We delivered the comprehensive refurbishment of the Grade I-listed former Midland Bank Headquarters, converting the historic building into The Ned, a luxury hotel and Soho House members club.
Originally designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens in 1929, and finally completed in 1939, the historic Midland Bank Headquarters in the City of London is a celebrated example of early 20th-century architecture in London, now reimagined as a unique destination offering a blend of luxury, history, and modern amenities.
The transformation of the Midland Bank Headquarters into The Ned is a testament to our expertise in blending historical preservation with modern luxury. The project not only revitalized a landmark building but also created one of London’s most distinctive hospitality destinations, where history and contemporary elegance coexist seamlessly.
Historic Legacy Meets Modern Luxury
Lutyens’ original building is considered one of London’s architectural gems. Today, The Ned combines this rich history with contemporary luxury, featuring 252 guest rooms, nine restaurants, two swimming pools, a health spa, and extensive event spaces. The building’s transformation required a delicate balance between preserving its historic elements while adapting it to meet modern standards.
Structural Interventions
Our team undertook significant structural alterations to accommodate the new hotel and club. This included complex underpinning and the construction of a new 13.5-storey vertical circulation core, linking the original building to a 1970s extension. We also added new floors, a two-storey roof extension, and a rooftop swimming pool. These changes demanded careful engineering to maintain the integrity of the original steel frame structure, while also dealing with the challenges posed by the building’s proximity to the Northern Line expansion below.
Heritage Restoration
Preserving the building’s heritage was central to the project. We meticulously restored key features, including 92 green verdite marble columns, walnut banking tables, and period chandeliers in the former grand banking hall. The six Grade I-listed banqueting rooms were also carefully refurbished, preserving original walnut panelling, parquet floors, and a historic tapestry.
One of the most iconic features, the original bank vault, was transformed into The Vault bar and lounge, where over 3,000 restored safety deposit boxes now line the walls, creating a unique ambiance.
Luxurious Fit-Out
The interior fit-out reflects the glamour of the 1930s, with vintage touches throughout. Our expert joiners handcrafted every detail, from doors and windows to bespoke bars and bedroom furnishings. The grand banking hall’s black-and-white chequerboard floor was recreated based on original photographs, and the luxurious spa, built within another basement vault, features a 20-meter lap pool surrounded by richly-veined marble and mosaic tiles.
