Page 77 - Classics Issue

SOHO SOULWhen we look at modern supercars, for me the one that really stood out as the newcomer to the market was the Audi R8. It’s a perfect example of German technology and effciency borrowing some passion and maybe a little lunacy from the infamous Italian brand it now owns, Lamborghini, and entering a market right at the top. What Audi achieved with the R8 was quite remarkable, and I don’t mean the performance or design as that’s all down to physics and drawing. No, I mean total acceptance into a market as a brand. The R8 is a supercar, make no mistake, it turns heads, it sounds great, it has all the performance of its Italian (and German) contemporaries, but it’s comfortable and easy to drive.So it was no surprise to discover the German owner of Mimi’s Hotel in Soho drives a Lamborghini, Lutz Strangemann, founder of Land Union Group who developed 4 of Berlin’s most stylish hotels has just opened the doors to Mimi’s, his latest boutique hotel on Frith Street in London’s Soho. If, like me you travel a lot, you’ll more than likely have paid huge amounts for rooms around the world only to fall into bed late at night (usually after a great night out) and dive into the shower early morning, before dashing out for another busy day. On a recent stay in London I discovered the perfect solution, Mimi’s. A very different offering to the usual, Mimi’s 58 rooms capture the soul of Soho’s boudoir heritage, with 6 different categories ranging from a Tiny Single, ergonomically occupying 7 square metres to a Mimi’s Lux weighing in at a carefully designed 21 square metres. All rooms no matter what size share the same demand for quality with luxurious materials and high end fnishes bringing a new defnition to compact living with intelligent design solutions. Creative, eclectic, unusual and fun, this cool urban hideaway is brimming with character and charm. A mixture of ornate windowless rooms and more traditional suites, the design is opulent with a strong boudoir favour, interpreted with a contemporary edge. All rooms have complete noise insulation and under-foor heating. The bathrooms are stylish and contemporary with marble and glass mosaic, pressurised rain showers, heated mirrors and Molton Brown accessories. Uncomplicated comfort is the name of the game with 5* German made mattresses and Italian Frette Cotton linen, USB ports, an in-room entertainment system with complimentary pre-release movies and dimmable lighting designed to enhance the mood. Lux rooms feature double glazed sash windows and deep sunken bath tubs that comfortably ft two. My room was a small double offering everything I needed for an excellent night’s sleep in the heart of Soho.Mimi’s also has a great bar, Henson’s Bar & Social creating a very welcoming frontage on Frith Street, a great intimate meeting space for hotel guests and locals alike. Henson’s has quickly become a lively spot in Soho. Situated directly between my two favourite member’s clubs I simply rearranged all my meetings that day and took a table by the open fre. Adrien, the resident liquid architect keeps the cocktails fowing, whilst the wine list reads very well. Reclaimed oak fooring and bespoke furniture create a decedent, but inviting atmosphere. Oh, and did I mention the original artwork, Andy Warhol, Matisse and Picasso pieces from the owners’ personal collection.The attention to detail is obvious, and once I understood Lutz’s background it made complete sense when I was told how they totally rebuilt behind the original Victorian façade, hiding 6 foors in a full new build that has spared no expense and now refects the vision and sensibility of its enthusiastic billionaire owner. The architecture and design for the interiors has been developed by the talented KDesign team which has already developed other hotels for the group like the Monbijou Hotel in Berlin with technical drawings from MorseWebb.Strangemann comments: “We invest a great deal of passion in our projects – especially when it comes to hotels and we are looking at developing further hotels in London and are planning our frst one in Manhattan. Our experience in real estate combined with our construction capabilities allows us to create exciting products in prime locations. Mimi’s Soho is a unique experience that is strongly distinct from the standardised chains not only due its design and build quality but our operational team which in the case of Mimi`s I am particularly proud of. They share passion and competence at equal level and add soul to the hotel which make it a joy to stay there” Mimi’s has established itself in very short time, (very much like the Audi R8) enticing media creatives, budding fashionistas and city hoppers, Mimi’s Soho caters for the seasoned modern traveller who requires high quality hardware and a strong design ethos with moderate price-tag. With rates ranging between £150 to £300, you can certainly indulge the wine list and still be well in budget for a hotel of this quality. For those who might be used to large palatial rooms, times are changing, all we really need it somewhere to hang our clothes a comfortable bed and great bathroom and Mimi’s does all this with lashings style and quality.The staff are welcoming and helpful, the bar is great and is owner is born petrol head, so don’t be surprised to see a copy of Paddock Life on a table.Words Craig Blake-Jones