HOTEL REVIEW


interiors. Deluxe Studios are botanically


influenced and feature beautiful bay windows with either a freestanding rolltop bath or an oversized writing bureau. Finally, five individual balconied suites positioned on the fourth and fifth floors provide spectacular views over London’s skyline. These are styled with reference to geometry, and have a residential feel with kitchenettes to accommodate longer stay guests. In that light-filled Drawing Room further


ornithological references take flight, with playful motifs, fabrics and artwork paying homage to the discovery of a variety of bird species and their delicate characteristics. Apero Bar and Restaurant on the lower


ground floor is purposely designed to stand apart from the main hotel. “In designing this space one of the challenges we faced was how to successfully integrate all-day-dining,” explain Dexter Moren Associates. “It needed to serve breakfast for hotel guests but also successfully function as an evening bar, drawing in local clientele. We have responded by creating a flexible series of zones, such as the snugs, which are tucked around the Victorian cellar arches. Bench tables can be used for communal breakfast service and later accommodate private dining.” From street level, guests enter Apero


via a newly installed brass-mesh staircase. The black and white floor design takes its cue from the mosaic floor in the nearby V&A and is hand finished to exacting standards with over 5,000 ceramic tiles which were cut and fitted in situ. A feature chandelier shaped from intermingling aluminium rods illuminates a five-metre tall cabinet of curiosities. Industrial finishes are included throughout


the restaurant. Aluminium wall lamps illuminate reclaimed timber dining tables with antique brass studded detailing. A marble bar runs along one side of the room which is lined with tub leather bar stools. Hanging overhead are a series of glass pendants with exposed filament bulbs. Multi-functional spaces The Games Room


and The Library, offer overspill from Apero bar and restaurant, as well as functioning as meeting rooms or private entertaining areas. “Overcoming the inherited issues with the dimensions of the rooms was a key feature in the design process,” say Dexter Moren. “This was achieved by creating versatile, multifunctional spaces that can be interconnected and easily modified. Clever design elements are apparent throughout such as a large tabletop, which can be removed and hidden behind


072 NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2012 WWW.SLEEPERMAGAZINE.COM


ABOVE LEFT: A bespoke version of Ingo Maurer’s ‘Birdie’ chandelier is suspended in the stairwell linking reception to the guestroom floors ABOVE RIGHT: Apero features reclaimed timber dining tables with antique brass-studded detailing


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