REVIEW: Middle Eight London

When it comes to Central London, the first I think about is how heavily crowded it can be. Don’t get me wrong, anyone that knows me, knows I’m constantly hopping between London and Brighton when I’m in the UK. And whilst I do favour my usual go-to places in central, most of the time it’s a ‘get-in-get-out’ situation. As well, being someone who prefers to carry their laptop around, it’s near impossible to find a peaceful area to sit down and work. In comes Middle Eight located perfectly in-between Holborn and Covent Garden station.

It took me a while to realise that I’ve probably walked past this hotel hundreds of times. But with the flurry of crowds in central, you probably know everyone is pretty head down in getting from point A to B as quick as possible. I was kindly offered to experience this hotel, conveniently at the same weekend I had planned to be in London to watch the FA Cup Final.

First Impressions

Typically, when it comes to hotels located quite central, you can expect the street outside to be fairly worn in and possibly paved in chewing gum (as with most places). However, even from the outside you can tell how new this hotel was. Clean, off-white paving, a welcoming doorman and some added greenery to complete the look. As I entered the building, I was kindly greeted by staff who offered a flute of champagne on arrival. Interior was modern, luxuriously dark decor with bronze tones and natural light coming in from the outdoors. I was pleasantly surprised with how high the ceilings were upon arrival. I initially had the impression that it would someone feel a bit more compact. From the main entrance, you have the view of their main bar and restaurant, Sycamore (which I’ll get onto later). A small staircase also leads you to their library upstairs - offering a quiet space to work, lounge or even grab a drink.

Room

During my stay at Middle Eight, I was placed in the Downtown Suite. The suite was spacious enough to be a 1 bed flat, minus a kitchen. On entrance, you have a large lounge/dining area with it’s own mini-bar and even a few board games and books for leisure. My friend and I, did actually end up playing a very competitive game of Monopoly - let’s be honest, when isn’t it competitive. The suite also comes with a large marbled bathroom with a free-standing bath and plenty of Anatome toiletries, with a connecting dressing room containing a vanity area and plenty of wardrobe space. The highlight feature of the room, was of course the seperate terrarium area, complete with a sunroof and plenty of foliage, designed to bring the outdoors, in. Overall it was a very chic room with large sliding doors, Sonos speakers, artistic decor and we were even given our own reusable water bottles. Other room options are available, but I’d highly recommend a suite style for slightly longer stays.

Facilities & Dining

Whilst this hotel doesn’t have a spa, it does come with a fairly well equipped gym. Located on the floor below, it has quite an underground feel. It sort of reminds me of those upscale New York fitness studios that are rustic, gritty yet classy at the same time. Machinery and equipment looked new, with a choice from your usual cardio and resistance machines and free weights.

Food-wise, we were treated to a lovely meal at their Italian restaurant Sycamore, followed by drinks at their plush bar area. One of my favourite features of Sycamore, were the hundreds of bronzed maple leaves scattered across the ceiling alongside the subtle glow from the edges of the tiled walls, It gives warmth to what is a very cool bar. I can picture coming back to this place, during winter time too for a few drinks.

Sycamore Bar

We didn’t end up trying the breakfast here, just as we had daytime plans. Also, being in Covent Garden, it’s hard not to go out and be tempted by all the restaurants. That being said, if you are staying at Middle Eight, you’ll be spoilt for choice with all the options you have in the area.

Saturday evening we were booked in for a live Jazz night at Q Presents in their underground bar-lounge. We had Leo Green on the saxophone, bringing all the Saturday Night feels to the room. You can actually book tickets to one of these nights, and it makes for a great post-dinner show, with cocktails flowing and a sing-a-long with a group of friends. Since the hotel is within London’s theatrical and arts district, you’ll of course find plenty of talented artists perform here.

Overall

It was a pleasant stay and the staff were so helpful in helping to organise everything for us.

Middle Eight is perfect for anyone really. Whether you’re a couple, person on business, family or traveller. Since it’s located in such a prime location, it’s likely you’ll probably explore around London anyway. It was great for when we walked around the shops and wanted to retreat back for some P&Q at the room. Trust me, Central London can be exhausting during peak seasons.

Book your next stay at Middle Eight Hotels by visiting: middleeight.com

This stay was gently offered by Jori White PR for Middle Eight. All views and opinions here are as usual my own