Travel Spotlight

First Look: The Ned

While London’s top hotels tend to be concentrated in Mayfair and Knightsbridge, new luxury properties have begun moving into the financial district, breathing new life into a formerly quiet neighborhood. The impetus began with the Four Seasons Ten Trinity (fourseasons.com) opening at the Tower of London earlier this year, and in April, a hip new property again re-energized the area. With nine restaurants and bars, an impressive spa and fitness center and what is sure to be this summer’s hottest rooftop, The Ned ushers in an exclusive coolness, laced with old world glam, to this once simply corporate part of town.

Housed inside the former Midland Bank Building, The Ned is a boutique hotel and members club from Soho House and the group behind New York's Greenwich Hotel. Decorated in the style of grand mid-century ocean liners and luxury trains, the opulent property is bedecked in elegant velvet upholstery, mahogany furniture, vintage florals and rich brass hardware, but all with a curated eye for design.

The lobby, once the Grand Banking Hall, retains elements of its past with the checkered tile floors and soaring ceilings, punctuated by almost a hundred green, verdite columns. The original bank teller booths have been repurposed to create multiple bars and restaurants and each fosters a unique ambiance, such as a Parisian café, New York style Jewish deli, SoCal eatery, American diner and Asian Fusion grill.

Dining highlights include Millie’s Lounge, which serves refined British pub fare and is open 24/7, and Cecconi's, the Soho House's signature Italian restaurant. The hotel’s most exclusive watering hole, The Vault Bar, is hidden behind an original 30-ton iron vault and lined with over 3,000 engraved stainless steel safe deposit boxes.

The old-world, vintage-inspired décor extends to the 252 guest rooms, which range in size from cozy to opulent. The Terrace and Duplex Suites boast canopied king-size beds, mahogany fireplaces and subway tiled bathrooms with spacious, roll-top tubs. The design harkens to a bygone era without slacking on modern day comforts – the antique dressing tables and stool in every room are outfitted with multiple plugs and hi-tech technologies.

For active guests, the fitness and wellness center is expansive, complete with an indoor pool, full workout center, boxing ring and TRX section, plus cycling, HIIT and yoga studios. In addition to a sprawling spa with Cowshed treatments and manicure/pedicure stations, the property also offers a hair salon and barbershop.

The grand bank building is crowned with a sleek rooftop terrace and infinity pool that overlooks St Paul's Cathedral and the Shard and promises to be the center of the city's summer scene. Surrounding the infinity-edge pool are oversized floral day beds, striped umbrellas and a terra-cotta roofed Mediterranean restaurant where guests and members can enjoy lunch and drinks.

Who Should Stay: Younger couples looking for a fun, lively spot and anyone who wants a hip, rooftop scene. It is also a great option for visitors who know the city well and want to explore an area that is off the beaten path.

Contact Indagare for assistance planning a vacation to The Ned.

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