Impeccable service, an elegant tea room and a convenient location in the heart of the city action makes the Radisson Blu Bond Street perfect for exploring all that London has to offer.
Tucked away down Oxford Street just opposite HMV, the hotel is a minute’s walk away from Bond Street tube station, which meant I was checking in just 20 minutes after stepping off my train at Kings Cross. As someone who likes to keep London tube travel to a bare minimum, this made me very happy.
After a friendly welcome at reception, we headed straight up to the Bond Street Tea Room on the third floor. Blending vintage wood-paneled interiors with splashes of modernity, it’s the ideal setting for a spot of traditional afternoon tea.
I was pleasantly surprised to find our waiter was just the right balance of professional and fun, creating a relaxed atmosphere that felt anything but stuffy. We enjoyed a welcome glass of Prosecco whilst checking out their latest menu, which fuses classic British staples with a little taste of Italy.
We kicked things off with some delicious canapes, all of which looked just as good as they tasted. Highlights here include the Tuna Cornetto, which features tuna crudo in a poke dressing served in a mini sesame cone. The Tomato Tartare offers up a juicy heirloom tomato with crisp sourdough croutons, but my personal favourite was the Beef Short Rib Tumbleweeds.
The slow cooked beef croquette was melt-in-the-mouth tender and came wrapped in shredded filo pastry. Absolutely delicious. Next up we had an assortment of finger sandwiches, which varied from the so-so (the ham and wholegrain mustard was a bit too light on mustard) to the sublime (the corn-fed chicken with tarragon mayo is a must).
Of course, such an occasion would be nothing without a pot of tea and the selection available here is nothing short of impressive. Spanning all four corners of the globe, there are no less than 19 variants to choose from, ranging from traditional to the more exotic.
As someone who likes to try new things, I gave the floral and refreshing Jasmine Blossom a whirl and found it to be a delight. Across the table, my guest was equally impressed with the Garden Berries – a real fruit bomb, packed with a medley of red berries.
Moving onto the scones, served of course with clotted cream and jam, I never knew they could taste so good. We chose the vanilla, and raisin and maple, both of which tasted incredible. By this stage, we were feeling pretty close to bursting, but had just enough room for the to-die-for dessert selection.
The dark and indulgent Tiramisu is a real standout, matched only by the deliciously rich and creamy Passion Fruit Crème Brûlée. Overall, an exceptional experience and a great way to start a weekend in the city.
Our room on the third floor was spacious by London standards and featured a view overlooking the busy high street. Some of the decor in the room was a little tired and in need of a refresh, but the facilities left us wanting for nothing. The bathroom was loaded with luxury toiletries, and a large TV, hairdryer and ironing board all come as standard.
Most importantly, the beds were really comfortable which together with the blackout curtains, made for a restful night’s sleep. Breakfast is served in the Bond Street Tea Room and consists of a varied a la carte buffet featuring everything you’d want from a full English, as well as some quality European options.
As time wasn’t on our side, we requested coffee to go and our waiter kindly brought this to our room. Those looking to dine at the hotel should seek out the Bond Street Lounge, which offers a feast of inspired Mediterranean dishes.
Final verdict
The Radisson Blu Bond Street makes for an excellent mid-range hotel, with an enviable location, some of the most welcoming staff you’ll find in London, and a beautiful traditional tea room. A worthy choice for anyone hitting the city for a weekend of theatre, shopping or clubbing.
Radisson Blu Bond Street, 350 Oxford Street, London, W1C 1BY.