Set to open in spring 2018, London will welcome the Vintry and Mercer Hotel, which has been inspired by the city’s historic trading guilds. Leading travel writer Sue Tidy takes a good look at what we should expect from the new opening.
Located at the very heart of the City of London, this brand new hotel brings a fresh outlook to the historic area, whilst reflecting the rich heritage that surrounds it.
It takes its name from two of the ancient guilds that traded here on the banks of the Thames, Vintry was the centre for London wine merchants and Mercer was established for the sellers of fine textiles such as silk and damask.
Throughout the hotel you will find antique maps, artwork and artefacts which pay homage to the local history, all set against a contempary backdrop that combines luxury and comfort.
With a 2 minute walk to Mansion House tube station, and Cannon Street and Bank only a few minutes further, the hotel makes an excellent base for exploring the city, and with three distinct eateries on site, it will make an exciting addition to the London restaurant and bar scene.
The Mercer Roof Terrace restaurant has an enviable position on the roof of the hotel, with floor to ceiling windows taking in views overlooking St Pauls Cathedral and the Southbank skyline.
Depending on the good old British weather you can either sit inside, relaxing against a backdrop of pastel furnishings and wood tables, or head out to the terrace, to eat al fresco amongst the treetops!
The menu will showcase the best of British ingredients with a seasonal menu and a “farm to plate” ethos, using sustainable ingredients, and is open 7 days a week for lunch and dinner.
A taste of summer is evoked in the Vintry Kitchen restaurant and wine bar, where guests can choose from a delicious menu of Asian style tapas, with a selection of wines tapped straight from the barrels lining the gantry.
An open contempary space, it features leather banquette seating and marble topped tables and will be open all day serving breakfast, snacks, lunch and dinner.
Head to another city altogether and find yourself in 1920’s New York when you enter DND (short for Do Not Disturb), the underground cocktail bar kitted out like a prohibition speakeasy.
With low lighting, velvet and leather seating, Art Deco lampshades and images of Ziegfield Follies girls lining the walls, it is an atmospheric spot to indulge in some inventive speciality cocktails and tasty bar bites.
All of the 92 rooms and suites have been given the star treatment, and are dressed in plush fabrics including bespoke velvet headboards, and feature luxury comforts such as under floor heating in the bathrooms.
Each will include free wifi, TV and media hubs with movies on demand, tea and coffee making facilities and 24 hour room service.
The Balcony Suites are bound to be popular, with their room length terraces offering stunning river views across to the Southbank, taking in sights such as the Tate Modern and the Shard.
For business meetings or small private events, the hotel has three rooms on the lower ground floor with audio and visual equipment and TV screens, mini bar fridges and Nespresso machines.
No ordinary meeting rooms, you can choose from the Library with it’s huge map in the ceiling, the Drawing Room dressed with wine red walls and a copper chandelier, or the Music Room with teal walls lined with iconic British album covers!
There is also a fully equipped gym which has an integrated digital screen, free internet access and iPhone docks.
In a nutshell
With its excellent City location and transport links, stunning river views and fresh stylish design, the Vintry and Mercer not only links the past and the present but can look forward to a bright future as one of the top spots to stay in London.
Rooms are priced from £192 per night, for more information go to www.vintryandmercer.com
Address: 19 – 20 Garlick Hill, London, EC4V 2AU, United Kingdom
Phone: +44 (0)20 3908 8088
