The chic South Place Hotel offers vibrant five-star accommodation in London’s Square Mile offering some vivacity to the otherwise staid area of Moorgate. This is where the city’s business folk stay, meet and do business during the week and it’s also where weekenders come to play. On a sunny day, there’s the murmur of cheerful banter as people chill on the verdant outdoor terrace.
The Conran-designed interiors include slate grey and brown hues giving off a mild gentleman’s club vibe. However, moody lighting and quirky artworks invoking movement are funky enough to make you stop and stare while adding colour and plenty of flare.
Who for
South Place Hotel’s city location attracts business people to their restaurants and bars, and business travellers looking to stay the night in the area. Once the weekend draws in so does a hip and chic clientele, to eat, drink and stay.
Accommodation
South Place Hotel has 80 rooms arranged over five floors comprising Studio, Deluxe, Family, Luxury, Junior Suite and top of the tree is the Suite.
Suite
Bathroom South Place
Luxury Room
Junior Suite
Rooms are generally decorated in muted blocks of colours such as greys, browns, creams and maroons. Beds are adorned with plump cushions, and a brown furry throw to complete a very cosy ambience.
A variety of lamps offer moody lighting controlled by a bedside console – you just tap to turn lights on and off and also to raise the black-out blinds. There’s plenty of daylight too thanks to floor-to-ceiling windows.
Spacious wardrobes contain bathrobes, slippers, an ironing board, a fully stocked mini-bar, a coffee facility (Nespresso), a kettle and a nifty Dyson hairdryer.
Mine was room 204, a junior suite, and like all junior suites is positioned on the corner of the hotel. So, it had plenty of space, floor-to-ceiling windows, a desk space and an ensuite looking smart with grey/black marbled tiles with a deep bath, a separate shower area and dual sinks.
Most importantly, the kingsize bed and the pillows were so comfortable that it was easy to drop off.
Food & Drink
Seabass tartare at Angler restaurant, South Place Hotel
South Place Hotel offers three restaurants: great British grub 3SP which serves breakfast, lunch and dinner while 3 Bar is perfect for cocktails, nibbles and a jovial meet-up. Intimacy beckons at their Secret Garden. This is an outdoor terrace with waterfalls, twinkling lights and hanging plants.
The dining highlight is the seafood-themed Michelin-star restaurant, Angler, on the top floor. At the helm is the British Executive Chef Gary Foulkes who has retained his Michelin star at the Angler restaurant for 16 years.
The menu reels you in with a selection of simultaneously flavourful yet delicate dishes available via a tasting menu or an a la carte. The charming sommelier, John, offers his wine-pairing suggestions.
Angler Restaurant
Angler sprawls out onto a roof terrace
The restaurant sprawls outward to the almost alfresco rooftop terrace where the roof folds back to reveal the blue skies or the starry night. In any case, diners are assured of a fabulous dining experience.
Facilities
There is a 24-hour gym with floor-to-ceiling windows and mirrored walls, a spa with steam and sauna facilities.
How Much
Rates at South Place Hotel, a member of Preferred Hotels & Resorts’ L.V.X Collection, start from £296 for a double room. Check-out is a delightful 12 noon.
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What’s Nearby?
The East of London has burst into probably the most trendy part of London. And South Place Hotel is in that vicinity and close to St Paul’s Cathedral. The nearest stations are Moorgate and Liverpool Street and next to Finsbury Circus. For a little culture head to nearby attractions such as the Barbican Theatre and Museum or go shopping at Spitalfields.
An 8-minute drive or a 20-minute walk will get you to Shoreditch, home of the iconic Brick Lane, and amazing graffiti including some famous Banksys on Rivington Street.
Verdict: South Place Hotel is a top-notch hotel in London, offering flair, colour, excellent accommodation, interesting artworks, and fine Michelin-star dining. It would be rude not to.