Nestled within the heart of the City, just a short walk from Cannon Street Station and a stone’s throw from the River Thames, Vintry and Mercer is a stylish boutique hotel that has become known as a destination for the modern traveller. Exuding contemporary style and sophistication, this plush hotel is also steeped in rich history, with the buildings themselves telling a story and the surrounding areas further adding to its intriguing narrative.
Once upon a time, Vintry was the thriving hub for London wine merchants, whilst Mercer was occupied by noble textile sellers who specialised in fine silks and damasks. Now, the hotel showcases features that reflect the historic trading guilds of the area and, combined with some thoroughly modern touches, achieves the perfect balance between old-world glamour and modern charm.
Check in for a night or two here, and you’ll enjoy an immersive experience in the commerce and culture that define the city.
Hotel
Tucked away at the end of an alley, beyond the hustle and bustle of the busy pubs nearby, Vintry and Mercer is located in a favoured spot for City workers enjoying a post-work drink, but set just far enough from the throng to offer a private and relaxing stay.
The narrative woven into the hotel’s historic livery halls and the lanes that surround it is what makes this such a unique place to stay, with the neoclassical building of Upper Thames Street just opposite and nods to the buildings’ rich history evident throughout.
Although the exterior of the hotel is sleek and contemporary, inside there are plenty of surprises in store. With cutting-edge craftsmanship evident in every element of the design, organic elements breathe life into the stylish aesthetic, with plants and other types of foliage positioned strategically throughout. But look a little closer, and you’ll spot some interesting details that speak of times gone by in amongst all of the modern luxuries that make for such a welcoming look and feel.
Rooms and suites
Featuring 92 stylish rooms and suites, fully equipped with modern amenities, when it comes to comfort, guests are well catered to here. Although rather contemporary in design, rooms feel rather regal, with plush velvet curtains, bespoke fabrics and sumptuous soft furnishings adding a sophisticated touch. Then, there’s the unique artwork – which includes historic navigation maps – adorning the walls, with every element of these spaces giving a nod to the merchant tailors who once touted their wares on the surrounding streets.
Then there are the little luxuries, with a Nespresso machine in every room to ensure you can begin each day suitably caffeinated and a flat screen TV and set of Marshall speakers for all of your entertainment needs. Technological conveniences, such as USB plugs, smart light controls, and a phone with free data and international calls also come in handy and bring the rooms thoroughly into the modern age. The bathrooms, with their green parquet wall tiling, marble sinks, and anti-steam mirrors only add to the sense of luxury.
It isn’t always easy to achieve the perfect balance between retro styling and contemporary cool, but Vintry and Mercer has got it just right. Period-inspired details like the anglepoise lamps, rotary telephones and velvet headboards all add to the sense of historic allure, and while the walls are rather neutral, accents in rich jewel tones breathe life into the space, with deep purple, mustard and vibrant blue ensuring that each room feels uplifting and full of life.
Deluxe studio suites offer balconies with views of the Shard, offering an extra layer of opulence to the guest experience.
Food and drink
The hotel is home to three distinguished drinking and dining venues: the Mercer Rooftop, the Vintry Kitchen, and the intriguing speakeasy bar, ‘Do Not Disturb’ (DND). From the Mercer Rooftop’s panoramic views to the clandestine charm of DND, each space is a celebration of the hotel’s commitment to modern luxury with historic roots.
Vintry Kitchen is a relaxed café and wine bar on the ground floor, and is also where breakfast is served. Choose from delights such as buttermilk pancakes with banana and blueberries or, if you’re feeling gluttonous, opt for a cooked-to-order favourite like the classic Full English.
The Mercer Terrace, a greenhouse restaurant with a heated terrace, offers guests the chance to enjoy enchanting views of St. Paul’s Cathedral and over to the Shard as they dine. In the warmer months, lunch or dinner al fresco here is a must, but a drink at the bar above the city lights is a pleasure that can be enjoyed year round.
In the winter, the Mercer Terrace offers a unique dining experience in the form of its private igloos, which are highly sought after and offer a unique chance to eat under the night sky without being exposed to the chill of the winter air. With space for up to five guests, they come complete with faux fur blankets, flickering candles and the twinkle of city lights all around – a warm and cosy setting that guarantees a magical way to brighten up a cold, dark evening.
Inside the restaurant, the atmosphere is warm and convivial, with floor-to-ceiling glass doors opening wide to bring the outdoors in, so even if you don’t opt to reserve an igloo, you can still enjoy those spectacular views of the city’s skyline.
On the menu, you’ll find mouth-watering starters like the butternut squash and truffle velouté and the Sapling London Dry Gin cured salmon, followed by tempting main courses such as the charcoal-grilled half Suffolk chicken, the Heron’s Farm beef 21-day aged rib-eye or, if you’re not a meat-eater, the roasted Peterhead cod or roast celeriac steak. There are also, of course, some suitably decadent desserts to round things off with if you still have room in your stomach – the chocolate bomb or the pear and apple crumble, for example, are certain to go down a treat.
DND, the basement bar, adds an element of intrigue with its prohibition-era speakeasy ambiance, bedazzled photos of 1920s vaudeville stars, and a cocktail menu that includes the intriguing Average Joe, featuring Bulleit Rum and a homemade syrup containing banana, cardamom, and thyme.
To do
Vintry and Mercer’s central location in the heart of The City of London places you at the epicentre of all the capital has to offer, with historic landmarks such as St. Paul’s Cathedral right on your doorstep and London Bridge, from which you can enjoy breath-taking views of the Shard, just a stone’s throw away. The hotel’s proximity to Mansion House tube station makes accessing the rest of the capital easy, too, so whether you’re seeking a vibrant cultural scene or simply looking to stay put and soak up the luxurious atmosphere at Vintry and Mercer, from here, London is your oyster.
The surrounding area, steeped in rich history as it is, offers myriad opportunities to discover its intriguing past, and from its grand Victorian market halls to its upscale shops, and the bustling, fast-paced atmosphere of the City, simply taking some time to wander the streets and take it all in is well worth the experience if your schedule isn’t too jam-packed already.
In a nutshell
Transcending the traditional hotel experience to take you on a journey back in time, Vintry and Mercer, immerses guests in a world where modern luxury coexists harmoniously with the storied past of the City of London. From the carefully curated rooms to the gastronomic delights of the restaurants and the allure of the clandestine speakeasy, every aspect of the hotel is a testament to its commitment to providing a unique and unforgettable stay. Whether you’re seeking cultural exploration, culinary indulgence, or simply a retreat into luxury, Vintry and Mercer has got it all.
Factbox
Double rooms from £175 in low season; and from £285 in high. Buffet breakfast £18. Free Wi-Fi.
Address: 19-20 Garlick Hill, London EC4V 2AU
Phone: 020 3908 8088
Website: vintryandmercer.com
