Best of both worlds
If you’re looking for a London city-break with a country twist, Richmond Harbour Hotel & Spa will provide, says CLAUDIA DUDMAN
The interiors have an eclectic, bohemian feel with jewel tones and rich textures
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independentschoolparent.com | SPRING 2022
upon-Thames. And with Richmond Park – the largest of all of London’s royal parks – right on your doorstep, you and your family can steal yourselves away and max out on the benefits of being in the countryside too. Walking into the 90-room hotel’s impressive entrance lobby, we were immediately greeted with contemporary and luxurious wallpaper and textiles in bright vibrant colours; sumptuous high-backed armchairs, low, warm lighting and contemporary artwork, which gave it a distinctly bohemian, city-chic feel that belies the hotel’s rather grand exterior. Our room, which was a standard, featured a kingsize bed, an ample wardrobe, a flat-screen TV and an en-suite bathroom with double sinks, a bath and rain shower with White Company toiletries. As with all the rooms at the hotel, the artwork is a constant reminder of the hotel’s parkside location: paintings of pretty, delicate park deer (Richmond was established as a deer park by Charles I in the 17th century) and handsome stags adorn the walls. Even the decanters containing complimentary gin and sherry for guests feature a sterling silver topper in the form of a
The charming hotel sits atop Richmond Hill
stag’s head (complete with impressive antlers), making for the perfect luxe nightcap. Ravenous after a day’s browsing the shops in the village and a hearty afternoon walk, we made our way to The Gate, the hotel’s all-day dining concept which has fast established itself as a culinary destination in the area. We visited on a Friday night, when it was buzzing and lively with hotel guests, local professionals and Richmond residents eager for some afterdark downtime at the start of the November weekend. Shown to our table by the maître d, as we perused our menus he informed us that the produce served was locally sourced and grown, with wild-caught fish and seafood
PHOTOGRAPHY: ISTOCK/ARTURASKER
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itting atop Richmond Hill in south-west London is an elegant, sparkling white 18th century Georgian building: the Richmond Harbour Hotel & Spa. Guests here are able to sample a taste of London life without the hassle of having to head into the city centre: with its independent boutiques, established high street shops, plethora of cafes, fine restaurants and even a dedicated theatre, you can enjoy much of what you would in town in the London borough of Richmond-
