One of the events held in the Secret Garden of the South Place Hotel, in London.
There are hotels where you go to sleep and others where you go to sleep and you end up eating and drinking in the company of the most stylish locals in town.
This last case is that of the South Place Hotel, located north of the City of London, at the gates of the lively neighborhood of Shoreditch, at the crossroads of the financial district and the vibrant East End.
Surely, when making your reservation, you will notice its perfect location, next to the distinguished area of Moorgate –in which the churches embrace in Catholic marriage with the towers of business company buildings– and very close to Liverpool Street station, one of the main hubs of communication between the city and the east of the country and link to Stansted airport.
Bathroom of one of the rooms of the South Place Hotel, in London.
INTERIOR DESIGN
The decoration will also be another determining factor when choosing this hotel and not another.
Designed by Conran + Partners, the studio claims to have inspired by the prolific art scene of East London to shape the common spaces and the 80 exclusive rooms. So much so that he is referred to as the "summary of the London creative scene."
They worked hand in hand with local artists and craftsmen of the 21st century to devise a boutique Art hotel "full of intrigue, fun and innovative craftsmanship".
There are photographs, collages and sculptures, latticework that mimics the scales on butterfly wings, and lighting so thoughtful that it includes two large contemporary chandeliers for the ground floor. The one that hangs over the heads at the reception is a kind of wind chime made up of metal planes.
On the other hand, the rooms are sober, but with a lot of 'Art'. Gray-hued textiles blend with fabric pendant lamps, paintings match the creative spirit of the area, and bathrooms are a statement of Conran + Partners' love of fine materials. We will not be the ones to criticize the abuse of black marble and slate in those double rain showers.
One of the 80 rooms at the South Place Hotel in London.
And if you still want a much more original bathroom, one of those that leave social networks trembling with hundreds of likes and comments, do not hesitate to book Suite 6108, with attention!: a transparent bathtub.
THE RESTAURANTS
They say in the foodie circles of the City that the chef Gary Foulkes of the Angler restaurant, inside the South Place Hotel, is working hard to get a second Michelin star.
And it is that since he arrived in 2016 to the domains of this kitchen he has shown not to be daunted first of all: he not only managed to keep the star, but he also did so by giving the dishes a personal touch acclaimed by critics and adored by fans.
Seasonal ingredients make up his seasonal menus and he doesn't hesitate to elevate fish dishes to gastronomic altars, with recipes such as cured wild sea bass with gazpacho, tomato and avocado vinaigrette or wild turbot with Japanese mushrooms, buckwheat noodles and bonito dashi broth.
His dessert menu deserves a special mention, with such suggestive creations as poached apricots with chamomile cream, honey from 1,000 flowers and amaretti cookies, or the English raspberry soufflé, with lemon verbena ice cream, biscotti and raspberry leaf. Lunch or dinner can also be finished with a successful selection of British cheeses.
In addition to the incredible room, with an excellent cellar with European and American wines, Angler has a semi-reserved space, with capacity for 14 people and views of the kitchen and the London skyline, as well as a pleasant outdoor terrace with one of the most popular bars in the capital.
Terrace of the Michelin-starred Angler restaurant in London's South Place Hotel.
TRADITION AND BRITISH FLAVOR
Don't worry, women are welcome at the South Place Hotel's Chop House, because the hotel's other restaurant has only maintained the best British traditions of these places for men born in the 18th century, where quality meat was served simply cooked and drank nonstop, while deals were closed at their tables, always washed down with good beer and wine.
Here it is customary to have brunch on weekends , but any day will be good to accompany the craft beers – in a lively social environment – with a Schiehallion beer-battered fish & chips with crushed peas and tartar sauce or with some homemade sausages with cream potatoes and caramelized onions.
Uncomplicated British cuisine at the South Place Hotel's Chop House in London.
THE BARS
Here the bars are not a decorative complement to the hotel (even though they are ideal), but one of its reasons for being. Are the meeting point for the stylish people of the city and the best place to take the social pulse of London.
Le Chifre (named after the elegant original Bond villain) comes alive as the hours go by (open until midnight) and 3 Bar is known for its craft cocktails and coveted for its more than 40 gin labels that include it in the circuit of Gin Palaces (old stores also called dram shops where gin was sold for its medicinal properties) in the neighborhood, in the purest Victorian style.
And finally, the jewel in the crown, Secret Garden, a tropical oasis with palm trees and retractable roof in case bad weather forces shelter. A space in which it is common for events are held and that, at present, is decorated with the colors and flavors of Acapulco, thanks to an association with the Cointreau brand.
Secret Garden, at South Place Hotel, set for an event.