NoMad London, one of Covent Garden’s latest additions, has certainly made an entrance. After winning the AHEAD Europe Hotel of the Year Award in November, it was awarded AHEAD Global’s Ultimate Accolade on January 20th, the Oscars of hospitality design. It’s certainly not hard to see why, it was described by Claire Eeles in the virtual awards ceremony as ‘a truly extraordinary hotel that sets a new standard in hospitality design and experience’.

 

Located opposite the Royal Opera House, NoMad occupies a Grade II listed building in Covent Garden. Although originally The Bow Street Magistrates’ Court - where Emmeline Pankhurst and Oscar Wilde were notoriously tried - the hotel spectacularly fills its space, revealing both The Library and The NoMad Restaurant from the lobby. The Library serves both coffee and cocktails, surrounded by shelves of books and artwork and artefacts whereas the restaurant offers a more luxurious dining experience. Set right at the heart of the building in the glassed, light-filled atrium, The NoMad Restaurant is the focal point of the hotel. Filled with natural light and foliage, its pale green aesthetic by day contrasts the more intimate tones by night: its showstopping setting makes an unforgettable meal out. 

 

Along with winning the overall award, NoMad won AHEAD Global’s award for event spaces and a hotel conversion. Containing the stylish Magistrates’ Ballroom, De Veil Room and many more, NoMad has the perfect spaces to suit business meetings, cocktail parties or anything in between. 

 

But there is certainly more to NoMad than its Instagram-friendly food and facilities. With many of the original features having been carefully retained - see the rows of telephone boxes outside, originally stationed for journalists to send court verdicts straight to the morning headlines - its sense of history is evident throughout. Stepping through the original, elegant facade on Covent Garden’s Bow Street, the prisoners’ entrance has been transformed into a dramatic guest-arrival experience complete with welcoming concierge and mood lighting. The characterful nature of the hotel can be seen throughout from traditional panelling in the events rooms to the Police Museum which allows guests to explore the true history of the building.

 

It's easy to see why the NoMad has been internationally recognised - from its breathtaking interior to glamorous facade it has everything to make a night in London that little bit more memorable.