THE COLUMN

TOM KERRIDGE A very British flavour — p. 4

I SPY Secrets of Corinthia Hotel — p. 8

THE FUTURE LABORATORY Reassuringly Intelligent — p. 12

MAIN FEATURES RICHARD BRENDON CROCKERY Regenerating Heritage — p. 18 INTRODUCTION THE COLUMN

I’m delighted to introduce the first issue of The Column: Corinthia Hotel London’s newspaper. Curated exclusively for you, our guests and friends.

We are incredibly excited about what the next few months have in store for the hotel, with The Future Laboratory moving in as part of our In Residence programme, and a relaunched afternoon tea using British-made china by Richard Brendon.

As autumn approaches, we are getting ready for the opening of a new restaurant with Tom Kerridge at the helm. During his interview for this issue he tells us about his approach to British food and dining culture. We hope you enjoy everything we have to offer.

Happy reading!

Thomas Kochs Managing Director

TOM KERRIDGE A very British flavour — p. 4

I SPY Secrets of Corinthia Hotel London — p. 8

THE FUTURE LABORATORY Reassuringly Intelligent — p. 12

MAIN FEATURES RICHARD BRENDON CROCKERY Regenerating Heritage — p. 18 CORINTHIA HOTEL LONDON 3 THE COLUMN 3

The Mirror The coming months are full of activity in London, with key by Pablo Picasso dates for your social calendar and plenty to see and do in the Tate Modern Exhibition city’s galleries, museums and theatres. This is where you’ll find us in the capital this season… –9 SEPT.

–28 23 JULY Tate Modern JULY –30 SEPT. Picasso ‘Love, Fame, Tragedy’ The Tate Modern is always worth Opera Holland Park The State Rooms and Garden Tour, a visit for its amazing space and Buckingham Palace architectural design, but this summer Regarded as one of the most accom- it is hosting its first-ever solo Pablo plished opera companies in the UK, For 10 weeks each summer visitors Picasso exhibition. The artist’s story is with an extraordinary history of can explore the magnificent State told through more than 100 paintings, producing rarities as well as popular Rooms; the rooms where The Queen sculptures and drawings, mixed with favourites, enjoy in the unexpectedly and members of the Royal Family family photographs and rare glimpses smart covered space in the heart of receive and entertain their guests during into his personal life. the park with delightful picnic options. ceremonial and official occasions. More info at tate.org.uk More info at operahollandpark.com More info at royalcollection.org.uk

Regular Favourites 25–27 15–23 National Theatre Maltby Street Market Columbia Road Flower Market AUGUST SEPT. Various Saturdays 9am - 5pm, Sundays 11am - 5pm Sundays

Hampton Court Palace Food Festival London Design Festival The renowned National Theatre South of the river is a foodie haven — If you’re up for an early start, is only a 10-minute walk from the hotel, with Borough Market a must-see for fans we thoroughly recommend embracing With everything from oysters and London Design Festival celebrates and and has a rich and varied schedule of fresh produce, deli counters and the the floral summer spirit on Columbia sausages, to brownies and crepes, you promotes London as the design capital of plays and events throughout the famous Monmouth coffee. But venture Road — an unassuming street lined can eat your way around over 100 artisan of the world. The Festival returns to summer, including Julie, with a little further towards Bermondsey and with independent shops that on producers against a backdrop of an venues and institutions across the city with The Crown actress Vanessa Kirby, and you’ll discover Maltby Street Market, Sundays transforms into a flower iconic, historic building. There are also different Design Districts popping up the much-anticipated Lehman Trilogy. set up along the Ropewalk in the shadow paradise. Market traders are there with masterclasses and live cooking demon- from Bankside to Fitzrovia, Tickets can be bought online at of the railway viaducts. We’ll probably an array of blooms, but be prepared strations by top British chefs and foodies. to Clerkenwell. More info at nationaltheatre.org.uk be by the Bad Brownie stand. to get swept along with the crowds. More info at hrpfoodfestivals.com londondesignfestival.com More info at maltby.st More info at columbiaroad.info

