The Ned
Over the course of the weekend, I had the chance to check out the latest (and perhaps most ambitious) venture by the Soho House group, The Ned. Set in London's financial district, aptly named Bank - its a departure from the usual Soho, Mayfair and Shoreditch haunts which are for the more creatively inclined. The Ned is set in a former bank headquarters and its decor is in line with the other Soho houses worldwide just amplified by 10. It is difficult to give a title to the new space, as it's home a 250-room hotel, 9 restaurants, bars, spa and exercise facilities and a rooftop bar/pool with amazing views of London. You can also grab a drink downstairs in the original bank vault - where 1000s of authentic safety deposit boxes line the walls!
I had the chance to sip drinks at the Nickle bar, which is home to classic cocktails and American fare. Naturally I started with dirty gin martinis (my true test!) but also sampled a 'Nedgroni' given it's namesake. the 'Nedgroni' was a mix of Bombay Sapphire gin, Kamm & Sons, Martini Rubino, Lanique Rose and grapefruit .... all my favourite things in a cut-crystal glass.
For dinner I moved to Cecconi's, an italian restaurant with spots in Barcelona, Berlin, Mayfair and Miami amongst others. Specializing in Venetian fare, it was some of the best italian food i've had outside of the country itself. We had burrata cheese + heirloom tomatoes, aubergine parm and tuna tartare with chili and capers to start. Each amazing and perfect for sharing! For my main, I had the ribeye steak (surprise, surprise!). I have to say it was the best steak i've ever had and i'll certainly be back! [not sponsored! :P]
We finished our evening by exploring the rest of the venue, taking in the live band set up in the main hall, and making our way to the room for a nightcap (or several). With expansive views of London, pool and restaurant/ bar with all the Soho house standards (albeit less friendly staff!) I can see how the rooftop could be worth the cost of membership alone.
It was a grand night, with amazing food and drink in a cool new setting. I'll definitely be back!
After trolling MR PORTER to learn more about the Ned, I decided to take some inspo from their brands and go for a smart understated look, featuring a Lanvin blue check blazer, silk cardigan and grey lowtops. Dries Van Noten leopard tee and Bottega Veneta clutch.
FUN FACT: as I made my way up the steps upon arrival the button on my Lanvin blazer broke apart in my hand as I was buttoning my jacket. #CHIC
The Ned opens to the public on May 2
Check out this video from my friends at MR PORTER for a more in depth look at The Ned