London: A Home Away From Home

By Hermoine Macura-Noble
Special to The Times Kuwait

The most visited city by Gulf residents – London exudes a warmth and charm like no other, which is why one of the most cherished experiences when planning your trip is finding accommodation that feels like a second home.

Whether you’re jetting off for business or pleasure, the comfort and familiarity of a hotel that exudes warmth and hospitality in the British capital can elevate your entire journey. From cozy bed-and-breakfasts to luxurious boutique hotels, London is peppered with establishments that pride themselves on offering a home away from home.

Tucked away near Oxford Street lies a haven of luxury and contemporary style at the Edition Hotel London, which is definitely one to consider. Nestled amidst the city’s historic charm, this boutique hotel stands as a beacon of modern hospitality, offering guests a truly unique and unforgettable experience. From its meticulously curated design to its world-class amenities, the Edition Hotel London redefines the art of luxury living in the British capital.

Occupying a landmark building that once housed the Berners Hotel, a beloved institution in London’s hospitality scene – renowned architect John Pawson, led the transformation of this historic space into a masterpiece of contemporary design. Every aspect of the Edition Hotel London is meticulously designed to evoke a sense of understated luxury and refined elegance. When guests enter the lobby, they are greeted by a striking mix of textures, colors, and architectural elements. The interiors feature a palette of muted tones, accented by rich wood finishes, polished metals, and plush furnishings, creating a serene and inviting ambiance throughout the hotel.

The Edition Hotel London offers a range of luxurious accommodations, including guest rooms, suites, and penthouses, each exquisitely appointed with modern amenities and thoughtful touches. The rooms boast spacious layouts, sumptuous bedding, and floor-to-ceiling windows that flood the space with natural light and offer breathtaking views of the city skyline. Guests can indulge in the ultimate comfort and relaxation with amenities such as marble bathrooms, rainfall showers, and state-of-the-art technology at their fingertips.

What truly sets the Edition Hotel London apart is its commitment to providing impeccable service and personalized hospitality to every guest. From arrival to departure, the hotel’s dedicated staff team goes above and beyond to ensure that every need is met and every expectation is exceeded. Whether arranging bespoke experiences, organizing private events, or offering insider tips on exploring the city, the staff at the Edition Hotel London are always on hand to provide warm and attentive service with a personal touch.

Another home away from home to consider when visiting the British capital is The Other House in Kensington. Embracing a bold new approach to hospitality, this innovative hotel redefines the traditional concept of a luxury stay with a revolutionary hospitality concept combining apartment-style living with hotel services and a private club available to residents and local members. According to the management, the journey began around eight years ago when they saw a gap in the market for a fresh approach to hospitality, blending apartment-style living with a ‘check-in, check out’ model, along with an exclusive private members club. This concept evolved into a ‘Residents’ Club,’ offering guests a second home or their ‘other house’ experience with comfort, flexibility, and control.

Consisting of 237 Club Flats and designed by a team of acclaimed architects and interior designers – the hotel boasts a striking contemporary aesthetic that seamlessly blends luxury with functionality. At The Other House, every detail has been carefully considered to ensure guests a memorable and immersive experience. Thoughtful touches such as locally sourced artwork, bespoke furnishings, and premium amenities add to the sense of luxury and refinement, making guests feel right at home when they arrive. The property also offers a range of luxurious accommodations, including comfy connecting rooms for large families.

In addition to its luxurious accommodations and world-class amenities, The Other House is a vibrant hub for creativity, innovation, and collaboration. The hotel’s communal spaces, including inviting lounges, co-working areas, and event spaces, foster connection and inspire conversation.

Regarding fine dining, it Feels like June in Canary Wharf is a great place to consider with its cozy Malibu-inspired theme, summer feels, and a unique menu featuring small plates, salads, a variety of grilled meats, and a Taco Bar. The starters have a Mediterranean feel, while the grills are American. The dishes are super fresh here and earthy, with the Tuna Croquettes on a thin layer of citrus mayo being a favorite, followed by seafood and meat feast mains made up of Ancho Chicken Thighs, Beef Striploin, and Buttermilk Chicken Wings with Sriracha mayo and Chimichurri for dipping.

Another warm and homely restaurant worth visiting is Zapote, which is in London’s busy Shoreditch dining district. Launched by a former Dubai-based gastronomic aficionado, this ideal date night restaurant boasts some of the best Mexican food in the city. Served in a relaxed, comfortable environment, food lovers can look forward to a scrumptious tapas-style menu made up of Mexican classics with super unique ingredients, scallops, bone marrow, and succulent octopus. The yellowfin tuna and spicy crap tostada offer a burst of flavor and are worth the journey in itself. The warm and kind staff truly make you feel at home with their detailed explanations of each dish, which at times can be difficult to pronounce, but impossible to resist.

“We source as much locally and change our menu every 6 weeks or so. We work with a small but reliable team of local suppliers with whom we have worked for many years. Still, we also cultivate new relationships, for example, with a farm in North Yorkshire that grows our tomatillos. We source our corn, dry produce, and chilis from a select number of producers Chef Yahir has personally met during recent trips to Mexico. To ensure sustainability, we have them shipped over every quarter,” explains Tony Geary, Zapote’s co-founder and manager.

By Hermoine Macura-Noble
The first Australian English speaking News Anchor in the Middle East. She is also the Author of Faces of the Middle East and Founder of US-based 501c3 charity – The House of Rest which helps to ease the suffering of victims of war. For more from our Contributing Editor, you can follow her on Instagram, here.