LONDON
THE NED CONT .
Front and centre , an elevated circular stage , the tinkling melody of the jazz piano by day , morphed into a three piece soft rock ensemble by night . Boy George was said to be spinning the decks there the evening we departed . As you weave amongst the columns to the concierge and reception , your senses are flooded : with aromas from the six restaurants that sit amidst the 3000sqm former banking hall ; including the notable Asian-Pacific menu of Kaia and the laid back Californian vibes of the Malibu Kitchen , which , we were reliably informed , have the best pancakes in town ; the notes of music ; from the light and sumptuous decor ; and from the throng of activity steered by a super efficient and unintrusive team of hosts and concierges .
As first-time guests we were swiftly deposited into the knowledgeable hands of Massimo , one of the adept concierge team , who gave us a brief whistle stop tour of The Ned ’ s layout and spaces , booking policies and must-try dining dishes , before being checked into our ‘ Large ’ room .
The Ned ’ s 252 bedrooms range in size from cosy and intimate to large scale suites . All have that nod to 1920 ’ s glamour and include access to the Ned ’ s Club gym and spa . Our own offered a lounge area with glass palm chandelier , pair of leather wingback chairs and vintage bar cabinet complete with delicate vintage teacups , canisters of tea and coffee and well stocked mini bar . There was also a free standing bath tub complete with four of the ten full size bottles of Cowshed products which we were strongly encouraged to use to full advantage throughout our stay . The marble mosaic bathroom proffering the other six , encapsulated in a beautiful walk-in rainforest shower . Every other detail is taken care of . Moisturiser and cleanser in the vanity dish ; hairdryer , charger adapters and hair straighteners
neatly tucked into their respective cotton pouches at the bottom of the full-size wardrobe .
If the ground floor and hotel room was all that The Ned had to offer , it would still be one of the most spectacular hotels in London , but alas , there is more . For the lucky few , whether as members or guest ‘ Ned Friends ’, The Ned offers a host of exclusive spaces including its crowning glory , Ned ’ s Club Upstairs .
Venturing up for the last hour of sunshine , our credentials were thoroughly checked , we were given the elusive nod and we curiously made our way out to the rooftop .
Of course roof-top bars and panoramic views in London aren ’ t exactly uncommon , but The Ned really is something special .
Unrivalled views of St Paul ’ s Cathedral and the London skyline beyond are afforded not only from the infinity pool but also from the sprawling lounge beds for two , bedecked in Soho House ’ s signature stripes and The Ned ’ s signature florals . The space is surrounded by multiple indoor and outdoor bars and a signature rooftop restaurant .
It would have been near impossible to leave the views and the slightly lethal cocktail menu were it not for the fact we were returning for dinner and keen to explore more ...
Refreshed and suitably attired we began our evening in the residents ’ Library Bar . Hidden behind imposing floor to ceiling drapes off of the main bar area it ’ s renowned for its classic cocktail menu and to-die-for-martinis – the Mermaid Salt Vodka dirty martini , stirred of course , warranted its acclaim .
Next was a pit stop at The Ned ’ s newest offering , The Parlour . Now open on the lower ground floor , the intimate jazz and cabaret bar offers guests live music on Wednesdays-thru-Fridays – from residents including saxophonist and clarinettist Giacomo Smith and his five-piece band ; British singer , songwriter and pianist Reuben James ; and Seattle native artist Kimberly Nichole , former mistress of ceremonies at The Box – whilst Saturday nights sees Black Cat Cabaret take to the stage with ‘ High Society ’, a theatrical experience fusing contemporary circus and burlesque ; all alongside a contemporary menu and intricate cocktail list .
Unable to resist the return-to-the-rooftop urge any longer , we ascended once more ‘ Upstairs to take a window-side seat in the thriving eatery . Fortunate to dine on a balmy evening the roof was retracted offering a perfect indoor-outdoor dining room . The menu was simplistically well conceived . Snacks offered staples such as padron peppers and baby squid alongside house favourite , and our pick , halloumi croquettes ; soft cheese encased in a crisp outer shell which called out to be dunked into its gently spiced yogurt dip .
Next , the option of shellfish and oysters for the half or full dozen , before a choice of starters . My guest opted for the tuna crudo , a delightful dish of delicate tuna offset by citrus ponzu , kumquat and a hit of pickled chilli ; whilst I chose the perfectly-in-season asparagus ; the gently oozing soft duck egg encased in crispy breadcrumb shell and Winchester cheese proved divine accompaniments .
98