BACKGROUND
This new property opened briefly in December 2020, when I stayed, and then closed from December 24, 2020, until April 12, 2021 owing to the Covid-19 pandemic. It was developed with property company Frogmore and designed by Dexter Moren Associates, with a new public park and courtyard forming part of the project. It is Whitbread’s fifth Premier Inn hotel in the borough of Southwark, joining those at Borough High Street, Tate Modern, Tower Bridge and Bankside. In addition, a 110-room Hub by Premier Inn opened on Soho’s Berwick Street in April, with a 246-room Hub on Quaker Street in Shoreditch scheduled to open in late June.
WHERE IS IT?
Between Ufford Street and the Cut, approximately 100 metres from Southwark Underground station and about a five-minute walk from Waterloo station.
WHAT’S IT LIKE?
The 274-room hotel is set across two buildings – the main one is slightly larger, with 145 rooms, and is linked by a glass-sided bridge to the other, which contains 129 rooms and the Bar and Block restaurant. When I stayed, there were plenty of hand sanitisers and floor signage to ensure a one-way flow of guests. You can check in either at reception or via one of the self-service machines. The bank of lifts takes you up to floors one to six, with more guestrooms on the lower ground floor. Vending machines in reception stock snacks and essential items, or there’s a Tesco Express close by.
ROOMS
All rooms are the same, with a smart yet functional look, although some are in slightly different shapes and sizes owing to the building layout. They come with either double or twin beds, and 27 rooms are accessible. There is a place to hang coats by the door and the wardrobe is an alcove behind an almost full-length mirror. The desk is spacious and there are plenty of power outlets, including USB charging by the bed. Wifi is free but slow, so you are encouraged to pay for faster access, which costs £5 per day. Tea and coffee facilities are supplied but there are no minibars, fridges or safes. Bathrooms are either shower only or have a tub with an overhead shower. Attached to the wall is a not particularly nice combined body and hair gel, with hand wash also provided.
FOOD AND DRINK
The hotel features Premier Inn’s Bar and Block all-day steakhouse concept. The interior is attractive, with bare brick walls and unfinished wood, and there are comfortable booths with Perspex screens, plus outdoor seating in a paved garden area. My evening meal was delicious. Starters include sharing plates such as Korean BBQ pork ribs and salt and pepper squid, with mains ranging from burgers and various cuts of steak to vegan options. The morning buffet has for the moment been replaced by an à la carte breakfast (£9). A good-value deal costs £25 for breakfast and a two-course evening meal with a drink, although there’s competition along this stretch of the Cut.
MEETINGS
No facilities.
LEISURE
None, but the South Bank is close by for a riverside run.
VERDICT
A well situated hotel for both work and travel, close to transport and the excellent nightlife and dining options around London Bridge and Southwark. Service was friendly.
FACT FILE
- BEST FOR A great location only a short walk or Tube journey from many of London’s main sights
- DON’T MISS A drink and a meal in the steakhouse
- PRICE Internet rates for a flexible midweek stay in June started from £117 for a Standard room
- CONTACT 31 The Cut; tel +44 (0) 0333 015 0106; premierinn.com
