The Bloomsbury Hotel, a beacon of Instagram-worthy elegance in London, is breathing new life into a once-overlooked part of the city. Outside the enchanting Dalloway Terrace restaurant, adorned with cascading white flowers, towering firs, and flickering candlelight, groups of eager photographers capture the scene. The hotel’s bar, The Coral Room, exudes old Hollywood glamour, drawing in friends who stealthily immortalize the dazzling atmosphere with their cameras. It’s a sure sign that something special is happening.
A Literary Legacy Reimagined
Ironically, Bloomsbury, the borough where this newly revitalized hotel stands, was once renowned for its literary significance. This was a place where the city’s elite gathered to engage in intellectual discussions. The first half of the 20th century saw the rise of “The Bloomsbury Set,” a group of influential writers, intellectuals, philosophers, and artists, who were the social media stars of their time. Though the likes of Virginia Woolf, E.M. Forster, and Lytton Strachey are gone, their legacy of art and culture is being revitalized for a new generation of thinkers.
A Cultural Hub in the Making
The nearby British Museum is undergoing a major refurbishment, with plans to unveil three new galleries later this year. And at the end of 2018, the arrival of Crossrail will make travel to and from Heathrow Airport and other parts of London even more convenient.
A Luxurious Retreat with a Literary Twist
The Bloomsbury Hotel itself occupies a magnificent Grade-II listed Lutyens building on Great Russell Street, tucked away behind Tottenham Court Road. The Doyle Collection, an Irish family-owned company known for its exquisitely curated hotels, has recently reopened the hotel after a multi-million pound renovation, a project driven by chairman Bernie Gallagher’s personal passion for the area’s literary heritage.
A Fusion of Past and Present
Under the creative direction of renowned interior designer Martin Brudnizki, the refurbishment honors the past while embracing the future. The Club Bar, with its plush leather armchairs, wood paneling, and vintage books, evokes the decadent atmosphere of the 1920s. Yet, it also offers a contemporary touch with a sophisticated cocktail list and a bohemian outdoor space, perfect for modern-day brainstorming sessions. The novel cocktail menu, with each drink named after a member of the Bloomsbury Set, adds an extra layer of inspiration.
A Haven for Writers and Dreamers
Just off the lobby, The Living Room provides a cozy retreat with an open fireplace, forest-green botanical wallpaper, and rose-pink velvet chairs. It’s a place where you might find yourself inspired to write your first novel after indulging in a pot of tea. Rooms and suites showcase individual design, a hallmark of Brudnizki’s studio, whose portfolio includes some of the world’s most glamorous bars, restaurants, and hotels.
A Touch of Luxury and Elegance
For a truly special experience, opt for a Luxury Studio Suite. These suites offer a perfect blend of homeliness and contemporary style, catering to the discerning tastes of art lovers. Expansive Italian marble bathrooms, stocked with Aromatherapy Associates products, feature a “Tile-TV” at the foot of the standalone tub. Colefax’s wallpapers, adorned with vibrant blooms, line the dressing area, while dark wood floors and marble coffee tables add a touch of sophistication.
A Celebration of Design and History
Brudnizki’s signature lighthearted approach to interiors shines through in the vintage-style upholstery, bespoke designs by Michaelis Boyd, and a stunning flapper-dress-shaped light that pays homage to the 1920s.
A Literary Feast for the Senses
Throughout the hotel, subtle references to the area’s literary heritage abound. Dalloway Terrace, named after the eponymous character created by Virginia Woolf, is a charming indoor-outdoor restaurant, perfect for relaxed all-day dining. The menu features classic fondue, charcuterie boards, and modern twists on British classics like Dorset Crab on Toast and Ham Hock Terrine with Piccalilli. From the grilled Dover Sole to the Venison Pie, head chef Hans Louis elevates traditional favorites with contemporary flair.
A Dazzling Destination for the Senses
The Coral Room is truly a sight to behold. Part bar, part restaurant, it’s a captivating blend of beauty and fantasy. Brudnizki’s bold design choices, including high-gloss coral walls and five custom-made Murano chandeliers, create a truly unforgettable ambiance.
A Blend of Art and History
British illustrator Luke Edward Hall was commissioned to create 36 original pieces of art inspired by the surrounding Bloomsbury area and the Lutyens architecture, adding a sense of history to the space. The bar features a Calacatta marble top, a starry back-lit design with antique mirrors and brass details, and an impressive selection of English sparkling wines. While the menu offers healthy plates, small bites, and more, it’s likely that the captivating ambiance will leave you lost in the moment, oblivious to the details of your order.
The Bloomsbury Hotel is more than just a hotel; it’s a celebration of London’s rich literary heritage, reimagined for a new generation of travelers. With its stylish design, captivating atmosphere, and delicious cuisine, it’s a place where history and modernity intertwine, creating a truly unforgettable experience.
