It’s no secret that London is home to some of the world’s most stylish restaurants. But these days, it’s not just the food that’s Instagram-worthy. The bathrooms are becoming major players in the social media game, offering a chance for diners to capture their best angles and share their experiences.
#PinkAndPretty: From Private Clubs to Grand Restaurants
Imagine this: You’re enjoying a delicious meal at a swanky restaurant, and you need to use the restroom. But instead of a dingy, cramped space, you walk into a dazzling oasis of design. That’s the reality at some of London’s most popular spots.
Think vibrant pink hues and luxurious details. Take, for example, Annabel’s, a private member’s club that underwent a multi-million pound makeover in 2018. The powder rooms are a pastel paradise, adorned with florals and gold-embossed taps shaped like swans. It’s a picture-perfect scene, guaranteed to flood your social media feed with envy-inducing photos.
If you’re looking for a more futuristic vibe, head to Sketch, a renowned London establishment. The iconic egg-shaped white cubicles, paired with a disco-style neon ceiling, are a unique and unforgettable sight. Don’t miss the stunning installations that appear around Easter and Christmas time.
#MarbleAndMirrors: Where Glamour Meets Function
Some restaurants are taking the bathroom experience to the next level. Take Brasserie of Light, located in Selfridges, which is known for its diamond-encrusted Pegasus sculpture with a 30-foot wingspan. But the bathrooms are equally impressive, featuring dreamy baby pink hues, marble floors and glittering mirrored surfaces. It’s the perfect place to capture a few #OOTD snaps.
But it’s not just about the aesthetics. The vintage-style loos at The Ned, a multi-faceted establishment that boasts an array of high-end restaurants and bars, offer a touch of luxury and comfort. You’ll find yourself lounging on an extravagant three-person velvet kissing seat that takes center stage.
For a more theatrical experience, head to Park Chinois, a decadent Mayfair hangout inspired by a 1930s Shanghai speakeasy. The bathrooms are a masterpiece of design, with streaky black marble flooring, purple and gold wallpaper and gold-plated swan taps. This is where you take your outfit to the next level, and the bathroom becomes your personal photo studio.
#SkyHighStyle: Views from the Top
Forget the ordinary bathroom experience. At Aqua Shard, you’ll find yourself washing your hands against the backdrop of stunning views of London’s skyline. The ladies’ loos offer a panoramic vista, while the gents’ can enjoy the view from the urinals. It’s an experience that’s truly out of this world.
And it’s not just the views that are impressive. At Isabel, a Mayfair marvel known for its gleaming copper and glossy monochrome tables, the bathrooms are equally stunning. They feature intricate hand-painted De Gournay wallpaper, streaked black marble floors and soft hand towels, creating an air of sophistication and elegance.
Even the most casual spots can surprise you with their stylish bathroom designs. Restaurants Ours, a popular destination that has attracted celebrity guests, features tropical-inspired bathrooms with dusty pink tiles, gold-plated sink basins and palm-print ceilings. It’s the perfect place to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and soak in the luxurious atmosphere.
#MirrorsAndMinimalism: A Selfie-Ready Space
Sometimes, the simplest designs can be the most effective. Nopi, the flagship restaurant of chef Yotam Ottolenghi, is known for its minimalist interiors. But the bathroom is anything but simple. It’s an endlessly reflective hall of mirrors, creating a chic selfie backdrop that’s perfect for capturing those perfectly posed moments.
Even hotels are getting in on the action. The Mandrake hotel, known for its Amazonian-inspired restaurant and buzzing bar, features unisex bathrooms that are both stylish and functional. The dramatic central wash basins, gold plated taps and a vanity station make it the perfect place to touch up your look before heading out.
Finally, we have German Gymnasium, a slick and expansive restaurant that serves brasserie-style food. The bathrooms are a masterclass in minimalist design, featuring mirrored surfaces, attractive lightning and intricate wallpaper. Forget the smelly showers, this is all about style and sophistication.
So, the next time you’re in London and looking for the perfect place to capture your next Instagram-worthy moment, look beyond the food and head straight to the bathroom. You might be surprised at what you find!
