THERE’S A DANCE London does in the summer. It’s a contemporary two-step that says, ‘Talk up Paris or Paros all you want, we’ve got some moves’.
The sharpest in the city’s exhaustive repertoire is The Emory – an elegant and intuitive newcomer. The topline here is as impressive as the heady results – 20 years in the making; a legacy project for the late ‘starchitect’ Richard Rogers (his only hotel); home to Tracy Anderson’s first studio outside of LA; Abc Kitchens’ first, well, kitchen beyond Manhattan.
All this before you even enter the property – an experience in itself and one that neatly presents the modern narrative at play here. While the setting is Belgravia, and the outlook Hyde Park, unlike its well-heeled neighbours, The Emory eschews top-hatted doorman and main street peacocking in favour of a discreet, exclusive back entrance on Old Barrack Yard.
Out of the darkened BMW I7 (transfers included in the rate) you’re whisked into an expansive courtyard of autumnal colour and a glass box lobby that isn’t actually a lobby – because check-in is done ahead of time (details taken, preferences noted). It’s here that you’ll be warmly greeted by a personal ‘Emory Assistant’, on hand to cover queries, concerns, arrangements and who’ll guide you to a suite.
That final word is no embellishment – The Emory is London’s first all-suite hotel, each generously proportioned room aglow (well, those that sit park side) in penetrative natural light and deep designer touches.
Each two floors of The Emory were given over to different designer studios. While it may sound like a curious cocktail, the results – from André Fu, Patricia Urquiola, Pierre-Yves Rochon, Alexandra Champalimaud – are exceptional, visual coherence led by an exquisite use of timber and marble and a natural palate that ultimately softens Rogers’ industrial output, notably the trademark steel framework and masts and what is a striking fuchsia staircase.
Our Urquiola junior suite – sporting a separate lounge comprising a low-slung couch and dining table for two with an adjacent king bedroom – offers both ease and escape. Modern timber wainscoting is warm and tactile, floor-to-ceiling windows framing the giant greens of Hyde Park’s historic oaks. While London moves apace just below, there’s a tangible sense of sanctuary here – you’re part of the action, if removed (until you opt to open a Juliet balcony that welcomes fresh air and the street sounds of Knightsbridge). Worth knowing: the minibar comes gratis, the bath is brilliant and the toilet presents more moves than a Tai chi class.
The Emory’s ground floor houses the key public areas of The Emory Bar (opening to the aforementioned courtyard) and Abc Kitchen – interiors brought together by notable superyacht designer Rémi Tessier. The work of Tessier’s good friend, Damien Hirst, hangs throughout – flowery slaps of colour from the British artist’s ‘The Secret Gardens Paintings’ series.
Abc presents with an air of accessibility, lined by a giant plate glass opening to the park and an open kitchen of organised activity. The menu brings together the talent of French chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten and his award-winning NYC restaurants abc kitchen, abcV and abc cocina. It’s shareable, local and organic in its product, marching confidently across the three pillars of seafood, meat and vegetarian (know the heirloom beet carpaccio can easily turn a card-carrying carnivore).
Back in the lift, we descend to the decadent Surrenne spa and a fitness offer that, beyond the Tracy Anderson studio, houses a spacious gym lined by Technogym machines, a soothing café doing both juice and champagne, and a 22-metre indoor pool lit by a lengthy skylight.
Into the lift once more and let’s head for the roof, past the stunning 3,229-square-foot penthouse and into what are two literal glass jewels in The Emory’s crown. These elevated transparent boxes, Bar 33 and the Cigar Merchants (yes, a cigar lounge), are exclusive to hotel guests and their invitees – both striking in leathery finishes, even more so, the unique 360-degree views on offer.
Indulge a glass (or three) and consume the stunning vistas that take in most of the capital – across the parks to Wembley Stadium and the north-west; east to The City’s high-rise silos of finance and south over Battersea Power Station and beyond.
It’s here, too, that you’ll catch in-house horological nights led by esteemed British author, journalist and The Emory’s new ‘horological concierge’, Nick Foulkes, alongside his friend, the founder of Bamford watches, George Bamford.
Tick tock, then – time to embrace The Emory and dance to this new London beat.
For more information on The Emory London, visit here.
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