Taking inspiration from the loud-and-proud exuberance of London’s West End, there’s no holding back at Broadwick Soho. It’s an independent hotel to its core, with intricate interiors that can’t be replicated and a clockwork standard of service that takes a one-of-a-kind team to achieve. You can sense you’re about to experience some serious hospitality magic from the moment you enter through that big pink townhouse door. The lobby is a haven of pastel, fronting perfectly placed furnishings resembling something from an elaborate dolls house.
Every inch of this hotel is highly decorative, with the whimsical aesthetic providing a feast for the eyes. The childlike wonder continued as I arrived at my fairy tale-worthy bedroom. The bedside lamps shed a warm glow over the colourful space; pinks, blues, and greens made up the palette, and a floral rug and muralled wardrobe added to the enchantment of it all. In an effort to make the television fit the theme, they’ve gone to the trouble of surrounding it in a gilded frame, which I actually thought was a really thoughtful touch. And unlike most hotels, the TV is even worth turning on; there’s a bunch of free movies to choose from if Soho isn’t enough to keep you occupied. Things turn starkly kitsch in the bathroom, adorned with blue leopard print wallpaper, a white marble sink and crystal light fixtures.
Whether you’re dining in-house or heading out for a food tour of Soho, your first port of call for the evening should be The Nook. The residents-only lounge combines edgy Jazz Age vibes and vintage Italian opulence to create the aura of a darkly seductive members’ club. You’ll be drawn in by the warmth of the fireplace and entertained by spinning vinyls provided by the neighbouring record store. The Nook’s allure wasn’t quite strong enough to make us miss our dinner reservations, though, so we grabbed what was left of our pre-meal drinks and descended into their subterranean restaurant Dear Jackie.
The eatery is very much both an extension of the playful hotel and a sought-after hangout in its own right. The atmosphere swings firmly into date night territory, contrasting with the hotel’s more family-friendly-townhouse persona. The deep crimson tones add some Studio 54 grit but are balanced out by the floral-patterned tables and booths. The theme is Italian, and the angle is reimagined tradition; this is most prevalent in the menu of classic dishes that all possess an element of the unexpected. The scallop starter served with a rich yet zesty Champagne sauce was the highlight for me. The beef fillet with a creamy gorgonzola dressing was texturally flawless, and the seafood risotto was crammed with crab to a satisfying degree.
Continuing to treat the building like an adult playground, we whizzed our way up to rooftop bar Flute for the final (and most boujee) portion of the night. The gold leaf ceiling, glowing onyx-topped 360° bar and animal print upholstery meant this got my vote for most flamboyant room in the hotel (and trust me, there was stiff competition). The layout makes for intimate affairs with closed-off, cocoon-style seating areas that are oh-so plush. The craft cocktail menu is ever-changing, with a few non-movers that are particular crowd pleasers.
Breakfast is served in their Italian-café-style haunt, with casual counter seating and a menu featuring a classic Full English, brioche French toast and buttermilk pancakes, among other delights. Even the toast and preserves are impeccably presented, and the tea is served alongside a matching teapot – a simple pleasure of mine, as someone who loves a good crockery set.
It’s clear this is an establishment that strives to earn its five-star status every day, with every guest experience. Aside from it being a spellbinding visual experience – as if you’re stepping inside a beautifully illustrated children’s book – there also seems to be a mind-reading staff member around every corner ready to help with any query you happen to have on the brain.
Neighbourhood
A district that needs no introduction: Soho is where you want to be to experience London in its most authentic form. Relentlessly lively and unapologetically fast-pace, you won’t regret braving the busy streets when you find out why they’re so busy. Unmatched shopping on Oxford Street, world-class performances in the West End, Chinatown eats and the nightlife of Old Compton Street are all within easy reach. It’s also a breeze to get around the rest of the city, with plentiful bus routes passing through the area and key tube stations on your doorstep.
Nearby
Flat Iron: Affordable steakhouse with one meaty menu option set at a fixed price of just £14 – designed to be paired with a range of decedant side dishes. There’s even free ice cream!
Swift: An award-winning split-level cocktail bar with iconic menu items that you can’t find anywhere else. Drop in on a Sunday for live jazz.
Ronnie Scott’s: A musical institution that first opened in the 50s. Many famous artists have graced the stage, including Miles Davies, Eric Clapton and Amy Winehouse.
Time Out tip:
Check out the ‘What’s On’ section of their website to find info on their DJ sets, live music roster and the collabs they often do with local restaurants and boutique shops to highlight all the best bits of Soho.