Now open - lifestyle aparthotel brand Locke's sixth property in London

Pioneering lifestyle aparthotel brand Locke is pleased to announce that Ember Locke, its sixth property in London and thirteenth Locke to date, is now open.

Located in the city’s exclusive Kensington and Chelsea neighbourhood, the aparthotel is spread across eight floors, comprising 121 apartments ranging from studios, to duplex one bedroom apartments. Complementing the lobby and common areas is food and beverage destination EVE; providing a coffee shop, bar and restaurant offering which sits amongst co-working space, a meeting room and large garden. Additional facilities also include a gym and laundry room.

Prominently situated on the historic Cromwell Road, Ember Locke sits in a neighbourhood rich with culture and is within walking distance of some of London’s most famous museums, including the Natural History Museum, the V&A, the Science Museum, and the Design Museum.

Designed in collaboration by creative and interior design studios Atelier Ochre and House of Dré, the warm, distinctive interiors and layering of casual and bohemian spaces with soft ambient tones and hues, welcome guests and provide solace from the bustle of Cromwell Road. Inspired by the late Kensington Roof Gardens and the laissez-faire flamboyance demonstrated by the iconic mid-century fashion brand Biba (born in Kensington’s bohemian fashion scene), the Art Deco design style combined with 21st century retro futurism, ensure the interiors are a nostalgia-soaked reimagining of over a decade of glamour in Kensington.

Ember Locke’s apartment interiors are curated as a series of boudoir rooms, with guests transported by colourful tones and vibrant patterns to a bygone, yet fundamentally contemporary era. Art Deco details and bold pieces such as sweeping banquette seating, deconstructed wardrobes and retro fittings are paired with elements of glamour; brass detailing, fringes, tassels, and heavy dividing curtains ensure a sophisticated feel.

In the communal spaces, the eclectic mix of character features are punctuated with bright fabrics, crafted furniture, and fine rattan structures, while opulent planting carefully frames the view towards Ember Locke’s extensive garden. Bespoke art pieces by House of Dré adorn the walls in the guestrooms and public spaces, while a host of local and up-and-coming artist’s work have been chosen to be displayed throughout the property.

“Bringing the concept of the ephemeral intrigue that spans across Biba and Kensington Roof Gardens to life began with teasing out the evocative details within. We embraced rich textures and bold patterns to embody a reserved opulence that once ruled the cultural and fashion industry. Immersed within these overflowing environments, guests can seek the shelter of intimate nooks, be more social in the open lounge, or come upon surprising moments we added to enrich the guest's tongue in cheek sense of discovery.” - Pauline Dellemotte, Founder and Creative Design Director, Atelier Ochre

"Our artworks and motifs have been given the Biba treatment, with the colour palettes used responding to that of the interiors created by Atelier Ochre. The chosen pieces reflect the boudoir-meets-Modernist-and-Art-Deco style of the decor and in turn changes the context and meaning of the artwork.” - Andreas Christodoulou, Creative Director, House of Dré

In keeping with Locke’s commitment to the finest offerings of food and drinks, Ember Locke will be home to EVE, a restaurant, bar, and café, inspired by the diverse flavours and breaking bread cultures of the eastern and southern Mediterranean regions. Rich, flavoursome traditions, indulgent and full of character, EVE presents a contemporary all-day cuisine. EVE, under the guidance of White Rabbit Projects, will open at Ember Locke in September 2023.

"We’re very excited to be opening our first property in West London, in an ideal neighbourhood for Locke. This part of West London has long captured the attention of leisure and business travellers alike - you have some of the city’s best museums and shopping locations on your doorstep and in the last few years the area has had a real spotlight on it, with some of the best restaurants in London opening here. With the buzzing neighbourhood of Notting Hill close by and tranquil Hyde Park moments away, we are excited for Ember Locke to open its doors for guests.” Eric Jafari, Chief Development Officer and Creative Director, Locke

Locke is also working with RE.LINE, a sustainable brand that provides uniforms to businesses, specialising in the hospitality industry. The brand reuses products that would otherwise end up in landfill and collaborates with artists to reimagine and repurpose them to give them a new life. Excitingly, Ember Locke is the first Locke property to see RE.LINE’s concept come to life. In collaboration with House of Dré, RE.Line has created a line of unisex wardrobe staples in colour palettes that reflect the interiors of the Ember Locke. House of Dré worked with East London print artist, Ossa Prints, to create the ‘Biba Girl series’, a limited edition run of 121 unique prints based on three separate designs. The uniform consists of a range of interchangeable organic tees, soft sweats, and staple jackets in dusty neutral colourways.