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Design City: 5 Hot Spots
BY Hot Spots
Design City:5 Hot Spots in London
St. Martin's Lane
If you are anything like me with wanderlust in your blood, you probably love hotels as much as I do. And for good reason.
A home away from home, a hotel is a luxury by all means – your bed is made for you when you leave the room, and no one wrestles the remote from you when you're watching TV. But what makes a hotel so special is its character, not to mention the chic it bestows upon its residents.
An “urban resort re-invented”, it is a dramatic foray into the indulgence of smart design. St. Martin's Lane bears a synonymity with Phillipe Starck – its designer – proudly. One of the most prominent boutique hotels of its time, St. Martin's Lane shares no pedestal with others eagerly sprouting out in London's every corner. It houses 204 wonderfully lush rooms with one-of-a-kind interactive light installations for guests to toggle with their every mood. When not taking in the view from the suite's ceiling-to-floor windows or cuddled in a lounge chair sipping tea in the gardens of private garden rooms, guests feast in the eclectic fusion of Asian and Cuban cuisine at Asia de Cuba. Glide over to Light Bar after dinner to soak in the breathtaking lighting atmostphere while sipping away at the hotel's famous cocktails.
The pictures don't do justice – you just can't capture comfort that way.
St. Martin's Lane Hotel
45 St. Martin's Lane London, England WC2N 4HX
All images copyright © Morgans Group LLC, courtesy of St.Martin's Lane
Design City:5 Hot Spots in London
Wapping Hydraulic Power Station
How industrial. How relevant. How unique.
It's no power station, of course. What once stood as a power station back in 1890, where it was used to power machinery including elevators across London, closed in 1977.
The Wapping Project is what the hydraulic power station is now known for, an arts centre. Exhibitions are held in the basement while Wapping Food, its restaurant-side, sets up on the main floor. Much of this venue's appeal is that it holds true to old self, where some of the original equipment have been left in place to add to its old-world charm. The building, although restored and converted over time, still retains its industrial charisma in stained brick walls and concrete floors. Over time it has served up art programmes utlizing the venue's brazenly relevant dark & industrial atmosphere, such as “Grim[m] Desires”, a dance by choreographer Maresa von Stockert in 2004, and SCRAP by Sam Spenser, an exhibition of large scale sculptural scrap & precious metals works.
Wapping Food itself is rather interesting, with a daily changing menu filled with impossibly lip-licking choices such as pressed foie gras, almonds & chives; ricotta filled courgette flower, lovege & almond pesto; roast Middle White pork, ham & onion bake, spinach, pear & current chutney. Lace your lips with an after-dinner sugar high with desserts like espresso & chocolate brulee, cherries; plum & nectarine crumble, rose water ice cream. Menus also cater to groups of 9 or more guests.
Wapping Power Station is certainly one charmingly inventive establishment that has piqued both Londoner's interest and appetite, culminating in a fascinating experience.
Wapping Hydraulic Power Station
Wapping Wall
E1W 3SG
Images courtesy of The Wapping Project
Design City:5 Hot Spots in London
Brick Lane Street Art
Brick Lane, found in London's East End, doesn't hold any mysterious portals through time and space, not like the way Harry Potter facilitates his purchasing of school supplies nor the way Richard Mayhew might find his way to London Below. But it does channel some fascinating art voicing the angst and creativity of today's London youth.
Creativity is flocking frighteningly swift to Brick Lane with fashion designers, artists, graphic designers, architects, photographers and even DJs setting up studios and businesses in this hub, touted as “the Portobello of the new millennium”. The Old Truman Brewery is one such place slowly gaining notice. What Wall Street is to New York's business sector, Old Truman Brewery is shaping up to be London's creative quarter.
Such a wildly enviable environment is appropriately flanked by the tongue-in-cheek graffitti pervading Brick Lane's corners, where notoriety comes in the mark of artists such as Banksy, D*Face, Ben Eine and Obey.
