Bold decor

The days of magnolia walls and other pastel shades in hotel decor are apparently history. There seems to be a vibrant trend for the decor in the best new hotels to be eye-candy bold. This is the backdrop to a sitting area in the Ham Yard Hotel in central London, newly opened this summer.

Built on the site of an old car park, the hotel is full of edgy art and interesting features. On a downstairs bar there is a metal spiral helter skelter that is at least 15 feet tall, and packed from top to bottom with oranges. They wait there for the barman to pluck the fruit from the base, ready to fresh-press into orange juice for thirsty customers.

There is even a two-lane hotel bowling alley, imported from the United States!