There are hundreds, if not thousands of hotels within London. Ranging from the quirky to the most indulgent establishments, London has hotels that cater to anyone’s needs. However, there is a new one on the block, looking to ruffle the feathers of the big guns such as Claridges, the Ritz, the Savoy and the Langham. In the City of London, usually the hub of banking and finance, lies The Ned, a hotel-cum-playground, for those looking for the highest levels of hedonism.
The best way to describe The Ned is simple; over the top. Luxurious, excessive, overtly grand, the list of superlative is endless. Located in the old Midland Bank, The Ned retains the magnificent architecture of the previous imposing structure and is the first eye-catching feature of this jaw-dropping establishment.
The ground floor of The Ned is nothing short of spectacular. A huge open plan area greets you on entry, with the old counters converted into various bars and eateries, whilst retaining the art-deco aesthetic. In the middle of this atrium lies a raised stage where a jazz band plays, with a wide-ranging repertoire that offers the perfect accompaniment to an expertly made Martini or Manhattan.
As you move through the maze of the counters, it is possible to discover eight different restaurants that are located in the 3,000-metre former banking hall. These restaurants include Cecconi’s, serving Italian Fine Dining and Kaia, which is an Asian-Pacific restaurant, a new twist on Asian fusion. All of these restaurants are set amongst stunning décor, with a key focus on maintaining a mix of both traditional yet avant-garde interiors.
The Ned also offers an extensive range of Spa and Grooming services, which are of the highest quality. The Spa area is the perfect place to relax away from the frantic streets of London and if the weather is good, why not venture into the rooftop swimming pool with breath-taking views over the London skyline. After a relaxing afternoon in the Spa, the various grooming amenities available demonstrate The Ned’s commitment for providing the best service possible for their customers.
Ned’s barbershop, Ned’s parlour and a traditional Moroccan Hammam are just a selection of the various grooming services available. It is in this detail where it is most obvious to see The Ned’s consistent pursuit for quality and it really shows.
But most importantly, a hotel is a place to sleep and rest, so what about the rooms of The Ned? Well, the hotel rooms do not disappoint. At all.
With 250 bedrooms, there is a slice of luxury for everyone. Ranging from small, intimate bedrooms to full heritage suites, The Ned’s bedrooms make for the perfect hideaway. However, the real pièce de résistance are the phenomenal interiors of the rooms and suites. Each room is intricately decorated and is influenced by the ‘1920s glamour’. This allows for each room to be individual, creating a complete sense of uniqueness, making sure of a memorable stay at The Ned!
However no trip to The Ned can be complete with a visit to their very own underground nightclub. Located underneath the main banking hall, lies the old bank vault, in which is the Ned Club. With an all-hours cocktail bar and lounge being lined with thousands of the Midland Banks safety deposit boxes, the atmosphere is perfect for a night of entertainment. Live bands, DJ’s and themed nights are there to provide hours of sophisticated entertainment in the metropolitan playground and what better place to dance the night away!
A stay at The Ned Hotel will be an unforgettable experience and should be on the list to visit when next visiting the capital.
For further information, see the website link below.
Photos taken from The Ned website and Instagram.