The Thermostat [14th March 2022]

ONE HUNDRED SHOREDITCH

One Hundred Shoreditch has opened its doors on the old Ace Hotel site, and looks super promising, despite having very big boots to fill. We had pre-dinner cocktails at Seed Library on Saturday, and I can confirm that both the cocktails, decor and service is fabulous. I’m desperate to try Goddard & Gibbs, the seafood restaurant which is where my beloved Hoi Polloi restaurant once stood - the menu looks really delicious. The Lobby Bar which I need to visit ASAP, looks like it will be a great replacement for The Ace lobby bar - much missed by many, including me, and there’s a coffee shop too. Yet to open, in late Spring, is The Rooftop, but let’s face it, they have me with ‘pink marble and plenty of foliage’. Take my money! Mostly, it was just really lovely to see that block really buzzing again after the last few years.

THE GALLERY AT SKETCH

The infamous pink room at Sketch has been reborn and is now bathed in glorious warm golden tones. I really didn’t think I could love it as much as the pink room, but though I haven’t seen it in the the flesh yet, I should have never doubted the master India Mahdavi would pull it off - it’s SO beautiful and I can’t wait to have a proper look. David Shrigley’s wall to wall prints have been replaced by just a few stunning Yinka Sobinaire works. Could this mark the unofficial end of the gallery wall?

AMECHI X DADO

Wallpaper brand Dado have collaborated with designer Amichi Mandi who has reworked some of his textile designs into a series of beautiful wallpapers. I’m particularly taken with the Diyenay design - a stitch-effect chevron pattern which is SO lovely!

DAMIEN HIRST NATURAL HISTORY EXHIBITION

The Gagosian in Britannia Street London, are hosting the first exhibition of Hirst’s Formaldehyde works. Over twenty of his most iconic pieces dating from 1991 to 2021 are on display now.