Welcome to the London Edition, a hotel that’s as much an art gallery as it is a haven for luxury and style. The moment you step through the glass cube vestibule and into the lobby, you’re greeted by a sense of awe and grandeur. A dazzling silver orb hangs from the high, ornate ceiling, while a captivating portrait adorns the fireplace. The scene is undeniably theatrical, perfectly reflecting the hotel’s location in Fitzrovia, a vibrant neighborhood just steps away from London’s West End. This is the brainchild of renowned hotelier Ian Schrager, and it’s a testament to his signature blend of opulence and understated elegance.
A Historic Building, a Modern Masterpiece
The London Edition’s origins are steeped in history. The hotel occupies five beautifully preserved Georgian townhouses that were once part of the iconic Berners Hotel. This landmark building, with its stately columns, is a classic example of the Belle Époque era. Designer Yabu Pushelberg meticulously restored the space, including replacing fifty percent of the original marble floor tiles with meticulously sourced replacements from other historic English estates. Today, the lobby hums with social energy, with its plush velvet couches and a vintage billiard table.
Artful Accents and Unexpected Delights
The London Edition is a visual feast. The boldest element in the lobby is the gleaming, six-foot-tall, egg-shaped pendulum by renowned German lighting artist Ingo Maurer. The pendulum’s reflective surface adds a mesmerizing touch to the space. A reproduction of a Gobelin tapestry featured in the film “The King’s Speech” hangs behind the reception desk, adding a touch of regal charm.
As you approach the elevators, your senses are captivated by artist Chul Hyun Ahn’s mesmerizing “Portal,” a series of 3D circles behind glass that seem to defy depth perception. This artistic touch sets the tone for the hotel’s understatedly idiosyncratic aesthetic.
Rooms with a View
Throughout the hotel, you’ll discover a series of captivating photographs by Dutch photographer Hendrik Kerstens, who captures his daughter Paula in a modern yet classic Vermeer-esque style. The hotel’s artistic leitmotif is subtle yet profound. This theme is further exemplified by the stunning photograph “Toy Rider” in the lobby, featuring Paula on horseback.
Culinary Delights and Artistic Touches
Downstairs, the Berners Tavern restaurant, helmed by star chef Jason Atherton, transports you to a world of culinary artistry and sophisticated ambiance. The restaurant’s impressive chandeliers, reminiscent of Old Master still life paintings, add a touch of opulence to the high-ceilinged room. Atherton’s menu features sophisticated local cuisine, showcasing fresh, seasonal ingredients and masterful technique. You’ll be tempted by dishes like the beef Wellington (featuring cuts from the Buccleuch Scotch Beef ranch) served with black truffle mashed potato and madeira sauce.
The Punch Room: A Journey Through History
Step into the wood-paneled Punch Room, where bar manager Davide Segat has revived classic punch recipes. He’ll happily regale you with tales of the five essential ingredients: alcohol, sugar, lemon, water, and tea or spices. In the late afternoon, treat yourself to Segat’s “Scandal Water” pairings, a delightful combination of teas, punches, and small bites.
A Resurgent Fitzrovia
The London Edition has played a significant role in the resurgence of Fitzrovia, once a largely overlooked neighborhood in Central London. Today, Fitzrovia is teeming with life, thanks in part to the hotel’s influence.
Across the street, a massive complex is rising, including the new headquarters for Facebook. The neighborhood’s short North-South Berners Street intersects with Oxford Street, where the historic Bourne & Hollingsworth department store is being transformed into a trendy shopping destination.
An Art-Lover’s Paradise
Fitzrovia is now home to over thirty art galleries, making it a haven for art enthusiasts. The London Edition’s Artist in Residence, Sam Hacking, is a valuable resource for navigating this vibrant art scene. She can guide you to the Photographers’ Gallery, providing insightful commentary on the current exhibition, Gregory Crewdson: Cathedral of the Pines, which features the Brooklyn-born photographer’s stunning and uncanny tableaux.
Just a block away, the Edel Assanti gallery showcases Jody Carey’s “Earthcasts,” a captivating collection of tall plaster forms cast from ancient timber, reminiscent of Giacometti’s sculptures. Meanwhile, Rosenfeld Porcini’s “Abstract Conversations” exhibition features six international abstract artists, including the renowned Argentine Eduardo Stupía.
Fitzrovia also boasts the highest concentration of Michelin-starred restaurants in London, conveniently located on Charlotte Street, just a short walk from the hotel.
Exploring Fitzrovia in Style
For a more active exploration of Fitzrovia, the hotel offers a partnership with Tokyobike, allowing guests to rent sleek bicycles for art tours, shopping excursions, or simply to cruise around Central London.
A Rooftop Oasis
For the ultimate Fitzrovia experience, retreat to the London Edition’s 2,100-square-foot, wood-paneled Penthouse. This luxurious haven boasts ample terrace space on two sides, offering breathtaking views and a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of the city.
The Edition’s Global Expansion
The London Edition is just the beginning. Over the next few years, a dozen more Edition properties will open around the world, bringing the brand’s signature blend of style, sophistication, and artistic flair to new destinations.
A Luxurious Journey
From the moment you arrive at the London Edition, you’ll be swept away by the hotel’s captivating atmosphere. Whether you’re indulging in a gourmet meal at Berners Tavern, exploring Fitzrovia’s vibrant art scene, or simply relaxing in the opulent lobby, the London Edition offers a truly unforgettable experience.
