HOTEL OF THE WEEK The Gyle, London

WHERE AND WHY This quirky boutique hotel, housed in a row of historic townhouses, lies in the heart of London’s lively King’s Cross. Its 33 unique rooms all have an eccentric steampunk feel and give a nod to the Victorian era – and Scotland.

The hotel takes its name from Argyle Square, where it is located, and has a characterful Scottie dog called Archie as its “voice”. He features heavily in the hotel branding and it’s not just a gimmick – dogs are welcome here too.

We stayed in a sumptuous Junior Suite on the ground floor which had a walk-through bathroom separating the living area and bedroom. Decorated in shades of grey, black and green, the suite had smart TVs, air-con and a delightful king-size bed, as well as unusual touches such as a coffee table made from a Victorian coal hole cover and toiletries housed in an old airline trolley.

COVID CHECK-IN To cut down on the amount of time spent at reception, you can download an app that turns your phone into your room key and can be used to check in and out.

There are hand sanitisers dotted around the hotel, as well as signs reminding guests to practise social distancing.

You’ll find complimentary masks in your room, as well as a pocket-sized bottle of hand sanitiser.

ON THE MENU Enjoy B&B – that’s booze and breakfast – in the funky Toast Lounge. There’s a big emphasis on Scottish produce here and if whisky is your thing, you’ll be in for a treat. You can even snack on haggis crisps.

A delicious continental breakfast can be enjoyed either in the lounge or in the comfort of your room. And if you’re hungry for more, nip over to The Megaro – The Gyle’s equally quirky sister hotel just up the road. At the time of our visit, you could book in for dinner at a pasta pop-up, although this wasn’t open at weekends.

WHILE YOU’RE THERE Explore the revamped King’s Cross area, see the beautifully restored St Pancras Renaissance Hotel, enjoy the peace of Regent’s Canal and check out Gasholder Park – possibly one of the quirkiest green spaces in London.

Make time to follow in the footsteps of Harry Potter, too. You can head to Hogwarts via Platform 9 at King’s Cross Station.

WAKE-UP CALL Double rooms start from £159 on a B&B basis, thegyle.co.uk