insideKENT Magazine Issue 112 - August 2021 | Page 99

Resisting the classic burgers , lobsters , salmon , and lamb dishes , and inspired by the glimpses of the grill from the kitchen aside the dining room , we opted for the 1kg porterhouse steak sharer for our main course . Fighting not only after the perfectly medium-rare morsels of flavoursome , rippled beef but also after the gloriously charred cauliflower and triple cooked chips sides too . As expected the wine list was as well conceived as the menu , allowing us to pick to cater to our respective taste buds ; the crisp Double Cove Marlborough estate Sauvingnon Blanc and rich Decero single vineyard Malbec were both delicious .
Never one to refuse pudding , we finished with the highly recommended Basque cheesecake , a light baked affair served with whipped cream and compote ; and the suitably rich and indulgent chocolate delice with a moorish smoked whiskey caramel .
After dinner it was time to discover another exclusive space , the subterranean Ned ’ s Club Downstairs . Where the Ned ’ s Club Upstairs is the light and bright , Beverly Hills-esq day-to-night enclave of ‘ friends ’ in high places , ‘ Downstairs ’ is the ultimate hidden gem .
Accessed through the original 20-tonne , two-metrewide bank vault door , The Vault bar and lounge is the basement ’ s late night club space offering live music , entertainment and signature cocktails . The first space is the original Midland Bank strongroom , with sprawling low level , u-shaped sofas set next to 3,000 original and gleaming safety deposit boxes .
Through the next door a gorgeous bar , full of hidden nooks and intimate tables , it offered the perfect space for a peaceful nightcap .
Rested after a glorious sleep ( aided by the renowned Soho House pillows !) It was nearly time to venture below ground again , this time to the legendary Ned ’ s Club Spa , but first , breakfast .
Secludedly located back in the ground floor , Emilia ' s is a Club member-only space offering an Italian-inspired menu and entertainment during the day and evening as well as an intimate spot for breakfast . The pastries were huge , freshly baked delights , whilst the poached eggs were a gloriously runny dream , we ’ d have stayed drinking coffee and pursuing the papers all morning were for it not for our treatment calling .
Alongside a fully equipped gym and stunning indoor pool , Ned ’ s Club Spa offers a variety of treatments including manicures , pedicures and signature facials and massages , the total ethos and commitment is to leave you feeling revived , rejuvenated and pampered .
And I can hand on heart say that is exactly how I felt .
Intrigued by the CBD massage (£ 135 for 60 minutes ), an upgrade to the spa ’ s signature massage , my therapist explained that the treatment uses heated Thai compressors enriched with MariPharms essential oil which boasts the topical benefits of the cannabis plant to alleviate pain and relax muscles . And boy did it work ! I floated out of the therapy room refreshed , relaxed and ready for the day ahead .
The only thing I wasn ’ t ready for ? The utter reluctance to ever leave !
Discover the exclusive magic of The Ned
Annual membership at Ned ’ s Club is £ 3,150 plus £ 1,000 joining fee .
Ned ’ s Club members get access to everything the club has to offer , from a rooftop pool and terraces to a late-night bar in the original bank vault . Stay active in the gym or recharge in the spa . Enjoy member events and digital content , plus benefits in the ground floor restaurants and bedrooms . Ned ’ s Club members also get Ned Friends membership . Ned Friends get access to Millie ' s Lounge , Sunday Feast and events and benefits in The Ned ’ s restaurants , spa and bedrooms .
The Ned 27 Poultry London EC2R 8AJ www . thened . com
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