Threadneedles Hotel, London
A short walk from the Bank of England’s iconic building, ‘The Old Lady of Threedneedle Street’ is a haven from the turmoil of financial markets. Refined in Victorian grandeur, and restored from its days as a bustling banking hall, this splendid boutique hotel nestles in the avenues of London’s financial district like the smooth lining of a hand-made suit, writes Sarah-Jayne Smith
Under the watchful eye of Norman Fosters inspiration architecture, city financiers flow through the alleyways surrounding this hotel, pulsing through the veins of this ageless city. Refuge can be found in Threadneedle’s immaculate lobby, a place to catch your breath. The Hotel’s calm, grand façade with stepped entrance and high windows opens, out onto a magnificent lobby, a space heightened by the 1856 stain glass dome filtering light onto the marble floors below.
A glass of Laurent Perrier awaits you. Sit down, relax and enjoy your champagne as you bathe in the rainbow coloured light of the lobby before striding to your room. The rooms are decadent with images of the banking era taking centre place. All hark to the modern technological age though; free WIFI and complementary tea and coffee.
Settled in your room? Unwrap your complementary slippers and finishing your chocolates, and maybe sampling a cocktail, or two, in Bonds Bar.
Bonds Bar and Restaurant offers cocktails and food for high rollers. The bar is light, airy, and retains original features, and fresh seasonal flowers adorn it. Although the London Stock Exchange has relocated from Threadneedle Street, this has not distracted from its allure. During the week, the bar is alive with bankers, calling in for after-work cocktails, clinching a deal, or deserved meal.
At weekends the district falls silent, perhaps the best time to sample the food in Bonds. It serves European food in a relaxed setting. Indulge, handpicked Dorset crab meat in lemon oil, or hand dived Scottish scallops with chorizo crisps. For carnivores there is the filet of Scottish beef with a shallot tarte tatin.
If you don’t fancy eating downstairs, treat yourself eats and a movie night in your room. Champagne, strawberries and a bath strewn with rose petals is on offer, or hot buttered popcorn, coca cola, ice cream and a movie.
For those who prefer something livelier, there is the ‘Market Meltdown and Martini Monday’. Market Meltdown is a new board game that offers players the chance to take on the role of traders. Set in a time of financial chaos when the public have lost faith in the bank’s ability to safely house their deposits, the board game offers you a chance to make millions as the market melts down around you. Team that with a Threedneedles signature Martini, and after a round of ‘monopoly on drugs’, according to its inventor, you too could be qualified to run Barclays, RBS and take a cab with one of the Lehman Brothers.
Information:
Threedneedles 5, Threedneedle Street,
London EC2 8AY
Tel: + 44 (0)20 76578295
http://www.hotelthreadneedles.co.uk/
Contact the Editor Responsible for this Story:
Brian Maguire – brian.maguire@europeanbusinessexpress.com
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