The fact that this gorgeous new hotel is named after one of the founders of Notting Hill Carnival, Rhaune Laslett, points at it being as original, exciting and coolly stylish as the neighbourhood in which it sits. Comprised of 5 stuccoed townhouses and set in one of Notting Hill’s most exclusive streets, it certainly delivers.
Inside, it’s a celebration of all things local and British, from the design to the delicious food. Best of all, it’s just minutes from the tube and London’s main sights, but it feels blissfully removed from the traffic and hubbub.
Rooms: There’s a light, clean-cut uniformity to the 51 rooms: walls are pale grey, the perfectly pressed bed linen is snowy white, and there are freshly cut flowers dotted throughout. We loved the unusual touches: a handful of Penguin classics, a wall of quirky curated art, groovy lamps by Nocturne Workshop. Everything is chic and crisp but beguilingly cosy – particularly when you add in the ‘Big Bar’ with its retro sweets, bottles of Sipsmith gin and encouragement to call down for ice and a slice. Perfect.
Food: From the moment you wake up, you’re in for a treat. We began our day with fat pastries, Bircher muesli and healthy but utterly delicious pressed juices, all washed down with mugs of speciality coffee. For the rest of the day, The Henderson Bar offers an evolving menu of cakes, cocktails and light meals, along with a handful of signature dishes by Sally Clarke of neighbourhood-restaurant fame. If you want to strike out for dinner, you’re paces from some fantastic eateries, including popular Middle-Eastern tinged Ottolenghi and farm-to-table The Shed.
Top tip: If you’re here on a Saturday head to Waterstone’s car park behind the tube station, where there’s a weekly farmers’ market: home-baked goodies, fruit and veg, cheeses, the works.
i-escape gift: A branded tote bag.
Guest review: “Absolutely amazing. Moving forward this is my go-to hotel in London.”
Simon, United States (15.09.15)