HOTEL OF THE WEEK
London
WHERE AND WHY
Set near the banks of the Thames next to MI5 headquarters, The Westminster is the perfect place to experience London.
A recent £30million refurb saw the Hilton venue embrace its location with a theme of intrigue and espionage. It is tastefully evident everywhere if you look close – from mysterious artwork on the walls, right down to the carpets and their pattern of secret soundwaves.
Each uniquely tailored room has the feeling of a miniapartment, with furnishings and flourishes fit for James Bond.
ON THE MENU
STK steakhouse on the first floor is a destination in itself. Darkly seductive decor, excellent music, attentive staff and first-rate food made for a memorable meal.
As delicious as they were Instagrammable, I tucked into Yellow fin tuna tartare (£18) and braised beef short rib (£30) from an impressively expansive menu.
The hotel’s breakfast options were plentiful in a relaxed, selfservice set-up. Bao Yum restaurant – found in a cafe space adjoining the lobby – is open all day for Asian stylestreet food.
WHILE YOU’RE THERE
The Westminster has its own private bowling alley, plus a 13th-floor gym with panoramic views for users to marvel at between reps.
Several sunlit function rooms are available to hire for business or personal events – all named after a famous British spy.
Parliament, Big Ben, Westminster Abbey and Tate Britain are all close neighbours, with many more cultural hotspots just a short tube ride away.
WAKE-UP CALL
Rooms from £165 per night. hotelwestminster.co.uk
By Sean Bradbury