Following an extensive renovation, The Kensington – London’s finest townhouse hotel – has re-launched. The majestic property sits in the heart of South Kensington, where Queen’s Gate meets the Old Brompton Road and comprises four traditional white Victorian townhouses. Set amongst the leafy squares, museums and parks of the Royal borough, The Kensington now feels more like a beautiful private residence than traditional hotel. Its 126 rooms and 14 suites are individually designed with elegant fabrics and custom furnishings to complement the hotel’s period architecture.

Completely redesigned spaces include the hotel’s restaurant now called Town House; the fabulous interconnected drawing rooms on the ground floor ideal for afternoon tea or a relaxed meeting; K Bar – a glamorous new bar; and also a new look for all rooms and suites, including the transformation of The Knightsbridge and The Brompton Suites into two of London’s most beautiful accommodations.  There is also a new manager at the helm – the charming Simon Maguire formerly of Firmdale Hotels and The Atlantic Hotel in Jersey.

Town House, the hotel’s elegant dining room, now has its own discreet entrance on Manson Place and is made up of three adjoining rooms.  The Library is an intimate space lined with books and collectables, opening into The White Room, with its open fireplace and small covered terrace and, in turn, connecting to The Study. These distinctive, flexible spaces can be used independently or opened up into one larger space, creating a variety of settings for informal dining, cocktail and canapé events or elegant business meetings.

Each room is infused with light from large bay windows and furnished with elegant jewel-toned pieces that perfectly complement the heritage features and contemporary décor. The kitchen is supervised by Executive Chef Steve Gibbs, who trained under the great British chefs Jason Atherton and Mark Hix. His menus offer guests and visitors alike an enticing selection of fresh, seasonal, locally-sourced dishes, served alongside a dazzling cocktail and wine list.

The fresh new look of The Drawing Room makes it set to become a favourite daytime hangout for well-heeled west London neighbours – the perfect space for morning coffee in front of a roaring open fire or an elegant Afternoon Tea, with Gluten-free options and freshly-made juices by The Juicery. Running across the entire front of the hotel, The Drawing Room overlooks the town houses of Queen’s Gate. Intimate, heated outdoor terrace snugs can be booked for drinks or dinner with menus from Town House and K Bar for year-round people watching and a breath of fresh air in the Royal Borough.

The new K Bar makes a beautiful intimate space for hotel guests, visitors to the neighbourhood’s museum quarter and locals alike. Leather wingback chairs, teal and violet velvet sofas and tartan accents combine with heritage sports artwork and memorabilia to create a masculine, members’ club feel and the cocktail menu has been expertly crafted by award-winning bartender Ben Manchester. 

Rates start from £235 for a Superior Room, room only.