Latest news with #FirmdaleHotels
The Independent
28-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Independent
Number Sixteen, London hotel review
Location With its discreet, column-framed entrance squeezed between private residences on Sumner Place, Number Sixteen enjoys the serenity of SW7, while being just steps from some of London 's most celebrated museums. From this terrace of white mid-Victorian stucco in South Kensington, it's a short stroll to the Natural History Museum, Science Museum and the V&A, as well as high-end shopping in Harrods and the big brands of Brompton Road. South Kensington Underground Station is just a three-minute walk away for the Piccadilly, Circle and District lines linking into the city. After check-out, it's less than a 20-minute taxi to Victoria and Paddington stations for connections further afield. The vibe It can be hard to find unpretentious class in the capital, but this flamboyantly feminine hotel does well to bring the grandeur and warmth of a country estate to west London. The boutique bolthole is part of Firmdale Hotels' townhouse collection and is emblazoned with signature interiors by co-founder Kit Kemp. Décor is a war of textures, styles and colours with cosy corners in clashing prints and random animal motifs; an eclectic masterclass in all things mismatched. Still, a sense of homely tranquillity prevails. Naturally lit, characterful and intimate, this is the sort of stay that would make travellers want to move to London. The service You can expect a warm welcome once you've found this hotel's subtle front door. Staff are on hand around the clock, attentive, armed with recommendations and willing to show guests the ropes of the honesty bar. Service at dinner was personable and prompt, with honest à la carte suggestions, and the coffees kept coming while I worked from the garden before check-out. Bed and bath All 41 rooms at Number Sixteen are individually dressed and feature washed linens, vintage fabrics and flirty florals. Room categories range from single to superior, some summer or winter themed, others with a small balcony. Wallpaper is more modern English than garish, but it's the bespoke headboards that take centre stage beneath the high ceilings with dressmakers' mannequins to match. King-sized beds are unfathomably comfortable beside antique wooden wardrobes, whilst upholstery in shades of pistachio, hot pink and periwinkle feels calming rather than chaotic. Some rooms are without terrace or courtyard views, but all have an in-room mini bar, televisions, radios, best-in-class robes and a pillow mist to aid shut-eye. Bathrooms – a mix of walk-in showers or tubs – are done out in grey granite and oak and come with RikRak products. Food and drink An airy conservatory with vases of flowers and French doors out to a small garden – a meal at the Orangery feels more like a homemade dinner at a friend's than an SW7 restaurant. Prosciutto-wrapped melon, decadent cheddar croquettes and fish and chips are served on forest-themed fine china. If you've room for pudding, order a classic Eton mess or the cheeseboard featuring British styles. Breakfast showcases the best of British fare, with Old English sausages and Stornoway black pudding. A table of toast and preserves, fresh fruit and pastries accompanies every 'egg on English muffin' combination, best taken outside to enjoy under a mulberry tree. For leisurely lunches, afternoon tea is served daily with tried-and-tested finger sandwich combinations and a selection of tea infusions. As for tipples in the small hours, there's a stocked honesty bar of beers, wine and spirits in the library alongside a 24-hour room service menu. Facilities The ground floor is home to a string of stylish public spaces – the Drawing Room, Library and Orangery – each with playful art installations, along with the hotel's whimsical private garden. In the garden, there is a water lily-planted Koi carp pond, a pagoda and a collection of sage green tables for dining outdoors. You won't find a gym or spa at the hotel, but there is a menu of in-room massage treatments to lean into from Soholistic. Some rooms in this listed townhouse are wheelchair accessible. Although there is a small lift, many rooms are only accessible via the stairs. Pet policy Dogs and other furry friends are not permitted at Number Sixteen. Check in/check out Check in from 3pm; check out by 12pm. Family-friendly? Yes. Room categories can accommodate a cot or extra bed, with interconnecting options and children's amenities including mini bathrobes, kids' menus and milk and cookies served at bedtime. At a glance Best thing: The lofty, Princess and the Pea-style beds. Perfect for: Couples after a colourful home from home. Instagram from: The pretty courtyard garden.
Hospitality Net
12-05-2025
- Business
- Hospitality Net
Chris McCormack has been appointed Chef Concierge at Fouquet's New York
Fouquet's New York is delighted to announce the appointment of Chris McCormack as Chef Concierge. Chris McCormack began his hotel career in his hometown of Sydney, Australia in 1996 as a part-time Overnight Bellman. Within two years, he rose to the position of Assistant Front of House Manager. In 1999, McCormack moved to London to continue to pursue his passion for hospitality, serving in prestigious boutique properties such as Covent Garden Hotel, Charlotte Street Hotel, and the opening of Soho Hotel. In 2009, McCormack was appointed Head Concierge for the launch of Crosby Street Hotel in New York City, a position he held until 2023. After over twenty-five years with Firmdale Hotels, McCormack began a new and exciting chapter in 2025 at Fouquet's New York. McCormack has been an active member of the New York City Association of Hotel Concierges (NYCAHC) for nearly fifteen years - now serving as the President - fostering industry partnerships leading educational opportunities within the hospitality industry, and advocating for the concierge profession.
