Prepare to be dazzled by Firmdale’s latest, largest and boldest hotel, Ham Yard. From the huge bronze Tony Cragg sculpture in the leafy courtyard to a Texan, solid maple, 1950’s style bowling alley downstairs to the pewter piano that’s now an ice bucket on the rooftop garden, this is not your standard hotel. Ideal venue for a first date- there will be no shortage of talking points. As a Flatiron-based friend staying there said, “sick hotel”.
Designed by owner Kit Kemp, an avid collector who spans the globe furnishing her various hotels (8 in London and 1 in Manhattan) Ham Yard is a riot of bright colours and quirky touches. Maximalists will love it. Minimalists should stay home. Ham Yard opened a week ago and is already fully booked. Here are a few images to wet your appetite.
‘Group’ by British sculptor Tony Cragg.
Other ground floor attractions include 13 independent shops soon to open, including Rio-swimwear brand Frescobol Carioca, cool juice company Press London, and high-end, handmade glasses group Eyewear Concierge. Below are images of the bar and restaurant.
Kemp found these marble windows in India and made them into mirrors. The hanging lights from Mexico re-use old Coke bottle tops.
The drawing room below is for guests only. Sorry.
Las Vegas comes to Soho by the downstairs bar.
There’s also a 190-seat electric blue and tangerine orange cinema, a well-equipped gym and spa and, don’t forget that 4-lane bowling alley. Lace up.
Time to strike.
A driftwood detail on the dance floor of the ‘Croc Bar’.
Care for an olive?
Bath-time
Bed-time
Dream of meadows up high
June, 2014
