officially served as a starting point for London transport and became a venue for public meetings in the city since the late 18th century. In 1831, the Russian orchestra of Grand Duchess Elena Pavlovna performed here, and on August 22, 1840, a piano concert by Franz Liszt took place.

Elena Pavlovna, born Princess Frederica Charlotte Maria of Württemberg, was the wife of Grand Duke Mikhail and later became a well-known supporter of the reforms of Alexander II.