If you’re popping down to theatreland then why not make a night of it? Located just a hop skip and a jump away is the art deco delight that is The Bloomsbury Hotel.
Steeped in history, The Bloomsbury was built in 1929 as the Central Club for the YWCA and it is here that the young princesses Elizabeth and Margaret were brought for afternoon tea following their much written about secret trip on the Tube from Hyde Park Corner. The building was used as an air raid shelter and services accommodation throughout the war before being transformed into a hotel by current owners The Jurys Doyle Hotel Group.
There are many jewels in the Bloomsbury’s crown the first of which you encounter before entering the hotel itself – the sumptuous covered Dalloway Terrace. Named after one of literature’s most famous hostesses, the heated terrace restaurant is apparently the most instagrammed restaurant in London and is extravagantly decorated for each season. Our visit in January saw festoons of frosted pine cones, gothic ivy, winter berries and evergreen fringing artfully arranged giving our later dinner an air of Narnian adventure. The Dalloway terrace offers diners a casual brasserie menu for brunch, lunch and dinner. We sampled their delicious and heaty super food salad, delicious roast chicken with preserved lemons and traditional chunky fish and chips before indulging in a divine baked cheesecake with perfectly tart blackberry sorbet on the side.
On to the hotel itself. Through the gorgeous reception and lounge with its period papers and portraits of literary figures from the 1920s creative heyday of the area – the bright young things of the Bloomsbury Set, charcoal corridors lead to period styled rooms and sumptuous suites designed with comfort and style in mind in equal measures.
We were lucky enough to be shown into one of the Bloomsbury’s Luxury Studio Suites, set on the corners of the building to maximise space, light and views. An entrance hall and dressing area lined with heavy floral wallpaper led us through to a stunning dark blue bedroom suite with superking bed and herringbone floor. Slinging panelled doors opened into an Italian marble lined bathroom with freestanding bath with television, walk in shower, double basins and separate WC. The only downside to the room is that it is so lovely you don’t want to leave it and explore the city that awaits around you!
If, like us, you couldn’t bear to stray too far from all that luxury, then The Bloomsbury offers two additional bars for guest to enjoy. The gorgeous Coral Room, painted floor to ceiling in a bright coral pink and adorned with giant Morano glass chandeliers is a wonderful place in which to sip a cocktail or two and indulge in a bit of people watching (we’d recommend the Rhubarb Triangle and Midtown Swizzle).
Downstairs The Bloomsbury Club Bar offers a more intimate environment with wood panelled walls and leather club chairs in dark greens and blues, the perfect place for a late night assignation or post dinner drink before going back to that wonderful room.
Whether eating, drinking or staying the night, The Bloomsbury is an unmissable part of a weekend in London’s West End. We can’t wait for our next visit.