Given that a trip out of the city is decidedly off the cards at the moment, this is the perfect time perhaps to remind ourselves that our beautiful city holds every bit as much allure as it always has. So what better time to be a tourist in your very own capital, and see the sites on offer with renewed vigour? And Locke at Broken Wharf could not be better located to facilitate that very experience.
With amazing views of St Paul’s Cathedral itself, Shakespeare’s Globe and the Tate Modern, this wonderful bolt-hole has everything one could hope for both as tourist and corporate visitor. This is due not only to the stunning location, but to the fact that every one of the 113 rooms at this hotel are kitted out with their very own kitchens with living amenities such as washer-dryers, ovens and dishwashers. This makes both the owners of the hotel group and designer Matthew Grzywinski (of Grzywinski & Pons) one very clever collective of people indeed. Locke is just as likely to play host to weekend visitors as it is to mid – long term corporate guests looking to stay only a stone’s throw away from the city with a plethora of attractions literally on one’s doorstep.
The proprietors generously furnish us with one of their riverside suites, and as we walk into said suite our mouths are agape with the stunning views on offer. Out of our bedroom window the dome of the cathedral can be seen, then upon taking a few steps just round the corner of the suite into the living room/kitchen, the Millennium bridge is there in its full modern splendour in one window and just across the water, the Tate Modern in the next – we are immediately taken aback and thoroughly enamoured with this clever hotel.
So, enough said in regard to location, let’s not forget about the aesthetics and décor here at Locke at Broken Wharf. Upon entering this apart-hotel we find ourselves in the open plan communal space playing host to both reception and working/lounge area. The ground floor space boasts a view of the embankment through its floor to ceiling windows and has a decidedly utilitarian feel to it; the walls and ceiling décor is fairly industrial. This is softened though by the pastel colour scheme and deep set huge comfy L-shaped sofas which are in fact modular and can be re-arranged to suit the needs of a party within each respective zone. The pastel theme is stylishly accented by brightly coloured large wooden chairs which draw the eye pleasingly alongside potted plants, sophisticated lamps and ceramic details.
Be you long stay business-person or short stay tourist, you may of course cook your own food in your room/apartment; but if you are a fan of tapas culinary offerings then the deli dining here courtesy of Deli Cat & Sons will definitely meet your approval. As always we feel professionally obliged (ahem) to eat our fill and sample as much of the menu as we can (although of course we’re not encouraging you all to adhere to our gluttonous ways). And we can gladly report that every dish we sample the evening we arrive is very tasty indeed. We plump for (don’t judge us for the extensive list that follows)… Wild South American Salad, Saucisson, Smoked Duck Rillette, Croquettes and both the Vegetable and Shrimp Tempura, the highlight for us being the croquettes – they’re mouth-wateringly good. Breakfast the next day is also very tasty and I can wholeheartedly recommend the option of their Croque Monsieur with a stilton twist accompanied by a refreshing bottle of Daily Dose “C Bomb” citrus juice. Make sure to try the American-style fluffy pancakes with maple syrup; it’s a classic, done very well. There are delicious pastries on offer too as well as some excellent coffee, so it’s easy to grab a bite on your way out if there’s no time for a leisurely breakfast.
We take a lovely stroll down the South Bank during our stay, but for those of you that wish to partake in more vigorous exercise, the kind folk at Locke at Broken Wharf also provide guests with HIIT and yoga classes a couple of times a week in their gym, and with their own personal trainer on hand, there are plans for group runs too once London is back up and running.
I think it’s fair to say, Locke has it covered. So, when the lockdown restrictions that are now in place are alleviated somewhat, we can thoroughly recommend a stay here at Locke on Broken Wharf. There are far worse ways to reclaim that London experience for yourselves… See you all on the other side.
Locke at Broken Wharf offers rates from £135 per night.
To make a reservation, please call 0203 327 7145 or email brokenwharfbookings@lockeliving.com
For more information about Locke at Broken Wharf, please visit here