REVIEW: The Zetter Hotel, Clerkenwell, London

Bar area at The Zetter Hotel, London

Clerkenwell’s Zetter Hotel is a design dream with one of the coolest London penthouse studios I’ve been lucky enough to stay in. I visited this personality-driven hotel for a special review, and discovered that along with top-class rooms, it just so happens to have a great restaurant and workspace too.

I checked into The Zetter Hotel on one of the hottest days of the year so far, and it just so happened to be a special occasion. With numerous trips overlapping, my partner and I hadn’t seen each other for several weeks… and now we had 26 hours together before we split off on our individual Canadian adventures. I’d seen some great photos of the hip boutique hotel and thought it would be a fun location for our reunion!

The Zetter Hotel: Check In

There’s a smart-casual vibe to this hotel. The lobby area was chic and urban with a huge plant motif arching its way around the lifts, retro telephone on the counter and curvy, statement architecture leading to the restaurant and bar. The staff were relaxed and friendly, and excited to describe our room as ‘the best room in the house’. ‘Wow,’ I thought! Adrenaline kicked in as we rode the lift to our top floor home for the night – room 503.

Lobby at The Zetter Hotel, London
Lobby at The Zetter Hotel, London
Lobby at The Zetter Hotel, London
Lobby at The Zetter Hotel, London
Lobby at The Zetter Hotel, London
Lobby at The Zetter Hotel, London

The Zetter Hotel: The Room

The top floor rooms each benefit from outside space, and our room for the night had an enormous terrace. But before I tell you about that, lets take a look at the room itself.

With Scandi-cool geometric design, funky prints on the wall, retro radio, old books and stylish lighting, it impressed instantly! I loved the way we had to go up a few illuminated stairs to reach our curved bedroom area, while the bathroom was tucked away to one side. Along with a large double bed covered in a stylish woollen throw, we had a desk area, two comfy chairs and a minibar and Nespresso Machine. The minibar was stocked with high-end snacks and drinks, and the icing on the cake were the three bottles of spirits made by the East London Liquor Company.

Our bedroom at The Zetter Hotel, London
Our bedroom at The Zetter Hotel, London

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REVIEW: Hawkyns Restaurant, Amersham

Whipped yogurt espuma with blackberries at Hawkyns Restaurant, Amersham

Modern British fine dining, with an almighty twist – Hawkyns Restaurant in Amersham is a wonderful addition to the town’s thriving culinary scene.

Located inside charming 16th Century Hotel The Crown Inn, Hawkyns is Amersham’s newest fine-dining restaurant. While the dining area works the space’s original beams and cosy fireplaces beautifully, that’s where the ancient feel ends.

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REVIEW: The Grove, Hertfordshire – A 5-Star Luxury Break From London

The Grove, Hertfordshire

The Grove in Hertfordshire is a stunning 5-star luxury hotel set in 300 acre grounds with a top spa, great dining options and even its very own beach!

Just 20 miles from Central London is the beautiful county of Hertfordshire. With lush countryside, picturesque towns and plenty of things to do, it’s a great area to explore. If you’re craving a luxurious country escape, then head straight to The Grove. And don’t worry – it’s not one of those stuffy country hotels, this one is drop dead gorgeous with bundles of personality… oh and a cheeky sense of humour!

I visited for a 24-hour break, and as I drove up the impressive drive, passing through the prestigious 18-hole golf course, I knew this was going to be stay to remember. From being pampered in the spa and exploring the vast grounds, to sunning myself on the beach and enjoying the varied dining options, sit back and enjoy my review of The Grove. 

 

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REVIEW: Polpo, London – A Dinner Of Venetian Small Plates

Marinated baby octopus at Polpo, Notting Hill

With its menu of Italian small plates, excellent flavour combinations and candle-lit, relaxed ambience, Polpo is one of my favourite options for a casual dinner in London. 

I’ll admit I’ve been to Polpo a few times before. The Soho restaurant is in my top five when it comes to tasty food that won’t break the bank.

Prosecco bar sign at Polpo, London
Prosecco bar sign at Polpo, London
Bar at Polpo, London
Bar at Polpo, London

With several branches in London plus another in Brighton, something is clearly working. Polpo’s creator Russell Norman’s formula is all about stripped-down interiors, flickering candles, exposed brickwork, and weathered furnishings. It’s not stiff or polished, quite the opposite in fact, and that’s what makes the experience so comfortable.

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Chilterns Walks With Pubs: Circular Beaconsfield Walk

Country Walks In The Chilterns

Looking for Chilterns walks with pubs? This circular Beaconsfield walk takes you through beautiful countryside and ends at the oldest pub in the country.

You may think the life of a travel blogger is all about jet-setting to far off lands, but sometimes it’s amazing exploring places much closer to home.

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