Artist residences.
They’re generally excellent places for drawing attention.
Yet this boutique hotel is the definition of a hidden gem; planted inconspicuously amongst the lower-grade hotels of Pimlico, it’s a gloriously furnished bohemian bolthole tucked behind an unassuming facade.
You’ll recognise it by the striped awnings heralding the ground floor restaurant, but the upper floors are a private retreat, surprisingly well-placed for visiting some of London’s best bits. Here’s how it all breaks down:
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THE LOCATION
Tate Britain – Miguel Sousa
Central without being right among the noise and chaos of Leicester Square and all that, a few minutes of walking will take you right to Victoria station (and one of London’s speediest tube lines). And while the surrounding area is fairly subdued – perfect if you’re after some proper R&R – venturing a little further, you’ll be met with some of the best museums in London, classic London attractions like Big Ben and Buckingham Palace, and the art-filled Tate Britain. Artist Residence has various independent eateries for neighbours, including the wine-focussed Lorne, hyper-romantic La Poule au Pot and Michelin starred A. Wong. Plus, Chelsea and Battersea are a short walk away if you want to explore some of London’s most charming neighbourhoods.
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THE ROOMS
Every one of the 10 rooms at Artist Residence London has been given painstaking individual attention by the owners, each sporting sunlight-spilling sash windows, lofty ceilings and eclectic vintage furnishings picked up at antique fairs and flea markets. Depending on your budget, you could find yourself with anything from a reused field gate headboard to a free-standing, claw-foot bathtub – but they all come with the little luxuries of fluffy robes and slippers, Nespresso coffee machines, retro radios, TVs and a well-stocked minibar.
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THE FOOD AND DRINK
The ground floor restaurant is a buzzy spot worthy of both candlelit date nights and al fresco brunches. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are plated up on a neon-lit dining counter overlooking the open kitchen, or on tables with plush banquette seating, where you’ll be able to tuck into full English breakfasts and shakshouka by day, and hearty dishes like venison haunch with salsify and chestnut by night.
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THE AMENITIES
As one of their five hotels across England, the Artist Residence’s owners are clued up on what makes a good stay. It has the feeling of a social club where you can while away an afternoon by the open fire in their lounge, hit the ping pong table, or sign up to one of their regular drinks tastings, craft workshops, or live music nights.
The only problem with Artist Residence?
It’s a place you could easel-y get used to…
NOTE: Rooms at the Artist Residence London start at £245 a night – you can find out more and book HERE.
Artist Residence London | 52 Cambridge Street, SW1V 4QQ
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