The Vibe: As much gallery as hotel, not forgoing the basics.

The Area: Located inside architect Ian Simpson’s One Blackfriars building in London’s Southwark. The Bankside hotel is named after the area around it – although it is one road back from the Thames. Tate Modern, The British Film Institute and Borough Market are all noteworthy neighbours of the hotel.

The DNA: Interiors feature midcentury-style bespoke furnishings and artworks by British craftspeople that reference the locality. Ceramicist Laura Carlin has created two wall murals comprised of tiles depicting life on the South Bank. A series of side tables by London-based Malgorzata Bany are cast from Jesmonite, and based on the designer’s Pilotis Range – a collection inspired by the architectural columns used historically to raise buildings above ground or water, much like those seen adjacent to Blackfriars Bridge today. The hotel houses a library-cum-cocktail lounge and a bar-restaurant serving seasonal food in a dramatic, artful setting.

Suite-Me-Up: Rooms and suites are split into eight honestly (and descriptively) titled categories, ranging from Modest Double and Modest Queen, to Generous Queen, Starter Suite and Biggest Suite. The art theme visible in the public areas continues upstairs, with photos of the London cityscape, among other works, hanging over the beds. Rooms have a deliberately unfinished aesthetic, with concrete pillars left unpainted.

Seen: Wallpaper*

Accolades: Condé Nast Traveler Hot List 2019

✅ free Wi-Fi • size matters: 161 rooms & suites (21-55m2) (226-592 sq ft) • hotel opened: 2018 • architect: Ian Simpson • interior design: Powerstrip Studio ❌ no parking available • pets allowed • 24-hour front desk • wheelchair accessible