Kensington Hideaway has officially opened its doors as a 59-room boutique hotel in the heart of Kensington. Part of the JMK Group portfolio, the hotel offers a stay where design details draw from Kensington’s literary and cultural heritage.
Anchored by a literary-inspired concept, Kensington Hideaway features guestrooms themed around iconic writers, including William Makepeace Thackeray, Agatha Christie, T.S. Eliot and P.L. Travers. Each author-inspired room reflects its namesake through design details and atmosphere. References appear throughout the hotel, from decorative ink pots to typewriter key signage.
Kensington Hideaway’s interiors were designed by London-based studio Tonik, taking inspiration from the surrounding neighbourhood’s literary and cultural heritage. Rather than overt theming, the design focuses on nuanced storytelling, layered textures and refined detailing, creating spaces that feel calm, residential and quietly characterful.
Across guestrooms and shared spaces, Tonik’s design gives each space its own identity, with thoughtful references woven throughout, from bespoke joinery and curated artwork to understated nods to classic literature. The result is a hotel that feels intimate and personal, offering guests a sense of retreat while remaining deeply connected to its Kensington setting.
Located within easy walking distance of Kensington Palace, the Natural History Museum and South Kensington, Kensington Hideaway is well positioned for both business and leisure travellers seeking a retreat from the bustle of the capital.
The hotel’s restaurant and bar offer a relaxed yet stylish all-day dining experience, welcoming both hotel guests and local residents. Seating up to 35 guests, the space is designed to feel sociable and approachable, encouraging everything from morning coffee to evening drinks.
Led by Head Chef Sahil, the food offering focuses on seasonal ingredients, small plates and familiar favourites with a refined touch, reflecting the hotel’s laid-back yet considered approach to hospitality.
The cocktail programme was developed in collaboration with Auden Hospitality and features a concise list of expertly executed classics alongside house signatures inspired by the hotel’s literary theme, including The Gap Yah and Made in Chelsea. Select cocktails draw on writers connected to Kensington, referencing themes of journey, character and storytelling without overt interpretation.
A carefully curated wine and spirits list complements the cocktail offering, combining approachable favourites with a few unexpected discoveries.
Speaking on the opening, Rohit Bisht, General Manager at Kensington Hideaway, said, “We’re very excited about the opening of Kensington Hideaway. It’s incredibly rewarding to see the hotel come alive. Now that the doors are open, we’re looking forward to welcoming our first guests and seeing their reaction as the hotel begins its next chapter as part of the Kensington neighbourhood.”
Kensington Hideaway joins JMK Group’s growing portfolio of boutique hotels, offering a London stay that blends culture, comfort and personality.
