Drummonds Bathrooms

British craftsmanship in iconic cast iron tubs

In our opinion there’s a tangible link between hot and hip hotel rooms and huge bathtubs. So, when Palacio Principe Real in Lisbon paired with Brit company Drummonds bathtubs, opting to fill most of their suites with roll top baths, it seemed the perfect fit. From canary yellow, gleaming copper to polished silver in between, these tubs are quite the scene-stealer, almost poetic in their ability to elevate the suites’ interiors.

Set up in the 1980s, by Drummond Shaw, the company began as a vintage salvage company, restoring old rolltop baths to a characterful beauty, perfect for upmarket interiors and of course, indulgent deep soaks. But when demand began to outstrip supply of old tubs, Shaw set up his own cast iron foundry, brass casting workshop and vitreous china factory, using age-old traditions to be able to authentically produce these vintage pieces.

A single bath takes many weeks to make, following an intricate process that starts with the casting of the raw metal, then enamelling, dry-fritting it to create the snow-white finish, followed by crafting to individual client requests such as hand polishing, copper cladding or a lick of paint in a specific hue.

And it’s not just the bathtubs – a Drummonds bathroom could include classic pedestal basins slip- cast in china clay, hand crafted brassware (taps, showers and towel rails), hand-blown glass lightshades and marble vanity tops. And with its traditional method of production these gorgeous bathrooms really last – a true sign of excellence in quality. More than that though, it’s about the decadent feel of slipping into a deep rolltop, best enjoyed with an ice-cold glass of champagne we find….