Forbes
07-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Forbes
Kit Kemp: The Artful Hotelier Bringing Authenticity & Edge To Luxury Design
Forbes K it Kemp, the creative force behind Firmdale Hotels, has reimagined what luxury hospitality looks like. Known for her bold and eclectic style, the British interior designer and hotelier has turned hot spots like the Soho Hotel, Covent Garden Hotel and the Whitby into more than just places to rest, meet and work—the vibe is beautifully curated homes. With properties spanning from London to New York plus Barbados, each location reflects Kemp's signature flair for vibrant color, unexpected details and a warm, welcoming atmosphere. What sets Kemp apart from her peers is her fearless approach to pattern, texture and color, combined with her commitment to showcasing artisanal craftsmanship and contemporary art. Her work has earned high marks, including the Andrew Martin International Interior Designer of the Year Award, also known as the Oscars of the design world, and House & Garden's Top 100 Designers and Architects. Beyond hotels, Kemp has authored several top-selling design books and has collaborated with brands such as Anthropologie, Wedgwood and Chelsea Textiles to create tableware, fabrics and furniture collections. PERSISTENCE In an industry often dominated by minimalism and masculine perspectives, Kemp's persistence in championing her distinctive aesthetic has been nothing short of revolutionary. She speaks with layers of thoughtful insights delivered with an infectious enthusiasm that make even the most complex design principles feel accessible. Kemp's early career benefited from what she calls "the arrogance of youth"—a quality she now appreciates as essential to breaking new ground. "It's difficult if you're an impulsive person," she says. "I was always impulsive and had the arrogance of youth. The arrogance of youth is a savior ... you can look at a Picasso and think you can do that." This fearlessness meant she trusted her distinctive style when conventional wisdom might have pushed for safer, more homogenized designs. Her advice to young designers reflects this philosophy: "When you are young, you can be oversensitive," she says. "Women can take things personally ... if something doesn't go your way, you just have to dust yourself down and be persistent. You can't sulk in your bedroom. Someone may have been insulting; remember you are young, let it drift over you, and keep on." Kemp's tenacity extends to how she evaluates talent as well. "I have had people want to come to work for me; if they are persistent, then I will give them a second or third review," she shares. This appreciation for determination reflects her own journey—recognizing that genuine passion often manifests as a willingness to "come in at a different angle" and keep pushing forward despite setbacks. PURPOSE While Kemp's designs may appear effortlessly eclectic, her business and creative approach reveals a sophisticated strategic mindset that balances artistic vision with commercial success. Rather than following trends, she has established a distinctive strategy centered on authenticity, craftsmanship and creating spaces that tell compelling stories. "Keep your own counsel, as it were," Kemp advises. "It's part of your DNA; listen to yourself, and have your own guidelines and creative parameters." This commitment to a personal true north has allowed her to develop a recognizable aesthetic without falling into predictability. Each property has a distinct identity while bearing her artistic signature. Interestingly, Kemp's business strategy deliberately avoids common industry practices. "Don't try to please someone else; the best thing to do is to do something to please yourself and those around you. My hotels are my little treasure boxes. You shouldn't think of them as a brand. Make your brand your secret," she explains. "When I see a brand, they are going to sell it. I want to keep it. It is a passion, something that has been built together." This counter-intuitive approach—resisting the urge to aggressively market her aesthetic as a brand—has paradoxically strengthened her position as one of the most recognizable voices in design. By maintaining quality and artistic integrity, she's created demand without diluting her vision. Kemp strategically infuses storytelling into her designs, often drawing on cultural heritage and craft traditions. At the Whitby Hotel, for example, she showcases craftsmanship through an installation of traditional baskets. "Each basket for the bar at the Whitby has a story. One was used in Wales, in the British Isles, to collect apples or flowers. Some baskets won't be made now; they are time pieces." This strategic incorporation of narrative elements creates emotional connections with guests while preserving cultural heritage. PASSION Kemp's passion for craftsmanship radiates throughout her work. "It is always craft. I love craft. Being made by hand," she declares with undisguised enthusiasm. This dedication to artisanal techniques forms the emotional core of her design philosophy, creating spaces that feel personal and soulful rather than mass-produced. What truly distinguishes Kemp is how she celebrates the beauty of imperfection. She explains. "True original craftsmanship often comes with slight imperfection. An imperfection can make you look twice. It is