Have you ever tried a chai cocktail? No, neither had we until we stayed at Artist Residence London. Given the name, you might expect a focus on creative décor – and with original Eine artworks, just 10 perfect rooms with bespoke beds and vintage-inspired bathrooms, there is – but there’s more to this proud Georgian townhouse than looks. Soon after check-in we descended to the basement cocktail den where the resident mixologist matched us to our ideal tipples before regaling us with tales of his latest infusion experiments. Smoke & Mirrors, The Rum Diary, The Secret Garden all featured as well as the aforementioned Chai Milk Punch – honestly the most moreish aperitif we’ve ever tasted!
Oodles of theatrical dining fun soon followed in the ground-floor restaurant, where we watched the chefs prepare flavourful fusion dishes. Of course, London’s shops and sights are all within easy reach, but on this particular winter’s night, as we explored the well-researched wine list, we couldn’t think of anywhere else we'd rather be...
Highs
- Stylish and indulgent rooms – spring for a suite or The Loft to get a huge tub, too!
- The all day restaurant and bar are destinations in their own right and great fun
- A handy location just 10 minutes from Victoria Station (but tucked away on a peaceful sidestreet)
- The genuinely warm and friendly staff made us feel instantly at home
- The curated art collection, the comfy lounge and event spaces bring a unique vibrancy
Lows
- Better suited to couples than families – though all are welcome
- The Small rooms are just that – best for budget-minded or solo travellers
- Nightly rates are high, and don't include breakfast
- There isn't a lot going on around the hotel, so it's not ideal for those who want to be in the heart of the action
- Full payment is required upon reservation
Best time to go
You don't need us to tell you that London is a hive of activity all year round, but we will say that Artist Residence is a particularly great winter hideaway thanks to its cosy bar and restaurant, and excellent shopping year-round. That said, if you're hoping for good weather, aim for late spring or summer.
Our top tips
If you're staying at the weekend, there's a delightful little farmer's market that takes place in nearby Orange Square every Saturday morning. Pick up gourmet treats such as artisan breads, tarts and seasonal fruits.
- Boutique Hotel
- 10 rooms
- Restaurant and bar (open daily)
- All ages welcome
- Open all year
- Pool
- Spa Treatments
- Beach Nearby
- Pet Friendly
- Disabled Access
- Car not necessary
- Parking
- Restaurants Nearby
- WiFi
- Air Conditioning
- Guest Lounge
- Terrace
- Garden
- Gym
Rooms
Regency meets rustic in the bedrooms, where Farrow & Ball greys sit alongside exposed brickwork, and battered leather armchairs hold heritage check cushions. Most rooms are fairly compact, crashpad-style spaces, but indulgences come in the form of other-worldly kingsize mattresses, 100% cotton 400-thread-count bedlinens and brick-tiled bathrooms with plate-sized rain showers.
We’d be perfectly happy in any room, but The Loft and the 2 suites are where it gets really fun! We burrowed away in the former: a pitch-ceilinged, rooftop-gazing nest with an in-room 1930s French-style tub accompanied by Bramley bath products and fluffy robes. The gentle hum of the Roberts radio and a refresher from the Smeg minibar ensured we felt instantly at home. The Club Suite veers more towards the Art Deco, while the largest and most refined of all the rooms is the Grand Suite. Here a bespoke four-poster and cast-iron tub are framed by ornate cornicing and grand sash windows. If you’re after a romantic bolthole that shows thought and flair, you won’t do better than this.
Features include:
- Air conditioning
- Bathrobes
- Central heating
- Cots available
- Hairdryer
- Minibar
- Radio
- Safe box
- Toiletries
- TV
- WiFi
Eating
The welcoming chic retro-loft-style restaurant, complete with exposed brick walls and copper lights, The Clubhouse, serves simply delicious fusion fare all day every day, with plenty of vegan and gluten-free options too. For dinner, we shared the Devon crab on toast with pickled cucumber to start, followed by lemon sole with blood orange, hazelnut & caper butter, and a bone-in sirloin, accompanied by a bottle of Gavi as recommended. The wine list was both well-priced and well-researched, which we very much appreciated. We were sadly too full to indulge in a dessert, even though the gorgonzola dolce with sourdough, honey and walnuts sounded heavenly.
To round off a decadently delightful evening, we descended to the Clarendon Cocktail Cellar for superb cocktails. You're in safe hands with the resident mixologists, and we tested out a couple of their original concoctions (I'd never tried anything like my Chai Milk Punch, but it was amazing). The morning after our alcoholic experimentation, we pottered back down to the restaurant, buzzy with weekend brunchers, to be restored by a hearty full English and eggs royale for breakfast, with oodles of very necessary tea and toast.
Features include:
- Bar
- Restaurant
- Restaurants nearby
Activities
- Set on a quiet residential street in Pimlico, Artist Residence is just a 5-minute walk from Victoria Station, which in turn is just 2 stops from the retail hub of Oxford Circus
- Buckingham Palace, the Tate Britain, Hyde Park and Westminster Abbey are all within a 20-minute walk of the hotel
- For evening entertainment, the Apollo Victoria Theatre is just 10 minutes away
- London is, of course, a vibrant and exciting city awash with many more things to see and do - check out a few of our favourites on the destination guide
Activities on site or nearby include:
- Boat trips
- Cycling
- Historical sites
- Museums / galleries
- Nightlife
- Private guided tours
- Shopping / markets
- Table tennis
- Wine tasting
Kids
Although all ages are welcome, we feel the cool city vibe and stylised restaurant and bar are best suited to adult guests.
Best for:
Babies (0-1 years)
Family friendly accommodation:
Medium rooms, The Loft and the suites can hold a baby cot. Suites can take an extra bed for 1 child on request. Children must be aged 12+ to stay in their own room.
Cots Available, Extra Beds Available
For more family-friendly places, see our Kids Collection
Location
Artist Residence London is in Pimlico, central London.
By Air:
Most scheduled airlines fly into London Heathrow (25km) or London Gatwick (48km). London Stansted and London Luton are also well serviced. You could take a taxi from all airports, but it's expensive and London has excellent public transport links from all airports (see below).
By Train:
Artist Residence London is a 5-minute walk from both Victoria station and Pimlico tube station, and 15 minutes from Sloane Square. International Eurostar trains arrive at St Pancras station, an easy tube ride from the hotel.
By Coach:
Coach services usually arrive at Victoria station, just a 5-minute walk from the hotel. These are often much cheaper - but considerably slower - than the train.
By Car:
Driving around London is generally best avoided, however, car hire is possible. There are car parks near the hotel but be aware that they incur a charge and you may also be affected by the London congestion charge.
Detailed directions will be sent to you when you book through i-escape.com.
More on getting to the UK and getting around
Airports:
- London Heathrow 25.0 km LHR
- London Gatwick 48.0 km LGW
Other:
- Beach 90.0 km
- Shops 0.1 km
- Restaurant 0.1 km
Our guests' ratings...
Based on 3 independent reviews from i-escape guests
Feedback is only from guests who have booked and stayed through i-escape