The London EDITION

Hotel review

Situated in a central Fitzrovia spot, just off Oxford Street, is the London EDITION, a chic design hotel whose aim is to blend boutique interiors with a heritage building so that new and old are effortlessly combined — hardly surprising when a name like Ian Schrager is behind the EDITION idea. Also not surprising is that it has been executed to perfection! As you enter the landmark building, you’ll notice a host of traditional features (including an original 19th century stucco ceiling), but also oodles of contemporary glamour from the bold light fittings to the lobby bar with its funky velvet sofas and pool table. Upstairs the rooms and suites are prime examples of minimalist style where less is most definitely more! You’ll find plenty of warm wood, both on the walls and floor, enormously comfy beds with pure white linens (to contrast with the wood) and faux fur throws, and sleek white bathrooms with monsoon rain showers and huge sinks. Everything has been carefully considered from the recycling bins to the Le Labo toiletries, and even better you don’t need a degree to work the lights! All rooms and suites are cut from the same cloth, but the better the room, obviously the more spacious it will be. The best come with a balcony or terrace and London rooftop views. For entertainment there’s not only the aforementioned Lobby Bar, but also the Punch Room, a cosy little wood panelled nook evocative of a traditional 19th century London gentleman’s club, where excellent staff concoct delicious cocktails. Dining is in Berners Tavern a stunning space whose kitchen is overseen by the Michelin starred Jason Atherton. The food is contemporary British and the room is breathtaking with its intricately moulded high ceiling and walls which are decorated with more than 200 pictures (funky modern photographs in beautiful traditional frames). To sum up, The London EDITION is everything you’d expect as a design statement, but it certainly isn’t for anyone who prefers a little more detail to their bedroom decor. However it's a hip choice and a really fun place to stay.

Sarah Empson