Visit Hilton London Bankside for the food, stay for the specialist gin bar
The upscale Oxbo restaurant, The Distillery gin bar and local art projects make this fashionable find stand out
WHAT'S IT LIKE?
I walked right past the hotel without seeing it.
I was supposed to be reviewing a Hilton but the address Google Maps had taken me to looked more like a high-end hotel in London's Shoreditch or New York's trendy meatpacking district.
The Hilton London Bankside has clearly taken cues from other design-led hotels.
Opened in 2015 in London's Bankside quarter, it has a retro-throwback look.
Think old-fashioned light bulbs, leather chairs, exposed brick and arty, mock animal heads on the walls. The hotel also boasts an indoor pool, gym and The Distillery, a specialist gin bar.
ROOMS ANY GOOD?
The beds are just as comfy as you'd expect from any Hilton.
Rooms are a good size with nice design and a fantastic large shower.
EAT HERE OR GRAB A PIZZA?
Eat here, even if you're not sleeping here.
The upscale Oxbo restaurant has an open kitchen where chefs cook in front of guests.
I braved the Dorset snails with prosciutto on grilled sourdough, followed by pot-roasted rump of lamb.
The breakfast spread was also top notch, with hot English staples and plenty of cold continental options, too.
WHAT ELSE?
Partnering with local businesses and the London Wildlife Trust, the hotel has created Fox Marks The Spot, a design and nature trail around Bankside.
Guests can go on the hunt for 49 hidden fox designs and artworks including a gold and silver fox created by jewellery designer Alex Monroe and a large installation marking an entrance to Flat Iron Square, one of the area's best summer food stall and watering holes.
SO YOU'D GO BACK?
Yep, especially for the food.
WHAT'S THE DAMAGE?
One night room-only is from £117pp based on two sharing. See hilton.com/en.