Hardwall vs render on chimney breast?

[Sprocker]

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

 

[dontbelieveawordofit]

cement render. but hardwall would do too.

 

[23vc]

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?