Quirky Luxury In Kensington: We Give The Hux A Look

6th January 2022 | By Alex Lyell

The Hux describes itself as ‘sexy and seductive with decor and funky secrets you will never forget’. Which sets pretty high expectations. And as I wandered through the unassuming entrance and into the hotel’s lobby, not quite sure if we’d be cool enough for the place, it was immediately apparent that The Hux lives up to its own hype.

Delightfully quirky in a way guaranteed to both put you at ease and leave a smile on your face, the hotel is so much more than affordable, high quality, central London accommodation (although it is that). It’s an immersive experience of luxury and fun that will definitely bring a satisfied smile to your face. Heading there to celebrate a relatively significant birthday, it proved to be the one of the most enjoyable date nights we’ve ever had.

From arrival, the staff were literally falling over themselves (and yes, literally; there was one occasion where a concierge tripped over another as they both rushed to help!) to provide for our every need.

A bottle of Moët Champagne greeted us as we were shown to our top floor bedroom…

A bottle of Moët Champagne greeted us as we were shown to our top floor bedroom, and then as we headed out for dinner we were warmly encouraged by the attentive staff to come back to the piano bar for a cocktail.

We realised how well located we were as we crossed the road to take a scenic walk up Kensington Palace Gardens to our restaurant (note The Hux does not have its own restaurant, it’s singular downside). A crisp December evening was perfect for walking past billionaires’ mansions and embassies all beautifully decorated with Christmas lights.

We were greeted by the sound of an excellent pianist…

When we arrived at Palace Gardens Terrace, our restaurant “The Shed”, recommended by the hotel, was just as described. Its ‘shabby-chic interior’ and ‘sustainable farm-to-fork menu’ really did brings its ‘slice of the Sussex countryside’ to Kensington as promised.

A delicious tasting menu (including the best, most succulent venison I’ve ever tasted and a monkfish Wellington which was sublime. Our waiter, Mickey, was fun and attentive and his service enhanced the whole experience. Plus it didn’t break the bank.

Tthey also had a visit from a magician who wowed us..

Warm, happy and well fed we sauntered back to the welcoming, uncrowded piano bar at the Hux. We were greeted by the sound of an excellent pianist, who was willing to play any requests as the barman treated us to beautifully crafted cocktails. That evening they also had a visit from a magician who wowed us with mind-bending card tricks.

After an incredibly comfortable and restful night’s sleep, it was time to check out. Breakfast was covid-suspended, but this being London there was quality food virtually on the doorstep.

If you’re planning to spend a night in central London, you could easily spend twice as much for the same level of comfort, but with half the enjoyment.