London, Designed: A Stay at One Aldwych and Beyond

A Design-Forward Return to London

There are cities you return to because they call you back, and London is one of them.

Unexpected whimsy outside the Palace of Westminster — a splash of color against London’s storied skyline.

Familiar and ever-changing, it’s a place where modernity moves in tandem with history. For this trip, London served as the opening chapter in a thoughtfully designed European itinerary. My focus was twofold: stay somewhere that embodied the city’s creative spirit, and take time to engage with its quieter rhythms, through design, food, and a few well-placed moments.

Where I Stayed: One Aldwych

Tucked into the heart of Covent Garden, One Aldwych feels distinctly London, but with an energy all its own. Housed in a former newspaper headquarters, the building’s Edwardian bones are met with art-forward interiors and calming contemporary touches.

A sweeping staircase at One Aldwych, where design and drama meet under a soaring skylight.

The public spaces are particularly striking: a sculptural lobby lounge with bold florals and curated artwork, and a restaurant and bar that feel more like part of a residence than a hotel.

The lobby bar at One Aldwych blends dramatic sculpture with polished mixology — an inviting space at the heart of the hotel.

The rooms are understated, spacious, and warm, with an attention to materiality that’s easy to miss if you’re not paying attention...and that’s what makes them work.

A calming palette and architectural detail — proof that good design doesn’t need to be loud to be striking.

Location-wise, One Aldwych hits the sweet spot. Steps from theaters, dining, and the Thames, it feels central without being chaotic. And while many luxury hotels make a show of their prestige, this one quietly leads with purpose; its certification as a B Corp speaks to a deeper, long-standing commitment to sustainability and conscious hospitality.

It’s a stay I’d recommend to clients who want comfort with character, a more design-minded approach to London luxury.

City Highlights: Design, Dining & Discovery

Design in the Details

Design in London is rarely loud. It lives in the corners — in shopfronts, in signage, in the quiet geometry of a street curve. I spent time walking through Mayfair and Marylebone, where heritage architecture sits next to curated boutiques and stylish cafés. A stop at the Design Museum is always worth a visit, but often it’s the residential pockets that feel most inspiring, where the creativity of the city expresses itself in subtle ways.

Where I Ate (and Drank)

One of the most memorable meals of the trip was at Gunpowder Spitalfields, a small Indian restaurant just east of the city center. The space was casual and energetic, and the food was deeply flavorful; rich in spice, well-balanced, and confidently prepared. It’s the kind of spot that reminds you how much character can come from a tight space and a clear vision.

Flavors that hit hard, in the best way. Gunpowder Spitalfields pairs creative Indian small plates with a setting that keeps the focus on the food.

Another memorable meal was dinner at Portland Restaurant, a Michelin-starred option in Fitzrovia. The experience was more understated, seasonal and well-composed, but compared to other meals on the trip, it felt more restrained. A good choice for those who appreciate calm surroundings and precise execution.

An open kitchen, natural light, and refined simplicity set the stage for Portland’s carefully executed tasting menus.

For something more informal but no less rewarding, Borough Market was a highlight — lively, historic, and packed with exceptional food. From artisan cheese and fresh oysters to standout coffee and pastries, it’s a place where you can easily spend an hour or more grazing your way through London's culinary creativity.

The entrance to Borough Market, with The Shard rising in the background — a lively crossroads of tradition and modernity.

And for something classic, we stopped into Dukes Bar at the Dukes Hotel, famous for its martinis and timeless, country club-like ambiance. It’s a small space with a walk-in policy for all guests, so be prepared to wait during peak times. But once inside, it’s a worthwhile experience: refined, quietly theatrical, and very London.

The bar at Dukes Hotel — a classic London experience, refined and intimate. Expect a wait, and enjoy the reward.

Each of these spots offered something distinct, and together they reflect what I appreciate most about the city’s hospitality: depth, variety, and a clear point of view.

A Moment That Stood Out

Late in the evening, I crossed Waterloo Bridge just as the city began to exhale. The sky was soft, the river was still, and the surrounding buzz gave way to something quiet and expansive. It was a small moment, but one of those that stays with you; not for the sights, but for the sense of being in step with a city’s rhythm.

A View from Above: The London Eye

Though often associated with first-time visitors, the London Eye remains a worthwhile experience, especially when timed right. Riding at sunset provided a calm, panoramic sweep of the city’s skyline: St. Paul’s, the Thames, Big Ben, and the long stretch of rooftops that make London so expansive yet somehow intimate.

View from the top: a London Eye capsule rises over Westminster, with Big Ben and the Thames below.

Sometimes the most iconic experiences still hold power, particularly when approached with fresh eyes. It was a simple reminder that even in a city I know well, there’s value in seeing it from a different angle.

A southern view over the Thames — showcasing how the city layers historic bridges with modern skylines.

Why It Worked: London’s Sense of Balance

What makes London endlessly interesting is its ability to hold contradiction with grace. It’s historic and fresh, refined and experimental, polished but never static.

This stay, anchored by One Aldwych and framed by moments of discovery, was a reminder of how rewarding it is to slow down in a place you think you already know. There’s always something new if you’re paying attention. And more often than not, it’s the thoughtful mix of old and new that defines the best travel experiences.

Let’s Plan Something Beautiful

London makes an exceptional starting point for a European itinerary, or a destination all its own. If you’re thinking about heading to the UK, I’d be happy to help design something that matches your style and pace.