Latest news with #BarJackie
Time Out
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time Out
London's best outdoor bars and drinking terraces
The drinking-focussed offshoot of the boombastic, 1970s-styled Dear Jackie restaurant at the Broadwick Soho hotel, Bar Jackie's terrace plops you pretty much in the middle of the pavement. Perfect then, for Soho people-watching while you sink yet another cocktail named after a Federico Fellini movie. Choose from La Dolce Vita with gin and lavender, an 8 1/2 with Aperol, or a non-alcoholic Amarcord. There's also an all-day aperitivi menu of snacks, pasta and Italian classics.
Spectator
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Spectator
‘Italian that just works': Broadwick Soho reviewed
This column sometimes shrieks the death of central London, and this is unfair. (I think this because others are now doing it.) It is not the city we mourn but our younger selves. Even so, the current aesthetic in restaurants is awful and needs to be suppressed: beiges and leathers, fish tanks and stupid lighting, all are nauseating. But I hated Dubai. You say Atlantis, The Palm, I say enslaved maid crying for her dreams. But there is refuge, at least from the aesthetic, and it is as ever the child of imagination and nostalgia. Broadwick Soho, the newish hotel in the street where typhus was chased down to a water pump, is a rebuke to desperate minimalism. It is a bronze and brick palace decorated, I think, in homage to Frances Hodgson Burnett's A Little Princess, or perhaps Citizen Kane's Xanadu, because all the treasures are here. In response, because most people do not want to feel dead when they are not dead, it has been named the best new hotel in London for decades, and it is, if you can still feel joy. It has welcomed Taylor Swift and Zoë Kravitz and many people more attractive than you and me. I forgive it that, because I have a quest of a very particular kind: one that perhaps only I care about. Do you want to know where all the flounces are, children – the flounces the Connaught threw out? They are at Broadwick Soho, courtesy of its founder Noel Hayden, the son of a Bournemouth magician, who has, in his parents' honour, made a hotel that Norma Desmond would love, because it is one long opening night. There are maximalist hotels in London, of course, principally the Savoy, but the Savoy has gone mad (if it was ever sane) and thinks it is a florist or a jeweller now. Broadwick Soho has balance. It must, because it has taken all the flounces, and its broader theme is elephants, then leopards. It has two restaurants, Dear Jackie in the basement and its diminutive Bar Jackie on the ground floor, both named after Hayden's mother, who apparently loves them (as Princess Diana loved Café Diana in Notting Hill) – and a rooftop bar called Flute, named after a local flute shop, now gone. Drinking here is like drinking inside a lushly planted garden, or a paint chart. The views are of Mary Poppins's own London, the attics of Soho, and it is fantastical in rain. I eat in Bar Jackie on a summer evening. It is slightly more restrained than the rest of Broadwick Soho, which is high-kicking into the dawn: red ceilings and red awnings; floral wallpaper for the comfort of theoretical elephants; immense, soft lamps; floral tiling on the bar. It must be hell to clean, but that is not my problem, not here. As if for contrast – I couldn't eat mezze here either – the food is plain American-style Italian, as at the lost 21 Club in New York City, and it works. We eat a very fine focaccia; soft, dense Cobble Lane salami; an extraordinary salad of trevisano and gorgonzola, walnuts and balsamic vinegar, which I will not forget; a delicate, not overlarge veal and pork ragu (there is too much stimulation to eat your feelings here – nausea will follow you); a tidy tiramisu. It is pleasing to be somewhere that cares so much about aesthetics, when there is so much carelessness around. If you are very thrifty, you can eat for £50 for two and, considering all the agony in the world, I think you must.
