JETSETREPORT

Ham Yard

Kit Kemp pens urban village along Soho border

1 Ham Yard London W1D 7DT UK England

hotels

Who's Going

Theater Crowd, Media Elite, New York Weekenders

Reason to Stay

Central Location, Private Apartments, Hip Clientele

Hotel Type

Luxury Design Hotel

After last year's opening of Dorset Square, we were unsure of the direction for Kit Kemp's Firmdale Hotels. But alas the style maven returns to her luxury roots with a flagship property on the fringes of Soho near its border with Mayfair and Piccadilly Circus. Built as an urban village around a landscaped courtyard, a prominent work by artist Tony Cragg looms in exaggerated bronze. A series of reception rooms are laid in wide-plank wood floors with the feel of the British countryside emanated through a mix of vintage oil paintings, modern decor and endless curiosities. A signature restaurant serves all-day eatery with English specialties as well as a lively bar with after work menu of small plates and cast of dapper locals. An in-house bowling alley is a remnant of the building's past that's now infused with tribal upholstered loungers, backlit bowling balls and Howard Hodgkin artwork. There's also a 190-seat theater with movie nights and live streaming broadcasts from Royal Albert Hall in addition to a Soholistic Spa with fitness center. 

The Room

More along the lines of the Haymarket and Charlotte Street Hotel, Ham Yard is a full-service luxury property offering 91 bedrooms and suites that include a series of 24 private apartments. Entry-level rooms feel larger than life with floor-to-ceiling windows and monotone color palette accented in floral drapery, cheery upholster and whimsical artwork. Suites feature well-size living areas and private dining room ideal for private events like movie junkets. Bathrooms are typically Firmdale with their greyish marble with Harris Miller bath products that have now become a brand staple.

Preferred Room

1-Bedroom Suite

Special Features

Hip Clientele, Theater, Lounge Scene

Amenities

Restaurant, Lounge, Bar, Bowling Alley, Spa

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