Located in the West of Nairobi sits the Social House: a charming hotel created by Kenyan entrepreneur Juliet Njogu. Social House Nairobi has already become a hub for local entrepreneurs, artists, and all creatives. Just as its name suggests–this is a space where people can come together with friends and family, in a really cool, fun, creative environment.
On our way back from safari in Kenya, we spent the day at Social House Nairobi to explore this much talked about space in Nairobi.
About The Social House Nairobi
First of all Social House is NOT a members club. With the slogan “1.3° from The Equator. 180° From Ordinary,” the Social House prides itself on being slightly unconventional–offering a truly unique experience for its guests. Although the Social House may seem informal, this is creating a warm and inviting environment, as if you were entering a home away from home.
The Social House offers 83 bedrooms of which they call the “Triple S’ Bedrooms,” as they are simple, stylish, and smart. Rooms come in three sizes: big, bigger and biggest. Within the big room, guests have the option to choose between twin beds or a Queen size. Within the bigger rooms, guests can enjoy their own personal rainforest shower as well as a view overlooking the pool. The Biggest rooms, boasting 48 square metres of space, include a rainforest shower, bathtub and private balcony. All come with great Kenyan coffee and a cool SMEG fridge.
Events Spaces
The Social House offers a series of event spaces, available for lounging or booking, as well as many weekly events.
The Shed, located on the ground floor, is a space that offers both indoor and outdoor seating options and faces the garden. This space also features a large TV fitted with four Bose speakers.
The Library, also located on the ground floor, is an indoor and outdoor terrace space. In the indoor region, there are a series of desks and chairs perfect for those who wish to get some work done while on holiday.
Located on the fifth floor is the Snug, the Garage, the Studio, and the Workshop–each being cosy event spaces to work independently or host meetings.
Restaurants
The Social House has four restaurants, each offering a variety of options.
Copper, well-known for its open-fire grill, specialises in meat and fish dishes, but offers a large vegetarian selection for those with dietary restrictions. Highlights from the starter menu include beef carpaccio, grilled prawn avocado and beef empanadas. Of the main dishes, highlights include the red wine-infused BBQ pork chops, tomahawk wagyu, and Thai green vegetable curry. Copper also offers a series of signature cocktails. Guests may want to try the Dukuu, made with naked whisky, pineapple juice, passion fruit, lime juice, and grenadine syrup, or the Mar-tea-ni, made with tea gin, walker black, martini rosso, ginger syrup and lime juice.
If guests wish to eat some of their favourite classic dishes with a twist, they should dine at the Other Room, a pool-side farm-to-table restaurant. Highlights of the Other Room’s menu include a chicken caesar salad, avocado toast, tangy asian pork ribs, as well as a variety of brunch and breakfast options. The Other Room offers buffet as well as an a la carte menu and is open 24 hours.
The Living Room is the social House’s cosy and warm café-bar and coffee roastery. The Social House calls this space an “informal hangout at the heart of the house,” effectively conveying their wish to create a warm and familiar space for each of their guests. The Living Room serves pure Kenyan coffee freshly roasted in-house, and is open 24 hours.
Inca is the Social House’s most interesting restaurant. Located on the roof, Inca’s décor is a variety of blues, pinks, oranges and purples. Inca serves Peruvian cuisine in the form of tapas, meant to be shared with amongst the guests of your party. Some highlights of the menu include tuna incataki, consisting of lightly seared tuna, critic soy sauce, sesame seed and oyster sauce, and langostino popcorn, consisting of crispy arrebosado prawn and house chili mayo.
Visiting Nairobi
Nairobi has a booming art industry, which the Social House represents in their many pieces of contemporary art that line the hotel walls. If you are looking to see more of the art that Nairobi has to offer, the Nairobi Gallery is another gallery for you. The Nairobi Gallery was built in 1913, and was originally used for civil service. It is a national monument and houses the country’s finest art pieces.
In addition to art, Nairobi is home to a bustling music industry. The Social House frequently plays live music, allowing its guests to experience Kenyan culture in a holistic way. Local sounds include soul, reggae, rock ‘n’ roll, jazz and more, some of which performed by the talented staff.
History buffs will love the personalised tours the Social House offers of the Bomas of Kenya, a tourist village on the outskirts of Nairobi where several Kenyan tribes reside. The Social House also offers guided hiking tours through the Ngong Hills, along the Oloolua Nature Trails or Nairobi’s Karuna forest.
Coffee fans may enjoy the abundance of traditional Kenyan coffee. Rich with volcanic minerals and nutrients, the coffee offered by Kenya is like no other. Social House serves their very own blend of Kenyan coffee. In addition to coffee, Kenya has a growing alcohol industry. Nairobi is home to a range of locally distilled gins, ciders, and beers.
Those who are interested in Nairobi’s wildlife may visit the Snake Park Zoo, located in the Nairobi National Park, which is home to a variety of snake species, including an Egyptian cobra, African rock python and the Gaboon Viper, of which has 4 cm-long fangs–the longest in the world!
Nairobi has a growing shopping scene, thanks to the Village Market–East Africa’s largest shopping and entertainment centre. The Village Market has over 150 outlets and a multitude of recreational activities. Ever since the shopping destination was created 14 years ago, it has become a representation of culture and modernity.
In a Nutshell
Nairobi has much to offer its visitors, and the Social House is really well positioned to explore Nairobi. Rather than feeling as though you are returning to a stuffy hotel, the Social House has a warm and inviting atmosphere, welcoming you home after a long day of Kenyan adventures.
Nightly rates at the Social House Nairobi start from £170/ £140 based on two people sharing.
To discover more, visit: thesocialhouse.ke
All imagery courtesy of The Social House Nairobi.
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