Fettle: The Hoxton Portland
Fettle, a design studio based in London and Los Angeles, collaborates with Ennismore to convert a former 1920s theater into an upscale boutique hotel.
The London and Los Angeles-based design studio, Fettle, has collaborated with Ennismore to design The Hoxton Portland, the sixth hotel in the brand's portfolio. Located on the site of a former 1920s theatre in the historic Chinatown district, the studio was tasked with designing the hotel's public spaces, including the restaurant, cocktail bar, lobby, café, and 'apartment-style' meeting rooms. Staying true to the hotel's style and ethos, the design studio drew inspiration from the surrounding area, known for its industrial, gritty backdrop juxtaposed with pockets of natural beauty.
The fabric and history of the structure significantly influenced the design concepts. The hotel merges an old 1920s theatre with a newly constructed tower that houses the guest rooms. The historic section showcases beautifully textured wooden columns, old plaster finishes, and textured concrete, all of which have been preserved and restored as part of the design concept. In contrast, the new addition features a clean, industrial aesthetic, highlighted by a striking glazed façade. This blend of modern design and traditional elements underpins the iconic Hoxton Hotel style.
The restaurant, 'La Neta,' is situated at the opposite end of the room and features walls clad in dark-painted timber panelling, adorned with Latin-inspired artwork curated by local art consultant Upfor Gallery. Simple, freestanding banquettes upholstered in aged green leather are paired with timber and tan leather chairs, set around oak dining tables. A bespoke black, white, and gold patterned floor tile distinctly separates the restaurant from the bar area.
Catering for meetings and events, 'The Apartment' includes four rooms of varying sizes leading to a central pantry-style kitchen. Classic mid-century teak furniture outfits the rooms, easily arranged to accommodate various uses. Homely touches, including colorful contemporary artwork, books, and greenery, foster a relaxed environment that invites visitors to make it their own. The central kitchen, the heart of 'The Apartment,' embodies the same aesthetic, featuring fully stocked cupboards and a fridge, surrounded by soft velvet-upholstered lounge seating and a kitchen island with five velvet bar stools, providing a space for guests to gather and socialize in the comfort of home.
The public spaces each exude distinct personalities while stylistically connecting through materials, fixtures, and furniture design. The heart of the hotel, the lobby, serves as a social hub for guests and locals alike. The interior's open-plan design boasts an expansive brick wall featuring an integrated central fireplace, around which the colorful mid-century inspired furnishings are oriented. The pendant lights in this space were custom-designed by Fettle and are enhanced by Armstrong's Tectum wood/wool ceiling panels, painted in a soft and inviting Bella Pink hue.
The bar and restaurant interiors are located at the forefront of the building, flanked on two sides by the full-height glazing of the existing façade. A prominent timber-topped bar with a vibrant teal underside occupies one side of the space, while reclaimed timber flooring, sourced locally from Pioneer Millworks, extends seamlessly from the lobby.
Photography: Alan Jenson
