There’s no denying that London is brimming with ultra-luxury hotels. From the Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park to The Dorchester, if you’re looking for exuberance and glamour, you can find it in spades. However if it’s a hip boutique hangout where you can mingle with the city’s culture vultures that you’re after, look no further than Artist Residence.
The Vibe
Tucked away on a quiet side street in the city’s central Pimlico district, the London outpost of this popular chain of charming hotels follows the same aesthetic as its brothers and sisters. As you might have guessed from the name, this involves championing a diverse range of urban, graphic and street artists from all over the world, including Pure Evil, Dan Hillier, Connor Brothers, Tammy Mackay and Dan Baldwi. And as soon as you enter, you’re surrounded by style – think reclaimed wooden boards, inviting velvet armchairs, limited-edition prints and quirky decorations, a playful and colourful vibe extends throughout the hotel.
The Rooms
With just 10 bedrooms – each with their own unique charm - Artist Residence is all about privacy. Whether you’re in town for a romantic weekend away or are looking to impress some important business contacts, be sure to book the Grande Suite; it’s the best room in the house. Boasting a four-poster super-king size bed, huge cast iron freestanding bath, sitting area for four and sunny sash floor-to-ceiling wardrobes, there’s also a walk-in rainfall shower and separate WC that feel gloriously indulgent.
The style here is all about shabby chic – think tea-crate drawers, exposed brick walls and reclaimed wooden floorboards, it’s the perfect combination of English country charm in the big city. Amenities are second-to-none, too – mini bars come stocked with chocolates and treats, we’re provided with fresh cookies in our rooms, Nespresso coffee on tap and full-size Bramley toiletries.
The Food
When it comes to dining, you won’t be disappointed, and The Clubhouse, its all-day café-cum-restaurant, is open daily from breakfast through to dinner. The menu is comfort food with a British slant. Expect hearty dishes including a grass-fed beef burger with rosemary fries, a whole plaice with seaweed butter and prawn & chili linguine, served alongside an eclectic drinks menu with all your favourites. Elsewhere, a moody cocktail cellar and sunny terrace are the perfect spots to relax with friends or a good book.
Breakfast is where the Artist Residence really shines, and we recommend ordering this to enjoy in the privacy of your room, and at your leisure. From fresh sourdough with smashed avocado, feta, chili & lemon, buttermilk pancake stack and eggs benedict to a full English (or vegan) breakfast, options are endless and will keep you going for the entire day ahead.
While travel might be thin on the ground right now, if you’re looking to take a trip across the pond for Christmas or even in the new year, this achingly-cool hideout is the place to be. Perfectly located to explore the finest that the city has to offer - it’s well placed for wandering, with the high-class shops of Sloane Square nearby, as well as attractions such as the Saatchi Gallery, Chelsea Physic Gardens, Buckingham Palace, Battersea Park and Tate Britain – there’s no place we’d rather be.
