In a city known for its historic buildings, making a reputation for yourself as an independent hotel is a Herculean task. As such, An Aldwych, London deserves high praise.
The One Aldwych estate’s storied history dates back to 1905, when London newspaper The Morning Post commissioned a brand new constructing. Thanks to revolutionary architecture and steel-frame construction, the constructing was accomplished in only two years and quickly gained notoriety for its mix of Edwardian grandeur and opulent Parisian elegance. In 1907 the Morning Post moved into the constructing. Interestingly, the printing presses were installed within the basement, where they remained for the following 20 years. Today the hotel’s swimming pool is situated there.
After the Morning Post modified hands, the Inveresk Paper Company acquired the constructing, which later became the middle of renowned illustrated magazines resembling Illustrated London News and The Tatler. Significant changes were revamped time, including the addition of two floors, the removal of the unique dome, and the redesign of the inside layout. During this time the constructing served as headquarters for various bodies resembling the Ministry of Defense, the Ministry of Works, the Prudential Assurance Company, Lloyds Bank and the favored London brasserie Aldwych Brasserie.
The constructing was subsequently purchased by private, independent owners who began converting it into the One Aldwych Hotel, which officially opened its doors in 1998. In 2019, One Aldwych underwent a significant renovation, with suites and rooms being redesigned renowned designer Robert Angellwhich gave the hotel an upscale residential feel, timelessly chic and crammed with natural daylight to lift the mood. London design company Fabled Studio gave indigo, its signature restaurant, exudes a brilliant, airy atmosphere, reinforcing that the Lobby Bar is a real destination bar, with interiors paying homage to the constructing’s Art Nouveau and Parisian accents, in addition to its former life because the headquarters of the Morning Post newspaper. Indigo is a neighborhood gem known for its flavor. Led by chef Dominic Teague, Indigo’s menu reflects his love of British ingredients.
Janine Marshall, Managing Director of One Aldwych, says: “When you enter One Aldwych, you enter a moment in history dressed in style. The building was built in 1905 as the home of the Morning Post newspaper and we are confident it still inspires lively conversations just as much as it did all those years ago.”
Located right in the center of Covent Garden, One Aldwych offers guests quick access to attractions resembling the West End theaters and the Royal Opera House. The market constructing and the piazza is the center of this world-famous destination and residential to beauty, dining and luxury, surrounded by a pedestrian mall and over 1,000 outdoor seats throughout the property. Fine dining restaurants serve European cuisine, and nearby theaters attract plays and musical performances.
The 101 suites and bedrooms are designed as private residences, offering flexible configurations and connection options for families and groups of all sizes. For guests in search of comfort and entertainment, the hotel offers the legendary Charlie and The Chocolate Factory Afternoon Tea, a chlorine-free swimming pool within the Health Club and inventive cocktails within the Lobby Bar.
History buffs can join Matthew Green or Charles Burnes, two of the hotel guests Curators, for a novel historical experience. Green leads a walking tour that reveals lesser-known facets of the town, from coffee house tours to medieval wine tours. Silhouette artist Burns, Britain’s leading exponent of the old English art of silhouette portraiture, takes guests on a silhouette tour along the Strand, because the old London street was home to many famous silhouettes within the 18th and nineteenth centuries. Art can be an integral a part of the hotel’s interior design, with original pieces in every room and suite which can be a part of the hotel’s 400-strong private collection of up to date art. Instead of getting to take care of the crowds on the primary street, benefit from the comfort of One Aldwych’s own cinema, Film & Fizz, a hidden gem beneath the hotel. With only 30 seats, it provides an intimate atmosphere.
Since its inception, One Aldwych has prioritized the environment and sustainability and has been awarded Gold by the Green Tourism Business Scheme. One Aldwych manages consumption and reduction of utilities, energy and water through equipment selection, energy management systems, policies and worker awareness. River of flowers, a not-for-profit social enterprise, designed the One Aldwych Bee Garden to permit Buckfast rooftop honeybees to enjoy a varied floral menu all yr round, promoting the health of London’s city bees and adding flavor and scent to honey. While guests do not have the chance to tour the rooftop beehives, they’ll get a glimpse of their labor with select cocktails and dishes on the lobby bar at Restaurant Indigo. Chef Teague champions sustainable and native produce within the kitchens, while food waste is composted for biogas and fertilizer for local farms.