The sizable building at 19 New Bridge Street, Blackfriars House, almost opposite London’s Blackfriars station, is a handsome Grade II-listed example of classic 20th-century urban architecture. It was once the site of King Henry VIII’s 16th-century Bridewell Palace, but that was demolished, and it now houses the eight-story Hyatt Regency London Blackfriars hotel.
The area is nicknamed the Square Mile and denotes the historic and financial centre of London, and though this is not the busiest area of central London, it does serve as a good base to explore St. Paul’s Cathedral, the Tate Modern and, thanks to transport links, the rest of the capital.
Hyatt-Regency-London-Blackfriars-Lobby
You can enter via New Bridge Street or at the rear from Queen Victoria Street to reach the reception. Though not of vast proportions, the space is attractive, light and airy, with four separate check-in desks. The process is quick, and service is friendly and efficient.
The lobby area is shared with a casual City Lounge bar, and from here stairs lead up to NYnLON restaurant and the Club Lounge.
Who for
The hotel would suit anyone, including families, staying overnight and looking for easy access to London’s airports. It is a great location for business travellers needing to be near the City.
Accommodation
There are 205 rooms, including family rooms and suites. Mine was a standard room 232, which came with a settee and a large 65-inch TV. The vibe is more practical than plush, with ample space, plenty of plug points, a safe, open hanging space, bathrobes, an ironing board, bottled water and a kettle.
Amenities include an attractive, spacious ensuite shower room with a rainfall shower, really attractive deep green tiles, and toiletries were from Pharmacopia. The highlight of the room is the comfy king-size bed, the generous size of the room, as well as a quiet climate control system.
Food & Drink
There are three places to imbibe food and drink. On the upper ground floor is the main restaurant, NYnLON a word that combines New York and London to describe its bistro-style fusion from both sides of the Atlantic. It is a nice-looking restaurant with a long, attractive bar.
Hyatt Regency London Blackfriars NYnLon restaurant
The food is casual – burgers, pastas, pizza and East Coast classics such as flame-grilled dishes, sugar-pit pork chops, rib-eye steaks, and salmon chops. Simple comfort food. Though I was intrigued by the polenta chips – a speciality of NYnLON which were crispy like triple-cooked chips with soft polenta on the inside.
An ample buffet breakfast is available, and I was able to order eggs as I like them. I really enjoyed the soothing background music.
On the lower floor is a vibrant late-night entertainment bar, Leaf and Cane, a space that was once the historical site of a women’s prison. You can still see nine vaults or ‘cells’ offering semi-private areas for socialising – open to everyone, for after-work drinks or catch-ups with friends.
The menu features bespoke and classic cocktails and mocktails, premium draught beers, and a high-energy social atmosphere. With live sports, beer towers, free karaoke powered by Lucky Voice, and regular events, the space is built for fun nights and group gatherings.
The City Lounge in the lobby area is a bar/cafe combo stylish enough as a hangout for a natter over a casual drink or some bar bites.
Facilities
There’s a well-equipped gym in the basement open 24/7.
How much
Doubles from £300 per night.
What’s Nearby
Blackfriars station is on the doorstep, and Blackfriars Bridge is nearby as well as plenty of other incredible landmarks. The hotel has recently launched Your Stay The Blackfriars Way, a free recommendations platform which has been personally curated by people who know London inside and out to help guests discover the wide range of landmarks and activities available on their doorstep, saving them time and worry about planning the wrong itinerary.
The location cards include a video featuring a member of the hotel team introducing their favourite destination and inside tips. The locations will be regularly updated and include the likes of St Paul’s Cathedral, the Tower of London, Shakespeare’s Globe and the London Eye.
The interactive map can be accessed via yourstaytheblackfriarsway.co.uk and through a QR code displayed in the rooms and the hotel’s public areas.
Verdict
This hotel is well-located, comfortable, and a base for an overnight stay in London.