To wrap up the exotic experience one must stop by the intoxicating curry houses of Brick Lane such as Preem, and a visit to several of the city's notable drinking dens such as 93 Feet East and The Vibe Bar. Unless equipped with stomachs of steel, preferably best enjoyed with an intermission.
Brick Lane is located in the borough of Tower Hamlets
East End
Nearest tube: Aldgate East
Images courtesy of Qype
Design City:5 Hot Spots in London
The Horse Hospital
Touted as “truly the home of the avant-garde”, The Horse Hospital doesn't get its name from fancy fables. The premises were really utlized as horse hospitals in its past. Since 1992, however, it has served as one of London's important art venues.
Even with the head-scratching its name might elicit at first mention, this prime art house doesn't horse around with its art – it debuted with Vive Le Punk!, an exhibition of original (Vivienne) Westwood (Malcolm) McLaren couture in February of 1993. From 2002 onwards, the establishment has upped its exhibitions, including more frenzied pop culture pieces such as Jesus and the Prostitues back in 2003 and current showcases like From Fear to Sanity - CND and the art of protest from 1958.
It doesn't end there, as the venue has enough to whet the appetites of the digital modern crowd. Feeding the desire to escape the mainstream by screening rare films and music are what makes the backbone of Horse Hospital's appeal. Being an art venue aside, it has played host to performers , musicians, artists, writers, special events and even by record labels. It is noted for keeping several original building features such as entrance by horse ramp, tethering rings and a cobbled floor.
Like the precious cargo it exclusively deals, Horse Hospital is private with its audience, a stark contrast to the fame-mad world of today – a perfect hide-away to those who understand its value.
The Horse Hospital
Colonnade, Bloomsbury
London WC1N 1HX
Top image courtesy of mike-danielle.com
Bottom image courtesy of thehorsehospital.com
Design City:5 Hot Spots in London
Lost Society
Lost Society is one of those places in the past would have served aristocrates or royalty. Not being too far off, this 2-storey 16th century barn did host a banquet for Queen Elizabeth I in its history. Now revamped to suit the opulent indulgences of today, Lost Society has lost none of its antique aristocrat charm.
6 rooms under this house cater to all variety of tastes – A conservatory, Library Bar, Black & White Room, Crystal Ballroom, Oriental Lounge, and a Secret Garden. The luxury-draped decor in which one is embraced in is perfectly complemented by the establishment's renowned cuisine such as oven baked pork fillet Aphrodite served with carrot & coriander fritters; an euphoria matched by sipping decadently from the rim of one's peach & mint julep glass. Lost's exhilaratingly endless list of bliss-inducing beverages serves every individual's choice of poison, and then some. Sail down its jazz music-blanketed atmosphere with its original concoctions of The Fruit of 43 Virgins; the Licked Sailor, Red Dragon, The Pink Tank!, and What's Eating Gilbert Grape, made of “white grapes muddled with elderflower syrup, Whitley Neil Gin, apple juice and slightly sparkling white wine”.
Murmurs of a haunting also echo through Lost's halls, of a flower seller who died tragically at the turn of the century. And while you may be checking your peripheral vision throughout dinner, perhaps alleviate your tension by serving the gratification of thirst, quaffing Lost's exquisitely mixed juices. The experience certainly was not made to disappoint.
697 Wandsworth Road,
London,
SW8 3JF
Images courtesy of www.lostsociety.co.uk
...................................................................................
TRAVEL ALBUM: DESIGN CITY publishes the essential photography subjects of a city. As they say, architecture landmarks denote the progressing development of a city. Design in each and every city speaks in different languages and dances to different cultures. A lot of cities are growing in the design realm but no one would know about this development but the travelers and the locals themselves. Only. The exciting quirks and electrifying eccentricity of Everyday Product, Design Schools, Designers, Resources, Hotels/Buildings, Design Studios/Personalities, Local Galleries, Museums, etc, are found in both secret and obvious places of the city.
We miss out on these simple things during travel or simply during our busy lifestyle in our own city. So the next time you travel, think of TRAVEL ALBUM: DESIGN CITY.
...................................................................................
© 2003 - 2008 by TAXI Design Network. All rights reserved.
