THE HOTEL
Following openings in Ibiza and Bodrum, the Hyde brand – one of 15 brands in the Ennismore lifestyle collective – has opened its UK debut. The Hyde London City is in a 19th-century, Grade II-listed building in Farringdon, close to St. Paul’s Cathedral and the Old Bailey. Interiors are inspired by naturalist Charles Darwin and his theory of evolution.
FIRST IMPRESSIONS
Most of the ground floor is taken up by the restaurant and bar, which can be seen from the street through the floor-to-ceiling windows. The elegantly-curved reception desk is directly opposite the side street entrance and at one end of the bar. The reception team gave me a warm welcome.
THE ROOMS
There are 111 rooms over seven stories and, like many London hotel conversions, they’re quite compact. But what they lack in space they make up for in style, with statement wallpaper, deep green or blue bedheads, plus carpets and nice touches like poncho dressing gowns and branded sliders. Glamorous bathrooms are tiled in terrazzo with Malin+Goetz toiletries. The welcome Turkish butter cookies (Kurabiye) were melt-in-your-mouth delicious.
THE FACILITIES
Leydi, a contemporary Turkish eatery, serves delicious meze and grilled meats and fish. I highly recommend the spiced granola for breakfast (£12) and the avocado toast (£16). Black Lacquer, the cocktail bar, was shut during my visit but I was told it’s like being in a DJ’s bedroom, with intimate booths surrounded by a collection of carefully-curated vinyl. There’s also a small 24/7 gym with TechnoGym bikes and weights.
THE VERDICT
It’s the little things that stick in your mind. Along with the nutty granola and the sliders, I have to give a shout-out to Heman, the Front of House Manager. As I checked out, he asked me for my feedback, which was all good, and later that day I received a personal email from him thanking me for my visit and my positive comments.
He offered me a 20% discount on a two-night stay and a complimentary room upgrade, adding: “I am so happy to hear that you loved the Kurabiye. Next time you’re in town let me know and we will prepare a small batch for you.” Now, that’s service!
THE DETAILS
Rooms from £230 a night, excluding breakfast.
