In 2019, Vintry & Mercer opened its doors to 92 bespoke rooms and suites, and its well-kept secret – the Mercer Roof Terrace.
The comfortable interiors of the rooms tie together traditional and contemporary decor in a corner of the city that withstood the Great Fire of London as well as the Blitz. Fortunately your stay should prove more comfortable.
The design across Vintry & Mercer has been carefully curated to make it feel like a hidden landmark in itself, reflecting all the best things about where it is situated. There are communal spaces for guests to unwind, and a lot of thought has clearly gone into marrying the characteristics of the historical neighbourhood with technological details across the hotel.
From the high-quality textures of velvet armchairs and perfectly considered light fixtures that create a sense of quiet extravagance, to the integrated digital screens with internet access and iPhone docks in the gym rooms, Vintry and Mercer has all of the bases covered.
Food and Drink
All of this exists between the intimate Do Not Disturb basement bar, stocked with every high-end spirit you could hope for, and the aforementioned Mercer Roof Terrace, from which you can really appreciate the treasures of the City.
The restaurant leans towards a more contemporary feel with a heated rooftop and long glass windows as well as a partially glass-covered section which makes it easier to experience the skies of London and the incredible view of the incredible skyline and famous architecture, regardless of the London weather. Luckily for me, my visit was on a glorious sunny evening and the sunset was glinting in the polished cutlery and glasses.
The menu centres around the best of British cuisine and meat and fish is sustainably sourced from around the British Isles. A waiter carefully deboned the delicious Cornish Ray Wing at our table and the service overall was without fault. The Mercer Prawn Cocktail and The Loch Duart Salmon and Lemon Fishcake were all also beautifully presented and perfectly executed.
The city comes to light around sunset and the monuments such as The Shard or St Paul’s Cathedral take on a different mood in the nighttime. It’s fair to say that a stay at the hotel wouldn’t be complete without appreciating what the rooftop restaurant has to offer and during the winter it is possible to hire a cozy igloo for a unique private dining experience in comfort.
The Rooms
Retiring to one of the bedrooms after a sumptuous meal on the rooftop is a treat. Staying in a Deluxe Room meant that I had a larger king-size bed for the night, made up with fine linens, as well as a desk space for work and a chaise lounge for relaxing.
The furnishings in the rooms are luxurious and invite you to peel away the fast-paced energy of the city to unwind and relax, knowing that you’re in the heart of things while also feeling far away from the noise.
The bathrooms have all of the comforting details you choose to go boutique for – from the complimentary toiletries to the spotless features. The television installed at the end of the bathtub was a personal highlight.
Comfortable robes and slippers wait to be slipped on by guests who can then admire, once again, the views from the bedrooms of the remarkable surrounding architecture.
Location
This boutique hotel boasts more amenities and features than you might expect from such a central location and it would be easy to wrap yourself up in the comfort of the rooms and facilities on offer and peek out at London through the windows.
However, it would be a mistake to not take advantage of the spectacular location by stepping out. Southbank with all its cultural landmarks is just a short stroll away across the Thames. A wander down the river will quickly take you to the likes of Shakespeare’s Globe, Tate Modern and Somerset House.
Vintry & Mercer mightn’t be as well known as the above landmarks but the hotel more than earns its right to be called one of London’s best-kept secrets – and one you’ll be sharing with your friends long after you’ve checked out.
See more at vintryandmercer.com
