The Inspector calls at an ‘exceptional’ London hotel with a country-house feel that’s ‘ideal for anyone popping up to the city from the shires’ (and rooms cost from just £115)The Inspector checks in to one of the 27 guest rooms at Lime Tree in BelgraviaHe says that his single room is ‘pretty’, but finds his bathroom is ‘teeny-weeny’ Downstairs at The Buttery eatery, the Inspector is impressed by his bacon butty Remember… the Inspector pays his way – and tells it like it is…
It’s tempting to suggest that Lime Tree is one of London’s great little secrets — except that this exceptional hotel in Belgravia has been going about its business for more than 30 years.
Now it’s run by Matt and Charlotte Goodsall, who bought out Charlotte’s parents some years ago and then, during the first lockdown, gave the double-fronted Georgian townhouse a complete revamp.
There are 27 rooms. Seven are singles, costing £120 a night, something of a bargain in this part of town and ideal for anyone popping up from the shires.
The Lime Tree, pictured, underwent a complete revamp during the first lockdown
Indeed, there’s a private country house feel to Lime Tree: plush sofas, bright cushions, pretty walled garden with its own potting shed, original art, muted colours throughout. All that’s missing is a golden retriever stretched out in front of the fire in reception.
My single room is small, but pretty: tongue-and-groove panelling, a framed picture listing different breeds of cattle, sumptuous pillows and duvet.
The bed just fits at the end of the room under the window, with views of Elizabeth Street, which looks wonderfully festive.
‘There’s a private country house feel to Lime Tree: plush sofas, bright cushions, pretty walled garden with its own potting shed, original art, muted colours throughout,’ writes the Inspector
The bathroom is teeny-weeny. Wash your face and you end up giving your feet a proper soaking. And I’m surprised how small the towels are.
A new addition is The Buttery on the ground floor, where residents are given a 10 per cent discount. It’s open for breakfast and throughout the day, but not for dinner. My toasted bacon butty is the best ever.
I get talking to Matt. He says that when his parents-in-law were in charge, Lime Tree was popular with Americans and that bookings from across the pond are looking good for next year. But I suspect the domestic market will be strong too, as word spreads. It deserves to do well.
TRAVEL FACTS
Lime Tree Hotel, 135-137 Ebury Street, London, SW1W 9QU.
Singles are priced from £115 and doubles from £165. For more information call 020 7730 8191 or visit limetreehotel.co.uk.
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