The Wedding Edition sat down with Johnathon Johnson, more commonly known as ‘JJ,’ to go behind the scenes at The Ned and discover the mastermind behind some of their most extraordinary events.
With a background in Fashion Promotion and a career that began as a Fashion Styling Assistant, JJ seamlessly transitioned into the world of events, where his flair for design and creativity shines through. His experience in fashion, coupled with the influential figures he’s worked alongside, has profoundly shaped his unique approach to curating unforgettable experiences at one of London’s most iconic venues.
In this exclusive interview, JJ shares insights into The Ned’s rich heritage, the diverse mix of people it attracts, and the standout moments that have shaped the hotel’s reputation for hosting incredible parties and events. From hidden corners to favourite dishes, we get an inside look at what makes The Ned truly one of a kind.
How would you describe The Ned?
There’s nowhere quite like it. The Ned is steeped in history—the building was originally the Midland Bank—and our event spaces are decadent, beautifully designed with high ceilings and intricate architectural details. Sir Edwin Lutyens, one of the most celebrated architects of his time, designed the building. Beyond the event spaces, the rest of the hotel is simply extraordinary. We have seven restaurants and three bars sprawled across the ground floor, a luxurious spa complete with an indoor pool, steam room, and sauna, plus a stunning rooftop exclusive to our members. You’ll never find a dull moment at The Ned, that’s for sure.
Tell us something most people don’t know about The Ned?
Goldfinger was filmed in The Vault.
What kind of people hang out here?
We welcome a wonderfully diverse mix—from party-goers to CEOs, creatives, start-ups, and guests who travel from across the UK and the world to experience The Ned.
Who has checked into The Ned over the years?
We have an array of well-known guests who stay with us, but discretion is key, so we never name names. However, throughout the year, especially around Christmas and New Year, you’ll often spot some familiar faces performing at our exclusive events.
Who’s thrown parties here? Any standout stories or famous weddings?
We’ve hosted some incredible events. Our Halloween and New Year’s Eve parties are legendary. The members’ Halloween party is known for its immersive themes, while New Year’s Eve is a showstopper, with live bands, performers, and a countdown that always ends in a breathtaking fireworks display. Last year, we had a private performance by Grammy-nominated Nicole Scherzinger—truly an unforgettable night.
Who is the chef, and what is your favourite dish?
Our Events Kitchen is led by Executive Events Chef Leigh Pell and Head Chef Giuseppe Trezza. We recently launched our AW24 menu, and there are so many exciting new additions. My favourite is the Lamb Wellington. It’s fantastic to offer fine-dining quality at an event, and the flavours are exceptional.
Any hidden corners at The Ned?
The Ned has endless staircases—when I first started, I was still discovering new ones months into my time here. Highlights include our free-floating spiral staircase, which spans all nine floors of the building, and the magnificent marble staircase. Both make for stunning wedding photo backdrops.
Favourite room to stay in?
The Duplex Suite is my top pick. It’s the perfect space for a wedding morning—bright, spacious, and a harmonious mix of elegance and comfort.
Favourite piece of artwork from the collection?
There’s a portrait of Sir Edwin Lutyens above the Concierge on the ground floor. It’s a personal favourite as it’s a reminder of where The Ned’s journey began.
Up-and-coming artists to have on our radar?
I always look out for who’s performing at ‘New Music Monday’ on the Nickel Stage. Every week, we feature some of London’s most exciting up-and-coming artists, songwriters, and performers—recently, Harrison May and Flo Wilkes. It’s a fantastic platform for discovering fresh talent.
What kind of couples get married here?
Our couples are as diverse as our guests, which makes planning weddings here so exciting. We host international couples seeking a quintessential London wedding experience, often with welcome receptions and post-wedding brunches. We also cater to local couples, many of whom have a personal connection to The Ned—whether it’s where they had their first date or even got engaged. The grandeur of our spaces, combined with their warmth and versatility, allows couples to infuse their own personal style into their wedding day.
And finally, what’s next for The Ned?
We’re about to launch Ned’s Club in Washington, DC, just in time for the US Presidential inauguration. This will be an exciting new addition to our portfolio, offering beautiful club spaces for our members and private event spaces.
For more information visit; thened.com
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