The Independent
16-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Independent
The best boutique hotels in London for stylish design and personal touches
When it comes to booking a hotel in London, the options can be overwhelming. Location is key, especially if you want to be within easy reach of the city's best sights and neighbourhoods. Below, born-and-bred Londoner Gina Jackson shares her pick of the 10 best boutique hotels in the capital, all personally tried, tested, and thoroughly approved. Each stay features fewer than 100 rooms, with most falling between 30 and 40. These aren't the city's grand dames, so don't expect all the bells and whistles (such as gyms, spas or pools), but what they lack in size, they more than make up for in charm and thoughtful design. Each one is stylishly appointed, intimate and no less luxurious than London's more starry addresses. For first-time visitors, I'd recommend choosing a central location; for longer stays or return trips, hotel-hopping between neighbourhoods offers a richer, more local experience. Gina Jackson For our pick of the very best hotels in London, visit our guide. The best boutique hotels in London for 2025 At a glance 1. Broadwick Soho hotel Soho The brainchild of five fun-loving friends, Broadwick Soho is a bold, bohemian party pad sitting slap bang in the centre of Soho. As unapologetically flamboyant in its glittery design as it is in spirit, you can expect kaleidoscopic colours and dizzying prints to dazzle around each corner, with Martin Brudnizki-designed spaces outfitted in touchy-feely fabrics and trinkets from around the globe: think ceramic plates sourced from Italy and elephant-shaped cocktail bars fashioned in Jaipur. This isn't just a place to stay over, though: Broadwick's various bars and restaurants have each become Soho watering holes in their own right, making the hotel a magnet for the city's creative types. Evenings begin by sinking cocktails at Bar Jackie before slipping downstairs for comforting Italian fare – or up to rooftop bar Flute for live music and DJ nights. And the party doesn't end there: hotel guests also get access to residents-only lounge The Nook, where you can spin vinyls into the early hours of the morning. Address: 20 Broadwick St, London W1F 8HT Book now 2. Beaverbrook Townhouse hotel Chelsea This charming townhouse placed on Chelsea's Sloane Street is easily one of the neighbourhood's best-kept secrets. There's plenty of drama in all of the 14 thespian-inspired bedrooms (each named after a different London theatre), with sweeping, canopied bedsteads or funky four-posters guaranteed. Velvety furnishings decked out in every shade of the rainbow are also de rigueur, as well as smartly tiled bathrooms stocked with Bamford body lotions - with designer Nicola Harding at the helm, it's no surprise that every corner and crevice has been imbued with endless colour and pattern. Other highlights include the TVs that pop out from the end of the bed and can be swivelled round (so you can binge Netflix from your sofa, or while plumped against your pillows), along with complimentary minibars that you're encouraged to raid. For dinner, head downstairs for sushi and spectacular 20-course omakase dinners at the smart Japanese restaurant. 3. Kettner's hotel Soho There are plenty of whispers within the walls of this storied Soho stay, once home to London's first ever French restaurant, and the former stomping ground of Oscar Wilde, Agatha Christie and Winston Churchill. Kettner's has seen its fair share of scandal over the centuries, and despite having shaken off its somewhat risqué reputation, the hotel is no less splendid today and sits under the Soho House umbrella. The all-day restaurant is a reliable spot for French-inspired fare, as is the glamorous bar for oysters and champagne. Upstairs, the hotel's 33 bedrooms pay homage to the Roaring Twenties with scalloped velvet headboards and chintzy sofas. All come with comforting Soho House touches: Cowshed body lotions, fluffy bathrobes and homemade cookies in the minibar. 4. Henrietta Hotel Covent Garden This stylish boutique pad by French-owned Experimental Group has plenty of theatrical flair, as is fitting given its central, Covent Garden location. Bedrooms are spread across two elegant townhouses, with gorgeous headboards, gold lampshades and velvet armchairs in each of the 40 hideaways, along with Instagram-worthy bathrooms decked out in pink and marble. The location really can't be beat, and while you'll never be far from revelry (the West End's best bars, restaurants, and theatres are all within easy reach), dinner at the hotel's Parisian-inspired bistro Henri is a must. Acclaimed chef Jackson Boxer heads up the kitchen here: feast on trout roe canelles, roast chicken, and duck fat fries while curled up at candlelit tables. Book now 5. The Mitre hotel Hampton Court, Richmond Skirting the edge of the city, and placed just opposite Hampton Court Palace, a former boozer dating back to Tudor times has been transformed into a bougie boutique hotel. There's plenty of character in this, the former watering hole of Henry VIII's courtiers, and the creaky floorboards and sloping ceilings have been given a fresh lick of paint by designer Nicola Harding. Patterned de Gournay wallpapers, pastel hues (over 100 paint colours were used in the hotel's revamp), and sumptuous fabrics reign supreme in all of the 36 bedrooms. Naturally, the largest is named after Henry himself. Comfort food highlighting the best of seasonal British produce takes centre stage at the hotel's brasserie, and after dinner guests are encouraged to make merry in the snug library: pour yourself a drink from the honesty bar, and turn up the tunes on the vintage jukebox. The Mitre is equally a hit among Londoners looking to spend the night somewhere more leafy, as it is for city tourists who prefer a quieter stay. 6. At Sloane hotel Chelsea This unassuming red-brick mansion block placed along a peaceful Chelsea curve might not give much away from the exterior, but inside, At Sloane is far from a wallflower. Interiors have been masterminded by François‑Joseph Graf and Jean‑Louis Costes (the same brains behind Paris' famed