Turn on the style with a stay in London’s artsy Southbank, as Hilton Bankside amps up the romance.
The Hilton Bankside hotel has become Hipster Central for a variety of reasons: The Tate Modern, London Eye, Southbank Centre and loads of artsy breakfast clubs are all a hop away from the hotel.
First impressions
Everything points towards a fashionable boutique-style hangout. There’s the edgy industrial design (exposed metal works, repurposed London tube tiles) but with the added bonus of an executive lounge, as with most top-notch Hiltons. Local businesses are supported too such as The Bamboo Bicycle Club which offers guests free bicycles, built from scratch by hotel staff. Don’t leave without trying one of the cycle routes towards Borough Market and the micro-breweries and foodie hangouts of Bermondsey.
Suite dreams
The hotel taps into industrial-chic with exposed metal works, repurposed London tube tiles and animal taxidermy on the walls. Booking a Club room gives access to a stylish executive lounge where complimentary food and drinks are served all day – the afternoon teas, cocktails and canapés are mouth-watering. But honeymooners really ought to book the penthouse apartment. It’s one of the most imaginative suites in the capital – and rightly so considering its enviable proximity to the Tate. Artisan furniture meets a curated art collection and a remote-controlled wall featuring a mural of David Bowie covers a flat screen TV in the living room. It feels more like well-to-do artist’s residence than a hotel. The suite’s tech game includes additional flat screens and speakers in the bedroom and bathroom. A cunning bathroom mirror transforms into a window at the touch of a button too. Come summer, and like the fashion designers and celebrities who’ve partied here before, you’ll enjoy views across the city from the suite’s private rooftop terrace, complete with sun loungers. It’s the perfect pad for hen parties or even an intimate wedding reception.
Where to eat
The mix of art and tech appeals to a trendy but unpretentious clientele. You’ll spot bearded men sipping artisan coffees over their Macbooks during the day and local media creatives drinking sophisticated gin cocktails served by dapper mixologists in The Distillery Bar from 6pm. Breakfast waffles and omelettes are made in front of you at OXBO restaurant and plant-based menus are available for dinner. Be sure to bag a table for the famous bottomless brunch weeks in advance during peak summer where it’s all about the delicious seafoods offered by executive chef Paul Bates.
Can you get married at Hilton Bankside?
Yes! The hotel houses Bankside’s largest ballroom complete with a six-metre high ceiling with Venetian glass chandeliers, a private entrance, drinks foyer, balcony and sweeping marble staircase. It can comfortably accommodate up to 700 guests for wedding receptions and ceremonies.
What you’ll love about Hilton Bankside
- The mix of art and tech, which appeals to a trendy but unpretentious clientele.
- The spacious bar, restaurant and penthouse are designed for entertaining.
- Concierge Mark knows everything there is to know about the city and will equip you with umbrellas on rainy days and luxury picnic hampers à deux from OXBO when you head further afield.
- Slick and supremely relaxing – the pool area features a jacuzzi and 17 metre heated indoor swimming pool too.
- Getting lost in and around the Southbank and Blackfriars’s Bridge and dropping into the Tate Modern for a quick couple selfie on a swing installation.
Visit www.londonbankside.hilton.com or call 020 3667 5600. Rooms from £239 per night including breakfast.
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