When it comes to London’s most luxurious five-star hotels, there are plenty of opulent options to choose from, each offering up lavish suites, impeccable service and all-round next-level experience. But for foodies, some of them stand out more than the others, with the likes of the ultra-luxe Dorchester and the sophisticated Connaught long recognised as heavyweights thanks to their Michelin-starred dining options and selection of excellent restaurants.
And now, all of the usual suspects are being given a run for their money by a new contender on the block, with the stylish South Place Hotel, located in the heart of the City of London’s thriving financial district, making waves across the capital thanks to its impressive foodie line-up.
Just a minute’s walk from busy Liverpool Street Station, this well-connected luxury hotel looks rather unassuming from the outside, and you could be forgiven for mistaking it for just an office block. But its urban contemporary exterior hides within it a treasure trove of decadent dining options serving up mouth-watering menus of top notch cuisine, making it one of the most sought-after destinations in the Big Smoke for those looking for somewhere truly special to eat and stay.
Add to that a fully-equipped, state-of-the-art fitness centre and a soothing spa in which to relax and unwind after a long day of business or pleasure in London with a choice of indulgent treatments, and rooms that are as stylish and sophisticated as they are comfortable, and suffice it to say that the South Place Hotel has got all bases covered. We recently went to check out what all of the fuss was about, and we might just have found our new favourite hideaway in City.
The best seafood in the capital
The Michelin-starred Angler restaurant is undoubtedly the jewel in its crown, and is fast becoming known as one of the very best seafood restaurants in the capital. Headed up by executive chef Gary Foulkes, this dazzling eatery presents an impressive and ever-changing menu that has been curated with the utmost of both care and flair, with sumptuous flavours and textures expertly complemented with a carefully chosen selection of herbs, spices and other seasonings.
Highlights of the five-course tasting menu include the succulent, melt-in-your-mouth roasted Newlyn cod, which comes with line-caught squid, Scottish girolles and Alsace bacon to make for a taste sensation you’ll want to eat again and again, and the sea bass tartare, which is expertly finished with oyster cream, green apple and shiso in a decadent dish that keeps customers regularly coming back for more.
English plum with bay leaf, vanilla and pink praline and black figs with fig leaf ice cream, blossom honey and olive oil are the perfect sweeteners – and each course is accompanied by an inspired wine pairing chosen by the in-house sommelier.
If you’re more of a carnivore, then the South Place Chop House is certain to win your approval. This classically British restaurant serves up a tasty menu that changes along with the seasons and features carefully sourced cuts of meat alongside the finest freshly caught fish, with a curated selection of craft beers and a refined wine list finishing off the line-up for a sophisticated yet relaxed dining experience.
A refinement of the more traditional style of 18th century chop house style, you can expect contemporary tastes and the utmost in quality at all times.
One of the most talked-about social spots in town thanks to its weekend bottomless brunches, you can find classic favourites like steak and chips, confit duck leg and battered haddock on the menu, all of which can be washed down with all the bubbles, bellinis and mimosas you please. In the evenings, meanwhile, things get even livelier with a selection of cuts cooked up on the Josper, while seafood lovers can indulge in the succulent tiger prawn burger or the pan-fried wild Brixham turbot.
After dinner, the stylish 3 Bar serves up a mix of both traditional and contemporary cocktails, with live guest DJs playing out catchy sets at the weekends. In celebration of the neighbourhood’s famed Gin Palaces, the menu also features an extensive list of more than 40 different gins, with a range of inspired gin and tonic pairings leaving you spoilt for choice.
The rooms are pretty good as well
Rooms at the South Place Hotel are stylish and exude a somewhat masculine feel. Beautifully designed by esteemed design group Conran and Partners, you can expect a range of opulent features, and from the ebony wood headboards to the tweed pillows and monochrome hound’s-tooth chairs, this sophisticated hideaway caters perfectly to the corporate guest.
Décor is a minimalistic combination of charcoal grey, black and white, with the occasional quirky touch throughout to add interest. And entertainment-wise, all your needs are covered, too – with a 40-inch Bang & Olufsen television, iPod docking station in each.
Add to that a range of handy facilities including a coffee machine and toaster, and some pampering goodies including sumptuous-smelling James Heeley toiletries, a fluffy robe and slippers and – in some rooms – huge bathtubs, and you have all you need for a relaxing stay and a haven away from the buzz of the city below.
In a nutshell
A lavish five-star hideaway that is just perfect for the corporate traveller, where the South Place Hotel really shines is in the food and drink department. If you’re visiting the capital for pleasure, then City might not be the obvious choice – but with an emphasis on fresh, local ingredients and a combination of creative, fine-dining cuisine and British classics, it’s worth the trek to sample some of its culinary delights. Add to that its stylish and comfortable rooms and array of luxurious facilities – and of course, the impeccable service you’ll receive throughout – and a stay here is certain to be a pleasurable one.
Factbox
Double rooms at a refundable rate from £245 including breakfast.
Address: 3 South Pl, London EC2M 2AF
Phone: 020 3503 0000
Website: southplacehotel.com
