The London Edition

10 Berners St., London, W1T 3NP, England
Fodor's Choice
Nikolas Koenig

Why We Like It

It’s no easy task to repurpose an ancient period building and inject it with contemporary flair, while keeping the historic charm but the London Edition is a hands down success in that regard. We love the award-show after party vibe of the lobby bar, the regal dining hall of Berners Tavern and those sleek wood panelled rooms with their faint 1950s Manhattan style.

Fodor's Expert Review

Style and image are the draw at the London Edition Hotel where Michelin starred chefs and hip bars complement the boutique property’s sleek, contemporary image. Located in a desirable location just north of Oxford Street, the grand boutique hotel occupies a spot in the super central, yet quiet neighbourhood of Fitzrovia. Appealing to a cool crowd with its mid-century style rooms and slick wood panelled walls, regal Belle Époque Edwardian interiors and busy lobby bar, the hotel balances style and substance well.

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Room

While rooms are almost identically designed in the same mid-century style, that style is comfortable, cool, and pleasing on the eye. The hotel’s signature wood panelling extends to the rooms, which are sparsely dotted with beautiful pieces of furniture and good-looking lighting. All rooms come with 46” HD televisions and iPod docks.

Tip More expensive terrace rooms and suites come with unbelievable views over the rooftops of central London.

Bathroom

Slightly out of kilter with the rest of the hotel’s style, bathrooms are kept to a simple all white look, which although clean and serene, leaves us pining for that pretty wood panelling. Most rooms come with enclosed rainforest showers, while larger rooms and suites feature free-standing tubs.

Lobby

A cool, well-heeled crowd of tourists, Londoners and weekend visitors to the West End make the lobby a place to see and be seen. Look up and away from the crowd and the incredible intricate ceilings of the Grade II listed building can’t fail to stir you.

You Should Know The busy lobby bar makes coming and going a slight catwalk at times, which can grow a little tiring.

Gym

It may not have a pool but the hotel overcompensates with the quality of its gym, a space filled with high-tech cardio machines, free weights and flat-screen TVs.

Dining

Helmed by Michelin starred chef Jason Atherton, Berners Tavern is one of the most striking hotel restaurants you’ll find in London. Ringed by decorative Edwardian cornicing, lit by opulent chandeliers and covered by the restaurant world’s largest gallery cluster, a visit here is as much about the interior as the food. Upmarket dining is nothing too fancy, with a menu relying on mouth-watering twists on the classics.

Drinking

If the attractive, open plan lobby bar is all about making friends and rubbing shoulders with the hip clientele to pumping music, the intimate Punch Room is where to head when it’s time to converse. Much like a secluded den, hidden away at the rear of the ground floor, head here for cocktail punches and a private members’ vibe.

What's Nearby

Getting Around

Located in the heart of the West End, getting to range of shops, bars, restaurants, galleries and theaters is best done on foot. While the area is busy during the day, when the shoppers head home, evenings around Fitzrovia are relatively relaxed for such a central location. Close to Oxford Circus and Tottenham Court Road Tube stations, it has great links.

Restaurants

One of the best contemporary Chinese restaurants in London, Yauatcha (6-minute walk) is worth visiting for its refined dim sum and delicious macaroons. If you want an experience on par with the Berners Tavern vibe, head for Hawksmoor Seven Dials (12-minute walk) for excellent cocktails and amazing steak.

Bars

Sample bartender Tony Connigliaro’s various negronis at Bar Termini (9-minute walk) before heading to China Town speakeasy Opium (10-minute walk) where you should definitely combine cocktails with more dim sum.

Quick Facts

HOTEL INFO

Phones: 020-7781–0000