Middle Eight sets new standards for hotel living, with some suites featuring signature indoor gardens as well as outside dining areas.
Following a soft launch in October 2020, Shiva Hotels is delighted to announce a 17 May 2021 opening date for Middle Eight, a new lifestyle luxury hotel in Covent Garden. Although appreciating that the hospitality industry as we know it has changed, what has not changed is Shiva’s desire to drive a more engaged, responsible and purpose-driven era through its hotels.
Guests are promised an experience that is both luxurious and immersive. With the property located in one of central London’s most vibrant neighbourhoods, they will also have on their doorstep an abundance of boutiques, markets and, going forward, theatres.
Within the hotel, the emphasis is rightly on service and the bespoke, unique Middle Eight experience, but the hotel is one that has a conscience. Both people and the environment are integral to the decisions it makes.
The award-winning London-based design practice Tonik Associates is behind the hotel’s stunning interiors.
First impressions at Middle Eight set a tone that is continued throughout the hotel with the double-height entrance, contemporary design and natural hues of the lobby creating a lively and warm ambiance.
This bright, airy feel carries on into the guest accommodation which combines effortless style with peerless comfort.
The hotel offers 168 rooms - across five categories - and 12 suites. The latter, which are named after pieces of music with a middle eight bridge (which helps a song develop in a natural way), set new standards for hotel living. Many of them boast an enclosed indoor garden flooded with natural light whilst two of the suites enjoy secluded outdoor terraces perfect for al fresco dining and entertaining.
All these spaces have been inspired by nature. This is brought to life through the use of natural materials such as stone and wood and a soothing, tonal colour palette.
Nothing has been overlooked in a quest to create the ultimate in luxury that is still in keeping with the hotel’s core ethos, whether it’s the contemporary design and bespoke furniture, the sumptuous bedding, the high thread count Egyptian cotton linen or the use of natural renewable materials. All the toiletries are carefully selected for their sustainable nature and the bathrobes are made using recycled plastic. Every room also features Nespresso coffee machines, minibars stocked with complimentary drinks, 42” flatscreen TVs, soundbars with Chromecast and high-speed complimentary wifi.
Central to the hotel’s ability to draw in local life is its food & beverage offering. With an all-day Italian inspired dining menu, Sycamore Vino Cucina is a large, light-flooded contemporary bar and restaurant. The sharing nature of the food creates an atmosphere that is fun, informal and sociable. Welcoming and bustling during the day, by night the buzz continues as live music take the experience beyond the delicious food.
For those seeking a little more seclusion, The Balcony, situated on the Mezzanine floor and overlooking Sycamore, serves a globally inspired menu throughout the day in a more tranquil setting.
The library and bar meanwhile, with their extensive collection of books about London, culture and art, are the perfect spot for a nightcap.
Nestled downstairs is QT which, with its own street entrance, is a destination in and of itself. Opening in the short term for private events only, from autumn onwards it will ultimately serve as both a bar and a venue, regularly hosting comedians, musicians and singers on its central stage. A small screening room will also show film and art performances.
Beyond these more social options, Middle Eight’s basement houses a state-of-the-art gym that is exclusive to residents. Personal training is also available for guests to book.
Whilst the material aspects of Middle Eight have been painstakingly thought out and thoroughly executed, the service will similarly allow the hotel to stand apart. It is so discreet and well-judged that guests will not even notice until they need a fresh drink or a recommendation for a West End show.
For the peace of mind of guests and staff alike, the hotel has developed a programme to ensure it meets or exceeds all Government and Public Health England guidelines.
Middle Eight is a Preferred Hotels & Resorts’ partner. It is showcased within the brand’s luxury L.V.X. Collection which represents renowned properties that feature the finest accommodations coupled with attentive, engaging and exclusive personal service.