the creator's handwriting." This passionate attention to a human touch creates spaces that engage visitors on multiple levels. Her passion extends to cultural preservation and inclusion. When designing the Whitby Hotel, she created a visual representation of diversity through craftsmanship. "I oversee everything that goes into the building, the art and we had so many different nationalities working on the site." By incorporating traditional crafts from various cultures, she honors both the artisans and their heritage while creating something entirely contemporary. Her passionate commitment to authentic expression echoes in her advice: "Be proud of who you are, your vanity. Be authentic; they will like you." This philosophy underpins both her personal approach and her design work—creating spaces that confidently express a point of view rather than trying to please everyone. Explore The Series And Meet More Mould-Breaking Creators CREDIT Photographer: Kelly Marshall
Telegraph
05-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Telegraph
The Padstow restaurant with rooms that launched Rick Stein's empire
I'm on my feet, dancing. So are dozens of others, to a stream of Seventies hits. Rick Stein is manning the turntables of his mobile discotheque; the strobe lights are flashing, the glitterball is glittering and there's no chance of a brawl breaking out at the Seafood Restaurant in Padstow, celebrating its 50th anniversary in style. It had started, you see, as a nightclub, where Rick and his then-wife Jill witnessed so many brawls that it was closed down by the authorities. 'Back then,' says Jill, 'Cornwall felt separate, like frontier land; it's much more cosmopolitan today.' In place of the nightclub, armed with nothing more than hope over experience, she and Rick decided to open a fish restaurant. Here we all are, half a century on, celebrating not just the original restaurant with rooms but the mini-empire (four restaurants plus bar, cookery school, shops and hotel accommodation in Padstow and six restaurants elsewhere) that the Steins have created and still run today. Very occasionally, a young couple starts out in hospitality, not knowing where their adventure will take them but with complimentary skills and a magic touch that enables them to become pillars of the industry. Robin and Judy Hutson (The Pig hotels) and Tim and Kit Kemp (Firmdale Hotels) had what it took and so did Rick and Jill Stein. In their case, not even a bitter divorce in 2007 and Rick's remarriage ended their endeavour. Here they are tonight, in front of Rick's Purple Tiger disco, taking a bow. With them are their three sons, Ed, Jack and Charlie, all now working in the family business and intent on carrying it forward, hopefully for another 50 years. For me, there are a handful of truly memorable dining rooms and the Seafood Restaurant is one of them. On my family's summer bucket and spade holidays at Daymer Bay in the Eighties and Nineties, the great annual treat was to find a babysitter, catch the ferry from Rock to Padstow and blow our money in the scintillating, all-white, eclectic, art-filled Seafood Restaurant, going home on a high. Does it matter that it never won a Michelin star? No: fish is best served fresh and simple and it was the ambience, the glamour and the buzz that counted – and still does. One criticism: the rather dreary breakfast buffet. No complaints about St Petroc's Bistro (French), the Café (dishes with an Asian twist) or the blue and white tiled Fish and Chip Shop for eating in and taking out. The restaurant was created, like the 36 bedrooms across three different Padstow properties, by Jill Stein, hardly the better known of the pair but nonetheless with a crucial role. 'There are few well-known women in hospitality,' says Jill, who began by offering bed and breakfast at home at the same time as running the nightclub. Like Judy Hutson and Kit Kemp, she believes in comfort first and my room above the Seafood Restaurant was just that, as well as cleverly timeless, with the bonus of a fabulous estuary-facing terrace. The prettily packaged, locally made Porthleven bath products are hers too. Nowadays Jill works with her daughter-in-law Kate Stein, who has designed textiles, ceramics and homeware for the brand. Their next project will be six 'fishing shack' bedrooms. My favourite of Jill's existing rooms, divided between the Seafood Restaurant, St Edmunds House and St Petroc's Bistro are those, elegant and seaside-chic, above the Bistro, which is also a delight, with views on to a secret garden. And downstairs is Ruby's, Jill's charming evocation of a Cornish smugglers' bar. Of course, it was Rick Stein's success as a TV chef that propelled his restaurants and rooms to fame and fortune. But 50 years on, despite all that, this is still a family-run enterprise with plenty of challenges, not least the current economic climate. Its various outlets are embedded in pretty Padstow, once dubbed 'Padstein'. It's still an occasion to eat in the Seafood Restaurant, the lucky ones with lobster thermidor or fruits de mer on ice (£120 for two) piled up in front of them. In 2003 Rick Stein was awarded the OBE for services to tourism in Cornwall. Ten years later, Jill also received one, for services to the hospitality industry. 'I'm proud of that,' she says, 'but it's not my greatest achievement.' Which is? 'That I'm still here.'
