NoMad, London
This former police station-based London newbie is making headlines for all the right reasons.
09 September, 2021
- Words by
- India Dowley
“Have
“Have
you stayed at NoMad yet?” was the question on everyone’s
lips when this hotel finally threw open its doors in 2021 – having
been in the making since 2012. Perhaps the most hotly anticipated
opening of 2021, the NoMad London – much like its US siblings in
New York, Los Angeles and Las Vegas – is a place to see and be
seen.
We had to pinch ourselves when we peeked out of our bedroom
window in the morning to a full-frontal view of the Royal Opera
House and theatreland gently starting to stir below. Set in the
grade II-listed former Bow Street Magistrates’ Court and Police
Station, the building’s Covent Garden location is hard to beat.
You’ve no doubt seen the hotel’s foliage-strung atrium all over
Instagram, as The Nomad Restaurant and Bar – headed up by Ashley
Abodeely, with Pietro Collina and Leo Robitschek behind the
renowned cocktail menu – has already become a destination in its
own right. If your hard-earned doesn’t quite stretch to a room,
dinner here will give you a taste of what’s made NoMad somewhere
everyone wants to stay.
Rooms
A distinctive NoMad feel means interiors are homely, arty and
unique. The 91 rooms and suites offer hardwood floors, pink-hued
marble fireplaces, mammoth beds and clawfoot bathtubs. We were
obsessed with our pearlescent bathroom of shimmering tiles and gold
hardware, and with the gorgeous mid-century lighting throughout the
hotel, which beautifully illuminates the idiosyncratic art that
adorns the walls.
NoMad, London
What’s for breakfast?
You’ll struggle to choose from a menu spanning far more
imaginative offerings than the usual suspects – the breakfast
burrito being a highlight.
How about lunch and dinner?
The aforementioned atrium restaurant is abuzz with diners
slurping on frozen-cucumber oysters, twirling king crab
tagliatelle, tucking into suckling pig and rounding things off with
rum baba. The sommelier is particularly friendly and will guide you
through a global wine list.
Guests can also head to Side Hustle. Based on a classic British
pub, it packs a colourful punch, with a menu featuring tacos,
tostados, margaritas et al.
Is there a bar?
Yep, just next to the restaurant. Slick and seductive, it’s an
ideal place for a date even if you’re not staying. Take it slow and
stay until closing time.
Things I should know…
You can visit the Bow Street Police Museum below the hotel –
book at reception and a member of staff will show you around. If
you’re into British crime dramas, this one’s for you.