Hotel Costes), and exude spades of high-octane glamour. Sumptuous textures and objets d'art (William Morris wallpapers, checkerboard carpets, and Benson lamps) vie for attention in each room, with each of the thirty suites kitted out with Loro Piana fabrics and clever tech. There are plenty of playful touches too: secret walk‑in wardrobes, concealed 'mistress doors' in some of the suites, and romance kits tucked into the minibars. Upstairs, the sixth‑floor restaurant attracts a well-heeled crowd of editors and A-list models – as does the subterranean bar (don your gladrags if you'd like to join the party). Price: From £600 Book now 7. The Twenty Two hotel Mayfair Most passers-by will stroll past the discreet Portland facade of this Mayfair townhouse, entirely oblivious of the unexpectedly playful party pad behind its doors. A private members' club come hotel, The Twenty Two oozes opulent Parisian flair: detailed Pierre Frey wallpapers, draped curtains, and velvet fabrics are the norm in each of the 31 hideaways. No bedroom here is the same, but even the smallest of pads boast rich red four-posters, freestanding tubs, and chequered marble bathrooms. You'll feast on elegant British fare in the hotel's blue-panelled restaurant – before slipping into the members' lounge (overnight residents are also welcome) and descending the leopard staircase for a boogie at the nightclub downstairs. 8. Ham Yard Hotel Soho Just minutes from bustling Piccadilly Circus and tucked inside a discreet Soho courtyard, you'll find Ham Yard Hotel, one of Firmdale Hotels' best-known properties. In a move that's signature to the boutique hotel brand, colour and print reign supreme in each of the 96 bedrooms, all individually designed by founder and creative director Kit Kemp. A Soho institution of sorts, you'll find that the all-day bar and restaurant is a popular gathering spot at any time of day, with afternoon tea in the Orangery being a tourist attraction in itself. If you'd prefer to hide away from other guests, retreat to The Library or up to the leafy roof terrace, which is home to two lovingly tended beehives. A stay here places you right on Soho's doorstep, with a tempting array of theatres, restaurants, and more spanning out in every direction. Between the bowling alley, private cinema and tranquil spa downstairs, there's plenty inside to keep the whole family entertained. 9. The Hari hotel Belgravia Placed along a quiet residential street in Belgravia, The Hari 's slick glass entrance is an unassuming facade, recognisable only to those in the know. Step inside and you'll wonder why you've never visited before: slick, razor-sharp service stands to attention across this understated yet uber-luxe stay. The bronze, two-storeyed lobby is decked out with squashy sofas, stylish bookcases, and ever-changing artworks, many of which have been taken from the owners' private collection. Rub shoulders with suited gents at the bar, enjoy excellent Italian cuisine at restaurant Il Pampero (a favourite among the locals), and bed down in stylishly appointed suites, each of which features window seats and balconies offering far-reaching views over nearby Hyde Park. 10. The Cadogan, a Belmond Hotel Chelsea This hushed townhouse sanctuary sits just steps away from the hum of Sloane Square and Knightsbridge. A Chelsea favourite among those in the know, there's a distinctly unflashy style here, despite this being one of London's more expensive neighbourhoods. Instead, spacious bedrooms are panelled in muted tones, offset by creamy furnishings and gleaming, marble bathrooms. Service is undeniably slick, in line with what you'd expect at any Belmond hotel: think personalised pillow menus guaranteeing an uninterrupted night's sleep, and turndown teas for you to return to in the evening. You'll be best placed to explore one of London's jazziest neighbourhoods (shops, restaurants and galleries all span out from the hotel's doorstep), but if you'd rather hibernate inside, there's plenty to indulge in: treat yourself to a bespoke facial by Teresa Tarmey, or enjoy afternoon tea in the lounge. Why trust us The hotels featured in this list have been carefully selected by The Independent's expert travel writer, Gina Jackson, who was born and bred in the capital and has a deep knowledge of the destination. Gina is the author of London Hotels by Hoxton Mini Press, and as such, is an authority on all things London hotels, ensuring a personal and informed perspective. When picking which hotels to include, Gina considered. her own experience of staying in the hotels included, and evaluated location, facilities, service and all the other details that make for an exceptional stay for all types of traveller. FAQs When is the best time to visit London? London is a year-round destination. As one of the most popular cities around the globe, there's never a time of the year when you'll be able to beat the crowds, but for the most pleasant climes, visit in spring or autumn. Alternatively, Christmas in London is a magical experience, and when the city truly comes alive, with twinkling decorations and festive fanfare on every street corner. Where are the best areas to stay in London? For first-timers, a central location (Mayfair or Soho) should be prioritised - so you can easily launch yourself into London's West End (home to many of the city's best restaurants, bars, and theatres), as well as easily accessing all of the sights. If you'd rather place yourself near some of the city's swankier shops, there are plenty of hotels in west London too. For more seasoned visitors, farther-flung neighborhoods away from the tourist trail are worth staying in, and will let you explore more like a local. Where to eat, drink and shop Soho beckons with its indefatigable number of restaurants, bars, and shops - for swankier designer stores, head to Chelsea or Mayfair. London's markets are some of the best spots to sample a variety of cuisines: Notting Hill, Borough Market, and Broadway Market each have market stalls and restaurants in abundance. Head further afield to Richmond, Hampstead, and Primrose Hill to discover village-like neighbourhoods home to sweet boutiques and sprawling parks.
