Waking up, there was sunlight streaming through the window, birds singing from the dappled trees and the faint murmur of people traversing the cobbled streets of Clerkenwell below.
I’d landed at the Townhouse Apartment, a room within one of my favourite spots in London The Zetter Townhouse.
But this isn’t any old hotel room.
Described as the ‘jewel in the crown’, this quaint abode is amply sized for London, with a sitting area large enough to waltz around in, an enormous bed and a charming bathroom complete with a rain shower and free-standing tub.
I’d arrived at the boutique, Georgian-era hotel after a pretty arduous journey from Wales and was welcomed in by a friendly member of staff, who soon made all of my travel woes seem all but a distant memory.
Stepping into the 13-bedroom Zetter Townhouse seems to have that effect.
From the eclectic, old-worldly decor to the punchy yet civilised cocktails, everything has an air of escapism.
Making my way up to the first floor and into the hotel’s sumptuous apartment, I felt a world away from London.
After freshening up with an array of scrumptious REN products in the rain shower, I got changed and headed back downstairs to the bar for something to quench my thirst and satisfy my hunger.
Even if you’re not staying at the hotel, The Zetter Townhouse cocktail lounge is well worth checking out.
It boasts a convivial and cosy atmosphere, with a spread of taxidermy, antique oddities and fine china to keep your eyes occupied.
I was directed to a lovely spot by the fireplace – which gently roars away come winter – and settled in to take a look at the menu.
The bar has a fine selection of nibbles and tipples, and after a brief gander I went for a British cheese platter, a London charcuterie board and some deliciously plump gordal olives.
(I was with a friend, so this wasn’t all for me!)
We washed the meze of treats down with a Koln Martini and a Bee Pollen Rum Old Fashioned.
As a martini lover, I can’t recommend the Zetter’s novel twist on the classic enough.
It features a good dose of Beefeater Gin, with three strategically placed drops of Koln aromatics.
The charming and knowledgeable barman Guy explained that the aromatics act just like a perfume and splashing a bit on my skin, a woody rose-infused scent suddenly irrupted from the colourless liquid.
This subtle smell permeated the martini, making for a tantalising sensory journey.
We made pretty short work of the nibbles and after ordering another round of drinks – the and decided to head back to the apartment.
There was a nice buzz in the bar area, with several tables occupied despite it being a Sunday night.
Leaving the quiet throng behind, we climbed up the carpeted stairs to our vast room.
All of the bathrooms at The Zetter Townhouse and its sister property in Marylebone, aim to impress with a mix of standout features.
Our bathroom had a mirrored dressing table, with the glass-lidded table top displaying a range of knickknacks in the case underneath, from seashells to pieces of fossilised rock. There was also a vintage Roberts radio resting on top so we could play tunes while having a wash.
After indulging in a midnight soak in the deep tub, I finally rolled into the massive bed and fell into a deep sleep.
The next morning, I woke with sunlight streaming through the window, birds singing from the dappled trees and the faint murmur of people traversing the cobbled street below.
I can’t recommend this spot enough and the Apartment is one of the most romantic hotel rooms nestled away in the Big Smoke.
Oh, and don’t leave without trying breakfast. Best enjoyed dressed in the Zetter’s fluffy robes, while lolling in bed…
The Zetter Townhouse Clerkenwell is located at 49-50 St John’s Square, London EC1V 4JJ
To book, tipples, nibbles or a stay visit www.thezettertownhouse.com or call +44 (0)20 7324 4567
