Housed in a former courthouse, NoMad’s first hotel to be launched across the pond is a blend of New York and European culture. The finest creative talents in architecture, design, art curation, food, beverage and hospitality have been brought together to conceive this brand new residence.
Housed in a former Magistrate’s Court
The sleek chain is breaking ground with its inaugural foray into the international market. But the choice of venue – a Covent Garden Grade II-listed building, is also creating a buzz in the capital. Found opposite The Royal Opera House, NoMad London was previously known as The Bow Street Magistrates’ Court and Police Station, where Oscar Wilde was once tried. Guests can peruse the in-house Bow Street Police Museum, paying homage to the building’s colourful past both as a police station and courthouse.
The brand’s most intimate property
With just 91 rooms (including luxe 21 suites), the hotel earns boutique status. It’s also home to several exquisite dining and drinking spaces designed in the NoMad tradition. A three-storey glass atrium – reminiscent of an Edwardian greenhouse – forms the heart of the building and houses the main restaurant. Side Hustle is NoMad’s version of a pub, augmented with more than a flavour of New York-meets-Latin American panache. Here guests can enjoy a menu of Mexican sharing plates and quirky tequila cocktails, crafted by the award-winning NoMad Bar team.
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Bohemian, trendy, classic and opulent
The property is the Sydell Group’s second venture in London; following the company’s partnership with Ron Burkle and Soho House, in launching The Ned. And it certainly follows NoMad’s reputation for combining classic elegance with residential warmth and a playful spirit. Its interiors have been imagined by the New York-based, ex-film set designers Roman and Williams. The 19th-century building history – and its location in Covent Garden – has provided inspiration for the aesthetic, with plenty of nods to its artistic and cultural connections, as well as the brand’s transatlantic roots. A curation of over 1,600 collected and commissioned works by a variety of British and international artists lends a deeply layered narrative to the hotel experience.
East London charm
Another new concept for NoMad is the arrival of the group’s first-ever lounge. Located in a subterranean playground, Common Decency is a vibrant East London style craft cocktail bar, worthy of its West End home. However, those seeking something a little more demure can relax in The Library living room, where light meals, snacks, hot drinks and cocktails are served alongside a carefully curated collection of books.
While the space is evocative of a grand residence, there’s a bohemian vibe to this New-Romantic hotel. It reflects the diversity of its heritage, along with NoMad’s cosmopolitan outlook. NoMad London is certainly one of the most exciting addresses for a sophisticated city break in 2021.