LONDON LIFE LONDON LIFE CORINTHIA HOTEL LONDON 4 THE COLUMN 5 Tom Kerridge

“We are a country steeped in history with amazing produce, and I want to play to the best of that”

A Very British Flavour

FOOD & BEVERAGE FOOD & BEVERAGE CORINTHIA HOTEL LONDON 6 THE COLUMN 7

Hospitality is not just work for It’s an exciting step-change — backgrounds, which gives us a massive Tom Kerridge, it’s a vocation, and from 50 seats at The Hand and Flowers mix of flavours. I personally learned to one that informs everything he to 90 covers plus 50 in the bar at cook with a classic French understanding does. The chef made his name at Corinthia Hotel London; from small of stocks and sauces and the use of dairy. The Hand and Flowers in Marlow, Chilterns town to the metropolitan Then I use British ingredients — British the first-ever pub to gain two heart of London. ‘It’s like getting on dairy, British beef, fantastic fish from Michelin stars. The Coach and a rollercoaster. You don’t know where Cornwall — in that style.’ The Butcher’s Tap followed, plus it’s going to go, you’re a bit nervous TV presenting and a handful of about it, but you know you’ll get off at The menu will reflect British produce best-selling books. Now he’s making the end and it’ll all be okay,’ he laughs. as it’s shaped by the seasons. his London debut as Executive ‘We’re really fortunate to have defined Chef for a new restaurant here Kerridge is known for his big, bold and different spring, summer, autumn at Corinthia Hotel London flavours — and he promises to make and winter months which means we’ve eating at the hotel a relaxed, British got the opportunity to evolve our menus brasserie-style dining experience. to suit your mood through the year. Refined, yes, but recognisable, In the summertime we love salads and nothing too fancy, faddy or fiddly. strawberries but in the winter we want to sit in front of a log fire and eat a beef ‘There’s nothing fashionable about me,’ stew. That’s great. It gives us the chance he quips. ‘I like to make places feel like to keep things moving.’ they’ve always been there. I don’t want to scare people off with technique or new This is part of Kerridge’s hospitality flavour combinations. I’m not interested heart and soul, for you to feel like you in pushing boundaries. I’m interested want to come back. ‘If you eat with us in finding great ingredients and treating twice a month you’ll find something them with love and respect and making new to try; if you come two or three sure they’re served simply so people can times a year and want to come back for

recognise it.’ the same thing, you can do that too.’ Tom Kerridge photo by Cristian Barnett

It’s a theme he warms to: ‘I don’t want to This search for a partnership with the make people say, “Ooo this is interesting.” right heart and soul has meant he’s been than what the work is achieving. In a city where there are hundreds Because you, the guest, are Kerridge’s I want them to ask, “Why haven’t we biding his time for over four years. My mindset is different, it’s about of options and different cuisines, and raison d'être. Not the alchemy of eaten here before?” We are a country ‘At Corinthia Hotel London guests making sure people have a nice time. always a restaurant opening offering ingredients, plaudits from critics, steeped in history with amazing produce, always come first and that’s something That’s our role — not being a chef, something new to try, it might seem or the need for status. It’s hospitality and I want to play to the best of that.’ I’ve whole-heartedly embraced. I knew or maître d’ or top barman.’ intimidating, but he’s unflustered. through and through. straight away it would be a happy ‘I know what and how I like to cook. Kerridge has made his name as a marriage.’ Surely putting guests first is It sets him apart. We’re very lucky I hope that ticks the box for most people doyen of British food, but, unlike obvious in hospitality… ‘Yeah, the clue’s you’re coming to eat with us. Of all when they eat out. New, dynamic, Italian or French food, it can seem in the name! You can distance yourself the places you can eat in London you’re fashionable restaurants are amazing undefined. He’s clear on what it means from it though and say, “I work in a choosing us. That’s amazing. Thank you but you might only eat in them once. to him: ‘ is hugely eclectic. restaurant” or “I work in a hotel”. very much. I hope we live up to your I want to establish the kind of place Britain has people from all sorts of You can make it about the place rather expectations and deliver great food.’ where people come and eat once a week.’ Words By Johanna Derry

THE COVER INTERVIEW THE COVER INTERVIEW CORINTHIA HOTEL LONDON 8 THE COLUMN 9

I SPY On the 11th hour of the 11th day of the Secrets of the hotel. If walls could talk… 11th month of 1918, Sir Winston Churchill was working in this building, looking out of the window when Big Ben struck signalling the end of World War I.

