The Standard London review: mid-century style fused with hip modern chic

Up top, chef Peter Sanchez-Iglesias has built a temple to live fire in a killer space; it’s low lit, filled with plants and fireplaces, and has super-slick staff serving fab food and drink. This is a huge, ultra-hip joint and the scene is seriously buzzy with London’s cool kids – tables were emptied and refilled right up to our exit at around 11pm. 

But you’re here for the food, right? Wood fire is the MO in the kitchen – we ate the signature red pepper tartar alongside a tortilla made with ever-so-thin crispy fried potatoes, delicately marinated grilled monkfish, a blushing Iberico pork chop and ash-roasted leeks with romesco sauce (the crispy potatoes with aioli are a must-order). 

The hotel has an amazing rooftop bar – you’ll want to visit in summer, though, as it’s closed for the winter months to all but a few slightly rained-on smokers.

Double Standard bar and restaurant

A bit more down-to-earth is Double Standard, the hotel’s bar and restaurant which does a killer burger and bottomless brunch. Any menu that features pigs-in-blankets all year round is a winner in our book. A third restaurant, Isla is the spot for lighter protein/salad combos and natural wines. 

A little further afield, up behind King’s Cross, Granary Square has lots of fantastic eating and drinking options – modern Indian in the form of Dishoom, Spanish in Barrafina Coal Drops Yard, a taste of Oz in Caravan, Middle Eastern excellence from Arabica and a Mexican masterclass in Casa and Plaza Pastor.

The Standard’s amazing rooftop has great views

What to do

If you’re after a party scene, the hotel has its own DJ spot, Sounds Studio, playing host to live sets and gigs. The lounge area is one of those places where it feels ok to have a cocktail at 10am, somehow, thanks to the low lighting, roaring fires and buzzy tunes.

For a bit of culture, there are fabulous museums nearby – the British Museum is a 15-minute walk away, while the lesser-known Wellcome Collection, a hub of science, medicine and art, sits a little east, towards Euston Station.

Coal Drops Yard, set up behind King’s Cross, has loads of fabulous boutiques. If you fancy a wander (or a boat trip), the Regent’s Canal is lovely to stroll down on a sunny day. 

The Standard London, 10 Argyle St, London WC1H 8EG. Rooms start from £225 per night; standardhotels.com 

Article source: https://www.theweek.co.uk/arts-life/travel/955937/the-standard-london-hotel-review