Formerly the head offices of the London, City and Midland Bank, Threadneedles Hotel is a discreet, boutique-style hotel, that exudes grandeur amid the bustle of the Square Mile. Minutes from the Bank of England, and less than a mile from Tower Bridge and The Shard, the hotel has 74 bedrooms boasting a distinctive and timeless design, each unique in shape and size due to the building’s historic heritage as a bank.
For those who relish a sophisticated London weekend without the bustle of the West End, Threadneedles, Autograph Collection offers a refreshing retreat. This five-star hotel blends historic grandeur with modern luxury, making it an inspired choice for a cultured city break.
Perfectly positioned near the Royal Exchange, the Bank of England and St Paul’s Cathedral, Threadneedles places some of London’s most iconic landmarks on your doorstep, while Bank Underground and Liverpool Street stations ensure effortless arrival from the north.
From the moment we arrived, the experience felt personal. The hotel manager warmly welcomed us to Afternoon Tea, sharing the building’s fascinating history before escorting us to the beating heart of the hotel – the impressive Dome Lounge which dates to 1856 – and serves an all-day dining menu. The setting alone elevates the experience, but the food more than holds its own. Delicate finger sandwiches and perfectly baked scones were the highlight, though the generous array of cakes might test even the most committed sweet tooth.
Our Deluxe Suite continued the theme of understated elegance with plush bedding, crisp luxurious linens and a beautifully appointed marble bathroom. Thoughtful touches such as a well-stocked minibar, modern workspace and discreet lighting make the suites equally suited to business travellers or weekend guests seeking comfort and style.
Dining and drinks at Threadneedles Restaurant & Bar are a pleasure in themselves. The historic banking counter has been cleverly reimagined as a cocktail bar, offering a luxurious selection of expertly crafted drinks in a setting that nods to the building’s past without feeling formal or stuffy. It’s an ideal spot to unwind before dinner or linger over a final nightcap.
Guests can now book a ‘Make Your Own Gin’ experience. An immersive two-hour experience, to learn the art of distilling under expert guidance in the City of London Distillery’s Gin Lab. Accompanied by three complimentary drinks, guests design their own gin, preparing ingredients and nurturing the gin throughout the distillation process. Once the gin cut is perfected, personalised labels can be created for guests to take home their bespoke bottle of London dry-style gin. Priced from £125.
What truly sets Threadneedles apart, is the service. Although the weekend team is smaller, it didn’t feel lacking. Every member of staff we encountered was attentive, friendly and genuinely welcoming.
Threadneedles is a quietly confident hotel – elegant, historic and effortlessly comfortable. For South Manchester and Cheshire readers seeking a refined London escape that feels special without being showy, it is difficult to fault.
Threadneedles Hotel
5 Threadneedle Street / London / EC2R 8AY / Tel: 020-76578080
By Beverley Uddin-Khandakar
