text by Asilah Izhar
The Nook at Broadwick Soho
From sophisticated sanctuaries to opulent suites with sweeping views of the city, we’ve rounded-up some of London’s most dazzling new openings to look forward to.
The Peninsula London
The Lobby
From the moment you step into the grand lobby of The Peninsula London, there is a sense of sophistication and refined glamour to the place. The hotel, which welcomed its first guests in September 2023, exudes an air of modern luxury, effortlessly combining contemporary design with timeless elegance.
The hotel boasts 190 exquisitely appointed guest rooms and suites designed by renowned architect and designer Peter Marino. Floor-to-ceiling windows bathe the rooms in natural light, revealing breathtaking views of Hyde Park Corner, the iconic Wellington Arch, and the historic streets of Belgravia.
Grand Premier Park Suite
The Peninsula London offers a selection of four luxurious suites. With The Peninsula Suite on the sixth floor being the hotel’s most palatial, with a sweeping private terrace overlooking Hyde Park Corner. The suite also includes a private gym and a 13-seat screening room, and a dedicated VIP lift. When connected with up to seven adjoining rooms, the suite can encompass nearly 1,300 square metres – the largest private accommodation available in London.
The Peninsula London is much more than just a place to rest your head. World-class dining and drinks can be enjoyed at six stylish restaurants, bars, and lounges. The Lobby, with its soaring ceilings and live music, is an ode to the Peninsula’s signature Afternoon Tea, while Canton Blue and its adjacent bar, Little Blue, offer an innovative journey through modern Chinese cuisine.
Brooklands
Meanwhile, Brooklands, the rooftop restaurant helmed by Michelin-starred Chef Director Claude Bosi, promises to take Modern British cuisine to breathtaking heights, both literally and figuratively, with its aviation-inspired design and panoramic vistas. Also on the eighth floor, the Brooklands Bar overlooks the London skyline with a panoramic vista from St Pauls to Battersea.
What truly sets The Peninsula London apart is its unwavering commitment to exceeding expectations. Whether it’s the fleet of luxury cars ready to whisk you away upon your arrival including a Rolls-Royce Phantom IIs, hybrid Bentley Bentaygas, an electrified 1960 vintage Austin taxi, and a painstakingly restored 1935 Rolls-Royce Phantom Sedanca de Ville. Every element here whispers of a level of personalised service that anticipates your every need before you even know it exists.
Mandarin Oriental Mayfair
Mandarin Oriental Mayfair
London has a smart and stylish new addition to Hanover Square. Set to open in Spring 2024, the Mandarin Oriental Mayfair is a newcomer offering a discreet sanctuary right in the heart of the city.
Designed by the visionary minds of Rogers Stirk Harbour + Partners, the building itself is dazzling. Its elegant lines echo the history of the square, a hushed ode to Mayfair’s storied past.
Inside, Tokyo-based studio Curiosity paints a vibrant picture of “a hub of nature and art.” Local British artists whisper their narratives through bold strokes across the walls, while one-off furniture pieces, curated by Curiosity’s founder Gwenael Nicolas, add a touch of playfulness to the space.
Junior Suite Deluxe Suite
With only 50 guestrooms and 77 private residences, each space is meticulously crafted by the talented team at UK-based Studio Indigo. The British influences can be seen to blend harmoniously with Mandarin Oriental’s rich heritage, resulting in elegant and whimsical spaces that exude a timeless charm while remaining effortlessly contemporary.
Pool
In addition to rooms and suites, the Mandarin Oriental Mayfair also offers a number of private residences. These residences are perfect for guests who want to stay in London for an extended period of time or who want to enjoy the ultimate privacy and luxury.
Akira Back
Speaking of indulgences, none could quite compare to the culinary creations of Michelin-starred maestro Akira Back. His namesake restaurant, the first in the UK, promises a fusion of East and West, Korean spices warming the palate while Japanese precision graces the plate. The ABar Lounge whispers of late-night cocktails and hushed conversations, while ABar Rooftop, opening summer 2024, will undoubtedly become the playground of London’s glitterati, its panoramic views the perfect backdrop for champagne-soaked soirées.
The Chelsea Townhouse
The Chelsea Townhouse
In the heart of London, hidden away from the bustling streets and surrounded by the greenery of the Cadogan Estate, you’ll find The Chelsea Townhouse – a sanctuary of elegance and charm. This newly revitalised retreat, now part of the esteemed Iconic Luxury Hotels Collection, offers more than just accommodation; it provides an opportunity to experience the essence of a Chelsea residence, rich in history AND charm.
The blend of traditional and modern elements is evident throughout this space. The carefully selected “Objects of Curiosity” from different parts of the world bring a delightful sense of wonder. The restored furniture from the original hotel blends seamlessly with the bright and open interiors, resulting in a cosy and inviting atmosphere that exudes a sense of home in the bustling city.
Chelsea King
There’s a selection of 36 rooms that have been carefully designed, each one telling its own unique story through intricate details. Their Spacious Suites are designed for those seeking indulgent getaways, while the Chelsea Cosy nooks provide a peaceful retreat for solo travellers.
The Garden Suite, its windows framing a verdant oasis feels like stepping into a living page of Chelsea's storied green history. The interior is a symphony of light and air, restored Victorian details mingling seamlessly with contemporary touches. A quirky minibar stocked with local delights, a GHD hair dryer, and a Ruark radio adds a personalised touch.
