The Ned

Hotel Description

You know what? I’ve walked past The Ned probably a hundred times over the years without really paying attention – it’s that massive Edwardian building right where Poultry meets King William Street, and honestly, from the outside it just looks like another grand old City institution. But stepping inside for the first time actually made me stop in my tracks. They’ve turned this former banking hall into something pretty spectacular, and I mean that in the best possible way. The original 1920s fixtures are still there – these enormous marble columns and soaring ceilings that make you feel slightly important just standing underneath them. It’s got that old-money London vibe without being stuffy about it, which is harder to pull off than you’d think.

What really works here is how they’ve managed to make a place in the heart of the financial district feel like somewhere you’d actually want to hang out, not just crash for a business trip. The rooms are proper luxury – none of that minimalist nonsense where you can’t find a decent chair or enough plugs. They’ve got this warm, club-like atmosphere with rich fabrics and brass details that feel substantial, you know? And the bathrooms are genuinely impressive, which matters more than people admit. I stayed on a higher floor facing north and it was surprisingly quiet considering you’re literally surrounded by some of the busiest streets in London. The whole building used to be Midland Bank’s headquarters, and they’ve kept a lot of the original character while making it work for modern travelers.

Location-wise, well, you’re right in the thick of things whether you want to be or not. Bank station is basically on your doorstep, which is brilliant for getting anywhere in London, but it also means the area can feel pretty dead on weekends when all the office workers disappear. During the week though, you’ve got Leadenhall Market just a few minutes’ walk away, and you can easily stroll over to Borough Market or pop across the Thames if you’re feeling ambitious. The hotel itself has become quite the destination – there’s always something happening in the lobby areas and restaurants, so even when the City empties out, there’s still life in the building. Check-in was smooth, staff genuinely seemed to know what they were doing, and parking… well, forget driving here unless you absolutely have to. The Tube really is your best bet. It’s definitely earned that 8.6 rating – this is what a proper London hotel should feel like, with enough character to justify the five stars without trying too hard to impress you.

Rooms

• Double Room – Cosy with 1 large double bed for 2 adults
• Double Room – Medium with 1 extra-large double bed for 2 adults
• Double Room – large with 1 extra-large double bed for 2 adults
• Studio Suite with 1 extra-large double bed for 2 adults
• Heritage Suite with 1 extra-large double bed for 2 adults
• Terrace Suite with 1 extra-large double bed for 2 adults
• Duplex Suite with 1 extra-large double bed for 2 adults
• Two Bed Family Suite with 1 extra-large double bed and 1 double bed for 4 adults
• Lutyens Suite with 1 extra-large double bed and 1 double bed for 4 adults
• Double Room – Crash Pad – Under 30s with 1 large double bed for 2 adults
• Heritage with 1 extra-large double bed for 2 adults
• Grand Heritage with 1 extra-large double bed for 2 adults
• Stairwell Studio with 1 extra-large double bed and 1 sofa bed for 2 adults
• Queen Room – Disability Access with 1 large double bed for 2 adults

Facilities