A Grand Sleepover at Great Scotland Yard Hotel
& an Italian Feast at Tavlino, Tower Bridge
Well, haven’t we turned a corner?! Last week I could have whooped with happiness as I arrived at Great Scotland Yard Hotel for their Grand Unlocking Sleepover. I packed a suitcase (had to find it first and dust it off – it’s been a while) with jim jams, a dress for cocktails and dinner (COCKTAILS AND DINNER!) and my laptop, so I could do a little work upon arrival – I was in the final throws of the website design for Poppy Loves Book Club, and I had been glued to my screen for weeks. So this little staycation escape couldn’t have come at a better time…
Located steps away from Trafalgar Square and the buzz of Covent Garden, Great Scotland Yard is one of London’s top 5* hotels, housed in the site of the former headquarters of the Metropolitan Police, which I found utterly thrilling. The 168-room hotel first opened its doors last year after a MAJOR restoration and full-scale renovation which brought life back to one of the city’s famous landmarks and paid homage to the building’s extraordinary history… and then of course, Covid hit and this gorgeous new hotel had to close its doors before it had the chance to say hello to the world. So it was my utter pleasure to be one of the first back through the doors and to wax lyrical to you now, about how completely wonderful it is.
“Stunningly preserved Edwardian and Victorian architecture – refreshingly free of uniformity. Where no two rooms are the same, with an emphasis on comfortable luxury.”
There are so many understated yet poignant nods to the history of the building throughout the hotel, from the ‘library’ styled bespoke storage in the rooms, to the stunning art deco design throughout the hotel.
Suites are inspired by both Sherlock Holmes and also, the Koestler Trust, which works with prisoners across the UK, using art and creativity as part of the rehabilitation process.
I went to meet my friend for cocktails in the hotel’s 40 Elephant’s Bar. Inspired by the notorious Forty Elephants, or Forty Thieves – they were an 18th to 20th century all-female London Crime Syndicate, who specialised in shoplifting! The Forty Thieves operated from the Elephant and Castle area of London and mostly raided upmarket stores in the West End. The gang was also known to masquerade as housemaids for wealthy families before ransacking their homes, often using false references (can you believe this?!) They managed to be in existence from at least 1873 to the 1950s with some indications that they may have been in existence since the late 18th century. During the early 20th century the gang was led by Alice Diamond, known also as the Queen of the Forty Thieves and as Diamond Annie… and a portrait inspired by her hangs high in the bar, watching over us all…
Then we whisked ourselves off to Tower Bridge in a taxi (12 mins door to door) to have gorgeous Italian dinner at Tavlino. And I ordered a slice of Mary Poppins sky on the side…
The meal was delicious (olive oil ice cream, a highlight) and the views of The Thames and Tower Bridge, extraordinary. Tavlino considers itself a ‘neighbourhood’ Italian restaurant and bar and sits on the river at London Bridge, serving simple and fabulous dishes prepared with the best produce from across Italy and the U.K.
It’s split across two floors with an outdoor terrace which seats up to 100 – perfect for the looming Summer months. The sunset, as you can see, is wonderful and can be viewed from inside the restaurant as well as on the terrace, with the most incredible views of the City and Tower Bridge.
Then back in the taxi I went, makeup off and into bed with the lights off for 10:30pm. I had big ambitions for a TV marathon of some terrible American reality series (love them) but my eyes were heavy and I succumbed to one of the greatest sleeps of my life.
What a treat it was and what a stunning hotel. Just when you think London can’t possibly surprise you again, (although in truth, doesn’t anyone ever feel that way?) BOOM! A great dollop of extraordinary history lands in our laps and we get to revel in it and devour it over sensational cocktails, delicious suppers and in the comfiest, most dreamiest beds.
A huge thank you to Scotland Yard Hotel for having me, (and to James and Christina and all the staff who seemed to appear like magic whenever you needed something or couldn’t work out how to use the lift… insert eye roll emoji…) for having me.
I will be back. And next time, I’m bringing a bigger suitcase – you’ll never get rid of me.
*Press Invite
