As my wife and I stepped into the lobby of the Hilton London Bankside, we were immediately struck by the perfect blend of modernity and elegance that oozed from its very walls. This Southwark jewel has often been lauded in the press and traveling business people, but experiencing its charms firsthand was a true joy.
Our home for a couple of days midweek was one of the plush Bankside suites, and it left nothing to be desired. Spacious and draped in refined décor, intermixing contemporary design with classic touches, every convenience was at our fingertips. The high-speed WiFi enabled my wife to finish her work project with ease and the ambient lighting set the mood for relaxation after a day exploring the city. The king-sized bed was a dream – plush, comfortable, and enveloped in high-thread-count linens, and the Flat screen TVs in both the lounge and bedroom made it easy to catch up on those all important episodes of reality TV escapism.
No stay would be complete without a culinary exploration, and Hilton London Bankside did not disappoint. The Distillery, the hotel’s in-house restaurant, offered a tantalizing journey for the senses. Seated in a sophisticated setting with soft lighting and a gentle hum of conversation around us, my wife and I delved into the menu. The Distillery prides itself on its locally sourced, fresh ingredients, and the proof was undeniably in the tasting.
Our starters were the highlight of our evening’s feasting, with the lamb merguez sausages paired with a cherry tomato chutney being a flavour sensation and the flatbreads adorned with various topping being the ultimate in autumnal comfort food. My wife’s main course, the grilled sirloin steak, was tender, juicy, and bursting with flavour that danced on the palate. I, on the other hand, opted for the Aberdeen Angus Beef Burger, which was a true delight to eat – complete with flavoursome cheddar cheese, onion marmalade, capers and a pleasingly tangy gherkin mayo.
Dessert was a decadent affair. The raspberry cheesecake with chocolate crumble and lychee sorbet was indulgence personified, while the creme brulee with caramelised pears and rosemary rounded off our meal beautifully with its unique combination of exquisite flavours.
After a long, blissful slumber we made feasted on a breakfast in bed worthy of royalty – and really fussy breakfast people like us. A full English breakfast was perfectly cooked and the selection of cereals, cheeses and fresh fruits really was the best way to start another productive, yet relaxed day – yes its possible to have both in this glorious hotel.
Another perk for myself and hardworking banker wife was that we were given access to the hotel’s Executive Lounge – a serene oasis away from the hustle and bustle of the main hotel, complete with plush sofas, super speedy wifi and a tempting array of refreshments throughout the day. Mornings began with a delectable continental breakfast spread. The freshly baked croissants and pastries became our daily indulgence, paired with a steaming cappuccino.
Throughout the day, we could pop in for light bites, and in the evening, it transformed into a sophisticated setting with hearty canapés, curries, cheeses and a selection of soft drinks, wines and spirits. The staff were always so attentive and always being on hand to provide any assistance. They even arranged a meeting room for my wife who had to host an important zoom meeting, which was much appreciated. Apart from the gastronomic delights, the lounge also offered a range of local and international newspapers and magazines. It became our little retreat – a place to relax and plan our next London adventure or simply unwind with a drink in hand.
The Hilton London Bankside is not just a hotel; it’s an experience, a home away from home for tourists and business travellers who require comfort and professional mod cons. From the sumptuously appointed suites to the gastronomic delights of The Distillery and the exclusive ambiance of the Executive Lounge, we loved every moment of our stay in this friendly, comfortable haven, hidden away in the hustle and bustle of the city.
