8 Pembridge Gardens, Notting Hill Gate is the address of one of London’s most extraordinary hotels, a slice of Britain and a world on its own in this bustling cosmopolitan city. Baroque Travel finds out all about it
The iconic British lifestyle is the inspiration for this eclectic Notting Hill boutique hotel, which spreads itself gracefully across five Grade 2-listed Victorian townhouses. Embodying everything quintessentially British, the hotel boasts a proper British library on its ground floor, as well as artworks and crafts from local artists and designers.
The Laslett is a little world on its own, a comfortable, luxe, welcoming collection of accommodation (51 rooms including 8 suites in all), library, boutique and bar and coffee shop/restaurant. It’s the ideal base from which to explore all that London and Notting Hill hold dear, including bustling Portobello market, on trend boutiques, vintage stores, cafes and restaurants, and sightseeing musts such as Kensington Palace, just a 10-minute walk away. You can stop off there for afternoon tea in the Orangery, then go shopping along Kensington High Street. Trendy Chelsea is also in the vicinity of this extraordinary hotel.
The hotel has gained a reputation world-wide for its luxe offerings and home-from-home atmosphere. The ground floor space is much more a hangout for the local community than a hotel reception area. The rooms themselves have also been designed to resemble a stylish residence. Furniture is designer, décor is a mix of British local and vintage pieces and wherever you look, you’ll find thoughtful touches, such as Penguin Classics books to read and exquisite Neal’s Yard Remedies products in the en suite bathrooms.
All the accommodation offers the complimentary use of smartphones with unlimited 3G, with unlimited calls to selected international countries, aside from the usual facilities such as air-con, rain showers, work desks and a Big Bar filled with craft beers and local treats as well as London guides so you don’t get lost on your adventures. A delicious breakfast buffet is served every morning in the Henderson’s Bar, which is also a café and cocktail bar. You can order from Henderson’s and then enjoy your meal, drink or snack in the lounge, library or your room. The boutique offers a selection of goodies, from jewelry and the signature Neal’s Yard Remedies products to trendy fashion, Garbstore’s No Chemicals perfume, oils and candles not to mention Mrs Miller stockings.
The best and most spacious accommodation is in the Master Bedroom Suites, some of which offer a day-bed, semi-separate living room, dining room or second bedroom, as well as a generous bathroom with tub and walk-in shower.
A popular nightspot, the Henderson Bar is named after famous Trinidad musician Russell ‘Russ’ Henderson. You can sample his signature cocktail, Henderson’s Rum Punch, there, a concoction that is shaken and stirred and delicious accompanied by a selection of bar snacks. If you prefer another tipple, there’s a lot to choose from on the wine and cocktail list.