When Corinthia Hotel London In its first brochure, the hotel declared In 1916, thanks to its proximity and it is the MoD’s former presence the Ministry of Defence. The imminent of Sherlock Holmes, was a regular guest moved in to the grand and it was ‘particularly recommended to and location at the heart of London, that gives the building its reputation as threat of war may have abated, but at the original Hotel Metropole, and distinctive building on the corner ladies and families visiting the West the British government requisitioned the ‘spy HQ’ for the British secret service. there were many other alleged activities, the nearby Sherlock Holmes pub of and End during the Season and travellers Metropole as offices and accommodation It is recorded that room 424 became the including the story of a special office contains many images and souvenirs Whitehall Place, we inherited an from Paris and the Continent arriving at for The Ministry of Defence staff first home for MI9 and its sub-division, in the building that, up until the early of Holmes, his companion Dr. Watson equally unique heritage. Since the Charing Cross Terminus.’ We love working on the war effort. Before he the Special Operations Executive, 2000s, was dedicated to the monitoring and his adversary Moriarty. opening we have discovered stories the thought of finely-dressed ladies and was Prime Minister, Winston Churchill and later the holding point for one of and sighting of UFOs. The Metropole is referenced in Sherlock (and secrets) about illustrious gentlemen strolling up to St James and worked frequently out of the Metropole the model planning beaches for D-Day. Holmes’ famous mystery The Hound former residents, guests and Buckingham Palace, or along the river and it is recorded that it was out of his As befitting a building with this heritage, Elementary of the Baskervilles among others. visitors. The building’s history has under parasols. office window in this very building that there are various tunnels and passages proven endlessly fascinating and he watched people celebrate on the under the road to and from the hotel, “When you have eliminated the 007 elicits a frisson of intrigue about Winston And The War Years streets, upon hearing the bells chime that took officials to the neighbouring impossible, whatever remains, however what these rooms and corridors for the end of the war. government offices. Today, they are improbable, must be the truth…” Even James Bond visited the building, have seen. If walls could talk… On the 11th hour of the 11th day of locked up and remain top secret. Sherlock Holmes, The Sign of the Four, when Daily Express artist Yaroslav Horak the 11th month of 1918, Sir Winston Ministry Of Defence written by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. depicted it as the MI6 headquarters In The Beginning… Churchill was working in this building, Unidentified Flying Rumours… in his Bond comic strips. In a nod to this looking out of the window when Big During World War II the hotel provided Our building was also a source of fictional legacy, the James Bond movie The building was originally built as the Ben struck signalling the end of office accommodation for the Air After World War II, the building inspiration for fictional spies. Sir Arthur Skyfall hosted its press conference here Metropole Hotel and opened in 1885. World War I. Ministry and the Ministry of Defence continued as a government office for Conan Doyle, who wrote The Adventures in 2011.

