The only things I know Shepherd’s Bush for are the Empire and Westfields, neither of which makes for a very relaxing time. So imagine my delight when I found a hidden gem behind the main roundabout, K West Hotel And Spa, aka, An Inner-City Haven (well, known as that to me!).
The Hotel is nestled in among nice, quiet residential streets, making it the ideal spot for celebrities and musicians performing at the Empire to stay. On the weekend I visited, I was told a very popular male singer was also crashing there… but by the age bracket of the young fans waiting outside, it wasn’t someone I’d ever recognise.
K West Hotel & Spa underwent a redesign in 2014, inspired by the West London hotel’s rich music heritage; it was once the site of the BBC building Kensington House in the ’60s. Stars like Bob Marley and the Wailers, Bowie, The Kinks and Roxy have all played here. It’s no wonder then that the hotel emphasises this history throughout the building.
The Library Room has been redesigned providing a relaxed, informal atmosphere. It’s filled with an impressive collection of coffee-table books and statement artwork depicting the greats such as Amy Winehouse. A large flat-screen TV is used to stream music channels, and films for guests. Keep an eye on this place as The Library will be used for screenings, events and pop-ups including mini-festivals this summer.
In keeping with the music theme, a Glam Rock Afternoon Tea has also been launched. It is available in the afternoon from 2-6pm, and with cocktails from 10pm until 1am. This can be served in The Library, The Studio Bar or upstairs on the mezzanine floor. The mezzanine floor is also home to Studio Kitchen; an informal eatery that offers delicious food including Green Chilli Cheese Burger, Buttermilk Chicken Burger and Truffle Mac & Cheese. What’s not to like?
By night, The Studio Bar on the ground floor has been given a moody, music-infused atmosphere with industrial-style pendant lamps hanging low over raised tables. Up-cycled furniture is used to create high-backed booth seating along the back wall, separated by curtains to create intimate VIP-style corners – perfect for negotiating your next record deal! Black and white artwork depicting musicians hangs above each booth to remind you of the history of the place. Every Friday and Saturday, top DJs play until 2am while the talented bartenders mix up strong cocktails to get you feeling like a hardened party animal.
But it’s not all sex, drugs and rock’n’roll. K West is home to one of the most relaxing spas I’ve ever been to. After all the food, cocktails and music I was ready for a well-deserved rest (OK, maybe not well-deserved, but still – I needed it!). Downstairs was a sanctuary of peace. K West’s holistic spa offers a range of exclusive treatments, I went for a 55-minute vitamin D full-body massage. Designed for city workers whose skin is exposed to pollution, stress and everyday struggles, the treatment included scrubs, creams and a talented masseuse to get your skin from a dull grey, to a fresh, baby-faced sheen. As well as the fully-equipped treatment rooms, K Spa also features a twinkling hydrotherapy pool, sanarium, sauna, dry flotation tank, aromatic herbal steam room and the fully equipped K Fit gymnasium (all of which I used to burn off the calories from the night before). Is that enough? No?! OK then, how about the first Snow Paradise in London? An ice room that mimics the Finnish experience of alternating between freezing and steamy environments. Not only great for your skin and circulation, but super fun too!
This place is a total urban retreat. Once done with the hard-core R&R (Rock & Roll AND Rest & Relaxation!), retire to one of K West’s beautifully decorated suites which feature beds big enough to fit 10 groupies, and deep, stand-alone baths that you won’t ever want to get out of…
The only downside is that you won’t want to leave.
*Prices start from £125 per room per night, and the K Suites are from £540 per night including VAT. *
*Spa packages are also available and include overnight accommodation and treatments. *
*K West Hotel & Spa, Richmond Way, London W14 0AX *
For reservations call: 020 8008 6600 or visit www.k-west.co.uk