Victoria in London features a hotchpotch of bizarre hotels. I walk past one that tells me it has ‘hot and cold water’ – which one would hope – and another advertises the fact that there is central heating.
But peel away the spread of bizarreness and you’ll unearth and absolute gem of a place, the Artist Residence.
I checked into the boutique homestay on a Monday night before catching an early flight from Gatwick the next morning.
The sleekly designed residence is conveniently positioned just a hop away from Victoria station, where the fast train to Gatwick runs every ten minutes or so.
It was 7pm and the place was buzzing.
The dinky outside terrace, belonging to the downstairs restaurant, was full with people enjoying the warm evening, and inside a funky soundtrack set the tone.
On checking in we were swiftly shown to our room.
‘This is my favourite room in the house,’ our friendly hostess Julia said as she led us up to the top floor. On opening the door to ‘The Loft’ I could see why.
The attention to detail at the Artist Residence is on point.
Wooden cladding gave the room a log cabin feel, with camping style mugs, a deer antler chandelier and Harris Tweed pillow adding to the character.
Jazz FM was playing on the Roberts radio and sun was streaming in through the window.
Furthering my feeling of inhalation was the large bathtub, which opened on to the bedroom, with two inviting troweled robes hanging from brass pegs.
The room was pretty-much faultless.
The only thing I couldn’t find was a USB port to charge a bunch of things before the airport but that was an insignificant niggle.
We’d eaten at one of the pubs nearby but after dumping our things we headed to the other end of the house, the basement, to check out the Clarendon Cocktail Cellar bar – another hidden gem.
The place, with brickwork detailing and leather booths had a good buzz and the bartender was super helpful.
After loading us with cucumber infused water he presented the cocktail list, with all of the libations themed around movies.
I went for The Departed, a heady mix of whisky, rum, honey liquor, and absinthe.
After drinks we played a spot of (tipsy) ping pong in the snug upstairs before winding our way back to The Loft.
It was late but the room was too fun to fall asleep.
A midnight bath beckoned followed by bedtime tales.
My alarm buzzed at 6am and it was time to wake up. I made some coffee with the cafetière and deliciously fresh ground beans which eased the strain of getting up.
The Artist Residence is definitely somewhere I will be returning to. It’s witty, sexy and well-dressed.
The perfect partner in crime.
Artist Residence is located at 52 Cambridge St, Pimlico, London, SW1V 4QQ
To book dinner or an overnight stay call +44 20 7931 8946 or visit artistresidencelondon.co.uk
