The Ned
London

Client: Sydell Group
Designer: Soho House

This project was completed under Nulty Lighting

The Ned London stands as one of the City of London’s most remarkable examples of adaptive reuse, breathing contemporary life into a Grade I-listed architectural masterpiece originally designed in the 1920s by the celebrated Sir Edwin “Ned” Lutyens. Once the Midland Bank headquarters, the building’s grand scale, verdite marble columns, walnut panelled banking hall and iconic vaulted spaces have been meticulously preserved and transformed into a vibrant luxury hotel, club and dining destination that opened in 2017 in collaboration with Soho House & Co and The Sydell Group.

The architecture of The Ned expertly balances historic grandeur with the needs of a modern hospitality experience, retaining the commanding presence of its original façades and interiors while weaving in new spaces such as rooftop terraces, pool club, and numerous restaurants and bars.

Lighting plays a crucial role in articulating this rich architectural narrative, enhancing both original features and contemporary interventions. Careful lighting design was employed throughout — from the warm glow of decorative pendants and custom fixtures in the former banking hall, to subtle accent and low-level lighting in intimate areas like the Vault Bar — ensuring that each space feels both elegant and true to its heritage context.

Lighting complements the building’s materiality and 1920s-30s Art Deco influences, creating an atmosphere that feels timeless.