The Londoner Makes Its Long Anticipated Debut

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Leicester Square is getting a high design upgrade with the opening of The Londoner, an exclusive “super boutique” hotel boasting 350 rooms, 16 stories, six concept eateries, a members club, cinema and wellness and event space. Designed in collaboration with architectural designers Yabu Pushelberg, the unique property is the latest project from one of the UK’s largest family-owned hotel groups, Edwardian Hotels London. Created to capture the spirit of the city, the Londoner offers a boutique approach rooted in hospitality at a larger-than-life scale, from the 200-square meter Tower Penthouse duplex suite to the expansive Trafalgar Suites, which cover 119 square meters complete with living areas, kitchenette, and a foyer. The minimal style and neutral palette complement the site’s floor-to-ceiling windows and fastidious attention to detail.

Artwork plays a major role at The Londoner, outfitting both the guest rooms and public areas. The eclectic mix of mediums and genres includes classic and contemporary pieces and those from emerging designers. Yabu Pushelberg, James Robertson Art Consultants, and Edwardian Hotel London’s Krishma Singh Dear joined forces to present a varied collection reflecting the diversity of London.

The Londoner’s main draw, however, is arguably its guest-centered approach, with 24-hour access to its own private members club, The Residence. Hidden away from the hustle and bustle of the rest of the hotel, The Residence is a collection of discrete spaces designed to promote relaxation and exclusivity, with its own intimate dining spots, Y Bar and The Drawing Room, which feature an à la carte menu and a curated reserve wine list, complemented by signature house cocktails. The Whisky Room is another VIP feature, with a secret passage giving way to a 14-cover parlor. Guests can also enjoy complimentary items from the moving Residence Cart – offering fresh breakfast delicacies in the morning and followed by Mediterranean antipasti.

The food and beverage experience at The Londoner, created by Edwardian Hotels London’s Creative Director of Food & Beverage Service Excellence, Amir Jati, is another major perk for guests to explore. The offerings are anchored by the hotel’s signature restaurant, Whitcomb’s, which features all-day menus made up of small plates and main courses paying homage to contemporary French cooking with influences from surrounding Mediterranean cuisines. The Stage is another inspired eatery featuring an all-day program of food and beverage menus centered around the glamour and luxury of Champagne. Neighborhood drinking spot Joshua’s Tavern, led by The Londoner’s Head Mixologist, Pierpaolo Schirru, features over 50 regionally sourced gins, with each going through a five-stage matching process. And on top of the hotel, guests will find sweeping city views from the rooftop Izakaya lounge, 8 at The Londoner, which serves up modern Japanese cuisine, innovative cocktails and dramatic design.

Wellness junkies will feel right at home at The Londoner, thanks to The Retreat, which combines fitness, nutrition, and a host of other wellness practices. In addition to a private training gym and fitness classrooms with weekly programming, The Retreat features a 25-meter pool, barber, blow dry bar, nail bar, and more for an all-around feel-good experience. Located within the space is a food and beverage sanctuary dubbed Refuel, serving smoothies, beauty juices, body wraps, Ayurvedic morning ritual bowls, and more.

Those visiting The Londoner for large-scale events will have a chance to experience the hotel’s 6,000-square-foot Ballroom, with capacity to host over 800 guests. The more intimate Green Room is the ideal venue for everything from corporate mixers to late-night dance parties, and The Gallery, a network of seven private meeting rooms equipped with the latest technology, is fit for more formal get-togethers.

In addition to its exclusive offerings, The Londoner will also be a trailblazer for its approach to sustainable luxury, having secured a $206 million Green Loan from HSBC UK, a first for the hospitality sector. The funding will be used to ensure the new hotel exceeds the BREEAM Excellent category in building environmental and sustainable performance. For more information, visit www.thelondoner.com