HERITAGE HERITAGE CORINTHIA HOTEL LONDON 10 THE COLUMN 11

The award-winning team arrive at Corinthia Hotel London’s two bars, from little-known or unexpected locations. Corinthia Hotel London this summer Bassoon Bar and Northall Bar, are the heart ‘All the wine served in the Northall will and soul of catch-ups, meetings, reunions, be bio-dynamically or organically grown, lazy afternoons and long evenings. As part made with as little intervention as possible of the evolution of our menus this summer, and most importantly, super delicious. we wanted to find new partners who share our dedication to quality ingredients and ‘The Sager + Wilde philosophy is to unexpected moments. We did not just want work with people we believe in, work experts, but people who are like-minded with small producers who care first and and passionate; the ultimate geeks for foremost about quality, and then to create all things wine and cocktail-related. experiences relevant to our guests. Who answered this brief ? Award-winning If we’re excited about something, there’s mixologist Marcis Dzelzainis and restau- a good chance they will be too. For us it’s ranteur Michael Sager of Sager + Wilde. not just about the ‘what’, it’s about the ‘why’ we do what we do.’ In its former life, Corinthia Hotel London’s building was the Hotel Metropole and Putting substance firmly on a level ASK THE BARMAN a veritable hive of glamour, fun and with style, new bar menus will challenge much-needed post WWI frivolity. the perspective of traditional luxury The hotel was the base for the Aero Club hospitality and seek to surprise and Discover the story behind the new cocktail, The Last Dance and the Alpine Club. The Prince of Wales, delight guests with modern, innovative later King Edward VII, was known to ingredients and techniques. But it’s not Michael Sager entertain his guests at the hotel on various all about making an impact. ‘Innovation What’s in it? occasions, and after World War I the for the sake of showing off is pointless’, A blend of Grey Goose vodka, aperitivo Rinomato, pink grapefruit, strawberry "Midnight Follies" became a well-known explains Marcis. ‘But flavour offers puree and Chambord liqueur. cabaret fixture. This social sparkle is a hotline to the part of the brain respon- something Marcis wants to bring back sible for memory. Flavours should be What’s its story? to reignite the atmosphere and reputation more about emotion than innovation.’ Before the press launch of the Red Sparrow film held here at the hotel, we looked up of hotel bars. the favourite drink of the film’s star Jennifer Lawrence. Apparently this was grapefruit, ‘We hope we can offer a fresh perspective,’ vodka, and Cointreau. The name of the cocktail is a reference to the movie, as before ‘Often hotel bars are quite static and adds Michael. ‘We’ve travelled so much she was a spy, the protagonist was a dancer, before an injury compromises her career subdued, or focus on design over substance. and met people from all over the world and she joins the spy academy. Corinthia London is so lucky to have two in our restaurant venues, so we want to contrasting spaces in which to entertain use this to broaden the definition of the We wanted to reflect the story in a cocktail. Vodka was chosen as it is a traditional guests, and we think with a bit of new luxury bar experience. This is an amazing Russian beverage, strawberry and Chambord for the intense red colour, and magic they will be the beating heart of partnership – Corinthia Hotel London grapefruit and aperitivo Rinomato for the bitter notes. The drink is vividly red and the hotel’s social scene.’ is always looking to push the boundaries looks sweet in appearance, but is strong with a slight edge, just like the protagonist and explore the possibilities of what can in the Red Sparrow. As well as an air of anticipation and be done with the privilege of this space. playful mixology, Michael wants to For us, as long as we remain passionate What else should we be drinking this summer? refocus the wine selection in the Northall and true to our philosophy, then the Vermouth is having a comeback, as are non-alcoholic cocktails which are getting more

Marcis Dzelzainis on thoughtful, quality wines sourced often possibilities are endless.’ attention from the top mixologists and are therefore becoming a popular choice. Sager Sager + Wilde

