insideKENT Magazine Issue 89 - August 2019 | Page 146

GETAWAYS
Namaskar! Welcome to
THE LALIT ,
LONDON
AFTER A SWIFT JOURNEY INTO LONDON VIA SOUTHEASTERN'S HS1 SERVICE WE WERE AT
LONDON BRIDGE IN NO TIME AMONGST THE HUSTLE AND BUSTLE OF A VERY VIBRANT
BOROUGH MARKET, PACKED WITH HUNGRY TOURISTS AND FOODIES ALIKE. WE GRABBED
A QUICK BITE TO EAT BEFORE HEADING 10 MINUTES DOWN TOOLEY STREET (BAG IN TOW)
FOR OUR GETAWAY DESTINATION: THE LALIT LONDON. BY ADAM READY
Opening back in 2017, this is the Indian group’s
first hotel venture into the UK. The award-winning
The LaLit London is housed in the old St Olave’s
grammar school for boys establishment, who
occupied the site from 18 55-1967. As soon as
the 70-bedroom, five-storey red-brick building
comes into sight, you immediately feel the
recognisable nerves that you felt as a child about
to walk through the gates for your first day at
school. That moment passed very quickly though as
we were warmly greeted by the doorman and directed
into the reception.
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Our double room on the second floor was small but
lively with colour and decorated with traditional
Indian threaded textiles, including a large piece
above the headboard. The sunburst orange across
all the detail gave the room a warm and happy feel
as we tucked into our fruit bowl and the six handmade
chocolates left in our room.
Looking out of our window onto the Tooley Street
entrance, the window acted as a frame as The Shard
towered its surrounding buildings and I found myself
just gazing at Europe's current largest building and
relaxing before drifting away for a short power nap.
Fully refreshed, we ventured downstairs for a
pre-dinner cocktail in the Teacher’s Room, a
contemporary bar perfect for a relaxed
evening drink with a menu that features various
international flavours. In the room next door,
you can find the Headmaster’s Room – a room
of spectacular opulence and sophistication
offering premium cognacs and Champagnes for that
added special touch.