London has always been a source of inspiration for artists thanks to its iconic skyline, and as guests take a stroll down to Bankside Hotel, they can draw inspiration from the famous landmarks that make London such a popular destination. The hotel is a unique establishment that caters to artists and creatives, providing them with an opportunity to tap into their imagination and create beautiful artwork. It offers a haven of casual elegance, infused with a distinct personal touch, making it the perfect base from which to explore the city.
Hotel
The Bankside Hotel is a luxurious Marriott Autograph Collection hotel located in the vibrant district of Southwark, just a stone’s throw away from the beautiful riverbank and the bustling city. The hotel is housed in a sleek skyscraper that offers breath-taking views of the city’s skyline. The hotel’s central theme revolves around art, and it recently celebrated its fifth anniversary.
As soon as you enter, you will be welcomed into a warm atmosphere with no barriers. You will be invited to check in at a round table, where you can savour a complimentary coffee while admiring the hotel’s stunning artwork. Every detail is carefully curated to showcase artistic flair, and you will be surrounded by a diverse collection of paintings, sculptures, and other forms of art.
The Bankside’s handpicked furniture and eclectic artwork contrast with hidden hi-tech touches to conjure up a timeless yet modern design narrative, creating a dynamic visitor experience for work or play. In addition to their bar and restaurant, Art Yard, the hotel also boasts multiple exceptional meeting and events spaces, complete with an outdoor terrace, interior mezzanine, private dining space and art. The hotel also has an artist-in-residence programme, which allows guests to witness the creative process first-hand and interact with the artists themselves.
Room
The Bankside Hotel has 161 beautifully designed bedrooms that are equipped with modern amenities to ensure guests’ utmost comfort. The rooms have a warm and cosy atmosphere that will instantly make you feel at home and you’ll hear the sound of the TV already on, tuned to BBC One, which creates a sense of familiarity. Take a moment to admire the stunning view through the large window, showcasing towering skyscrapers that seem to touch the sky. Gaze at the trains passing by, creating an exciting buzz that adds to the thrill of your stay.
You can pour a refreshing glass of water from an elegant carafe then nibble on scrumptious macaroons which go well with a cup of coffee from the state-of-the-art espresso machine. The aroma of the coffee will awaken your senses and leave you feeling energised.
The room is designed to have a bright and airy ambience, creating a studio-like feel that’s perfect for igniting your creativity. The desks are well-stocked with an art supplies box, which includes a mini pad of paper, a set of colouring pencils, and postcards to inspire your imagination. It’s an incredible space to let your creative juices flow, and the perfect place to bring out your inner artist. After a productive and creative session, you can take a refreshing shower to unwind before heading out to your next adventure.
Food and drink
At the Art Yard restaurant, you can indulge in a leisurely lunch while immersing yourself in the world of art and culinary excellence. As you peruse the menu, your eyes catch sight of the epic bread starter, a delicious and crispy artisan dish that is perfect for sharing. This dish is served on a plate that mimics an artist’s palette, featuring wells filled with olive paste, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and salted butter that you can spread using a palette knife. As you savour the flavours of this dish, you can enjoy a glass of bubbly and take in the vibrant art all around you.
Next up is a fresh salad with a delicious mint dressing. The crispness of the greens and the tanginess of the dressing blend perfectly, creating a refreshing and satisfying dish. But make sure to save some room for the main course! The salmon is incredibly fresh and melts in your mouth, while the sweet potato fries are lightly seasoned to perfection, making for a flavoursome taste that will leave you wanting more.
As you enjoy your meal, you can’t help but admire the vibrant art pieces that adorn the walls of the room. The ambience of the place is wonderfully creative, and all the food served here is inspired by art in some way or another. The final course is worth the wait, as you are presented with another palette filled with dainty desserts such as chocolate and raspberry sponge, Sicilian lemon tart, vanilla and strawberry lollipop, macaroon, and a chocolate-dipped strawberry.
As you finish your meal, you can’t help but appreciate the skill and expertise that went into creating such a culinary masterpiece. The executive chef, Sofiane Kaced, hailing from Southern France, aims to create dishes that play with the vibrant colours, textures, and tastes of the Mediterranean, and you can taste his passion in every bite.
With a rich background in luxury hospitality across prominent locations, including London and the Middle East, chef Kaced brings his expertise to the forefront, elevating the dining experience at Art Yard Bar and Kitchen. His career highlights include roles at the Royal Opera House and Gordon Ramsay’s Maze Grill in Mayfair. It’s no wonder that Kaced is assisted by artists when he creates the dishes. The Art Yard restaurant truly offers a unique and unforgettable dining experience.
The evening menu includes a Bermondsey sirloin steak, prepared in a tagliata style, the innovative Roscoff onion tart tatin accompanied by vegan burrata, and the comforting braised ox cheek, complemented by mashed potatoes, smoked bacon, and chestnut mushrooms. These dishes offer a modern twist on classic British flavours, presented with a distinct, arty flair.
As you eat there are beautiful art and design magazines on the table, inviting you to flip through their pages. The lighting in the hotel is carefully crafted, casting a warm glow that creates the perfect atmosphere for taking stunning photographs. You can easily spend an entire afternoon here surrounded by the creative carvings and paintings. What’s more, the service is incredibly accommodating and not rushed, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the inspiring surroundings and gather inspiration for your adventures in the city.
To do
The Bankside Hotel is currently hosting an awe-inspiring exhibition called ‘The Art of Belonging’. It showcases the remarkable talents of the hotel’s resident artists over the years. This exhibition is located in the White Box space, a unique venue that’s part of the Artists in Residence programme, which is a partnership between Degree Art and Contemporary Collective. Over the past five years, many talented artists have called Bankside their home, and this programme has given them a platform to showcase their works of art.
The exhibition displays a diverse range of artwork, featuring a variety of styles and mediums. From paintings to sculptures, this exhibition is a testament to the creativity and skill of the resident artists. Currently, the hotel’s artist in residence is Kasia Sifantus, a contemporary mixed-media artist. She will be in the studio until April 5th, 2024, exploring the themes of meditation and mindfulness within her creative process. Her role is to use creative materials to explore the different patterns found in the hotel.
If you’re looking for inspiration, you can take a walk amongst the tall skyscrapers and explore the bustling urban landscape. At night, the cityscape transforms into a futuristic utopia with the skyscrapers lighting up the night sky. And if you prefer a more classical approach, you’re not far from historic London. The Southbank has many bars and restaurants, and there are attractions for the kids such as Shrek’s World of Adventure, the London Eye, and the iconic OXO building.
In a nutshell
Bankside is a fantastic place to spend your time, whether you’re on a business trip or a family vacation. It’s a one-of-a-kind hotel that incorporates art into its design. The interiors are beautifully crafted, and the food is amazing. Staying at Bankside will give you a chance to experience the art of travel and engage in creative activities that will leave a lasting impression. With the city at your fingertips, you’re sure to have an artistic stay at Bankside.
Factbox
Address: Bankside Hotel, 2 Blackfriars Rd, Upper Ground, London SE1 9JU
Phone: +44 (0)20 3319 5988
Website: banksidehotel.com
How to get there: Reach the hotel via Southwark or Blackfriars stations, or get off at Waterloo and stroll down the Southbank.
Hotel photography courtesy of Bankside Hotel.
