What to expect: To be placed in another era (something like 20’s) and reset your mind
Location: Set in the heart of the city (High Holborn, London, UK)
Style: Interior – combination of English heritage and contemporary sophistication (architecture originally designed in flamboyant Edwardian style)
Function: Ultra – luxury hotel (former offices and East and West Banking Halls)
Architect: H. Percy Monckton
Interior: Tony Chi and Associates; Martin Brudnizki; Gerald Scarfe
Year: 1912-1914
Current state: The Grade II-listed building
Why I visited?
Initially, I was brought here as I was researching Martin Brudnizki work which seemed to be very intriguing. Along the research, I came across the Scarfes Bar and it has been brought to my attention that there is a complimentary live music 7 nights a week from jazz to soul and blues. Once I went there I knew immediately that this is “my place”. From the Scarfes Bar I was brought to the hotel areas and that’s when I really fell in love with this place.
About Design
The interior design is captivating rich and lavish. Spaces are full of quirky objects which made me so happy I would jump around yet I felt so calm. English Heritage is skilfully combined with a contemporary sophisticated design which evolves a peculiar narrative – you don’t know what to expect next and it gradually reveals itself through the sequence of intriguing spaces an abundance of furnishings, textures and objects d’art’.
In everything is seen a dedication to the detail – even in the way Champagne bottles are placed in a metal bowl in arty Scarfes bar. The lavish interiors are fitted out with Cuban mahogany and seven types of marble, including extremely rare types such as Swedish Green and Statuary.
One of the most dramatic features is the Renaissance-style seven-storey grand staircase. The staircase features seven different types of marble, some of which can no longer be found anywhere else in the world. The lifts are exquisitely embellished with traditional moulded leather, wrapped panelling and an alpaca ceiling.
The rose bronze gallery (picture 1) is a striking Lobby connecting the hotel’s public spaces, designed by Tony Chi and Associates. The corridor is ostentatiously rich and lavish and comprises a black and white marble mosaic flooring, gilded eglomise glass partitions filled to the brim with quirky art and books, oak armoires and a parchment reception desk. In the centre wall, a one-off painting ornately hangs by world renowned Chilean artist, Eduardo Hoffmann, displaying the rolling countryside surrounding an English country estate. Seating here aroused unexplained combination – calmness tainted with the explosion of feelings.
Scarfes Bar is designed by renowned interior designer Martin Brudnizki. Brudnizki worked together with Gerald Scarfe, prominent British artist and caricaturist who has leant the bar his name and artistic aid. The input of both – Brudnizki and Scarfe – created this pleasant atmosphere with a roaring fire and chatty caricatures on the marble walls. Joshing illustrations are creating an amusing atmosphere that attractively relaxes and twist the traditional luxury that has been exquisitely accomplished by Brudnizki. There is ‘artfully current’ corner which is continuously updated to reflect the current affairs of the time.
The bespoke fireplace is made from metal, antique brass and bronze and is 1.8 metres in height and complemented by a walnut art deco mirror which hangs above it. Over 1000 antique books, handpicked by a Portobello art dealer, take pride of place in the shelves throughout the bar. Highlights include a 1870 lollipop rocking chair sourced in New York, 1950s antique cocktail chairs and the bar stools which were inspired by an original Edwardian arm chair. The furniture is creating discreet, intimate corners on a wooden herringbone floor strewn with hand-woven rugs. No need to mention that the bartenders at the bar are skilful, elegant and very kind and cocktails are exquisite.
My recommendations
- Enjoy live piano play and singing from the comforts of a velvet armchair with a cocktail in hand. It feels like you are in 20’s in some luxurious resort.
- Seat down in the reception area and read one of the books there – there is a great collection of art, fashion, music, design and other types of books – and the ambient is just thrilling.
- Walk through the courtyard, The rose bronze corridor and the grand staircase – I promise it’s going to arouse feelings in you.
Final word
It’s about art, fashion, design, history, actuality, architecture, amusement, bliss and everything in-between.
I have enjoyed lots what I have seen and experienced. I highly recommend this charming place, go there and experience it for yourself!