Tr avel report BLOOMSBURY
WHEN you think of London’s West End, what springs into mind? Street entertainers captivating the crowds of tourists? The beaming theatre spotlights lighting up the bustling cobbled streets?
Well a stay at the newly refurbished Bloomsbury Hotel means you can experience all of this and more, with the bonus of being able to walk back to your comfy bed.
In fact, when we visited this summer, the location of the hotel meant that we were able to avoid the tube for the entire duration of our stay in London, it was a speedy 15 minute walk from Euston Station and just around the corner from all the luxury shops, hip restaurants and of course, the theatres. THE borough of Bloomsbury has long been known as London’s literary district and it’s a theme which runs through the design and feel of the hotel. It’s quintessentially British through-and-through, and has recently been transformed into a space which feels like a home away from home by Martin Brudnizki (whose work includes The Ivy in London, Soho Beach House in Miami and Madison Square Park Tower in New York).
Take a moment’s peace and quiet in the living room, adorned with hand painted wallpaper, specially commissioned art and a warming fireplace. Or head downstairs to the Bloomsbury Club bar and enjoy the ambiance of a private members club, welcoming you in and making you feel as though you’re part of the family.
A stay at this Edward Lutyendesigned 1928 Grade II listed building gives you an insight into how the intellectuals may have lived back in the heady days of The Bloomsbury Set.
Virginia Woolf, John Maynard Keynes and E.M Forster’s works were all hugely influenced by the people and aesthetics of the time and this place, which is a creative link the Bloomsbury Hotel is keen to continue.
If you’re a keen reader like yours truly, then there’s plenty to entice you in the local neighbourhood bookshops.
From the leather-bound bookshop, Jarndyce Antiquarian Booksellers, just a two minute walk away and the Aladdin’s Cave of new and second-hand books at Bookmarks, to Gosh! Comics, which isn’t what I’d class as a traditional bookshop, but worth a visit whether you’re a comic book enthusiast or not.
Additionally with three new galleries being added to the British Museum just around the corner and a new Crossrail service coming with the next year or two there is no EVERY THING about the Bloomsbury was that little bit extra. I mean, if you’re looking for somewhere to add some spark to your Instagram grid then head here. While the hotel’s history has been ingrained in the decor, it certainly caters for modern-day travellers, with Instagrammable backdrops and a unique and varied cocktail menu.
The Coral Room could easily have been mistaken for an old Hollywood movie scene, with four hot pink walls, which were complemented by the vintage-inspired furniture and bustling bar. Each cocktail is beautifully presented and, as someone partial to a G&T, I can definitely recommend their Homegrown cocktail – it’s refreshing and zingy with Hendricks, Belsazar White, dill and cucumber juice and a touch of lemon.
Dining on the terrace at The Dalloway is simply stunning from every angle no matter the weather, and whether you’re tucking into a delicious three-course dinner or a special Sunday morning brunch, be sure to snap yourself a new profile pic. There’s a lovely floral backdrop to most of the tables here, which give it a someone fairytale-esque atmosphere – perfect for any romantic getaways you might be planning.
Breakfast and the ever-popular weekend brunches are everyone’s favourite meal at the moment and the Terrace offers something for everyone, whether you’re after a healthy rainbow acai bowl or indulgent blueberry buttermilk pancakes – it’s got it all.
AND the refurb doesn’t stop on the ground floor, each room at
The Bloomsbury has been individually designed and are bang on trend with their navy panelled walls embellished with bespoke artwork, marbled bathroom flooring