The relaxed dining salon is a hive of activity, where morning coffee with fellow residents melts into brunches with friends and intimate suppers under the twinkling stars. The library, tucked away from the bustle, is a haven for stolen moments with a good book, while the hidden meeting room, bathed in the golden glow of the gardens, promises discreet productivity.
Homemade granola, artisanal yoghurts, and seasonal delights fuel your mornings, while afternoon and evening menus offer comfort food classics like club sandwiches and lobster rolls. And, of course, no Chelsea experience is complete without indulging in some of the neighbourhood’s best sweet treats.
The Townhouse Hosts are well-informed individuals who go beyond their roles as hospitality professionals. They are like trusted companions, always ready to reveal the best-kept secrets of the neighbourhood.
The Emory
The Emory
For decades, the Maybourne Hotel Group has reigned supreme in London’s luxury scene, their names synonymous with Claridge’s, The Connaught, and The Berkeley – three unyielding pillars of impeccable service and elegant grandeur. So, when whispers of a new addition, The Emory, rippled through the city, it caused a bit of stir.
This is because the Maybourne Hotel Group ventures beyond their curated portfolio, such as the Maybourne Beverly Hills and Cote d’Azur’s Maybourne Riviera, have been met with resounding acclaim. With every new opening celebrated with a momentous occasion, will The Emory offer the same exceptional hospitality?
It’s likely so. The soon-to-be-opened hotel promises a fresh approach to modern design and elegant opulence, complete with a private and unassuming entrance on Old Barrack Yard which adds to the allure. This remarkable hotel features a stunning “sails” structure that rises above the treetops of Hyde Park. It offers 60 exceptional, sunlit suites spread across nine floors, including a breathtaking penthouse designed by Rigby & Rigby.
The floors will feature the unique styles of renowned interior designers such as Alexandra Champalimaud, André Fu, Pierre Yves Rochon, Rémi Tessier, and Patricia Urquiola. Bound together by their exceptional artistry and meticulousness, the expansive suites will provide guests with a realm of seclusion tucked within a remarkable architectural wonder.
Speaking of which, Rigby & Rigby’s magnificent Emory Penthouse is by far, one of the most luxurious spaces in the hotel. From the far reaches of the metropolis to Hyde Park, this expansive sanctuary offers panoramic vistas of London. The spacious living space, featuring a contemporary chef’s kitchen and a private bar, is ideal for entertaining. There’s also a private fitness facility, which offers state-of-the- art Technogym equipment.
The Emory Rooftop
On the rooftop, Bar 33 awaits with bespoke cocktails and captivating vistas, exclusive to Emory guests. Below, a hidden oasis unfolds: a 22-metre pool beckons from a subterranean wellness haven, accessible only to residents and select Berkeley members.
And then there’s the culinary maestro Jean-Georges Vongerichten, who is set to weave his magic once again. Inspired by his acclaimed abc restaurants in New York, expect fresh, vibrant dishes that nourish both body and soul. Think light, Mediterranean tapas bursting with seasonal flavours, alongside indulgent treats guaranteed to make your taste buds sing.
Broadwick Soho
Penthouse
Conceived by a group of friends, with Noel Hayden at the helm, Broadwick Soho is a culmination of dreams. Hayden’s childhood memories of Mon Ami, his family’s Bournemouth hotel run by his flamboyant parents, infuse the property with a touch of nostalgia and the essence of good old-fashioned showmanship. Vintage photographs from family albums adorn the walls, whispering tales of laughter and love, while the restaurant, Dear Jackie, is a tribute to Hayden’s mother, the epitome of warmth and grace.
For owner Noel Hayden, the Broadwick Soho Hotel is a culmination of a deeply personal journey. His childhood years spent at the family-operated Mon Ami Hotel in Bournemouth, managed by his magician father Noel Snr. and mother Jackie, serve as the emotional cornerstone for this new venture. The hotel embodies Hayden’s heartfelt tribute to his family legacy, infusing elements reminiscent of Mon Ami’s magic and nostalgia into the very fabric of Broadwick Soho.
But Broadwick Soho is far from a sepia-toned memory. Acclaimed interior designer Martin Brudnizki, the maestro behind Annabel’s and Scott’s Restaurant, paints the scene with a kaleidoscope of inspirations. Jazz Age opulence waltzes with Italian exuberance, Disco beats tap to English eccentricity, and a dash of modern glamour ties it all together. The result is a decadent canvas where rich geometric patterns and vibrant prints tango with soothing colours and layered textures.
Penthouse
Each of the 57 guestrooms and suites is a sanctuary unto itself, a haven of quiet amidst the city's buzz. Bespoke furniture, individually curated artworks, and high- quality finishes whisper luxury, while custom-designed beds, sumptuous linens, and bespoke amenities add a touch of indulgence.
Dear Jackie, hidden on the lower ground floor, will transport you to Italy. Red silk walls, seductive Murano lighting, and plush booths create an atmosphere of Dolce Vita elegance and Disco glamour. Above, on street level, Bar Jackie is a vibrant Italian bar and terrace is a tribute to the "Jackies" – those icons of fun, fabulousness, and joy. Expect coffee and bomboloni in the morning, aperitivo classics like Pinsa Romana and arancini at lunchtime, and negronis, vermouths, and homemade gelato as the sun dips low.
Beyond the exquisite interiors and impeccable service, art lovers will delight in the eclectic collection scattered throughout the property, showcasing iconic works by Francis Bacon, Bridget Riley, and Andy Warhol alongside vintage relics and emerging artists.
