yabu pushelberg designs the first-ever super boutique hotel the londoner

the londoner, designed by yabu pushelberg, opens in leicester square

steps away from many of the UK capital’s most renowned and visited theaters, it hits the perfect pitch that the londoner hotel in leicester square was designed by yabu pushelberg as an ode to the art of performance. sixteen stories above- and below-ground, archetypes of a theater production’s cast and crew personify the interiors, adding an ensemble of unique characters and layering mystery, entertainment, culture and, fundamentally, relaxation to the guest experience. it is no reason the establishment is described as the first-ever super boutique hotel.

the interiors of super boutique hotel the londoner are designed by yabu pushelberg

all images © henry bourne

the hotel interiors personify crew and cast of a theater production

yabu pushelberg creates a seductive ambience in the hotel lobby, reception and bar. people are immediately welcomed by the open space. the reception is tucked to the side to be unobtrusive, enable remote check-in, free passage to the lounge, and allow valets to greet and guide guests to rooms. the bar is seen as the gatekeeper to their experience. intimate seating in the gathering area references a living theater, orchestrated around the box-shaped bar nestled under a veiled atrium. a glowing halo wraps around the mirrored ceiling for added spectacle.

with interiors mirroring the art of performance, the lobby bar recreates a living theater

opposite check-in and beyond the lounge, the whitcomb’s – the londoner’s all day dining destination – occupies a corner of the ground floor on leicester square. the room transforms throughout the day with two harvest tables changing for breakfast and dinner. oversized black and white graphic portraits line the walls to add some whimsy, poetic elegance. a dramatic wire sculpture, protruding from the ceiling, depicts loosely sketches faces.

whimsy, poetic artwork adds character to the transformative all-day dining at whitcomb, the londoner

in contrast, joshua’s tavern is a much more relaxed setting for locals as well as guests. drinks are served in a setting combining function and aesthetics. wall murals depict a dynamic play on scenes from the 18th century of joshua reynolds, the portraiture artist who lived on the square, by en viu. industrial overhead copper canisters stow larger and ale, and leather saddle stools, collapsible side seating, highly polished brass bars and shelves, and fully retractable windows complete the space.

for locals and guests, en viu’s playful murals enclose the pub joshua’s tavern

of all eateries open to the public, the 8 at the londoner crowns the hotel; the restaurant, bar and terrace sits on the top floor. the thick, dark wood slats that cover floor-to-ceiling are paired with an intricate roping installation reminiscent of the ancient japanese art of shibari. an open-air terrace sits at the heart. walls of rope surround the space with a suspended sculpture weaved and hung above the fireplace.

the backbone of the hotel is an exposed staircase leading guests from the ground floor to the event spaces below-ground. a custom chandelier, composed of the yabu pushelberg-designed cipher collection for lasvit, cascades down the stairwell. the first floor below the lounge is the green room, which acts as a private club and lounge space. here, soft waves of smooth, curved wood panels and rich velvet curved seating encircles the space. the mirrored ceiling reflects the weaving lines, softly shadowed light and green marble mosaic flooring.

the green room creates a curving private lounge space for functions, before guests descend into the ballroom below

descending further, the ballroom – one of the largest in a hotel in central london – hosts elegant entertainment events and other celebrations. a glowing halo encircles the ceiling, concealed behind a softly suspended curtain of metal mesh. a pre-function lounge greets guests from the stairs and lifts, serving as a flexible space bathed entirely in flexible, neutral tones.

a neutral space welcomes visitors before they enter the large ballroom

a further floor down is the gallery, the hotel’s meeting and breakout rooms, each named after the city’s most famous art galleries. luxury leather-wrapped conferences tables sit in each room, ranging from tables of six and 12 to even larger conferences. artwork furnishes throughout, from the walls to suspension using pulley system of adjustable canters.

with rooms named after london’s art galleries, the gallery room provides spaces for meetings

completing the underground area is the retreat, which houses a pool, treatment center, gym and juice bar. it is outfitted with seating and decorative objects that create a relaxing ambience, like an oasis at the heart of the UK capital. the private cabins and expansive daybeds of the beautifully lit pool and spa are bathed in natural light from the criss-crossed ceiling. off the pool area, a refined juice bar serves therapeutic refreshments.

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the residence is open exclusively to hotel guests

the highlight of the hotel is the residence, comprising a drawing room, Y bar and whiskey room dedicated exclusively to guests. the three distinctive spaces perform for visitors to enjoy a drink, relax and engage. the private mezzanine is up one floor from the main lobby. the Y bar – named after its Y-shaped bar – first greets guests. its wrapped wood panelling is neutral by day but surprises with vivid, illuminating illusions of graffiti-like patterns at night. the drawing room turns to artist en viu again as muraled panels cascade from the ceiling, depicting scenes of flora and fauna. here, guests can rest on the plush sofas and relax, play table games or work. the whiskey room – a jewelry box of a room – is a hidden secret. it features six tables, seductive velvet seating and a collection of the world’s finest whiskeys, each housed under lock and key in its own dedicated vestibule within a glass cabinet.

illuminating graffiti-like patterns create an intimate space at the Y bar for guests that changes throughout the day

there are eight floors dedicated to the private rooms of guests. a private set of elevators, off the main hotel lobby, transfers visitors to vivid corridors of alternating colors. glossy lacquer doors contrast whilst concealing the private chambers behind. wainscoting wood veneer welcomes guests in the entryway of each room. this sets the tone for the rest of the interior as minimal yet warm and tactile material palette furnishes the whole space. as if a box within a box, the living room and bedroom enclose the wet area, which is walled by glass and mirrored panels.

en viu’s muraled panels of flora and fauna cascade from the ceiling of the drawing room

the whiskey room features six tables, seductive velvet seating and a collection of the world’s finest whiskeys

there are eight floors dedicated to the private rooms of guests, each with corridors of alternating vivid colors

the guest rooms adorn a minimal yet warm and tactile material palette

as if a box within a box, the wet area is walled by glass and mirrored panels

hotel info:

hotel: the londoner

interior designers: yabu pushelberg

location: leicester square, london, UK

opening date: september 6, 2021

photographer: henry bourne