The Hand & Flower Hotel & Pub is a quiet hideaway in the heart of bustling London. A small boutique hotel and pub in the Hammersmith section of West London, The Hand & Flower Hotel & Pub offers relaxing accommodations with luxurious amenities to pamper guests.
It was an easy tube ride from London Heathrow to the Barrons Court station (via the Picadilly Line), then walked from Gliddon Rd to Hammersmith Rd. As I walked in the front door, I noticed there was not a reception area; check-in was a small desk at the end of the pub counter. I was given a key and the barmaid/reception clerk took one of my bags and showed me to my room.
My room, the luxury suite, was a king room with a small kitchenette and dining area, as well as a window sitting area in the bedroom.
The bath was small but did have a combination bath/shower. The room was immaculate, including the luxury linens on the comfortable king bed. The kitchenette had a Nespresso machine and microwave, as well as a refrigerator ready for light snacks and beverages.
I walked downstairs to the pub for dinner. In the United Kingdom, it is customary to order and pay for your meal at the pub counter, then the meal is delivered to your table. The pub was busy, with a lively dinner crowd who all seemed to know each other. I had a hard time finding a table, but fortunately a nice couple invited me to share the end of their long community table.
Beautiful flags hung from the rafters near the windows, and gleaming beer tables circled the wooden bar. I was tired from my day of sight-seeing, so did not partake in the many beers the pub had on tap, but indulged in the pub specialty, Fried Cod, Mushy Peas & Hand Cut Chips.
The fish & chips came on a long wooden plank, a meal fit for more than one person. The fish was light and flavorful, the hand cut chips crispy outside and soft inside. I even enjoyed the mushy peas, but was only able to finish about a third of this large meal.
I had a busy few days of travel ahead, so reveled in the quiet solitude of the room. Although the sleeping rooms were located above the pub, I did not hear any noise from the busy pub below.
The room had free wi-fi, as well as premium television service, but I decided to fore-go those amenities and enjoy the comfortable reading chair by the window, a cup of espresso and a book my only companions. I opened the window next to the chair, letting a refreshing breeze wash over me as I read.
During the day the road below was busy, but at night, the street was calm and fairly quiet. The room, including the bed, were bliss, and I enjoyed the patter of quiet rain outside my window as I drifted off to a peaceful sleep.
Continental breakfast was included in the 160 £ rate, so I was expecting muffins and juice. I was pleasantly surprised to find that breakfast included a choice of traditional English breakfast or Eggs Benedict.
I chose the Eggs Benedict and found it to be one of the best I have ever had-the eggs were farm-fresh and the hollandaise sauce was light and creamy, a balance to the salty English ham. Coffee, juice, and breakfast pastries were also included. The English may be known for their tea, but the coffee at Hand & Flower Hotel & Pub was bold and flavorful, a pleasant way to start my busy day.
Checkout at the pub counter was a breeze, my only regret was that I was unable to stay at the Hand & Flower Hotel longer. Located on busy Hammersmith Road, near Kensington Gardens, and Kensington Palace, The Hand & Flower Hotel & Pub is a perfect place to stay while sightseeing throughout London.
For a lovely single traveler stay or romantic weekend for two, The Hand & Flower Hotel & Pub offers an idyllic boutique hotel setting with deluxe accommodations.
A few things to note:
- There are no handicapped services including elevator service at the hotel. My room was at the top of four flights of a narrow staircase. As I had an injured knee, the stairs were somewhat difficult, especially with suitcases.
- The rate is prepaid, either through the Hand & Flower website directly, or through internet hotel sites (I booked through Expedia).
- A member of the pub wait staff was my hotel check-in contact and helped with luggage to the room, but there is no bell staff to help bring luggage back down, and I had minimal contact with the staff. There is no concierge or housekeeping staff available to assist guests during their stay.
For more information about The Hand & Flower Hotel, visit their website. You can also find them on Facebook.
{All lodging and meals were self-paid. My opinion is 100% my own.}
