Close to Covent Garden Piazza, Henrietta Hotel is at the hub of London life, with a wealth of shops, bars and restaurants, museums, cinemas and theatres, including the Royal Opera House, plus street entertainment, all within a few minutes’ walk.
Jane Austen visited this former townhouse on Henrietta Street when her brother lived here, and in the 20th Century the building was home to publisher Victor Gollancz, so other famous authors would have once delivered manuscripts through its doors.
Now it’s owned and run by a quartet of French entrepreneurs who have brought to this sexy hideaway a certain je ne sais quoi under the parapluie of the Experimental Group, which operates distinctive bars, restaurants, clubs and hotels around the world, from Venice to New York.
Bedrooms at the Henrietta have views variously overlooking bustling streets, the 17th Century St Paul’s Church or across the city skyline to the London Eye. Each is individually styled by international hospitality designer Dorothee Meilichzon. They include suites with a private terrace, suitable for a family of three.
The lower floors have a style of their own and are devoted to drinking and dining. The hotel has partnered with Italian Supper Club founders Silvio Pezzana and Toto Dell’Aringa to create the Da Henrietta restaurant where you can explore bold flavours in unexpected combinations on a menu that pays homage to Italy’s western Mediterranean coast. Regional favourites feature seasonal vegetables and fresh pasta made daily on site.
Wines represent the same part of the world and include carefully sought-out selections sourced from small producers and showcasing some unusual grape varieties such as Albarola and Cesanese.
Meanwhile, an elegant bar serves original cocktails, Italian aperitifs and local craft beers, but it’s the extensive Cognac list that will most excite the bibulous guest – there are almost 60 different bottles to sip from.
