STARTER
The Hux Hotel LONDON
Words: Matt Turner Photography: Courtesy of The Hux Hotel
T
he entrance to The Hux Hotel may
den, live music venue and London bolthole. By
be discreet – tucked away behind an
day, it serves as a cosy spot for coffee or brunch,
inconspicuous black door between a
and by night, the spaces really come alive. The
hair salon and an Italian chain restaurant on
tiny reception desk converts to a bar counter,
Kensington High Street – yet once inside, the
while the piano – impromptu jazz performances
decor is anything but.
are a regular occurrence – doubles as a perch for
Up the steps to the cocktail lounge-cum-
In the bar, the concise nine-drink cocktail
reveals itself in a dramatic riot of vibrant
menu has been inspired by taxidermy as much
colour, accompanied by a curated collection
as mixology. The hotel’s menagerie of resident
of provocative artwork and stuffed animals.
animals is a veritable Noah’s Ark, with peacocks,
Mustard and aubergine-hued upholstery pops
monkeys and a towering giraffe watching down
against the deep blue walls and atmospheric
from staircases and darkened corners with
lighting, while extensive indoor foliage
beady their eyes. A pair of canoodling penguins
enhances the tropical aesthetic.
at the end of the bar have influenced the Pingu
Owner Ben Patrick says he aimed to create
& Flipper Nest, made with vanilla vodka,
an entirely different experience to any
frangelico, Chartreuse and white cacao liqueur,
other property in the capital, and that the
while the Pigelou Pipe Show is smoky, rich in
accommodation is almost secondary. “People
rum and infused with absinthe.
come here for an experience – the music,
Art plays a central role too. At the top of the
the artwork, the bar,” he quips. “If they stay
staircase, a graphic work proclaims in bold neon
overnight, it’s a bonus.”
type against a London streetmap background,
The hotel is equal parts late-night drinking
042
more ornithological statuary.
lobby, this 24-key, four-suite boutique hotel
‘It’s nice here innit’. And who are we to argue?
