The Hotel Review: Bankside Hotel, South Bank, London
Review: Jennifer O’Shea
Located on London’s bustling South Bank, this artsy hotel is in a great location to do all things cultured; Tate Modern, Southbank Centre, National Theatre and St Paul’s Cathedral are all within short walking distance. The famous Borough Market and street food stalls are located by London Bridge tube (15 mins walk), and the cool cafés, bars, and restaurants of Bermondsey (15 mins walk) are a short stroll away.
The Bankside Hotel location gives a creative nod to its artistic roots by hosting several art events and collaborations such as the ‘Bankside Hotel x Contemporary Collective’ Artists in Residence in the Makers’ Studio, where it’s currently hosting mixed media sculptor Lauren Goldie. The hotel walls are adorned with cool artwork from emerging artists and the floor space is dotted with unique furniture. This is the place to stay if you are looking for culture, art, and a foodie fix in London.
The vibe is intimate, relaxed, and welcoming, and nothing less than super slick when it comes to customer service from the moment you walk through the lobby doors.
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The Rooms
There are 161 bedrooms (and seven suites). We stayed in a ‘Generous Queen’ room which unlike most hotel twin rooms, had two Queen size beds in a spacious set out – this is a great set up for friends and families alike. The décor is a fusion of urban meets luxe; concreate ceilings, contemporary light fittings, and sleek walnut wood furniture, paired with powerful rainfall walk-in shower, 300 thread count Egyptian cotton sheets and fluffy robes and slippers. We love the super sized bottles of luxe Grown Alchemist toiletries.
The Food & Drink
The Artyard Bar & Kitchen is a relaxed setting with an epic drink’s menu catering to every tipple taste. If you fancy a glass of fizz you can choose from Prosecco, English Sparkling from Dorset (becoming increasingly popular), and Pommery Champagne. Six on-draught beers are available which includes some from local Bermondsey brewery, Fourpure. A curated selection of cans and bottled beers are also stocked from breweries in Bermondsey. The cocktail list is exciting and extensive, featuring signature COFFEE NEGRONI and ROSE’ BICICLETTA. There is a bar roof terrace which is a great place to hang out on a sunny day.
Stephen Englefield is at the helm of Artyard Kitchen where he has developed a European inspired menu using British produce through the seasons, sourced as much as possible from London’s fresh food markets and cooked in the restaurant’s distinct wood-fire oven. The menu is divided into categories of Table Snacks, Small Plates, Large Plates, and Sides. We choose a selection of dishes across all sections to create a ‘tapas style’ dinner, which was a super-sociable and immensely delicious way to try lots of produce on the menu.
We can absolutely recommend the SALT & PEPPER SQUID with TARTARE SAUCE, TEMPURA MUSSELS, with SAFFRON MAYO, ISLE OF WIGHT TOMATO SALAD with basil cress, STEAMED PRAWN AND SEABASS DUMPLINGS with chilli fennel, and the GREEN BEANS & TOASTED ALMONDS. All of which were packed with flavour and featured simple but superb additional ingredients which lifted the taste and made some really super and standout dishes.
For dessert we had the PEACH CHEESECAKE with chia and hemp seed crumb; I’m not a real dessert fan however this has to be one of the very best I’ve tasted, and I’d order it ten times over.
Bankside Hotel 2 Blackfriars Rd, Upper Ground London UK SE1 9JU (Get Directions)
BANKSIDE HOTEL – LONDON CALLING PACKAGE
HIT THE TOWN, HIT THE GALLERIES, HIT THE BAR AND THEN HIT THE PILLOW FROM £219 PER NIGHT.
Make Summer 2021 the time to reconnect, London is calling and there has never been a better time to plan a London getaway. For those looking to capture the capital’s buzz, Bankside Hotel located on South Bank, London’s cultural district provides the perfect base for exploring all that this creative neighbourhood has to offer.
London is calling 2021 from only £219 per night includes:
- One night in Modest Queen
- One bottle of sparkling wine on arrival
- A £50 food and beverage credit*
- Late check-out 3pm
- Free cancellation anytime up to 24 hours prior to arrival
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