FOOD & BEVERAGE FOOD & BEVERAGE CORINTHIA HOTEL LONDON 12 THE COLUMN 13

to them in ways that make them think batteries, adaptogens (liquified plant you’ll need to digest all the insights The Future Reassuringly and kick-start debates.’ extracts that help you fight stress), and on offer. To book a ticket, speak to sleep gyms (yes, you heard it here first). guest relations, or visit The Future Laboratory Intelligent So rather than taking a stand on issues, Laboratory’s microsite on: Sanderson tells me, ‘we’re taking a leaf ‘The future is unwritten,’ says Sanderson, thefuturelaboratory.com/blog/ out of the book of great hoteliers and ‘and in many ways it's unknowable, corinthia-hotel creating a series of debates and round but there are hints and clues that tell Moving in this summer as table conversations that encourage us how it will look, feel, taste and smell, part of Corinthia Hotel London’s playful, civilised and robust exchanges and our job as Futurists-in Residence The Future Laboratory is one In Residence programme, about the big ideas of tomorrow.’ is to ensure that guests and friends of the world’s leading strategic The Future Laboratory joins of Corinthia Hotel London and The foresight consultancies. It exists forces with guests and friends Subjects covered in the year-long Future Laboratory get to experience to help companies prepare for to launch a year-long love-in of Corinthia Hotel London residency these things first hand.’ a better future by giving them the all that is futuristic, challenging range from a London taxi driver offering confidence to take the decisions and intellectually stimulating. a cabbie’s-eye view of the future on So watch out for VR machines in the today that will create economic, Co-founder and editor-in-chief anything from AI to autonomous vehicles corridor, conversations from the future environmental, technological and of The Future Laboratory’s LS:N (wait until you get him started on the in the loos, even a ‘Stuckism’ room social growth tomorrow. From its Global, Martin Raymond, starts latter), to luminaries and writers like Dr in the hotel set up by videomaker and offices in London and Melbourne, the conversation… Charlotte Webb, or Lucie Greene, who futurenaut David McGovern, where you The Future Laboratory offers will be looking at The Feminist Internet, can learn how to unlock your creativity a range of strategic foresight and on even deeper research into how and ability to dream about tomorrow. products and services to help its Silicon Valley is rewriting the rules of clients harness market trends, civic, social and scientific engagement. As well as the more science-based topics, adapt to emerging consumer The Future Laboratory has asked philos- needs, and keep them ahead of There will be regular Breakfast Briefings, ophers, writers and performers to look at their competitors. Martin Raymond, Christopher Sanderson and Marlowe at Corinthia Hotel London photo by Dan Weill Dare to Know dinners, virtual fireside the future of femininity, and the future of chats, and a range of half-day Futures masculinity, as we enter a period where thefuturelaboratory.com Luxury, like the future, is another as we once more reach up and out Re-enlightenment, and have used Forums on wellness, health, food, drink, gender equality, and all issues related to country… And just when you think to the stars (think Elon Musk and it to underpin our thinking for our technology, luxury, longevity and hospitality. gender — male, female, or non-binary — you’ve worked out the map of that terri- Sir Richard Branson). Futurists-in-Residence programme come to the fore once more. tory, the landscape changes. A decade ago with the Corinthia Hotel London.’ Hotel guests will sit alongside the media, luxury was all about excess, while more ‘As our research suggests,’ says invited brands and fellow ‘futurenauts’ ‘We’ll be doing this in the real and virtual recently, it was about access and under- The Future Laboratory’s co-founder But why now? ‘More than ever,’ says in a range of unique and hidden venues realm,’ says Sanderson, ‘asking “Why the-radar exclusivity. Christopher Sanderson, ‘science, Sanderson, ‘intelligent thinking is around the hotel — from the Courtroom are most of the AIs we speak to female?” technology, innovation and the person- under represented. There is a sense and Bassoon Bar to hidden corridors Or how and why a new generation of Now, as clients, designers and brands alities driving the new life sciences that people want things to be populist, and secret guest rooms. They will be part AI psychologists and robot-therapists themselves demand a more nuanced, (GM, biotech, SynTech, stem cell) bite-sized and easy to digest, but the of debates and chats with experts on are training ‘malebots’ to become better, insightful and considered view of luxury, are fast replacing the Rihannas' and hotel guests we meet, and the clients we subjects they may be familiar with, but more considerate beings.’ we are witnessing the rise of a New Justin Biebers' of this world as people deal with – from Selfridges and Google, also with those that are set to dominate Luxurian traveller who is keen to we look to, as more and more of us to Sony and Stella McCartney aren’t and drive tomorrow’s news agendas: Everything is there to explore the embrace the intelligent, the innovative demand a different kind of substance like this. They want to be informed, in-vitro meats, psychotropic cocktails, world of tomorrow, including the food, and the scientifically adventurous, with our style. We’ve dubbed this the challenged and to have ideas presented cryogenic chambers (chilly!), hydro-cell drinks and luxurious brain stimulants Future Laboratory, photo by Dan Weill

