New Life for a Lutyens Landmark

On May 2, the historic Midland Bank headquarters building in London reopened with a markedly different purpose: the 317,000-square-foot classical structure now houses The Ned, a 252-room hotel, club, and multi-restaurant space from über-hip member’s club Soho House and hotel operator Sydell Group. Designed in 1924 by British architect Sir Edwin Lutyens—whose nickname was Ned—the Grade I–listed building, once called “The Palace of Finance,” now hosts diners among the verdite columns and walnut counters of the 32,000-square-foot banking hall.