BY Hot Spots
Design City:5 Hot Spots in London
St. Martin's Lane
If you are anything like me with wanderlust in your blood, you probably love hotels as much as I do. And for good reason.
A home away from home, a hotel is a luxury by all means – your bed is made for you when you leave the room, and no one wrestles the remote from you when you're watching TV. But what makes a hotel so special is its character, not to mention the chic it bestows upon its residents.
An “urban resort re-invented”, it is a dramatic foray into the indulgence of smart design. St. Martin's Lane bears a synonymity with Phillipe Starck – its designer – proudly. One of the most prominent boutique hotels of its time, St. Martin's Lane shares no pedestal with others eagerly sprouting out in London's every corner. It houses 204 wonderfully lush rooms with one-of-a-kind interactive light installations for guests to toggle with their every mood. When not taking in the view from the suite's ceiling-to-floor windows or cuddled in a lounge chair sipping tea in the gardens of private garden rooms, guests feast in the eclectic fusion of Asian and Cuban cuisine at Asia de Cuba. Glide over to Light Bar after dinner to soak in the breathtaking lighting atmostphere while sipping away at the hotel's famous cocktails.
The pictures don't do justice – you just can't capture comfort that way.
St. Martin's Lane Hotel
45 St. Martin's Lane London, England WC2N 4HX
All images copyright © Morgans Group LLC, courtesy of St.Martin's Lane
Design City:5 Hot Spots in London
Wapping Hydraulic Power Station
How industrial. How relevant. How unique.
It's no power station, of course. What once stood as a power station back in 1890, where it was used to power machinery including elevators across London, closed in 1977.
The Wapping Project is what the hydraulic power station is now known for, an arts centre. Exhibitions are held in the basement while Wapping Food, its restaurant-side, sets up on the main floor. Much of this venue's appeal is that it holds true to old self, where some of the original equipment have been left in place to add to its old-world charm. The building, although restored and converted over time, still retains its industrial charisma in stained brick walls and concrete floors. Over time it has served up art programmes utlizing the venue's brazenly relevant dark & industrial atmosphere, such as “Grim[m] Desires”, a dance by choreographer Maresa von Stockert in 2004, and SCRAP by Sam Spenser, an exhibition of large scale sculptural scrap & precious metals works.
Wapping Food itself is rather interesting, with a daily changing menu filled with impossibly lip-licking choices such as pressed foie gras, almonds & chives; ricotta filled courgette flower, lovege & almond pesto; roast Middle White pork, ham & onion bake, spinach, pear & current chutney. Lace your lips with an after-dinner sugar high with desserts like espresso & chocolate brulee, cherries; plum & nectarine crumble, rose water ice cream. Menus also cater to groups of 9 or more guests.
Wapping Power Station is certainly one charmingly inventive establishment that has piqued both Londoner's interest and appetite, culminating in a fascinating experience.
Wapping Hydraulic Power Station
Wapping Wall
E1W 3SG
Images courtesy of The Wapping Project
Design City:5 Hot Spots in London
Brick Lane Street Art
Brick Lane, found in London's East End, doesn't hold any mysterious portals through time and space, not like the way Harry Potter facilitates his purchasing of school supplies nor the way Richard Mayhew might find his way to London Below. But it does channel some fascinating art voicing the angst and creativity of today's London youth.
Creativity is flocking frighteningly swift to Brick Lane with fashion designers, artists, graphic designers, architects, photographers and even DJs setting up studios and businesses in this hub, touted as “the Portobello of the new millennium”. The Old Truman Brewery is one such place slowly gaining notice. What Wall Street is to New York's business sector, Old Truman Brewery is shaping up to be London's creative quarter.
Such a wildly enviable environment is appropriately flanked by the tongue-in-cheek graffitti pervading Brick Lane's corners, where notoriety comes in the mark of artists such as Banksy, D*Face, Ben Eine and Obey.
To wrap up the exotic experience one must stop by the intoxicating curry houses of Brick Lane such as Preem, and a visit to several of the city's notable drinking dens such as 93 Feet East and The Vibe Bar. Unless equipped with stomachs of steel, preferably best enjoyed with an intermission.
