Review: Dazzling bars and a basement cinema, a day at the Mondrian Hotel (Includes interview and first-hand account)

The Mondrian hotel in London is dubbed “The Sea Containers,” a nod to the hotel building’s history. The building was originally Sea Containers House. Sea Containers Ltd. was a Bermuda-registered company which operated two main business areas: transport and container leasing from its London base. The company went bust in 2006, and, in 2011, agreement was given to develop a hotel. The hotel opened in 2015.

The Dandelyan bar is a great place to meet for coffee or a cocktail…or two.

Dandelyan bar at the Mondrian hotel in London.

Tim Sandle

‘Peach in a pine cone’ cocktail:
Mr Lyan Gin, fermented peach, pine cone, citrus, soda

Tim Sandle

A perfect cup of coffee served at the Mondrian hotel in London.

Tim Sandle

The hotel staff were extremely friendly and helpful, some of the nicest hotel staff this roving journalist has ever encountered.

The restaurant, in keeping with the hotel, is styled on the golden age of transatlantic travel.

The sea Containers restaurant at the Mondrain Hotel, London.

Tim Sandle

The hotel layout was developed by Design Research Studio under the creative direction of renowned British designer Tom Dixon.

File photo: The front of the Mondrian Hotel, sharp, bright and artistic.

Tim Sandle

The main aim of the design was to encapsulate 1920s cruise ship glamour. One of the artistic delights is giant, copper clad wall inspired by the hull of a ship, running from outside the building, through to the lobby and on to the river side of the hotel.

Brash, nautically themed copper cladding runs around a large part of the hotel.

Tim Sandle

There are some nice touches, highlighting the sea-going past.

A typical ocean carrying cargo ship model in the hotel foyer. It captures the history of Sea Containers House by Blackfriars Bridge.

Tim Sandle

There are various boat themed aspects to the hotel, many making for eye catching displays.

Tim Sandle

There are also some quintessentially British touches, like the classic post box.

A shiny, bright red post box in the foyer of the Mondrian Hotel.

Tim Sandle

One of the delights of the hotel is a basement cinema, run by the specialist cinema chain Curzon. The cinema screens some latest movies and many classics.

Entering the Curzon cinema at the Mondrian Hotel in London. Delightfully intimate.

Tim Sandle

An old-fashioned looking popcorn machine was a delight and the popcorn was delicious.

A classic looking popcorn machine, containing lovely buttery and salty popcorn.

Tim Sandle

The cinema contains some classic film posters:

Classic movie poster from a 1950s B-movie.

Tim Sandle

An a realistic space suit, straight from a 1950s sci-fi B-movie.

An astronaut suit, on display at the Mondrian Hotel, London.

Tim Sandle

The cinema is an intimate 56 seat screening room. The size and exclusivity provide a great place to relax. The cinema has 4K digital projection, Dolby 7.1 surround sound and luxurious seating. Drinks, including alcoholic beverages, and hot food can be taken into the cinema. Small tables align most seats.

The special cinema at the Mondrian Hotel in London.

Tim Sandle

The hotel’s location, close to right on the Thames is really good for river walks and to explore the South side of the river.

A view of London and the River Thames, facing out from the Mondrian Hotel in London,

Tim Sandle

The hotel is located at 20 Upper Ground London, SE1 9PD. It is well worth a visit.

James Bond’s favorite – the vesper martini, served at the Mondrian hotel in London.

Tim Sandle