IN RESIDENCE IN RESIDENCE CORINTHIA HOTEL LONDON 14 THE COLUMN 15

Escape the city

Blogger Sophie Hermann finds sanctuary in Corinthia Hotel London’s ESPA Life

A handsome, uniformed doorman consultation and skin analysis with state- jawline was noticeably more defined and Swedish Massage, which was definitely area: one of the most beautiful spa In the Spa Lounge, all white, calm and wearing a top hat sets a high standard of-the-art equipment including a skin it looked like perhaps I spent some time more than your usual massage. spaces I’ve visited. I fell in love with futuristic, you can stop for nutritionally- as I enter the hotel. On the approach vision UV light to assess my skin’s needs. with a Hollywood doctor (no scalpel The treatment included controlled the feature light installation — like an conscious and delicious food. The spa to the cavernous (yet hidden jewel) required). The best thing is that you can breathing exercises, visualisation, full enchanted chandelier of glow worms. menu is specially curated to provide ESPA Life at Corinthia, a soothing The products used were from ESPA’s ‘lift head straight out after the treatment: body massage, scalp massage and a (one) The entire ESPA Life area is cleverly ‘clean’ and balanced dishes, in line with blend of essential oils reach my nose and firm’ anti-ageing range and within my skin tone had never looked so radiant foot massage. Given my compromised designed: there is a real sense of ESPA’s overall philosophy of balance. and I immediately feel a million miles minutes of the therapist flexing her and crucially, there were no signs of the foot situation we focused on my neck, privacy and you don’t feel the presence Which was just as well because I was from the bustle outside… hands I was in a dreamy, sleepy state of traditional post-facial shiny redness. head and shoulders to alleviate tension of other guests, even when you know tempted by a glass of Champagne while bliss. A steam machine for extractions and stress. My guardian Angel elevated they are there. The glass-walled sauna having a spontaneous pedicure in their For my first ESPA treatment I chose their isn’t everyone’s cup of tea but is a must A week later, after a Champagne- my other foot (feeling sorry for itself) is incredible for pre and post-treatment glamourous nail spa…if you need me, 90-minute Age-Defying facial, which for me and so it was incorporated into provoked tumble from my high heels during the treatment and then put relaxation, as are the sleep pods (a room I’ll be here. claimed to ‘restore youthful vitality my experience. The scalp treatment felt (resulting in a broken fifth metatarsal — heated crystals on it for healing, actually encouraging you to nap — and target signs of visible ageing’ — suitably indulgent, and a derma-roller ouch) I decided to head back to ESPA, positive energy. genius!). Even the changing facilities SOLD! My treatment, in one of the facial massage feels like it must be doing this time for a personalised massage. are huge and have dressing tables 17 treatment rooms, began with a skin something miraculous. Frankly, I think it After a full consultation with my massage Afterwards I meandered (or rather, complete with everything you could Follow Sophie on Instagram cleanse followed by a super professional did: my skin visibly snapped to life, my therapist, aptly named Angel, I chose a hobbled) around the thermal spa possibly need. @xxsophiehermannxx

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1. Petersham Nurseries 2. Dover Street Market 3. The Phoenix Garden 10 minutes 12 minutes 20 minutes

Jump on the District Line to Richmond Since its move to Haymarket, Dover London is full of hidden gardens in for the original Petersham Nurseries, Street Market is even closer to the hotel which to retreat from the busy streets. or take a 10-minute stroll to a little haven and still a magnificent multi-storey This one is tucked behind the Charing of nature with the outpost of this florist, mecca for fashion lovers and an iconic Cross Road; take a moment and keep an plant shop and delicatessen in bustling store to visit all year round. eye out for the local frogs; thriving thanks N . to a dedicated conservation initiative.

Our hotel is located in the heart of London, a city best explored on foot.

Here are some of our favourite spots for summertime strolls, escaping the crowds and enjoying a moment of peace.

