This September will mark 13 years since I moved to London so when my friends outside the M25 ask me for recommendations when it comes to the Big Smoke, my answer has been the same for over 10 years: “Have you been to The Ned?”

The Ned is one of those places you go to make memories; my boyfriend and I had our third date there, propped up against the bar with cocktails in hand. I spent my 29th birthday enjoying dinner at one of its 10 restaurants while admiring the 21-foot Christmas tree (the perks of a December birthday). I’ve spent countless nights with friends watching live bands that have commanded the attention of the entire central atrium. 

And yes, of course I have pictures on my phone of those toilets. Because like Big Ben or the London Eye, The Ned’s loos are an iconic tourist attraction. We’ve all seen the triple chair Instagram shot, right? 

I recently found myself back at The Ned after hearing about its brand new ice cream parlour that looks like a 1920s Hollywood film set. Part of the Electric Diner restaurant, all the ice creams are made using natural ingredients and organic milk with a dozen flavours to choose from,  including the Electric Eton Mess, Rockiest Road or a classic sea salt caramel. 

I immediately opted for the fronut – a doughnut filled with soft-serve – a hybrid I never knew I needed. 

There are 10 restaurants altogether (seven open to the public and a further three exclusive to members), my favourite being Malibu Kitchen, which serves up healthy Californian food, and transforms into Cantina Malibu at night, serving up Mexican-inspired offerings such as tuna tostadas and tacos. 

Elsewhere, you can get your hands on Italian at Cecconi’s, enjoy poke at Asian-Pacific inspired Kaia and feast on award-winning steak at the old-school Lutyens Grill. 

While all are welcome at The Ned, the former bank is a private member’s club, so some elements are out of bounds to the public, including one of the best rooftop areas in London. Recently, I was lucky enough to have a snoop around on the hottest day of the year. The city backdrop, glass-covered restaurant and heated pool surrounded by striped sun loungers made me feel as though I had just arrived in Saint Tropez. 

Another perk to being a member is having access to The Ned’s Club Downstairs. Now, if you’ve been to the underground toilets, you will have seen the giant steel-doored vault room. What was once the original Midland Bank strongroom, which has 3,000 original safety deposit boxes, is now a members’ bar and lounge, and a late-night club space complete with live entertainment. 

One thing I’ve yet to do is stay over at The Ned, but if you’re lucky enough to find yourself there, you’ll get a complimentary day pass to use the indoor pool – one of the most luxurious spas in the capital. The relaxing underground pool has treatment rooms with treatments on offer that include luxe pedicures, manicures and facials (the fire and ice facial gets my vote).

Each of the 250 rooms has been decorated sympathetically in 1920s and 1930s style with four-poster beds, velvet cushions and sofas and vanity tables. Modernised to feel stylish, the rooms all have chic en-suite bathrooms complete with rainforest showers.

You can browse all of the restaurant menus and book a table over at thened.com. Rooms from £320. 

Images: courtesy of The Ned