One Aldwych
1 Aldwych
London
GB
WC2B 4BZ
What’s the draw?
Dominating the corner of (you guessed it) Aldwych, One Aldwych is a 5-star hotel housed in a handsome Edwardian building, located slap bang in the middle of the Strand. Previously the home of the Morning Post Newspaper, it exudes a stoic Britishness, but without the presence of union jacks, Laura Ashley throws, and chintzy teacups.
One Aldwych is the kind of hotel which sweats the small stuff . The bathroom has underfloor heating and bath towels of several sizes, the bedrooms are kitted out with Bang & Olufsen speakers, Nespresso machines, Dyson hair dryers and curtains which open with a switch (because God forbid, you’d open them with your hands). There is attention to detail here and the kind of sincere and tentative service you hope for in a hotel.
In terms of appearance, the building itself is of architectural pedigree, designed by those responsible for the Ritz in Paris and London. The bedrooms are light-filled, with soft colour palettes and carpets of equal measure, and some even boast postcard-like views of London landmarks. The bar and foyer are marble-clad and Art Deco in design, with elegant arched windows, towering flower arrangements and a magnificent André Wallace sculpture.
There’s a gym, 18-metre swimming pool, sauna, and steam room to sweat out the martinis, beds so big you might lose yourself in them, and a minibar conveniently stocked with an abundance of canned wine.
What to eat and drink?
The hotel restaurant, Indigo, is headed up by Chef Dominic Teague and serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Breakfast at One Aldwych is everything you want from a hotel. Good quality peppery sausages, perfectly poached eggs, and sunny glasses of freshly squeezed orange juice.
For dinner expect to eat modern British plates, such as Dorset crab, Orkney scallops and Suffolk Pork cheek. Beyond a la carte, there is also a new seasonal tasting series which includes a foraged tasting menu served with British wine pairings. At £160 per person (with drink pairings), it is undeniably tasty, but a financial commitment.
The bar is reminiscent of the watering hole in the film Lost in Translation, serving up old-school glamour with a touch of mystery. There are towering black framed windows (from which you ironically look out at Greggs), a mirrored bar and lacquered tables. The cocktails here are a pleasing mix of old-school classics and signature newcomers - all served with a side of gordal olives and salty bar nuts.
What’s nearby?
With such a central Strand location, you’re within walking distance from South Bank, Trafalgar Square and Covent Garden. One Aldwych is in the epicentre of theatreland (I could literally hear from my bedroom), so an obvious choice is to take a trip to the theatre or Royal Opera House for a spot of ballet.
If the Dirty Dancing matinee doesn’t set your world alight, then you are well positioned to plenty of galleries (the Tate Modern, Hayward and National Gallery), as well as great shopping spots in Covent Garden and Oxford Street.
Alternatively, head down to Seven Dials market for some street food, with killer stalls like Yum Bun, the Cheese Bar and Longboys.
