London might only just be re-emerging from #beastfromtheeast, but come end of March, warmer temps (should) settle in, and the city comes to life to city as residents break out from hibernation. If you’re planning a spring fling in The Big Smoke, here are a few of our fave flop-spots.
The Curtain
It’s little wonder the man behind one of The Meatpacking District’s most iconic hotels, The Gansevoort, has chosen London’s hip cat East End as the situ for his latest project. A Brutalist 70s office block has been transformed by hotelier Michael Achenbaum into a happening sleeper-cum-members club. The prevailing grunge-chic aesthetic permeates all 120 loft-style bunks, replete with exposed brick walls, custom furniture and retro prints; the effect is dark and clubby, offset by pops of colour. Below, there’s a vibey co-working space, screening room and taco n’ tequila bar, which pull the creative set, but its chef/restaurateur Marcus Samuelsson’s made-in-Harlem shrine to soul food Red Rooster, and the dinky rooftop pool with stagger city vistas that truly seal the deal.
45 Curtain Rd, +44 20 3146 4545. thecurtain.com
The Hari
It’s all about the relaxed old-world atmos and dapper design at this smart sanctuary tucked away in leafy Belgravia. Handsome, masculine abodes mix preppy (think luscious cable-knit throws and herringbone couches) with contempo art accents – book a studio king room to benefit from the extra boxy bay windows, one for lounging and one for working.
For those looking to mix biz with pleasure, there’s a cosy library and convivial The Snug for meetings; charming in/out The Bar & Garden Terrace is perfectly posi’d for preprandials, while pan-man Claudio Covino dishes up hearty mod-Italian bites at vintagey II Pampero. Wanting more? Should you manage to peel yourself away, The V&A, Natural History Museum and Harrods are all but pixie skip away.
20 Chesham Pl, +44 20 7858 0100. thehari.com
Where to eat in London this spring
Town Hall Hotel
Marrying vintage Edwardian architecture with cutting-edge design, the former Bethnal Green Town Hall is home to 98 spiffy rooms, sensitvely restored to show their period features. Gilt ceilings and original wooden doors are juxtaposed with bold bursts of colour, voguish Italian lighting and minimalist Scandi furny. Guest areas echo this aesthetic with sleek glass partitions, interactive artwork and a marble-clad dipper. Although the surrounding nabe offers plenty in the way of wining n’ dining, you don’t need to frolic far for a feed, with Typing Room serving Lee Westcott’s artfully-plated, mod Brit morsels, and casj the Corner Room both on tap.
8 Patriot Sq, +44 20 7871 0460. Townhallhotel.com
For more top London recommendations…
