Eat, sleep: Kimpton Fitzroy, London

During her visit to London, Digital Producer Emily Bell stayed at the decadent, Grade II listed bolthole steeped in history: Kimpton Fitzroy London.

STAY
Located in the heart of Bloomsbury, London, feeding off the gentle beat of Russell Square, and a few strides from the tube station sits Kimpton Fitzroy London. Walking down the adjacent road and turning the corner, the recently renovated hotel rises from the ground in all its grandeur. Upon first glance, to say it’s an opulent building doesn’t scratch the surface.

Stepping inside the palatial build is breathtaking. In celebration of its 19^th century roots, the ceilings are high, galleried, with touches of ancient Greece, with a large chandelier taking centre stage. Before us are double doors that lead into the Summer Rose Garden.

SLEEP
When thinking of central London, you imagine tourists stealing the pavement and gathering in groups, or commuters well-used to their daily route, speeding along at an established pace. What Kimpton Fitzroy does well, is embody a sense of calm in the middle of it all. Their 334 guest rooms and suites echo luxury. We are lucky enough to stay in a Junior Suite complete with a generous living room, four poster bed and double doors leading through to the bathroom of your dreams; the main feature being a roll top bath positioned adjacent to windows opening out onto Russell Square.

Thoughtful details are dotted throughout. Full size lotions and potions in the bathroom, two toilets, two TVs, a considerate reminder that if you have forgotten anything that the hotel can provide, a mini bar hidden within a cabinet (so as not to disturb the aesthetic) complete with goodies and drinks. You even get a macaroon upon arrival and, in my boyfriend’s words – “the best shower I have ever had.”

It’s a haven and I begin to wonder if we should venture outside at all.  

EAT
Aptly named, stepping inside Neptune is like venturing into an under the sea cove, situated somewhere amid the splendour of the far east. It’s a copper-filled, large and decadent space that shimmers beneath low lighting. Its speciality, as homage to its name, is seafood.

On offer is a selection of oysters and charcuterie. We opt for the Burrata with a side of house-made bread and salted butter, fresh from the oven and light in texture, followed by Crispy Argentinian Prawns, which are full of flavour. 

The main course is Day Boat Fish, caught fresh this morning, whilst my partner opts for the 36-Day-Aged-Rib-Eye and a side of fries. Presented in a broth-like infusion of flavour, complemented with greens and mussels, the pollock broke apart beautifully. The steak was medium-rare, served with a side of Roasted Vine Tomatoes and Peppercorn Sauce. There were no complaints from my dinner companion, which in turn translates to full marks.

Who can finish without dessert? The menu offers great variety, from Wild Strawberry Meringue to Three British Cheeses. As tribute to my hometown, I choose the Yorkshire Rhubarb Tart with Crème Fraiche whilst my other half opts for the Chocolate with Salted Caramel, Popcorn and Tonka Bean. They arrived at our table wonderfully presented, but after a punchy starter and main course, it is a hard act to follow. We find that at Neptune, the simple and understated dishes shine through and by the end we're left dreaming of the Burrata, house-made bread and prawns.

The beauty of Kimpton Fitzroy is that you really don’t have to leave, as it’s home to a number of dinner and drink options. Post-meal head to Fitz's, the bar next door, and step into the 1920s. This Gatsby-esque late-night playground offers a wide selection of cocktails derived from bootlegging days (without the crime) that aren’t shy to boast flavour. We had Bloomsbury Cup No.1 – a refreshing combination of champagne, Edinburgh Elderflower Liqueur and King's Ginger – and Golden Echo, a brandy and rum-based cocktail with ginger beer. Both pack a powerful punch, cementing a great end to the night.

In all, Kimpton Fitzroy London is an Instagrammer's dream and a portal into another world, ensuring escapism at its finest. The only problem I had, was leaving.

WHAT’S IN THE AREA
Stop by: Burr & Co, a coffee shop tucked into the ground-floor of Kimpton Fitzroy London.
Did you know: Virginia Woolf was a resident in the area, at 46 Gordon Square. Stop by to see her blue plaque.
Travel by: Tube at Russell Square Station.
Be a tourist at: The British Museum and marvel at a collection of artefacts from around the world.

Bed cloud-o-metre: 10/10
Bath luxury level: 10/10
Location: 10/10
Price range: $$$