Vintry and Mercer, London

BACKGROUND A sister property to the Ampersand in South Kensington, Vintry and Mercer opened in February. It pays homage to its historic location in the City and the trading guilds found there. Vintry is the association for wine merchants, while Mercers is the guild for general merchants, which once traded fine fabrics in the area.

WHAT’ S IT LIKE? Tucked away at the end of the cobbled Garlick Hill, the new-build hotel is nestled among historic landmarks and glass skyscrapers. Its interiors reflect this setting, blending classic and modern décor with vintage-style trading maps and bespoke fabrics. In the reception, every windowsill is filled with foliage, while the lobby area is dominated by a copper spiral staircase and ornate light fitting leading down to the hotel’s lower ground floor. Check-in was quick and staff were friendly.

WHERE IS IT? Only a minute’s walk from Mansion House underground station, the hotel is also a short stroll from Cannon Street and Bank stations. Despite being in the heart of the City, the property is quiet thanks to its backstreet location.

ROOMS The 92 rooms range from 14.5 sqm to 32 sqm in size – Standard rooms are small but fit a queen-sized bed; Superior and Deluxe rooms are more spacious with a king bed; and Deluxe Studios and Studio suites have balconies or floor-to-ceiling windows. Velvet furnishings dominate, from the upholstered headboards to the cushions, plush chairs and heavy curtains. Some rooms are papered with reproductions of old maps of London, with colour schemes dependent on the room category (my Deluxe Studio featured red accents).

All rooms have free wifi, bathrobes, tea and coffee facilities, desks with plug sockets and USB points, and a minibar with snacks and non-alcoholic drinks. There is both a retro rotary telephone and a Handy mobile that could be used in the room and outside of the hotel. With no charge for data or

A balcony ran the width of the room and offered breathtaking views

making local and international calls, it should prove popular with overseas visitors. Superior rooms and above have a Marshall speaker and Nespresso machines.

My sixth-floor Deluxe Studio (22-28 sqm) had a comfortable king-sized bed and sliding floor-to-ceiling windows, which filled the space with natural light. They led out to a balcony that ran the width of the room and offered breathtaking views of the city.

Bathrooms are particularly luxurious, with CO Bigelow products, underfloor heating, marble walls and teal geometric tiles. Standard rooms have walk-in showers, while Deluxe and above have freestanding baths with a shower above, although mine had a faulty plug so I couldn’t use it. The built-in TV at the end of the bathtub was a nice touch.

FOOD AND DRINK Vintry Kitchen is a casual all-day dining spot on the ground floor. Breakfast takes place here, comprising brunch-style dishes or a buffet (not included in the room rate). It becomes an Asian tapas bar in the evening, with wines served straight from the barrels lining the gantry.

The seventh-floor Mercer Roof Terrace offers British food that can be enjoyed indoors or al fresco (awnings can be rolled out if it rains), with views of St Paul’s Cathedral and the Shard. I opted for a seared cod fillet with wild garlic and leeks (£19.50) and a chocolate mousse (£6), which were both excellent.

Hidden away on the lower ground floor, the speakeasy-style Do Not Disturb whisks you off to 1920s New York with barrel-aged cocktails and cosy alcoves.

MEETINGS There are three small event spaces, the largest of which seats 14 people, and a breakout area with computers and printers.

LEISURE A small gym is located on the lower ground floor.

VERDICT Vintry and Mercer suits those looking for a boutique-style alternative to more run-of-the-mill business hotels. Staff are warm, rooms are luxurious and well equipped, and the views and food at Mercer Roof Terrace are sure to impress.