AN ARTY REFUGE IN DORSETT SHEPHERDS BUSH

 

 

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).

For room bookings and more information, visit: http://www.dorsetthotels.com/unitedkingdom/london/shepherdsbush/

 A Big THANK YOU to Malaysia Airlines, Visit Britain & Dorsett Hospitality International for courtesies extended during the London fam trip.

 

More about Dorsett's pop up exhibition during the Asian Art Festival in London soon.

FLYING HIGH WITH MALAYSIA AIRLINES TO LONDON

My last visit to London was in 2010 as part of a fashion related project but coincidentally, the airline partner happened to be Malaysia Airlines. So when I was assigned to cover the pop-up Asian Art Festival exhibition at Dorsett Shepherd’s Bush London, I was told we would be flying with Malaysia Airlines (MAB) too.

 

When the day of departure dawned, I couldn't believe #todayishere! Imagine how ecstatic we felt when we were given the rare privilege of enjoying some pre-flight pampering in the MAB Platinum Golden Lounge in the satellite building at KLIA. Of course, being avid shutterbugs, we embarked on a ‘shooting’ spree the minute we set foot in the plush haven.

 

 

During the whirlwind tour, the differences between the Platinum Lounge and Golden Lounge were explained to us. It was indeed an eye-opening experience for us plebs who fly economy so we revelled in the VIP treatment accorded to us prior to boarding our flight to London.

I was impressed by the large collection of artworks displayed inside the lounge which lent vibrant bursts of colour to the posh and somewhat ‘serious’ ambiance. The artists featured consists of a mixture of local and international.

Passengers whiling their time away here can enjoy the full works: complimentary meals (for lunch the menu includes a selection by celebrity British chef Gary Rhodes), plenty of cushy furnishing to rest, relax or read, baby care area, slumberette, children’s playroom, smoking lounge, shower and phone charging station.

 

For the busy business travellers, workstations with Wifi connectivity are available too. A boardroom set-up as well as a mini library of reading materials should prove useful when necessary.  

While Golden Lounge guests can help themselves to a mini buffet spread, the Platinum Lounge VVIPs have the privilege of ordering hot breakfasts. The options are in addition to the Continental selection of baked items with fruits, cereals and juices laid out.

Flying on the A380 – the world's largest passenger airliner - was a first for me so I was overjoyed at the novel experience. This wide body, double-decker of a plane even has bunk beds tucked away in a discreet section for the airline crew to rest and a convertible area towards the back for passengers who wish to pray.

 

Much to our relief, the 13+ hour flight was smooth and comfy as we managed to get some lengthy bouts of shut-eye. It goes without saying that the meals, snacks and In-flight entertainment helped to ease the journey tremendously.

 

On both legs of our KUL-London-KUL passage, the MAB crews were most personable in taking care of us and the plane-loads of passengers. Even the ground staff who worked at the airports displayed similar courtesy so such encounters made our travels all the more pleasant and memorable. Thank you, Malaysia Airlines for living up the MH acronym => Malaysian Hospitality.

For flight information and bookings with Malaysia Airlines, please visit: http://www.malaysiaairlines.com

Coming up! The adventures of Pilot Parker in London with Visit Britain.