Hardwall vs render on chimney breast?

Hi
I've removed all the plaster on my living room chimney breast down to the brickwork and need it plastered. I've had conflicting advice on whether to use hardwall or render as a base coat? The fireplace will be possibly used with a log burner in the near future if funds allow.
What would you guys reccomend?
Thanks in advance

 

cement render. but hardwall would do too.

 

If you render it that could be your final finish, I’ve done a couple like that, if hardwall it’d be skimmed which may have issues if a woodburner gets installed?

 

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