The Ned is a brand new luxury hotel in the heart of London. Its ambitions to be a desirable place to stay, and to compete with the likes of the Savoy are far fetched, but what gives this new establishment the edge? The Ned officially opens its doors to guests and the public alike in a few days, but my family, as well as the likes of Eddie Redmayne, Nick Grimshaw and Gary Barlow on other days; had a sneak peek around the place, and it is simply amazing.

Let's start with the history. The Ned has been transformed into hotel from its former state of London's Midland Bank, and is situated in the lucrative and highly sought-after area of Bank, right next to St. Paul's Cathedral. The Building is Grade-I listed, just like many of the other buildings in the area, with 11 storeys, 252 rooms, eight restaurants, and a few special areas for members of the Ned's exclusive club, which is what I got to see.

This area, named the "Vault Bar" is the best place in the hotel (in my opinion). For starters, the entrance to it is the original 20-tonne bank vault door (pictured), complete with massive steel screws and cogs. It is a sight to behold, straight from the movies! And really, it is in the movies; the most famous film franchise of all time, James Bond, had filmed a scene for "Goldfinger" in the actual vault in 1964. Since then, the 3,000 safety deposit boxes have remained, but a beautiful bar has sprouted, as well as a seating area for members.

One of two swimming pools in the hotel is also in a bank vault, and the whole building retains its old-fashioned yet classy feel from the old Bank with brass light fittings, soft patterned rugs and luxury and bespoke furnishings. The other swimming pool is for guests and members only, and is on top of the hotel, with an idyllic view over the whole of London, most notably is St. Paul's Cathedral, which is only a few hundred metres from The Ned.

This new, hip establishment in the very core of business and tourism in London seems to have it all. Character, space and heritage, as well as amazing panoramic views and special on of a kind features. All in all, one could say this place has a whole bank of promise!

By Harry Goolnik, Hampton School