Art and design are central to Dorsett Shepherds Bush
− Dorsett Hospitality International’s first hotel in London, United
Kingdom. Soft opened in June 2014 within
a heritage building which was formerly a cinema built in 1923, Dorsett has
retained the historic façade of The Shepherd’s Bush Pavilion with contemporary
elegance.
Located in the heart of vibrant Shepherd’s Bush in
West London, in close proximity to Westfield Shopping Centre, the property is easily
accessible from the Shepherd’s Bush overground and bus stations. A short drive away lies Notting Hill, London’s
West End and major tourist spots, as is Heathrow airport - just 30 minutes by
car.
Cormac
Byrne, Managing Director of Ardmore, whose team was responsible for delivering
the Dorsett Shepherds Bush project as part of the Shepherd's Bush Pavilion
refurbishment for Dorsett Hospitality International said the Admore team worked
hard to deliver the technically demanding project.
He
recalled it was an extremely complex project as the building's Grade II listing
required the facade and both sides of the building to remain intact while the
rest of it was demolished. The iconic curved roof was replaced with a vaulted
glass roof and his team succeeded in enhancing their reputation for delivering
challenging projects to the highest quality.
Under the landmark glass roof and a soaring gold-painted
domed ceiling, the 7-storey hotel comprises 317 contemporary Chinois chic bedrooms:
187 standard Dorsett rooms, and 24 suites combining the Dorsett Suite and the
Dorsett Studio.
The stylishly outfitted hotel interior was conceived
by Dorsett’s in-house design team, providing every nook and corner of the Hotel
with the group’s brand concept which celebrates the intertwined stories of Asia
and Britain. Artful touches of Asian culture and tradition are deftly woven
into the facilities and services, melding seamlessly with classic British
elegance grandeur and modern edginess.
Oriental
motifs especially that of a diminutive robin and delicate floral accents lend aesthetically
pleasing touches of whimsy and exoticism throughout; from the backlit mirrored
lift panels to the in-room amenity kit.
We were also impressed with the hotel’s complimentary
high-speed internet connectivity. Of course, the comfy bed, writing desk and
creature comforts simply added to the room’s allure.
True to its Asian hospitality practice, the
breakfast spread at Pictures – Dorsett Shepherds Bush all day dining restaurant
- even goes beyond the regular buffet.
Asian travellers would be overjoyed at
the prospect of partaking some piping hot dim sum; just enquire from the
friendly service team and you’d be treated to xiao mai (steamed meat &
prawn dumplings) and baos to assuage your longing for home.
Lunch options were par excellence too at Pictures.
Proof of the pudding was in the eating when the gracious General Manager Hilary
Cross hosted us to a sumptuous affair that warmed the cockles of our hearts.
The curtain-raiser of fresh pumpkin soup flecked
with herbs (£5) provided satisfying succour on that autumnal afternoon. Then a
most stellar main course of seared Barbary duck breast (£15.50), elegantly
dressed with plum sauce and red cabbage held us spellbound. Tender, juicy with
a blush pink centre, the substantial portion left us replete.
Should you prefer a meat-free option, bank on the
pea risotto (£10.50) which comprises creamy and plump short grain rice studded
with pea shoots, asparagus and broad beans.
Puddings are ‘to die for’ here. We went bonkers over
the pineapple upside down cake, weak at the knees savouring the chocolate
brownie and melted at the silky texture of the creme brulee cheesecake.
Other F&B outlets include Jin, the Atrium bar
which delivers splendid mixologist concoctions and Shikumen – an independently
run restaurant which is the toast of West London.
Guests staying in Dorsett’s Executive guestrooms and
Suites enjoy complimentary access to the Dorsett Lounge where daily continental
breakfast, enhanced amenities and discerning privileges are available. Serene
and plushly appointed, it can be a temporary office or a relaxing refuge,
complete with business facilities and refreshments.
With
4 treatment rooms, sauna & steam room, and a relaxation lounge, the
in-house spa on the top floor is helmed by renowned therapist Adeela Crown. Ensconced
underneath a striking glass roof flooded with natural light, the simple and
timeless décor is a palate of muted greys and whites, accented with mirrors.
Adeela with her in-house team are ready to revive body and soul with restorative
treatments and indulgent therapies. Hotel guests are granted complimentary
usage of the hotel’s sauna and steam facilities.
In
June 2015, Dorsett Shepherds Bush was accorded the Hammersmith Society’s
prestigious Environment Awards for the refurbishment and reuse of the former
cinema building. Other accolades include the Schueco Design Excellence Award in
the Refurbishment category, the Architect’s Journal Retrofit Hotel Award in
September 2015 and being shortlisted for the New London Architecture Awards and
the European Hotel Design Awards!
Families travelling with kids to London may wish to
take advantage of Dorsett Shepherds Bush’s Family Fun Package at £249 per room
per night. Perks include:
• Accommodation in Executive
Room with English breakfast for 2 adults and 2 kids
• Parking
(1 car)
• KidZania
passes for 2 adults and 2 children
Valid from now until 31st March 2016, stay dates from
now until 31st March 2016 (except for Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday night
stays).
More about Dorsett's pop up exhibition during the Asian Art Festival in London soon.
