WHAT’S IT LIKE?

This boutique hotel is a relatively new addition to its historic London borough, part of a larger development including shops and a cinema.

The style is very individual, with design touches mixing with bric-a-brac and reception merging via a comfortable seating area through to the restaurant and café. Large floor to ceiling windows make the ground floor public areas very light and the floors above have good views out over the square or Bermondsey Street behind.

Staff were friendly, and helpful, necessary since for business travellers, at least, this hotel has the feel of being a little out of the way. The good part of that is it feels like a complete break from the corporate grind, though the location isn’t very central. I’d be tempted to stay here over a weekend, perhaps extending a work trip, because every Friday the square outside has an antique’s market. The hotel has also partnered with various local suppliers, including the Bermondsey Street Bees – offering the honey to guests for breakfast and using it in the cooking.

WHERE IS IT?

Bermondsey ! There is Bermondsey Street on one side and Bermondsey Square on the other. It is a great neighbourhood of local artisan bakeries, art galleries and trendy restaurants, with a Sainsbury’s local opposite. It’s a great place to discover, but it may feel a little out of the way for visitors or business travellers to London. The main problem is the lack of a tube station, so really unless you’re happy catching a bus from one of the tube stations (Elephant & Castle or London Bridge, you’ll really be getting taxis.

ROOMS

The 90 rooms are in several different categories. The lead-in rooms are Superior Doubles (48), Superior Twins (8), Family rooms (5) for two adults two children (double bed & double sofa bed in the room), six terrace rooms with access to a (shared) terrace, 17 Club rooms, two Club Twins and three suites with the names Our Jude, Ruby, Lily and Lucy after iconic 60’s songs. There are also a few (eight in total) connecting rooms.

BAR AND RESTAURANT

There isn’t a bar, but there is an all-day dining restaurant and café next to reception. This does not serve alcohol, and although a complimentary continental breakfast is offered in the morning, if you order a cooked breakfast it is chicken sausages and of course no bacon. I tried to get a drink in the evening and was directed over to the cinema opposite, so instead went for a drink in the excellent Tanner & Co on Bermondsey Street.

While walking along the Street I wrote down a list of interesting places to eat or shop at and will post a separate piece on that later. Meanwhile, back at the hotel, the communal lounge next to the restaurant offers complimentary tea, coffee and Wi-Fi during the day (1100-1700).

LEISURE FACILITIES

None

MEETING ROOMS

As well as the communal lounge which can be rented, there is a meeting space for up to 20 people in a boardroom layout.

VERDICT

This won’t suit everyone, but the hotel is good value for the location and if you visit involves a weekend it’s a good choice.

FACT BOX

The Bermondsey Square Hotel / 020 7378 2450) has rooms from £119 based on two people sharing a double room.