The Vibe: Bohemian-Gothic
The Area: In Fitzrovia, a stone’s throw from the retail heaven/hell of Oxford Street, and perfect for foodies (Soho, as well as the culinary enclave of Charlotte Street, are close by), theatregoers and sightseers. Nearest tube: Tottenham Court Road. Nearest mainline station: Euston.
The DNA: Blink and you will miss it. The unassuming framed ornate wrought iron gates are the first of many indications that rules have been broken when designing the concept of The Mandrake Hotel. Five years in the making, The Mandrake sits in a former Victorian office block and has been artfully converted into a cool, urban boutique hotel. Striking pieces of art depicted by nature make a lasting impression when entering the strangely calming lobby. Industrial-style walls marry nicely with the understated yet stylish reception desk. The lobby hangs under a large gothic-style chandelier, lit by 30 wax candles, and the soft ambient lighting is well balanced to welcome guests into a curious new world. The theme of outdoor indoor space has been well examined throughout the building, with natural light and the hotel’s incredible terrace being seen from almost all corners of the public area. A modest courtyard is poised and readily equipped for all occasions and looks up to the terrace, above which is a large living wall of plantation. The dramatic Labradorite bar, at some 9m (30ft) in length, is the hotel’s source of energy. The dark Victorian paneled mahogany long bar is balanced by the room’s inspiration of nature. This area is rich in greens, with a gentle riot of Parisian fabrics and thick verdant palm textures of green, purple and red. Above the bar hangs the specially commissioned mythical-gazelcock (part-impala, park peacock) by Enrique Gomez de Molina, adding the mixture of eclecticism and humour.
Suite-Me-Up: Each of the guest rooms and siuites is designed to unlock a chic, unique, cosy, quiet, high-ceilinged refuge, worlds away from the hustle and bustle of London life below. All are carved around the palm tree-studded interior courtyard, which centres the hotel and provides rooms with ample natural light. Designed with a mixture of maximalist bohemian throughout, the rooms create “a glamorous constructed garden of Eden”.
Seen: Hotel Designs
Accolades: Condé Nast Traveler Hot List 2018, Wallpaper* Best Urban Hotels 2018
✅ free Wi-Fi • size matters: 34 rooms & suites • hotel opened: 2018 • architecture: Manole & Whites Architecture • interior design: Tala Fustok • bathroom amenities: Grown Alchemist ❌ no parking available • pets allowed • 24-hour front desk
