Hammersmith. Not usually a destination for a romantic kid-free night away but if you look past the traffic and the road closures, as well as the general busyness that affords a huge London borough, there are small pockets of greenery that offer a sense of calm. Gentle strolls by the River Thames, as well as a multitude of wide open spaces such as Hurlingham and Bishops Parks means there are ways of escaping the big smoke and to breathe in some fresher air.

Brook Green is another such enclave. A narrow-wedged shaped space that used to be traversed by a brook running south from Shepherd’s Bush to Hammersmith Road, it’s now a hugely affluent area which houses several tennis courts as well as a parkland, and the Brook Green Hotel has stood on the western corner since 1886. Once a coach house, the original brook, which was piped, still flows beneath it to this day.

Which is why when I pushed open the grand doors of what is now a pub and hotel, I was hit with an endearing sense of a bygone era, a hotspot for revelry and good times. 

The rooms at Brook Green Hotel

Brook Green Hotel’s 17 rooms were recently refurbished at the beginning of the year with a decent smattering of William Morris prints, dark panels and luxury furnishings. Our boutique room radiated understated elegance and comfort. I found myself dreamily sinking into the huge king size bed, contemplating the uninterrupted night’s sleep I was going to enjoy without the cries of “mummy!” at the crack of dawn. That together with the fragrant Green & Spring toiletries from Cowley Manor, I spent some time luxuriating in the huge tub before heading downstairs to dinner.

The pub itself is huge, with neck-craning high ceilings embellished with funky twisted metallic light fixtures, mirrors and plentiful seating – whether you’re a large party of friends or just a couple looking for a romantic night, there is a space to suit all and without any neighbourly intrusion.

The Pub at Brook Green Hotel

If none of the beers on tap, craft ales or wines take your fancy, there is also the option of enjoying  finely honed vintage cocktails – the pub also houses a downstairs bar, Smiths, which offers a late night drinking den from midweek to the weekend, and classics such as Tom Collins and Japanese Highballs. Taking a pew in the sunlit beer garden, I quickly polished off my zesty French Martini, before heading back indoors to our table, with a full view of the kitchen pass and the chefs busily preparing meals.

Brook Green Hotel’s menu consists of sharing platters and traditional pub cuisine such as burgers, pies and steaks. We went for the garlic and herb baked Somerset Camembert with sourdough to start. The chutney gave a jaw-clenching chilli hit (in a good way), and the Camembert deliciously cheesy, although a tad under done and not as gooey as I would have liked. The fish easily flaked off the crispy batter in my main, and I really enjoyed the salty triple cooked chips, which were accompanied by minty mushy peas, and a tangy tartare sauce – the gherkins added a pleasing crunch in texture.  A spoonful of my husband’s chocolate orange tart gave me just enough of a sugar hit before we ended our pleasant meal and retired to our room.

The novelty of being able to climb into bed knowing I wasn’t going to be awoken by my two small kids during the night meant that after getting under the crisp sheets, we flicked on the huge flatscreen TV and tried to watch a movie… But both of us heady from the wine and full from our dinner sank into a very deep sleep. Thank goodness we had the foresight to set an alarm!

Morning beckoned and after a relatively easy start to the morning – I didn’t want to get out of bed – we made our way downstairs for breakfast. There is ample choice for even diehard breakfast lovers – and I couldn’t resist the lemon and chilli smashed avocado, poached egg on toasted sourdough. It was divine, and my egg done to perfection. The perfect start to the day alongside two hot cups of strong coffee.

Leaving to head to the office, I felt refreshed, well-fed and well-rested. What struck me about Brook Green Hotel was, aside from the odd traffic noise and screech of sirens, it didn’t feel at all like a city break, but more like a boutique retreat. Not only is the location excellent for anyone wanted to explore London, but a sanctuary, too, for those looking to escape the big smoke. The best of both worlds…

Brook Green Hotel currently have a summer deal which includes an overnight stay for two, a two-course meal from the a la carte menu and a cooked or continental breakfast for just £164! To claim, enter the promo code SUMMER19 when booking online. Offer ends 8 September 2019.