Brick Lane is located in the borough of Tower Hamlets
East End
Nearest tube: Aldgate East
Images courtesy of Qype
Design City:5 Hot Spots in London
The Horse Hospital
Touted as “truly the home of the avant-garde”, The Horse Hospital doesn't get its name from fancy fables. The premises were really utlized as horse hospitals in its past. Since 1992, however, it has served as one of London's important art venues.
Even with the head-scratching its name might elicit at first mention, this prime art house doesn't horse around with its art – it debuted with Vive Le Punk!, an exhibition of original (Vivienne) Westwood (Malcolm) McLaren couture in February of 1993. From 2002 onwards, the establishment has upped its exhibitions, including more frenzied pop culture pieces such as Jesus and the Prostitues back in 2003 and current showcases like From Fear to Sanity - CND and the art of protest from 1958.
It doesn't end there, as the venue has enough to whet the appetites of the digital modern crowd. Feeding the desire to escape the mainstream by screening rare films and music are what makes the backbone of Horse Hospital's appeal. Being an art venue aside, it has played host to performers , musicians, artists, writers, special events and even by record labels. It is noted for keeping several original building features such as entrance by horse ramp, tethering rings and a cobbled floor.
Like the precious cargo it exclusively deals, Horse Hospital is private with its audience, a stark contrast to the fame-mad world of today – a perfect hide-away to those who understand its value.
The Horse Hospital
Colonnade, Bloomsbury
London WC1N 1HX
Top image courtesy of mike-danielle.com
Bottom image courtesy of thehorsehospital.com
Design City:5 Hot Spots in London
Lost Society
Lost Society is one of those places in the past would have served aristocrates or royalty. Not being too far off, this 2-storey 16th century barn did host a banquet for Queen Elizabeth I in its history. Now revamped to suit the opulent indulgences of today, Lost Society has lost none of its antique aristocrat charm.
6 rooms under this house cater to all variety of tastes – A conservatory, Library Bar, Black & White Room, Crystal Ballroom, Oriental Lounge, and a Secret Garden. The luxury-draped decor in which one is embraced in is perfectly complemented by the establishment's renowned cuisine such as oven baked pork fillet Aphrodite served with carrot & coriander fritters; an euphoria matched by sipping decadently from the rim of one's peach & mint julep glass. Lost's exhilaratingly endless list of bliss-inducing beverages serves every individual's choice of poison, and then some. Sail down its jazz music-blanketed atmosphere with its original concoctions of The Fruit of 43 Virgins; the Licked Sailor, Red Dragon, The Pink Tank!, and What's Eating Gilbert Grape, made of “white grapes muddled with elderflower syrup, Whitley Neil Gin, apple juice and slightly sparkling white wine”.
Murmurs of a haunting also echo through Lost's halls, of a flower seller who died tragically at the turn of the century. And while you may be checking your peripheral vision throughout dinner, perhaps alleviate your tension by serving the gratification of thirst, quaffing Lost's exquisitely mixed juices. The experience certainly was not made to disappoint.
697 Wandsworth Road,
London,
SW8 3JF
Images courtesy of www.lostsociety.co.uk
...................................................................................
TRAVEL ALBUM: DESIGN CITY publishes the essential photography subjects of a city. As they say, architecture landmarks denote the progressing development of a city. Design in each and every city speaks in different languages and dances to different cultures. A lot of cities are growing in the design realm but no one would know about this development but the travelers and the locals themselves. Only. The exciting quirks and electrifying eccentricity of Everyday Product, Design Schools, Designers, Resources, Hotels/Buildings, Design Studios/Personalities, Local Galleries, Museums, etc, are found in both secret and obvious places of the city.
We miss out on these simple things during travel or simply during our busy lifestyle in our own city. So the next time you travel, think of TRAVEL ALBUM: DESIGN CITY.
...................................................................................
© 2003 - 2008 by TAXI Design Network. All rights reserved.
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