IDEA
Like a dynasty of fashionable sisters each with their own trademark style but clearly, part of the same family, all the hotels from the Firmdale family have a unique style and swagger.Owned by husband and wife team Kim and Tim Kemp, each hotel has been completely redesigned from scratch by designer Kim, giving them a stamp of individual design. The Haymarket opened in 2007, and remains one of London’s most recognizable and sought after hotels today due to its stylish and witty interiors.
LOCATION
In the heart of theatreland, the adventurous and bold interiors mirror the drama and bright lights of the hotel’s surroundings. Around every corner is something to look at and keep guests entertained. There’s an abundance of things to do in and around the hotel. The theatre district is replete with.. well.. theatres, but it also got enough cafes, bars and shopping to reduce your credit card to ashes; the Haymarket is the perfect launch pad for all these attractions. You could of course just window shop.
STYLE AND CHARACTER
Every room is like a painted canvas and has a story to tell. We definitely felt that was part of the fun of staying at the hotel, walking into each room we couldn’t help trying to work out the theme behind each décor scheme. From the library, a cornucopia of rich earthy warmth and colour, to the shooting gallery next door with 1960s white Perspex lamps, each room is full of different textures and contrasts which shouldn’t work on paper but somehow do. Classic drawings and historic books mix with contemporary artworks and furnishings to give an eclectic, unpredictable character that’s playful and sassy.
ROOMS
Guestrooms are individually furnished and avoid the “designer formula” look by thoughtful deployment custom-made pieces and much emphasis on rich texture and colour. From the shagreen coffee tables to ivory wood-toned pieces, they evoke contrast and comfort at every level. Our bedroom was home to the most enormous hotel bed we’ve ever slept in, seeming to be wider than it was lengthways. Quirky touches in our bedroom included a glass case full of ‘vegan taxidermy’ butterflies displayed on the wall. The bathroom was a cavernous marble beauty with his and hers sinks, a shower big enough for 10, if that’s your thing, and built-in TV above the bath.
FOOD & DRINK
The hotel’s colourful Brumus bar provides an excellent pre or post theatre meal in a relaxed yet outgoing setting if you just want to make the most of your temporary home. The menu offers a contemporary twist on classic dishes. A starter of Pan roasted diver scallops, quince purée, apple, and crispy pancetta was the perfect balance of sweet delicate seafood meeting sweet fruit and salty bacon. My main course of pork belly with braised endive, butternut squash and candied walnuts was a comforting hug of autumn flavours, and the creme brulee with raspberries prompted bitter spoon-fights with its perfect caramelized custard top.
FACILITIES
If you stay at the Haymarket hotel, the one thing you must do is use the underground swimming pool. Channelling a more ‘Hugh Hefner’s pool bar’ than ‘ hotel spa’ vibes, the subterranean pool is bathed in fluorescent pink lights and overlooked by a giant projection screen. Pink blow-up flamingos float on the water’s surface (baiting the influencer crowd to get in) and a bar is conveniently located in the corner of the room. So if you’ve ever wanted to have a splash in a private pool with some friends in a bouji London hotel, know this: the Haymarket has one for hire, complete with a private bar and staff. Other perks include a lovely little outdoor terrace, and Soholistic spa and gym.
WHY GO
If you’re in town for a show and want a classy, confident stay walking distance away from theatreland, or equally fancy some escapism from the capital’s cliches and conformity, then the Haymarket is the place to whisk you away.
Address: 1 Suffolk Pl, London SW1Y 4HX
Website: www.firmdalehotels.com