Ideally situated in a 13-bedroom townhouse space in Clerkenwell (an eminently practical interzone between west and east London), The Zetter Townhouse is an attractive proposition from the outset – quite literally, the place looks fantastic. But geography is only one of this haven’s many advantages, foremost of which is its unique design and atmosphere. Intended to resemble not so much a hotel as an eccentric, aristocratic aunt’s house – they call her Aunt Wilhelmina but don’t worry, she’s not gonna turn up and rearrange your suite – the Townhouse is Full of idiosyncratic decor and furniture that’s hand selected by interiors maestro Russell Sage. Homeliness really is everything at The Zetter Townhouse – a sure blessing in this age of cookie-cutter hotel rooms with identikit colour schemes. That means everything from joyously kooky nic-nacs to four poster beds could turn up in your room: which is to say nothing of the luxury mod-cons (flat screen TVs and rain dance showers anyone?) that come as standard even in the Club rooms.
That sense of eclectic yet luxurious design continues down into The Zetter Townhouse’s world famous cocktail bar. That’s not even an exaggeration; the Cocktail Lounge won World’s Best New Cocktail Bar a few years back, a well deserved accolade that’s down, in part I’m sure, to the excellent recipes concocted by drinks titan Tony Conigliaro. With names like The Flintlock and The Master At Arms, they’re all steeped in the quaint narrative of Aunt Wilhelmina that runs throughout every delightful nook of this place. Most importantly though, they’re damn delicious and served in wing chaired comfort of one of London’s most comfortable spaces: result.
After all that merrymaking you’ll probably have worked up quite an appetite. How fortunate, then, that The Zetter Townhouse’s in-house small-plates joint is good enough to rival even the most esteemed eateries of foodies paradise Clerkenwell. Bruno Loubet (The Zetter Group’s head chef) has designed a menu of simply elegant comfort food that’s, wisely, high on taste and low on pretension. Opt for duck liver parfait – served with delicious crisp breads and tangy pickles – followed by their British Charcuterie Board: a unique dish that’s good enough to woe even the most ardent Francophile with its homegrown meaty delights. Top all that off with Aunt Wilhelmina’s “Drop of Sherry” trifle and let yourself be guided back to your room by the hotel’s always-friendly staff. This place truly is a home from home.