Fingers crossed for the British summer weather…

4. St James's Park 5. Southbank 6. Peggy Porschen Parlour 7 minutes 8 minutes 30 minutes

Meander through St James’s Park The Southbank river walk continues for Not strictly local, but a gorgeous place to and feel like you’re miles out of town. miles East and West – head East towards stop. The Parlour is the award-winning cake While the park is well known, its colony the Tate Modern, and if you are keen designer Peggy Porschen’s fairytale-pink of pelicans is not. They are fed daily on a longer walk, keep going all the way shop, full of freshly-baked treats. It should at lunchtime, but will also cosy up to you to London Bridge to pass the famous take 30 minutes, but we’re sure that once you S on a park bench to get some of yours… Globe Theatre and the Golden Hinde. know what’s at the end you’ll walk faster…

LOCATION LOCATION CORINTHIA HOTEL LONDON 18 THE COLUMN 19

As a Londoner with an appreciation for both The Tradition of Tea (left & right) by Neil Watson Studio Regenerating the traditional and cutting-edge, Richard Brendon was the perfect choice to create the china for our new-look afternoon tea. His collections are made Heritage in Stoke-on-Trent with traditional techniques that have been perfected over hundreds of years

Corinthia Hotel London Afternoon Tea photo by Jack Hardy

What is your approach to design and craftsmanship?

When I design, I’m often trying to see how I can put a dynamic twist on tradi- tional craftsmanship to create timeless yet bold collections. I tend to do a lot of research to really understand what has come before, as this helps to inspire my work and to ensure it has substance.

How do you support What was the brief from lounge’s interiors, but we would create a So I bought the pile of saucers and hand-made craft? The Corinthia Hotel London? few pieces in red to reference the room’s started to try and come up with a beautiful Baccarat chandelier detail. way to make them useful objects All of my bone china is hand-made in The hotel wanted to elevate the again, and I had the idea for my first Stoke-on-Trent. Bone china was actually experience of their afternoon tea to How did you end up in this field? Reflect collection. invented in Stoke around 1800 by Josiah an even higher level. They were very Spode. I’m really passionate about keen on our Superstripe collection of It was a fortunate accident really. That process taught me about the history Stoke and the incredible heritage of this bone china, which we designed in I was studying product and furniture of British ceramics. I learned about quintessentially British craft and I’m very collaboration with Patternity, a creative design at Kingston University when I the best and the worst things we’ve proud of the current bone china industry studio based in East London and one went into an antique dealer’s shop one made over the last 300 years. I went to in the city. It’s had a really tough time of the world’s leading authorities on day looking for inspiration. There was Stoke-on-Trent, I met manufacturers over the last 50 years but there are still a pattern. They loved the original design a big pile of antique saucers but no and fell in love with the place. I became few very good factories, with unbelievably in cobalt blue but they wanted to tailor cups, so I got chatting to the antique particularly inspired to do something skillful craftsmen. Regenerating the the collection to fit perfectly in The dealer and he explained that people more contemporary with the wonderful industry in this area is one of my main Crystal Moon Lounge. We decided that smash a lot more teacups than saucers. skills and craftsmanship they have there. focuses – we want to make sure it’s in a the majority of the pieces should be I thought that was a really interesting much stronger position in 20 years’ time. produced in a dark grey, to fit with the fact, I’d never thought about it before.

DESIGN DESIGN CORINTHIA HOTEL LONDON 20

COLUMN INCHES

And finally…some recommendations from the Corinthia Hotel London team.

Favourite place for a picnic in London? “The meadow in front of Kenwood House on Hampstead Heath.” Michelle Whittemore, Head of Marketing

“Richmond Park — beautiful and unexpected.” Nathalie Semence, Executive Housekeeper

A great book to read on the plane? “A year in Provence by Peter Mayle.” Charles Segond, Deputy Director of Food & Beverage

“Michael Palin’s Diaries — The Python Years.” Simon Coulson, HR & Recruitment Manager

Favourite London building to get lost in on a rainy day? “Definitely the British Museum.” Trevor Owen, Director of Sales & Marketing

“Selfridges!” Ian Odendall, Director of Engineering

“Apsley House — the home of the Duke of Wellington, filled with artworks from across Europe.” Darren Cousins, Head Concierge

Best thing about London in the summer? “Ice creams on a river boat meandering up the Thames.” Clare James, Director of Human Resources Corinthia Hotel London

“The Regent’s Park Open Air Cinema.” Telephone +44 (0) 20 7930 8181 Bettina Williams, PA to Managing Director Email [email protected] Twitter /CorinthiaLondon Instagram @corinthialondon

COLUMN INCHES Corinthia Hotel London Whitehall Place, London SW1A 2BD