LONDON
© Key & Quill squash courts, a state-of-the-art gym and treatment rooms ensure that members can pursue wellness in whatever form appeals. The Round Room Bar where treaties were once negotiated, now serves exemplary cocktails. There’ s even a piano salvaged from the RMS Queen Mary, because of course there is. And, just when you think there won’ t be any more surprises, you meet Harry and Rose, the club’ s resident cats who live a palatial life of luxury and are the spirit animals I now aspire to be.
We were fortunate to not only be granted member access for the evening, but also to be granted an overnight stay in one of the 73 rooms and suites that provide a quiet, comfortable abode for members and their guests.
Our suite, recently redesigned by Rosendale Design, was a lesson in how to honour a building’ s heritage while providing contemporary comfort. The colour palette drew from the club’ s historic interiors- particularly the greens and pinks that once adjourned Robert Adam’ s First Drawing Room, now dismantled and residing in Philadelphia’ s Museum of Art. But these are not the vivid, candle-lit hues of the 18th century; they’ ve been softened, rendered in tones that feel both elegant and liveable.
The scalloped cornices from the swimming pool echo in the room’ s architectural detailing, while the fan motifs from the building’ s grilles appeared subtly in fabrics. It was the sort of thoughtful design that makes you feel connected to the club’ s broader narrative rather than simply occupying a hotel room that could exist anywhere. The bed was supremely comfortable, the marble bathroom generously proportioned- the addition of a spacious lounge area useful for working breaks, morning paper reads or rare leisurely TV watching. The whole space possessed that particular quality of quiet you only find in the best buildings, where you feel properly insulated from the frenetic world beyond.
That evening, joined by a celebratory Jerry and Karlene, Adam and I made our way to The Dining Room for what would prove to be a memorable work-versary meal. Occupying the second floor, adjacent to the beautiful piano bar at which we pitstopped for an aperitif cocktail( the Sicilian Lemonade Drop and The Amalfi Dream are worth the visit alone) and enjoyed the tinkling of jazz ivories over dinner, the space manages to feel both grand and intimate, with high ceilings and architectural details balanced by warm lighting, contemporary decor, tables spaced with the sort of generosity that allows for genuine conversation, and effervescent Italian hospitality. www. insidekent. co. uk • 105