Bowie, Madonna, Iggy Pop – some of the greatest music icons are masters of reinvention…. so K West Hotel & Spa has decided to follow suit. The hotel has recently undergone a dramatic interior refurbishment designed to reflect its rich music heritage and history of musicians playing and staying at the hotel.
Formerly the BBC Building Kensington House in the 60s, an endless list of Rock ‘N’ Roll royalty has stayed, played and misbehaved at K West – Bob Marley and the Wailers, Bowie, The Kinks and Roxy Music to name a few. Since becoming a hotel, the venue has continued to strike a chord with musicians, who often stay whilst playing at nearby music venues O2 Shepherds Bush Empire and the Apollo. The hotel’s redecoration encompasses the new two floor Studio Bar & Kitchen, and multi-functional Library Room, which will pay tribute to the music heritage and golden age of Rock ‘N’ Roll through bold artwork and bookshelves filled with books on iconic musicians and rock bands.
On the ground floor by the entrance, The Studio Bar has been given a moody, music-infused atmosphere come the evenings. Industrial style pendant lamps hang low over raised tables, and textured silver wallpaper by Dixon & Turner gives the bar a modern edge. The polished dark walnut-wood flooring brings warmth to the area, which is opened up with the use of floor-to-ceiling mirrored pillars and relaxed seating arrangements. Up-cycled furniture has been used to create high backed booth seating along the back wall, separated by silver and black voile curtains to create intimate VIP style corners.
Chic black and white artwork depicting musicians hangs above each booth, with punchy contrasting accents of colour adding vibrancy. Even the drinks menu has been injected with some Rock ‘N’ Roll swagger, with six signature Bourbon Whiskey Cocktails available, plus the quirky K West special ‘Pickleback’ shot of Jack Daniels whiskey accompanied with a shot of pickle juice.
By day, Studio Bar is a light and airy space for creative media meetings over coffees and laptops. Plugs are fitted conveniently by seats; ensuring meetings never run out of charge, and a ‘Geek Hub’ laptop bar with complimentary iMacs for guests to use can be found tucked into a snug area around the corner from the bar.
On the mezzanine floor above the Bar, The Studio Kitchen has been transformed into an informal eatery with an urban New York vibe. This is continued in the menu which now offers a range of US style burgers like the Green Chilli Cheese Burger and the Californian Chicken. Edgy city landscape sketches stretch along the walls, mirrored by a quirky wave of banquet seating hugging the back of the room. Sprinklings of filament light bulbs suspended on individual wires add an abstract, arty feel to the room.
The Library Room has been redesigned to complement the front of house bar, providing a relaxed, informal and creative atmosphere which can be completely sealed off from the buzz of the bar with black and silver drapes suspended between a giant wooden frame. Statement Andy Warhol style artwork depicting Amy Winehouse is displayed at one end of the room, a tribute to yet another music legend who loved the hotel, and guests can relax on comfy charcoal grey sofas and armchairs.
Against the opposite wall, a large flatscreen TV sits in the centre of floor-to-ceiling bookshelves, which display an eye-catching collection of coffee table books. The Library will be a multifunctional space which will be used for screenings, events, pop-ups and various other antics as well as providing a chill space for guests.
In keeping with the music theme, a Glam Rock Afternoon Tea will also be launching. It will be available in the afternoon from 2-6pm, and with cocktails from 10pm until 1am.
K West Hotel & Spa, Richmond Way, London W14 0AX
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