AN INSPECTOR CALLS

PERHAPS it’s coincidence but since last year’s EU referendum there’s been a flurry of hotel openings in London. This one is in the heart of Covent Garden, albeit with a quirky French influence, courtesy of its four Parisian owners.

There are 18 rooms, broadly Art-Deco inspired; a buzzy mezzanine bar (our £200 package includes two cocktails); long, narrow dining room and open kitchen; another bar at the front with inviting stools and interesting gins, plus engaging staff, some of whom don’t speak a word of English but have gorgeous smiles and enviable figures.

It’s different. We bump into an Australian couple outside the lift. They’ve got four huge suitcases and we hope their room is a touch bigger than ours.

Not that we’re complaining. We like the marble skirting, cleverly designed bathroom and wall-hanging cupboard, which manages to store a fridge, safe, coffee machine, hair dryer, umbrella and plenty of snacks.

Many of the tables in the restaurant have angled sides to make it easier to get more of them in. Those seating two are on the small size.

Quite a few of the dishes require explanation. There are hints of Italian and Indian, but with a French twist. It’s fun not quite knowing what’s going to land on your plate.

The hubbub of the night before is unrecognisable as we devour a breakfast of fabulous homemade raspberry jam plonked on salted butter on freshly baked croissants. Decadence is hard to resist at the Henrietta.