HOT HOTEL
The Mitre, Hampton Court, Surrey
You’d hardly believe this property was once a hostel taking up the overflow of Charles II’s guests from Hampton Court Palace. These days, you’d choose it hands down over the celebrated building across the road. Vibrant artworks, low ceilings, lower sofas and lounge chairs covered in rich fabrics, creaky floorboards and a massive handdrawn map of Hampton Court greet you in reception – as does a chilled glass of bubbles.
The Mitre sits on the water’s edge on the north side of Hampton Court Bridge and is the first hotel venture from the newly formed Signet Collection created by Hector Ross and Ronnie Kimbugwe, who worked together previously at Bel & The Dragon in Reading.
STYLE
Interior designer Nicola Harding was entrusted to bring new life into this 17th-century, Grade II-listed property, dating from 1665.
She’s succeeded in not only expertly blending modernity with tradition, but offers whimsical surprises at every turn. Nicola has not held back on the colour either, with bright accents (more than 150 different shades) featuring throughout the hotel. Burnt orange velvet upholstered antique chairs sit beautifully against the blue and gold Chinoiserie wallpaper.
The furniture is a mix of upcycled and original pieces resulting in the feel of a much-loved country house. Glazed pots sit on antique dressers, oars are strung up on walls, and antique brass sconces provide subtle, impactful lighting.
The quirky round library was once a courtyard. Entered via a curved glass window, the original brickwork is painted in contrasting shades of ink blue and deep powder blue giving it a more heightened feel. On the shelves and side tables sit a superbly curated British book collection among assorted memorabilia.
Outside are lovely terraces extending to the water’s edge where you can sip on a glass of Whispering Angel wine while watching the parade of canal boats, rowers and swans comically diving for dinner as the sun sets.
Back inside, each of the 36 rooms has its own signature style. The rich furnishings and fearless use of colour result in uplifting, yet supremely relaxing spaces.
Ours, The Royal Bedroom, features an orange and white wallpaper with a dado wall in burnt coral. There’s a bath in one corner, and a separate bathroom with shower and views over the Thames. Toiletries are from Bramley, robes and slippers sit in the cupboard and the Lavazza machine (with fresh milk to hand) and King’s Ginger on the mini bar.
FOOD AND DRINK
The Mitre has one of the best culinary offerings around, served by staff in jaunty aprons, jeans and trainers. In the rotunda, the Riverside 1665 restaurant is overseen by Kimbugwe, who trained with Gordon Ramsay.
Painted in relaxing deep olive green, the striped roman blinds and low lighting give it a sophisticated air.
When it comes to food, it’s hard to know where to start. Perhaps with the extraordinary crispy cauliflower popcorn – essentially a bowl of glistening, crispy Teriyaki and soy-coated cauliflower £7; or massive rock oysters at £21 for six. There’s a to-die-for tortellini of Devon crab and lobster, £26, and Hampshire rib eye at £33. All are locally sourced in the UK, and guests will soon be able to dine on vegetables from the Hampton Court Palace gardens.
Breakfast and lunch are served in the Coppernose restaurant directly above. Its feel is brighter and more relaxed, with banquettes, potted palms, marbletopped tables and an extraordinary roof painted to resemble a circus tent. For the warmer months, or larger groups, the Orangery has a more relaxed vibe with a glass roof, greenery galore, wicker chairs and wooden tables.
ACTIVITIES
You can sip wine while watching swans dive for dinner on the river
The opening of the Mitre has brought new interest to a traditionally touristy part of Surrey. If you can drag yourselves away, the surrounding area is worth closer investigation.
The hotel can organise boat trips or even a rowboat to hire. Across the bridge are a handful of charming antique shops and alfresco cafes which belie their location on the outskirts of London.
You can ramble along the Thames path or through the vast expanses of Bushy Park, home to deer and hidden wooden gardens. Also, of course, just opposite are the immaculate grounds and elaborate halls of Hampton Court Palace itself.
Who knew holidaying close to home would be this much fun?
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