Nestled within the bustling Nomad district, which formally housed the Nomad Hotel, The Ned has finally made its US debut with the backing of Soho House parent company, Membership Collective Group.
The New York outpost follows the massively successful Ned London which opened its doors only five years ago. The origins of the Ned date back to Sir Edwin Landseer Lutyens, an architect for the rich and famous, who constructed the magnificent structure where the Ned London now sits. In 2012, Ron Burke purchased the property, seeking to create a new approach to hospitality naming the new venture after Sir Edwin’s nickname “Ned”. Seeking to expand his vision, for a new permanent membership club, the logical choice was to expand from London, venturing across the Atlantic to New York City
The Ned NoMad features Cecconi’s, a modern-day classic Italian restaurant, and Little Ned, a 1920’s style bar with New American cuisine featuring time-honored staples and classic cocktails, plus a members-only club area featuring various cocktail bars, sitting areas and dining rooms, such as “The Library,”“The Atrium Stage,” a rooftop bar and terrace, “The Magic Room” and “The Dining Room.” The hotel features 167 guest bedrooms with a nod to 1920’s glamour. Membership to Ned’s Clubs globally is included with a Ned NoMad membership.
The invitation only event was hosted by the hottest name in hospitality Richie Akiva, billionaire business mogul Ron Burkle and Soho House founder Nick Jones. Those in attendance included celebrities such as Gigi Hadid, Julia Fox, Chantel Jeffries, Miguel, Robin Thicke, Badius, Evan Mock, Rosie Perez and more ranging across the worlds of film, music and fashion.
With Akiva’s vision for an epic evening in toe, guests were graciously treated to an endless array of appetizers and a constant flow of champagne and cocktails. A multi course seat dinner followed featuring butter spaghetti with caviar, filet mignon, Kobe beef burgers and a bevy of desserts. The evening only livened after dinner, as Sister Sledge lit up the room with a show stopping performance bring guests to their feet in the atrium. VIP guests ventured upstairs to the club level for the afterparty which featured a special performance by Robin Thicke, Miguel and new artist Badius.
By any metric, the opening of The Ned was a glamorous affair. The crowd, ambiance and stellar entertainment proves that Richie Akiva is most certainly the top name at the helm of global hospitality and the perfect name to lead and curate the New York outpost of The Ned brand.
Photography: BFA