With its nine restaurants (yes, nine), eighth-floor rooftop bars, a rooftop pool with views over London and 12 different categories of rooms, The Ned (almost) needs no introduction.
Opened earlier this year, the hotel – co-launched by Soho House’s Nick Jones – has already been hailed as the coolest new spots in London. The reason? Set in the City’s former Midland Bank, the hotel boasts daily live music in the old banking hall, a Vault Room bar – star of the 1964 James Bond film, Goldfinger – and the sort of atmosphere that will most likely make you never want to leave.
Then there’s the Ned’s subterranean spa, Barbour & Parlour, which is where we’re headed. There’s a Cheeky nail station, a Trish McEvoy make-up room (think make-up lessons and makeovers), a barbershop and a Miguel Perez hair salon – offering cuts, colour and blow dries.
And best of all? You don’t need to be a Ned member to enjoy it, as Grazia discovers..
The Treatments
Descend one flight of stairs to enter The Ned’s urban tranquil and first up is Cheeky, home of speedy nail treatments – ideal for those in a hurry. The music is fun and carefree (expect Madonna’s Holiday and Sister Sledge), but while the atmosphere may be relaxed, the beauticians’ attention to detail is anything but. Our mani pedis are impeccable.
Next door, Parlour 1 offers manicures, pedicures and facials by Cowshed – the beauty brand that famously started in a cow shed at Babbington House – a skin rejuvenation bar, and Miguel Perez’ first stand-alone location. For the boys? Ned’s Barbershop, which offers everything from a haircut to traditional wet shaves and facials (they’ll throw in a beer while you’re at it).
Next Level Relaxation
Head down one floor further – past The Ned’s impressive array of beauty products for sale – and you’ll find our favourite bit of the spa: Ned’s Club Relax (access is for hotel guests and members only, or for those ready to spend £200 on Cowshed treatments).
There’s the sauna, a steam room and a 20-metre indoor swimming pool surrounded by marble columns. As with the rest of the hotel, it’s nothing short of beautiful: think hand-painted wallpaper, wooden lockers and marble-clad changing rooms.
Our Cowshed facial included exfoliation and extraction, a beautifully relaxing combination of essential oils, a mask and a head and neck massage. Tired skin was left glowing for hours afterwards while a quick pit stop at the Club Room next door – a library style relaxation area – was the perfect ending.
There, you can slip into a fluffy dressing gown, enjoy fresh apples and coconut-infused water, teas, coffees, juices and shakes in The Mint Bar, as well as an endless selection of magazines.
For those in need of even further relaxation, there’s a traditional Moroccan hammam, offering four more treatments.
Insider Tip
Why not give yourself an alternative Friday night out? Head downstairs after work for a manicure, massage or facial (or all three), and then, when you’re ready, head back up to The Ned’s imposing entrance hall for dinner at Cecconi’s, poke at Kaia or New York comfort food at Zobler’s Delicatessen.
The Lowdown
Cowshed manicures start at £55 for 45 minutes, facials at £65 for 30 minutes and massages at £70.
Cheeky treatments available from £20 to £55 for a pedicure with Shellac.
For more information, visit www.thened.com/
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