By Donna Richardson
London has long been the epicentre of rock and roll, and the Karma Sanctum Hotel is a legendary destination that embodies the spirit of music history. More than just a hotel, it serves as an exclusive sanctuary located in the vibrant heart of the music industry. This iconic establishment is owned by Ron Smallwood, the shrewd manager of Iron Maiden.;
His business partners include Andy Taylor, a former manager of music titans such as Fleetwood Mac and Beyoncé, and Mark Fuller, a savvy nightclub entrepreneur known for founding popular hotspots like Sugar Reef and Red Cube. In the past, his venues drew stars such as David Beckham, George Clooney, and Madonna. Fuller later ventured on to create The Embassy Club, further enhancing his reputation in the nightlife scene. Together, they have crafted a haven where glamour meets rock and roll legacy, making the Karma Sanctum Hotel a must-visit for music lovers and celebrities alike.
Karma Sanctum is not just a hotel; it is also a tribute to the vibrant culture of the surrounding area. Located on Warwick Street, just around the corner from the iconic Carnaby Street, it serves as the perfect retreat for our weekend getaway. This hotel offers a home away from home for music enthusiasts.
This legendary establishment is celebrated as London’s original rock and roll hotel. The 30-room establishment opened in 2009 when music insiders joined forces to design a hotel where music industry friends would feel at home.
When we checked in, the rock band Europe had just checked out, and they are just one of many bands that use the hotel as a base when in the capital. Famous guests have included Brian May, Chrissie Hynde, Noel Gallagher and many more. From the moment you check into London’s original rock and roll hotel, you are in for a wild ride.
This is precisely the type of hotel a rock star would choose to stay in. And as rock stars like to party, damage limitation is assured from the outset, as upon check-in, a large deposit is taken, lest you trash the room in true rock star style – and the TV screens are fitted into the wardrobes to prevent them being thrown out the window.
As soon as you enter the lobby, you’re drawn in by its moody and mysterious atmosphere. A striking display featuring skulls and a giant gorilla sets the stage for an unforgettable experience. You have the option to ride the lift or take the staircase, where you’ll discover stunning photos signed by rock legends like Mick Jagger.
Each room is equipped with a crystal-studded door, and the hallways display original photographs of music icons, including Amy Winehouse and Steven Tyler. Once you step into the junior suite, you’ll be captivated by the impressive maxi bar, stocked with full-sized bottles of premium gin, vodka, beers, and champagne, along with an enticing selection of snacks.
Pour yourself a drink and sink into the luxurious king-sized bed piled high with soft pillows. The suite also features a cleverly designed mirror that discreetly conceals a TV behind its sleek surface, adding a touch of modern elegance. The beautiful freestanding bathtub, bathed in soft lighting and surrounded by tassels, allows for some time to zone out when the partying gets too much.
The suite features a stylish vanity table, a spacious wash area, a shower, and a toilet. From the suite, you can enjoy a vibrant view of the bustling main street below, alive with activity day and night. Equipped with a Dyson hairdryer, fluffy robes, and high-end Cole and Lewis bath products, this suite ensures every moment of your stay is both comfortable and luxurious.
The hotel has its own Michelin-starred restaurant, Wild Heart Bar & Shokudo, which serves Japanese-style street food prepared by Garry Hollihead. The sushi is sublime.
The venue features a private cinema space that hosted the CIFF festival earlier this year. During the day, this area serves as a bar and workspace, transforming into an events space at night. Notable events have included DJ performances by Paul Oakenfold, the launch of The Master Plan book, the Soho Jazz Festival, and private gigs by artists such as Damon Albarn and Bullet for My Valentine. The atmosphere is edgy and cool, making it a favourite gathering spot for creatives, where anything can – and often does -happen.
If you’re looking for a place to party, this is it. As Sherene, Simon’s wife, told The Standard: “We never shut, so we want people to sleep here. Why get into a cab feeling sick when you could stay?” – One big draw is sure to be the members-only rooftop bar, which has a cigar menu alongside the food and drink. It also has a hot-tub – watched over by a gorilla which went awol before a spell before being returned.. It is a great place to hang out and meet fellow music fans – ideal for an after-party.
