Mondrian London at Sea Containers hotel - London, UK

After a slew of interesting hotel launches, the latest jewel in London’s crown is from Morgans Hotel Group, which is launching its first Mondrian, outside the US. Located on South Bank, in Warren Platner’s iconic 1978 Sea Containers House (see W*44), the interiors are by Design Research Studio, the firm under the creative direction of designer Tom Dixon, who, for his first hotel, took cues from the building’s architect, while also paying tribute to its seafaring heritage. The dramatic entrance is flanked by a 68-metre copper hull, which extends into the lobby, before tapering off into the riverside restaurant. Also on the ground floor, the Dandelyan cocktail bar, overseen by barman Ryan Chetiyawardana (W*178), is characterised by the use of bold green, accented with a marble bar, brass detailing and parquet flooring. The 359 guest rooms feature a palette of subtle greys and whites, with bespoke furniture by Dixon complementing the designer’s signature wingback chair. Thirty of the 43 suites have river views, but the panoramic vistas from the rooftop bar are sure to be the biggest attraction.