hotels

The Fox & Anchor

It has been sloshing foaming tankards of ale across the bar to thirsty Smithfield market traders since before you were a twinkle in your grandfather’s eye, now it’s a hotel

Now lovingly restored as a gastropub and hotel, the bar is all dark mahogany and brass, shone to perfection, complemented with leather and plush wallpaper. Part of the chic Malmaison chain, the Fox and Anchor epitomises an Old Ye England luxury with a twist.

It’s not hard to imagine some buxom wench rearing up from behind the bar and launching into a cheery rendition of ‘Oom Pah Pah’ joined by a cast of dirty-faced urchins. If the toils of the business world leave you longing for a little Dickensian fantasy, you’ll be glad to retire to one of the fine’n’dandy suites upstairs where you can rest those weary legs. The six luxury suites are named after city institutions from St. Paul’s to Charterhouse and each features a huge framed portrait of the location from which it takes its name above the king-size bed. Upstairs the design is classic minimalist elegance, with more of an early-twentieth-century feel informing the décor, like a fine country inn stripped of the chintz. Period furniture is juxtaposed with clean white walls, plush fabrics and ultra-modern light fittings so you can enjoy perfect comfort with a touch of old world elegance. All rooms come with a state of the art Bose sound system, free standing bath and drench shower. Just what you need after a hard day’s
deal- breaking.

For the ultimate luxury experience plump for the Market Suite or St. Paul’s. Both are a little more spacious and have their elegant claw-foot baths positioned beneath the windows for a spot of lazy people gazing as you bathe in top of the range of Miller Harris toiletries. If you’re peckish, there’s a fine spread of traditional English curiosities on offer downstairs. ‘Simple food done well’ is the motto, and with old favourites like Welsh rarebit (£4.95), and fish finger butties (£6.95) alongside rediscovered classics such as pan-fried monkfish cheeks, cockles & mussels (£13.95), rabbit & cider with thyme & bacon dumplings (£11.95) and the elusively named gypsy eggs (£10.95) plus there’s a fine selection of pies from £10.95. The wine list is perfectly fine but the draught ales are the real stars here – ask the aforementioned buxom wench as to what’s on offer and she won’t disappoint.

After a decent meal you may want to explore the delights of ol’ London town. Bang on the edge of the Square Mile, this place is perfectly positioned for business and pleasure. You’re just a stroll away from all the vibrancy of the East End, and not far from the West either, if you fancy a spot of theatre. With the intimacy of a boutique hotel and the jaunty character of a period piece, a stay at the Fox & Anchor is sure to be an experience in itself. The food is delicious, but it’s only available Monday to Friday, although it hardly matters when you’re in the heart of the city. A memorable stay with delicate personal touches that make it a home away from home.

•115 Charterhouse Square - Tel: 0207 250 1300•
http://www.foxandanchor.com

---

---