There’s no shortage of world-class hotels in central London, but that isn’t stopping developers plotting more. The long-awaited Singaporean super hotel Pan Pacific London opened on 1st September, topping up Liverpool Street’s hyper luxe options for business travellers (and Shoreditch staycationers). We spent 24 hours there, and here’s what we found…
Looks fancy. What’s the deal?
Literally steps from Bishopsgate Plaza, this amazingly high spec hotel spans a 43 storey bronze tower and 144 year old Devonshire House. It connects old and new architecture via a buzzy new square.
Yabu Pushelberg is the designer behind most details, and Tom Dixon sprinkled his magic on the cocktail bar, so you can expect clean, elegant lines and trendy, soothing colourways. Assuming it’ll be stuffy? Young, interesting staff, inventive F&B and great music will change your mind.
Best bit?
Probs the amazing infinity pool overlooking Liverpool Street, through huge (tinted) windows. There’s something really cool about relaxing in the middle of such a busy hub, peeking at London buses as they silently roll past.
Tell me more!
Stepping inside, acres of space make you feel anything but cramped. The same can be said for the doorman, who despite being the chattiest we’ve ever met, left us feeling relaxed and excited for the stay to come.
Each staff member we encountered was notably kind, pragmatic or funny. It’s clear management have spent months tracking down the very best people in the business, their passion for hospitality shining through at every step.
As such, there’s a refreshingly relaxed aura about the place, compounded by vibey music and a clientele of mixed ages. A welcome departure from icy receptionists and staid, sedate check ins.
What’s special about Pan Pacific London?
Let’s start by telling you about the world-class amenities, because they’re pretty damn cool.
Bedrooms are havens of rest and relaxation. Our suite dazzled us with snazzy electronic lighting and curtains. One click of a button and they slowly folded away, revealing spectacular city views through the wraparound window.
Jumping on the cloud-like, huge bed, we were delighted to find an endless range of TV channels and movies, ripe for perusal if you can tear yourself away from the excellent coffee table book selection. Carefully curated literature is dotted about the room, so it’s worth setting aside time for reading (and some yoga – you’ll find a mat in the cupboard).
Our bathroom featured a beautiful marble tub set into the wall, complete with a caddy on which to perch a laptop (for Netflix only – NO emails allowed). Robes and slippers were the fluffiest we’ve found, and the products? Diptyque, darling. They almost had to drag us to check out.
How about the food?
British producers Nurtured in Norfolk are helping hotel chefs grow their own high quality Asian ingredients, as well as sourcing local produce. The hotel is making moves to reduce its carbon footprint and produce properly authentic flavours.
Down in the Orchid Lounge, award-winning Executive Pastry Chef Cherish Finden blew us away with her extremely unique take on afternoon tea – not a jam scone in sight, and more the better. We gorged on mini dim sum baskets, Char Siu Sou, soy and ginger salmon bao and stunning handmade patisserie. Almost too beautiful to eat.
Drinks-wise, pore over beloved Rare Tea Company blends, or treat yourself with Champagnes and world-renowned English Sparkling Wines.
Up in Straits Kitchen, heritage recipes are the focus: expect a melting pot of cuisines from Singapore’s many cultures. You might try wok-fried Singapore chilli mud crab (Singapore’s national dish), or teapot double boiled soup, with
galangal, red dates, wolfberries and chicken.
Anything else?
If you’re feeling frazzled, head directly to the Wellness Floor – yes, floor. Changing rooms are soothing, with huge showers (stuffed with more Diptyque products, yippee!), saunas and steam rooms.
You’ll find all the latest TecnoBody® equipment in the gym, to be used in conjunction with possibly the most advanced wellness programme you’ll find in the capital. You *could* book a HIIT class… or, try a spa treatment, then adopt corpse pose in the gong therapy room for the forseeable. You can probably guess where you’ll find us. See you there…
