Seizing upon a resurgence of creativity in West London in 2015, hotel alternative The Laslett by Living Rooms opened its doors in Notting Hill. Taking its name from well-loved local Rhaune Laslett – a community activist and organiser of the original Notting Hill Festival – The Laslett takes inspiration from the area’s vibrant cultural heritage, whilst also capturing its new wave of creative cool.
Set across five handsome Victorian buildings in Pembridge Gardens, The Laslett is less than a minute from Notting Hill Gate underground station, which not only places guests at the lively heart of West London, but at the doorstep of everything that central London has to offer, with the West End a mere 10-minutes away.
The property’s 51 bedrooms, like others in the Tracy Lowy’s Living Rooms collection, look and feel as though they belong to a stylish townhouse and are named to reflect this home-from-home vibe, from the cleverly compact ‘spare rooms’ to the super spacious ‘master bedroom suites’.
In the design, architectural and interior designers Waldo Works cleverly walk the line between hip and homely, celebrating the characterful and eclectic heritage of Notting Hill. Even the staff at The Laslett channel a particular Notting Hill chic, with uniforms comprising Dr. Martens and Levi jeans. Waldo Works’ portfolio is recognised for its modern British design and playful edge, as well its sensitive combination of the heritage of a space and its present. This can be seen in The Laslett’s design, which fuses its British identity with influences from around the world.
The Laslett’s interiors also celebrate modern furniture from British designers, including Pinch’s bespoke benches, bedside tables and lobby sofas, and Race Furniture’s classic BA dining chairs and original Carnegie chairs. The key pieces sit alongside more personal quirks such as well-chosen books for bedtime reading, proper blankets, curiosities from local antiques dealers, and curated photographs and artworks on the walls.
The overall monochrome palette is lifted artfully with strong bursts of colour and a mix of contemporary textiles added to produce a welcoming feel. Smart metro-tiled bathrooms are stocked with full-sized Neal’s Yard Remedies products, while Living Rooms’ coveted Big Bar of good and bad snacks, ‘help me’ remedies and drinks in the bedroom completes the make-yourself-at-home vibe.
The dynamic public spaces at The Laslett are more neighbourhood hangout than hotel lobby. Part coffee shop, part bar-kitchen, part gallery, part concept store – this multifunctional space is set across the ground floor spanning two of the five townhouses that make up The Laslett, and subtly evolves throughout the day. The Henderson Bar – named after Trinidadian musician Russell ‘Russ’ Henderson, widely recognised as one of the founding fathers of the Carnival – is at the heart of this space, from breakfast through to late night cocktails.
The Laslett is committed to reducing its environmental impact and supporting local business. Sally Clarke of the eponymous Clarke’s restaurant will provide the food for The Henderson Bar. Clarke’s delectable cakes will also be on offer to have with coffee brewed with sustainably procured beans from Workshop Coffee Co, or tea from the award-winning Joe’s Tea Co. In the evening, the menu focuses on sharing boards, featuring cheese from Covent Garden’s Neal’s Yard Dairy and ethically produced British cured meat by Cannon & Cannon. The drinks list introduces sustainable wines from small independent growers, as well as beers from local microbreweries and cocktails shaken with London craft spirits. The operation at The Henderson Bar will be overseen by Tangerine Dream, who are also behind the café at the Chelsea Physics Garden.
Tucked aside from main space, a library lounge stocked with British art and design books provides an area for pop-ups, while a curated wall of art highlights new and emerging artists with a rotation of exhibitions throughout the year. The Shop at The Laslett will sell textiles, art prints and Neal’s Yard Remedies products as-seen-in-room, as well as exciting Living Rooms collaborations with small independent London brands. These include Living Rooms own scented candles, butter-soft leather bags and shoes from Newbark, clothes and jewellery from Les Glorieuses and bespoke offerings from fashion designer Tracey Boyd’s ABOYDBAZAAR.
