There are some London hotels that are simply somewhere to sleep,  and then there are those that become part of the weekend. Bankside Hotel, Autograph Collection, definitely falls into the latter. 

Set on London’s culturally vibrant South Bank, just across the river from the City, Bankside is an independent-feeling boutique hotel with a real sense of personality. Art, design and food are woven throughout the experience, yet despite its contemporary credentials, there’s nothing remotely intimidating about it. Instead, it feels relaxed, welcoming and rather like a very stylish home you’d quite happily move into.

With 161 bedrooms, including seven suites, Bankside is intimate enough to feel personal. Hand-picked furniture, rugs, original and specially commissioned artworks give the bedrooms a residential feel, while clever design details make them wonderfully practical too. Large custom-designed beds are raised slightly so luggage can disappear underneath, and natural light is maximised, with glass desks positioned in front of the windows in many rooms. 

We stayed in a Superior Collection Room, with a wonderfully large king-sized bed, separate sitting area and beautiful marble bathroom. Remote-controlled blackout blinds are another small but very important detail – particularly after a full day exploring London. Be warned: combined with that extremely comfortable bed, they may result in a considerably later start than planned!

Location is another big tick. Southwark and Blackfriars stations are within easy walking distance, Waterloo is less than ten minutes away, and Tate Modern, Shakespeare’s Globe, the National Theatre and Borough Market are all close by. For us, though, part of the pleasure was simply heading out, shopping, wandering and seeing where we ended up. London is often at its best when you forget the itinerary.

Art is very much part of Bankside’s DNA. This summer, contemporary artist Imogen Morris returned for her second Artist in Residence programme, transforming the hotel’s Art Yard Makers Studio into a working creative space where guests could see new pieces taking shape. Sadly, by the time you read this, Imogen’s residency will have ended, but Ken Nwadiogbu a Nigerian-born, London-based multidisciplinary artist displays 5th October until February.

After plenty of walking, dinner at Art Yard Bar & Kitchen was very welcome. The Mediterranean-inspired restaurant is a creative, buzzy space surrounded by artwork and murals, with a seasonal menu that suits the surroundings perfectly.

We started with charred tiger prawns served with lemon emulsion and red pepper salsa, alongside steak tartare with pickled mustard seeds, guindillas, Parmesan and toasted bread. Both were beautifully presented and full of flavour.

For mains, we did what we often do when we can’t decide, and shared slow-cooked salmon with asparagus, peas, shaved fennel and salmon keta, and a sirloin steak with Café de Paris sauce and French fries – because sometimes only steak and fries will do.

Anyone who knows me will also know that I rarely turn down dessert. And, technically, we were working…

We shared macerated strawberries with cream cheese, fior di latte ice cream, mint and honeycomb, followed by two scoops of sorbet to cleanse the palate. At least, that was our excuse.

Breakfast the following morning was equally enjoyable, with an excellent buffet selection and freshly squeezed juices – exactly what was needed before another day in the capital. One of the things that really stood out during our stay was the service. The team were warm, friendly and efficient without ever feeling overly formal, going out of their way to make sure we had everything we needed. It’s that sort of service that can turn a good hotel stay into one you genuinely remember.

There’s also a gym for those feeling energetic. After a day of shopping and wandering around London, we decided we’d already done quite enough exercise and gave that particular amenity a miss. Although we did manage to venture up to the terrace to enjoy a cold glass of Champagne on a beautifully sunny evening.  Bankside manages that increasingly difficult combination of being stylish without trying too hard. The interiors are beautiful, the bedrooms luxurious and comfortable, the food is excellent and the South Bank location makes exploring London incredibly easy.

Most importantly, though, it has atmosphere. It’s somewhere you actually want to come back to after a busy day in the city, order a drink, linger over dinner and then disappear upstairs behind those blackout blinds.

A beautiful hotel, fabulous food and a brilliant London location. Add in one of the comfiest beds we’ve slept in for a while, really, what more do you need?

Bankside Hotel, Autograph Collection 

2 Blackfriars Road / Upper Ground / London SE1 9JU / +44 203-3195 988

By Beverley Uddin-Khandakar