The Rookery

Everything feels so true to the past at this Georgian property that you half expect Dr Johnson to arrive in a chaise from his house, through the alleys of the City. Within is a world of rich silks and velvets, antique furniture, oil portraits, crackling fires and throne loos. Lovingly created by Peter McKay and Douglas Blain, it is situated in a now trendy neighbourhood which was dubbed ‘The Rookery’ in Dickensian times when it was a den of thieves. Today, a club-like calm reigns throughout. Bedrooms have either a 17th-century carved oak bed or a four-poster. The penthouse suite – the Rook’s Nest – comes with a huge Victorian bathing machine on a plinth in the corner and stairs to a sitting room with antique lawyer’s desk, views of St Paul’s and minibar fridge (Samuel Johnson never had that, sir!). There is an honesty bar in the conservatory and seating for six in a tiny, leafy garden. Breakfast on black tea and cross buns to prevent faintness – or, better yet, freshly squeezed orange juice, granola, delicious pastries, a bacon sandwich or smoked salmon bagel. See also Hazlitt’s (main entry) and Batty Langley’s (Shortlist).