A RIVERSIDE HAVEN

After its initial opening in 2014, Sea Containers has continued to make a splash amongst consumers as it boasts some of the most unrivalled hotel amenities in London. Popular for its eclectic vibe and dramatic views, we caught up with Lore Group’s PR and Content Strategist, Chris Kennedy, to delve deeper into the seductive Sea Containers.

Sea Containers London has stood strong on London’s Southbank since its initial opening in 2014 and is an iconic South Bank hotel. With a design reminiscent of a 1920s transatlantic cruise liner, award-winning food and drink outlets, and a continuously bold energy. It’s a destination where glamour meets brutalism – and it is consumer’s anchor on the Thames.

Having originally opened its doors in September 2014 as Mondrian London, Chris explained how the hotel has embarked on an exciting new chapter as Sea Containers London in January 2019. Built in the 1970s by American architect Warren Platner as a luxury fourteen floor hotel, the building’s brief was never fully fulfilled, and instead became offices. Among these was a shipping company, Sea Container, from which the building now draws its name.

This maritime history of the building and its location on the river, combined with Platner’s design work with several cruise liners, provided inspiration for the project.

“The hotel draws guests on a transatlantic journey of discovery, from the impressive copper clad wall inspired by the hull of a ship, through the lobby and swooping past the riverside restaurant and bar, before moving updeck to the guest rooms and rooftop lounge.” Chris explained.

Portraying the elegance of a 1920s cruise liner combined with 1980s post-modernism, Sea Containers’ core identity originates from its design, location and history. Chris said: “All these elements create a unique story, giving guests an experience of what London’s extraordinary South Bank can offer and appealing to those seeking more than just somewhere to sleep.”

Chris explained how award-winning designer Tom

Dixon and his Design Research Studio have reimagined all areas of the historic Warren Platner-designed building; from designing the rooms and the gathering spaces, to choosing the artwork and positioning the beds. Featuring bespoke furniture, custom-designed dimmable lighting and impressive marble bathrooms. The hotel’s bedrooms have the feeling of a cruise cabin, whilst the lobby features a structure inspired by a ship’s hull, clad with copper. The lobby toilets feature curved walls, reflective brass detailing and dark rosewood panelling: “Again referencing the ocean liners of the 1920s”, added Chris.

Inspired by the golden age of ocean cruising, a time when exotic ingredients were introduced to the world, and an abundance of fresh local produce was celebrated, the three distinctive food and drink venues at Sea Containers each offer a dynamic experience.

The hotel plays host to Sea Containers Restaurant promising seasonal ingredient led- cooking, 12th Knot which boasts a rooftop lounge with unparalleled panoramic views over the River Thames and Lyaness, the hotel experimental cocktail bar from master mixologist, Ryan Chetiyawardana (AKA Mr Lyan).

Chris spoke about how Lyaness, Sea Containers’ flagship bar from the award-winning Mr Lyan and team, was recently awarded World’s Best Bar & Best International Hotel Bar 2022 at Tales of Cocktail Spirited Awards making for an incredible USP.

“The menu itself at Lyaness is a continuation of Team Lyan’s curiosity to find new ingredients and make these unusual, alien and outright weird forms more delicious.”

Chris continued: “Another element that makes Sea

Containers so unique is the variety of exciting on-site facilities for guests to enjoy without leaving the comfort of the property.”

Designed by visionary Tom Dixon, Sea Containers Restaurant champions seasonal, ingredient-led cooking, with a carefully curated selection of small and large plates designed to be shared.

Adding to their sizeable food and beverage offering, 12th Knot is the roof terrace bar and lounge on-site at the hotel. Plush seating, seasonal and ingredient led cocktails and food, DJs and live music - all set against an unrivalled backdrop of the River Thames and London makes for an unforgettable addition to the venue.

Again, helping to transport visitors away from the hustle and bustle of the capital is agua London - the hotel’s therapeutic playground. Embracing the glamour and sophistication of the Sea Containers building, the urban spa lounge promises authentic integrative health experiences and personalised therapies.

“agua London spa focuses on authentic experiences and personalised treatments and offers an exclusive retail offering drawn from local British heritage brands - Soveral, De Mamiel, Lola’s Apothecary and Dr Jackson’s Natural Products.” Chris explained.

It seems that it is the extensive list of added extras which work to enhance the overall experience guests receive at Sea Containers London, truly offering something for everyone.

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