You'd have to have been living on Mars to have missed the fact that veganism is having something of a moment right now. With the demand for meat-free food up almost 1000% in recent years , it's no wonder businesses are getting in on the act. The latest to appeal to this new customer-base is the theHilton hotel, London Banksidewhich has introduced the capital’s first Vegan Suite.
In partnership with über-cool multi-sensory design firm,Bompas & Parrand with involvement ofThe Vegan Society,who were consulted on the vegan-friendly materials, the suite has been designed to appeal to those following a plant-based lifestyle, with everything from the carpets to the pillow options and mini-bar tailored to suit.
To reflect the history and heritage of the hotel’s location on London's Bankside, the interior draws inspiration from the pineapple.The exotic fruit has rich historical links to London, having been brought to the city in the 17th century by botanist John Tradescant, after which it became a symbol of luxury, exoticism, hostmanship and rarity, being reflected in London’s art and architecture throughout history to the present day.
Taking the fruit as its influence, the suite’s decor features Piñatex – a vegan-friendly leather made from the Pineapple’s cellulose fibres on the headboard, desk chair and pouffes.
This has been teamed with a solid stone-grey flooring made with 100% renewable and sustainable Moso Bamboo and responsibly-sourced organic cotton carpets in earthy and muted tones, with flashes of vibrant green, resulting in a calming yet colourful space.
When it comes to some shut-eye there's a choice of (non-feather) soft pillows to sink into, from those made with organic buckwheat hulls, or organic millet husks, to memory foam options made with bamboo shredded fibre or anti-allergy foam pillows, made with 100% recycled cluster polyester.
In the bathroom, expect to find vegan-friendly PRIJA ginseng, shampoo, conditioner and shower gel.
Other toiletries such as a shower cap, vanity and nail kit are made with recycled packaging.
The in-room menu includes various vegan breakfast options from fruit juices, muesli, hummus and vegetables, to potato hash, grilled Portobello mushroom, avocado and scrambled Quorn and quinoa. As well as lunch and dinner options such as cucumber salad, cauliflower steak and five-bean dhal.
There's even a plant-based check-in desk, with upholstered Piñatex seating and Piñatex keycards.
Having started life as an essence factory in the 1800s, the hotel has 292 guest rooms, which includes 25 bespoke suites and a penthouse apartment, (plus restaurant, meeting rooms, indoor swimming pool and fitness studio) so it'll be interesting to see if this the concept rolls out...