Shopping in Carnaby Street
If there was ever a defining symbol of the swinging sixties, it would undoubtedly be Carnaby Street. This iconic destination brims with a vibrant mix of boutiques and bars, radiating energy that once during the evening, you can head over to the disused underground area where a DJ spins a range of tunes, and you can party with your friends and the Scoundrels of Cahoots. If you are still in the mood to party, you can flock to Nightjar Carnaby. another speakeasy to sip on hot walnut-buttered rum cocktails. The street is brimming with London boozers and trendy cocktail bars, so you’ll never be short of a drink.
We visited Hayley Menzies’ shop on Newburgh Street, where we discovered a designer known for her bold knitwear. One striking piece was a beautiful striped dress that came off the shoulder and fit perfectly – something that rarely happens for me in designer boutiques. Hayley Menzies is famous for her signature cardigans, which are great for ski resorts.
Next, we stopped by Annie’s, also on Newburgh Street, to check out some amazing clubbing outfits. Annie Doble, the owner and designer, creates pieces for celebrities such as Kate Moss, Rita Ora, and Paris Hilton. For years, Annie’s Ibiza has been the top destination for celebrities and trendsetters to find outfits, but her London boutique is just as fantastic and perfectly fits in the lively Carnaby area.
The shop buzzes with energy, filled with beautiful waif models trying on Annie’s incredible designs. You’ll find a mix of vintage glamour, sequins, feathers, and antique lace, along with well-known designer names. Most pieces are made by Annie herself, so everything is one of a kind. Finally, we went to Rixos, where we found stylish outfits with a vintage touch. Their collection includes fashion inspired by many eras, from the roaring twenties to the wartime forties, as well as some elegant sixties outfits, plus a great selection of shoes and accessories
Cahoots
That evening we had plans to visit Cahoots, just a few streets down in the former Kingly Road Station, which transports you back in time. The former ticket office and signal station downstairs is now a 1940s bar and club. Order a Vera Lynn gin cocktail and soon you’ll be singing war time songs and ordering snacks. Try the delicious truffle chips, and a fine selection of cheese and deep-fried camembert. While you can spend the whole evening here, the building is a time capsule with its very own vintage-style speakeasy.
As you enter the air raid shelter, a fabulous 1940s singer serenades the audience as you order cocktails off the newspaper menu until 1 am. Later on, enter the disused underground bunker where a DJ spins a range of tunes from the Scoundrels of Cahoots. If you are still in the mood to party, you can flock to Nightjar.
Dishoom
After an evening of hedonism in the Carnaby Street area, the best way to cure your hangover is with an Indian breakfast at Dishoom on Kingly Street, which cooks up an authentic Bombay experience. Dishoom is the name for the sound of a blow in Bollywood movies and it is true to say that their Bombay breakfast really packs a punch. Accompanied by a Bloody Mary, it is all fits with the rockstar vibe. Based on the Irani café concept,
Dishoom is a great place to spend time with family and friends. Guests are seated away from the bustling restaurant area where they can enjoy their breakfast and play games as the rain patters down on the rooftop. You are surrounded by photographs of the owner’s family mixed in with prints of famous stars from Carnaby Street’s heyday. From the dusty jukebox to the rice pans everything is rooted in authenticity.
Dishoom is one of a chain of nine restaurants owned by Shamil Thakrar – who has now opened his own hotel making it a score. The one in Covent Garden is the original one and has a Michelin star. At the helm of Dishoom Carnaby Naved Nasir, the executive chef, has an impressive team. The chef has published a cookbook, which contains all his secret ingredients so guests can recreate his classics, so it is recommended to return for an evening meal, as this is undoubtedly one of the best Indian restaurants in London.
Overall Carnaby Street is undoubtedly one of the most exciting areas of London brimming with bard, restaurants and shopping boutiques. The mods and rockers were the first to discover this wonderful area – and the rockers never left. Many decades later, the swinging sixties are still alive and kicking in Carnaby Street.
The Rolling Stones still have a flagship store here. Carnaby Street really is the beating heart of rock and roll, but it has also moved with the times, appealing to a whole new audience of youngsters who value premium lifestyle experiences. Guests can base themselves in the capital’s coolest rock hotel and be in for the night of their life. This is an area of London that never sleeps, so make sure you are ready for a party.
Getting there
Take the train to St Pancras station and then head down onto the tube to Oxford Circus, and there tucked behind the shops is one of the most vibrant and liberal places in ,London.
Donna Richardson is a travel writer who loves to travel and discover new adventures. She has been to 26 countries and counting. She loves good food, wine, and cultural experiences, as well as hotels or destinations with a story behind them.
