Vintry & Mercer London
Words: Ben Thomas • Photography: © Amy Murrell
L
ocated on Garlick Hill, between the architectural triumphs of Sir
printed wallcoverings featuring hand-drawn graphic sketches merge the
Christopher Wren and Mansion House tube station, Vintry & Mercer
old city with the new.
is firmly rooted in the rich historic influences of London’s past, taking inspiration from the merchant guilds that once traded fine
wines and silks in the warren of narrow streets that line the Thames. The 92-room property is the second hotel from owner Anton Fedun,
Bean-Pearce continues. “We developed the design, creating 92 rooms and three F&B spaces that utilise the surrounding views. However, the
who opened The Ampersand in South Kensington in 2012. The hotelier
challenging shape of the site led to the creation of a cobbled vestibule
once again turned to London-based multidisciplinary studio Dexter
from the street into the main lobby, positioning the reception to the
Moren Associates (DMA) to devise the interior scheme, which brings
right of the entrance.”
together age-old references and contemporary touches across an all-day
Beyond a dramatic light sculpture in the lobby, 60-cover restaurant
restaurant, rooftop brasserie and bar, decadent underground speakeasy
Vintry Kitchen is inspired by the Far East trading routes used for
and three private dining spaces.
transporting goods over the centuries. The space is decorated with
“The client wanted to create a bolthole away from the city,
geometric-tiled flooring, marble-topped tables and luxurious leather
transporting guests into another space and time entirely,” says Lindsey
banquette seating, while plantation shutters and delicate wire-framed
Bean-Pearce, Partner at DMA. “The interiors are eclectic and combine
mirrors ensure natural illumination from the rooflight above, and a
the contemporary character of the city with its inspirational history,
partially-open prep kitchen, bar seating and overhead storage maximise
marrying the old-world charm of vintage-inspired furniture and joinery
the space. The menu incorporates the flavours of Asia, from the salty
with clean, modern detailing.”
tang of miso and the fiery kick of kimchi to the freshness of yuzu
To chronicle the heritage of the Vintry and Mercer guilds – Vintry was
068
“When we first got involved in the project, the hotel plans incorporated 74 guestrooms focused around a small internal courtyard,”
and gentle heat of wasabi, while ingredients that once arrived on the
the centre for London wine merchants, while Mercer were noble textile
shores of the Thames like wine, honey, saffron, garlic and cinnamon
sellers who specialised in fine silks and damasks – the designers used
– honoured in nearby street names – feature throughout. Tapas-style
specialist joinery finishes including metal meshes on doors, leather-
dishes include an octopus okonomi-yaki izakaya plate with siracha
wrapped niches and stud detailing. Bespoke fabrics and curated artwork
mayonnaise, a pork meatball tonkatsu steamed bun, and a tempura
decorate the guestrooms, hallways and dining spaces, while digitally
shrimp with iceberg lettuce and smoked chilli relish. Naturally, wine