In a city of grand-dame accommodations, some stodgier than others, the South Place Hotel is a luxurious, high-spirited boutique inn — a fresh face on the London scene. It’s perfectly nestled between Moorgate and Liverpool Street in the heart of the financial district, where modish East London begins.
The luxe boutique is the first from the acclaimed restaurateur group, D&D London, whose portfolio spans a contrasting assortment of 42 hedonistic restaurants and bars.
The lively South Place Hotel is a treasure trove of art installations, paintings, hidden nooks, comfy seating areas, and so many choices of places to eat and drink, you might never want to leave. Indeed, it is a world unto itself, well-suited for business travelers seeking an experiential stay in the heart of the city.
Artwork abounds in the 80 luxurious guest rooms, meticulously executed by the Conran Design Group. The nine room categories vary in size and type from studios the size of a London apartment to a three-bedroom suite in the East Wing. Standard furnishings include Bang & Olufsen televisions, houndstooth lounge chairs and swivel leather. King-sized rooms have Hoxton Gallery prints and other edgy artworks embellishing their walls.
Rooms come with plush carpets, minibars, Nespresso machines, blackout curtains for a sound night’s sleep, and lighting controls, all within arm’s reach. In the spacious, grey-marble bathrooms, you’ll find St. Clément’s chic and contemporary toiletries by James Heeley, along with oversized rain showers, huge tubs, bathrobes and slippers.
It’s no surprise that D&D’s concept of diverse and top-notch restaurants carries into the six dining and drinking options in the hotel.
Michelin-starred chef Gary Foulkes brings influences from his world travels to elegant Angler, a fish-centric restaurant that showcases some of the most exquisite seafood meals in London. Palate-pleasing dishes include Dorset crab with pink grapefruit, avocado and wasabi, and Cornish mackerel tartare.
The seasonal menu at the South Place Chop House dazzles guests with locally sourced meats and sustainable seafood. The chic 3 Bar, next to the lobby, mimics a coffee house by day and a swanky nightclub by night. The tropical-themed Secret Garden is an oasis with waterfalls and palm trees, and has a retractable roof open on warm days.
The emphasis is on creating a cultural hideaway, an oasis apart from the busy city streets. Guests are offered a myriad of wining, dining and dancing options before sinking into a comfortable bed that will remind them of their home.
The neighborhood has plenty of great spots beyond the hotel walls, as well. Concierge Juan Manuel Jorquera, from Galicia, Spain, recommends Broadgate Circle. “It is a lovely plaza, two minutes’ walk from the hotel,” he said. “You can find different restaurants and types of cuisine including Chinese, Spanish, Italian and French. The atmosphere is especially enjoyable during the Christmas season, but the atmosphere is great at any time.
“Not in Broadgate Circle, but also very well recommended, you have Cinnamon Kitchen or Dishoom (Indian food), Ivy City Garden (British), Gaucho (Argentinian) and last but not least Sushi Samba (Peruvian-Japanese-Brazilian). And then there’s Duck & Waffle, the highest 24-hour restaurant in London.”
This tantalizing hotel brims with an edgy, luxurious feel. It caters equally to corporate travelers working in London’s preeminent financial center, and to risqué hipsters who head to the stylish 3 South Place bar and grill. This inviting space features cowhide armchairs and DJs who play dance and lounge music late into the night.
If you’re seeking a hotel with plenty of cozy lounge area, food options, bar spaces and entertainment, the South Place fits the bill. It justifies the concept of a vibrant London city block, with everything within the confines of your accommodations.
