In the heart of London’s financial district stands an unimposing building that could be mistaken for one of the area’s many suit-crammed offices. South Place Hotel might blend into the corporate milieu with its exterior, but inside is an Aladdin’s cave of design, arts and gastronomy (South Place is the first hotel project from the luxury restaurateur group D&D London). Packed with guests and locals by day and night, there’s a definite sense of SPH being a hidden treasure amongst The City. Up against the likes of nearby Andaz, Ace and Hoxton, the small independent very much holds its own. With one Michelin star awarded to its restaurant The Angler, an in-house London MA Graduate The South Place Hotel Art Prize, and a delightful mix of interiors – overseen by Conran + Partners – the East is definitely seeping into this city of steel and glass.
Expect Bang & Olufsen gear, cotton bedding by Josephine Home, chairs by Eero Saarinen, spacious Duravit baths and handpicked artworks from Hoxton Art Gallery and Jealous Gallery as bedroom standards. It’s an epic endeavour, where no expense has been spared. Extras like generously scented body products by James Heeley, Koibito Hangover Kits and little printed ‘in’ and ‘out’ maps deliver on the curiosities front where all contemporary hotels do battle.
Photo © We Heart
The hotel opened in 2012 with a distinctive focus on art and design. Named as one of the ‘Big Six: Art Hotels’ by The Independent in the same year, South Place features specially-commissioned works throughout. The Hurricane Chandelier by George Singeras can be found in reception, whilst white plaster mannequin sculptures by AMD are located in the ground floor bar. The delicate Wire Shoes creations by Cathy Miles, inspired by London Fashion Week, enliven the corridors and cute drinks coasters with illustrated portraits of the team at D&D by Damien Cuypers offer charming spillage displacement.
Art and fine food aside, there’s several house bars with distinct menus, cocktails and DJs – the roof bar is petit but with brilliant views and even better drinks. A secret garden with a retractable ceiling heaps more hidden treasures into Ali Baba’s grotto.
A well-executed design and arts tilt is not the only pleasing diversion from the cold face of its corporate neighbours: a relaxed, chatty staff continue the breaking down of convention. Formulaic greetings and stuck on smiles are replaced by informality and a nod to its playful side. South Place does not pose to sidestep its business guests, rather seamlessly welcome a broader base into its fold. The balance of business and culture is a difficult one, but the truth is: those with little interest in the former, and much in the latter, will be coming back for seconds time and time again.
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Photo © We Heart
Photo © We Heart
Photo © We Heart
Photography courtesy, South Place Hotel London
Unless otherwise stated.
