Set on an elegant, quiet street in one of London’s most exclusive areas, THE LASLETT — Living Rooms, a 5-star boutique hotel with roots in Notting Hill, is a catalyst for the area’s creative renaissance: focused on supporting British art, design and artists who established a personal and artistic connection with the area.
THE LASLETT is within walking distance of Kensington Palace, the London Science Museum and Diana, Princess of Wales, Memorial Square.
Notting Hill is a vibrant and trendy area with upscale cafes and restaurants along bohemian Portobello Road, boutiques and bustling markets with antiques and vintage clothing, as well as the famous Electric Cinema.
A LOOK INTO THE PAST
THE LASLETT is very appropriate for this place, which is lined by a row of Regency-style houses. Evoking the same sense of luxury and elegance that once made them so desirable amongst the crème de la crème of Victorian society, five of these impressive townhouses have today provided the starting point for the creation of the hotel.
The hotel is named after political activist Rhaune Laslett in Notting Hill fifty years ago when it was one of the poorest areas of West London and racial tension was high. Rhaune had the idea to organize a festival that would unite the locals, no matter who they are or where they came from. This festival has become an annual event, gradually growing into the world-famous Notting Hill Carnival, which draws huge crowds of people to enjoy the beautiful parades and music.
“Naming the hotel after Rhaune was a way of acknowledging the lasting impact she had on the area and on THE LASLETT Living Rooms project itself, — says Hotel Manager Ian Telford. — Her name is reminiscent of the goal behind our hotel to create something that is a place of socializing and wellness for both Notting Hill residents and travelers alike. This is a hotel for those who want luxury, but presented in a modest and discreet way, being hidden from the chaos and buzz of central London. We strive to ensure that every guest can feel like home in our hotel, cozy and comfortable.”
Tracy Lowy, the woman behind THE LASLETT, developed the concept of Living Rooms, combining the service of a hotel with the style, comfort and spaciousness of a stylish home. Many famous architects and designers worked on the creation of the hotel project: Tom Barlett, the founder of Waldo Works — an architectural design studio known for their ability to seamlessly infuse the heritage of a classic space with a sense of playfulness; Ben Kelway, a London-based creative director with his own studio, Atlas, who was involved in the creation of works of art that were supposed to give the hotel a unique character.
Under the name of THE LASLETT, the design team decided to dedicate the ground floor space of the hotel to the general public. They envisioned a new neighbourhood hangout, a place where residents and guests could experience the work of established and upcoming artists, or enjoy quality food and drink from local suppliers. Inside, the hotel features a white and gray color scheme, parquet floors adorned with interesting furniture from an antique dealer and vibrant artwork from Barbara Hulanicki, and also there’s a library brimming with design tomes and a stylish shop.
ROOMS & SUITES
THE LASLETT has 51 rooms, including suites, done in light gray or bluish gray tones. On the walls — the works of art and pieces of vintage furniture. All rooms have a work desk, while Suites also have a small dining area.
All rooms are hypoallergenic and equipped with a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, free WI-FI, mini fridge-bar. The Metro tiled bathrooms have a rain shower, bathrobe, slippers, hair dryer and Ren perfumes.
THE HENDERSON BAR & KITCHEN
THE LASLETT offers a daily continental breakfast served at the Henderson Restaurant — Menu offers variety of snacks, fruits, vegetable dishes, drinks and hot meals.
In the afternoon and evening, the restaurant serves British cuisine with an À la carte menu. There is a snack bar inside the restaurant and a beautiful terrace where sumptuous brunches are served from 12.00 to 15.00 daily.
Quotes from the Menu:
– WHIPPED FETA or TRUFFLE HUMMUS with
PITA BREAD and CRUDITE
– HERITAGE TOMATO SALAD with Aged Balsamic
– NEW YORKER — Pastrami on Toasted Sourdough, Mustard, Gouda & Pickles
Besides Wine & Cocktail list, Wines and Bubbles by Glass are available.
“The inspiration for this space came from Russell ‘Russ’ Henderson, a steelpan aficionado widely regarded as the founding father of carnival as we know it today, — says Ian Telford. — The hotel’s founders met with Russ, who offered them copious amounts of rum to drink. and ginger beer (smiles Ian), and gave his blessing to use his name for the bar. Now it is the most popular meeting place for visitors and locals. Created by our Chef Andre, the recently updates concept brings classics with a tangy twist, using local and British ingredients such as Natoora, HG Walter and Sally Clarke. On warm days, guests are welcomed by our sunny terrace, which is our gem and pride.”
DOWN TO THE SPA
THE LASLETT’s new spa concept, Recharge Rooms, offers a unique combination of cutting-edge treatments and exercise programs for all abilities, including dynamic EMS boxing, ancient Iyengar yoga and classical Pilates.
After a workout, it’s nice to head to the wellness center, which uses the latest technologies to soothe and detoxify the body, prevent aging and rejuvenate at the cellular level for the face and body.
Ian Telford: “The Laslett is an unfinished story. In fact, it’s many different stories that have diverged somewhere in London to make up a part of the ongoing narrative that is Notting Hill. We continue to develop and collect new stories related to our unique hotel in order to offer guests new experiences and make the best memories. We are glad that in such an enormous metropolis like London, you can find comfort and privacy for a wonderful and relaxing holiday or just meeting friends over a cup of coffee or a glass of wine.”
The Laslett
www.living-rooms.co.uk/the-laslett
Address: THE LASLETT, 8 PEMBRIDGE GARDENS, NOTTING HILL, LONDON, W2 4DU
Contacts: RESERVATIONS@THELASLETT.CO.UK; +44 (0)20 7792 6688
Instagram: @thelaslett
Text: Marina Timo
Photo courtesy: EATWEEKGUIDE