The Guardian
22-02-2025
- Lifestyle
- The Guardian
Your five-star bedroom: how to bring that hotel aesthetic home
Whether it's the crisp white sheets, plush rugs, luxurious finishes or serene feel, there is always something deliciously inviting about a boutique hotel bedroom. So it is hardly surprising many of us attempt to recreate that same warm and inviting look in our own homes. In fact, according to Pinterest, in the last three months alone, searches for 'hotel room aesthetic' have risen 30% from the previous quarter and 'modern luxury bedroom' has jumped 25%. And yet we still somehow fall short: the bed never looks quite as plump, furnishing appears less harmonious and clothes are constantly spilling out of wardrobes. The Guardian's journalism is independent. We will earn a commission if you buy something through an affiliate link. Learn more. 'People can find it difficult to design bedrooms because it is such a sacred and personal space,' says Minnie Kemp, interior designer and design director for Firmdale Hotels, which includes London's Ham Yard Hotel and New York's Whitby Hotel. 'But it doesn't have to be difficult and there are lots of things that you can do, like the choices of bedding, furniture and artwork, that will help achieve that boutique hotel look.' London-based interior designer Anna Haines believes the starting point for a beautiful bedroom is the bed itself, bearing in mind we spend a third of our lives in one and it is the room's focal point. 'I love a four-poster bed because it gives a room a feeling of grandeur,' she says. 'People think you need a large room but we like to overscale furniture in smaller spaces. It works particularly well and helps the room feel a bit bigger.' Choose a statement bed frame or headboard to make an impact. 'You don't have to change the whole bed, but if you can reupholster your bed frame with a beautiful fabric which has pattern and colour, that instantly draws your eye,' explains interior designer Enass Mahmoud, founder and creative director of London-based Studio Enass. A good mattress is also crucial. 'It's like a good sofa,' explains Haines. 'You need one that lasts years.' There has been a rise in popularity in more sustainable options from brands such as Naturalmat and Vispring. 'There is no way to select the correct support for your weight or to determine your comfort preference, other than trying out in store,' says Clare Schifano, Vispring's global marketing director. 'If you are purchasing with a partner, always shop together. A common misconception is that firmer is better; in fact, a softer mattress can still be supportive.' When it comes to dressing the bed, white cotton holds the trump card, according to Kemp. 'I love using it because it is fresh and timeless and then you can be playful with your bed cushions and bedspread.' A vintage quilt can also be thrown over the end of the bed for added effect. Haines agrees: 'I tend to source antique kanthas or Welsh blankets just to throw the scent off from everything being too matchy. It helps break up what can be a colossus of white.' Silk bedding is also popular. 'It's a wonderfully soft and smooth finish that emulates a perfectly made hotel bed,' says Deborah Fiddy, founder of silk brand Gingerlily. 'Unlike cotton, which absorbs the moisture from our skin and hair, silk helps retain it and as a result the bed sheets won't feel damp or uncomfortable.' Everyone agrees that a couple of pillows on the bed are not enough for hotel-style impact. 'I would have two in white cotton and two more extravagant 60cm by 40cm cushions,' suggests Kemp. The foundation of a boutique bedroom lies in its colour scheme. Paint may be your natural go-to option but do also consider wallpaper, says Haines. 'It feels more cosy and can be an understated pattern.' Artwork, even on wallpaper, adds personality. While neutral tones create a timeless backdrop, don't feel you have to play it safe. 'We always try to express to clients that it's OK to use darker tones in the bedroom. It actually makes you feel more relaxed,' says Mahmood, who has designed several bedrooms with moody blues and greens. Dressing the windows is also a must. 'I love layering them – having a really nice patterned blind and then adding beautiful drapes over it. People sometimes put up curtains that are exactly the same width as a window, but if you were to drape the curtains from the ceiling right down to a few inches off the floor, it makes it look more elevated.' Storage is the biggest issue when it comes to bedrooms at home, which generally need to pack in more than in a hotel. 'There is nothing worse than not having enough space and for clothes to be strewn all over the room,' says Haines. 'People underestimate the importance of having really good, bespoke joinery to maximise the space you have. With joinery, you can create a shelf at the top for suitcases or seasonal clothing, have hanging space, and then drawers at the bottom.' Kemp adds: 'I love ottoman beds. They give so much storage.' Lighting is frequently an afterthought in bedroom design but it is key to the right atmosphere, says Georgia Metcalfe, founder of the company French Bedroom. 'Choose elegant overhead lighting on a dimmer, paired with soft low-level lights that give a warm bedside glow. Lighting should always look as good on as it does off – sculptural table lamps make beautiful ornaments within a room. For a truly hotel-style room, consider low-hanging pendants either side of your bed, or wall lights above the bedside tables.' Mixing vintage furniture with contemporary pieces makes a room more visually appealing. 'We always encourage putting an armchair in a bedroom and we often source an antique chair,' says Haines. And lastly, if you are wondering whether to go for carpet or a rug, why not try both? 'I would recommend a fitted sisal carpet and then layering rugs on top of that,' says Kemp. 'It is not only great for acoustics but also has an indulgent hotel feel.'
