Searching Google for a culture-infused couples’ city break in London? Stop scrolling – The Pelham Hotel in South Kensington is exactly what you’re looking for. Set on one of South Kensington’s most elegant streets, directly opposite South Kensington Underground Station, this characterful boutique hotel puts you within easy reach of London’s cultural hotspots, while escaping the noise and crowds of the West End.
Step outside and you’ll find Gail’s Bakery next door, Blank Street Coffee opposite, an abundance of cafés and restaurants, and some of London’s most iconic attractions, including the Natural History Museum, the Science Museum and the Victoria and Albert Museum – all within a four-minute walk.
Inside The Pelham Hotel
Behind its elegant London townhouse façade, The Pelham oozes old-school glamour from the moment you wheel your Globe-Trotter case through the door. You’re immediately struck by the scent of sliced oranges from the hotel’s signature Rosso Nobile diffuser – the aroma of Tuscany in a bottle.
Designed by acclaimed British interior designer Kit Kemp, The Pelham is an explosion of colour, statement patterns and wood-panelled walls. There’s oodles of quintessential British style throughout, paired with vintage furniture, making every corner feel personal and elegant. Keep an eye out for an antique horse jockey weighing chair, a nod to the hotel’s former life when the concierge area was once stables – the inspiration behind The Pelham’s striking horse-themed logo.
As for the staff, the welcome is warm, personal and impressively efficient – exactly the balance of service you’d expect from a five-star hotel, without ever feeling overbearing.
Unique Rooms
Each of the hotel’s 51 individually designed rooms and suites is full of character, blending traditional style with a modern twist. Every room has its own personality – something that’s becoming increasingly rare in luxury hotels. Our Junior Suite was very spacious, with lots of natural light thanks to the two large floor-to ceiling windows accessorised with full-length pinch-pleat curtains. Classic English country house-esque, the room overlooking South Kensington Underground Station, it’s the perfect people-watching spot.
Expect classic oil paintings, one-of-a-kind furniture, a beautiful fireplace complete with a traditional upholstered seated fender, a Marshall speaker, large flatscreen TV and a walk-in wardrobe complete with a steamer. Most importantly, there’s a supersized bed dressed in heavenly crisp white sheets you’ll struggle to leave.
The monochrome bathroom is equally impressive, with a separate walk-in shower and bath that’s roomy enough for two, a generous amenities kit and Penhaligon body products.
It’s clear a lot of thought has gone into designing the rooms here, with individuality at the heart of every space. Homely furnishings, but tastefully done.
Afternoon Tea at The Pelham
We sampled afternoon tea during our stay, served in either the Drawing Room or the Library, depending on your preference. If you love florals, this one’s for you. It’s a colourful homage to the quintessentially British tradition, served on floral crockery with a classic tiered cake stand.
Tuck into a vibrant display of delicate finger sandwiches with fillings including roast beef, wild rocket and fiery horseradish mayonnaise, Scottish smoked salmon with crème fraîche and chives, and the classic cucumber and cream cheese that needs no introduction.
The sweet selection is certainly worth indulging in. Chocolate fans will adore the rich chocolate délice, Pistachio lovers, rejoice – the pistachio tiramisu is quite frankly delicious and we’d happily book again for that alone. If you prefer something lighter, the zesty lemon cake and fruit tart with crème Chantilly are equally delicious.
No London afternoon tea would be complete without warm raisin and plain scones with a generous dollop of clotted cream and strawberry jam. Pair with a pot of tea complete with a vintage tea cosy, or upgrade with a glass of fizz – if you don’t fancy the full afternoon tea experience, The Pelham’s Cream Tea is also available.
Dining at La Trattoria
Located on the lower ground floor, La Trattoria serves classic Italian cuisine by Head Chef Roberto Roncolato, with everything including handmade pasta, pizzas and generous grazing boards.
There’s also a fabulous Aperitivo o’clock menu to take advantage of, available Monday to Thursday from 4pm–7pm, where you can enjoy 2-for-1 on a selection of expertly crafted Italian cocktails.
Breakfast is also served here and, refreshingly, is included in the room rate – something I wish more London hotels would offer. Choose from Eggs Benedict or a hearty Full English before heading out to explore South Kensington.
If you need to work up a sweat, Kensington Gardens is just a short stroll away, while The Pelham’s small but perfectly formed gym is equipped with Technogym equipment – often regarded as the Rolls-Royce of fitness brands. Although, if you ask us, the rooms are so peaceful and ridiculously comfortable that an extra hour under the duvet is far more tempting.
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The Pelham London, 15 Cromwell Pl, South Kensington, London SW7 2LA
