Architect and designer Barbara Castor has created both the architecture and the interior design for the new spaces and handled both, in exceptionally difficult circumstances while the hotel continued to operate, with deftness and aplomb. The new, impressively-sleek reception area evokes the feeling of first-class airport check-in pods and utilises excellent quality materials, calming tones and plenty of space – and this leads through to the main lobby.
The two-storey square lobby has a substantial 20ft bar with a dramatic back-lit feature wall to the rear of the bar. Looking up, ten custom-made vanilla leather and fabric suspended lights form a focal point over the double-height EDG Bar & Lounge, while stylish muted grey fabrics, with splashes of yellow, create a warm atmosphere.
Barbara Castor has created an impressive Whisky Lounge, a peaceful haven with black and mauve-grey furnishings, with hints of dark cyan and teal where only the reception back office was previously. Lighting in this club-like space is noteworthy: the witty overhead light fitting has been created from a clutch of old whisky decanters and on either side of the space, lit display cabinets showcase whiskies from around the world. The Whisky Lounge’s furnishings do a good job of evoking an appealing private members club as guests relax in sumptuous black and mauve-grey club chairs with hints of dark cyan and teal.
The library area is similarly furnished and has a luxurious, calming atmosphere with a bespoke bookcase to one end, a practical multi-station work desk, plenty of very comfortable seating and both task and subdued lighting.
As part of the lobby refurbishment, the mezzanine-level meeting rooms will also undergo renovations, including the creation of an octagonal-shaped meeting room, seating up to 18 delegates boardroom style, with floor to ceiling win
Once complete, the refurbishment will increase the lobby floor space by 60% and double the number of restaurant and bar options. Five new bedrooms will also be created, raising the hotel’s total number of guest rooms and suites to 1059.
The changeable lighting playing on the furnishings – albeit the camera does accentuate the colour somewhat
The new 20ft bar with the feature
The change of atmosphere is impressive
A range of comfortable upholstery furniture is in mink/grey tones
The brand new check-in pods
The furniture at the bar
The library has a relaxed feel with plenty of comfortable seating options and a sizeable workspace
At one end of the library is a bespoke bookcase
The witty overhead lighting features old decanters
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