insideKENT Magazine Issue 101 - September 2020 | Page 45
Rooms at The Dixon complete the juxtaposition
between old and new. Many have original Edwardian
features, think high ceilings, coving and fireplaces;
others are contemporary new-builds. All boast avantgarde
artworks featuring local legends, toiletries from
local brand Murdock London, blackened steel and
oak accents; and, naturally, offer iconic London
skyline views.
I had the pleasure of staying in the third floor Orwell
Suite. A spacious and comfortable space with an
entrance way; lounge; a blissful bedroom with king
size bed; a I-want-to-move-in walk-in wardrobe; and
sumptuous marble bathroom - with an indulgent
tub, separate toilet and incredible shower. Situated
at the front of the building, the dual aspect windows
not only offered views down to the gorgeous
columned entrance but also an incredible vista of
The Shard.
With Provisioners currently detained at The Dixon’s
pleasure, the iconic Courtroom Bar is a far from
second place dining alternative, and is in fact my
favourite space in the entire hotel.
In a clear nod to the change of power, the judge’s
oak canopy remains, but the marble-clad bar itself
is sunken beneath and sentencing now involves a
range of cleverly conceived cocktails, tasting all the
more glorious against the backdrop of another
inspired light piece, this time featuring 193 bulbs to
represent the hotel’s 193 stylish bedrooms.
Of course you can opt for a tongue in cheek ‘false
imprisonment’ for a rum based Old Fashioned, or
for a fruity vodka infused ‘indecent exposure’; but
with time on our side, and a perfectly executed
booking system to ensure that covers are spaced, we
had time to chat with the legendary Mario (bartender
extraordinaire) who quickly established our
palettes. I devoured my Sea Breeze-twist - vodka,
peach schnapps, cranberry, orange and a hint of
apple for my sweet tooth; whilst my guest was treated
to the bitter tones of Black Tot, white port and ginger
beer - aptly coinciding with the 50th anniversary of
the final Naval rum ration!
The menu retains the legendary Provisioners
flatbread, my guests choice of starter which proffered
a moorish flatbread heaving with perfectly grilled
halloumi, spicy relish, avocado, and a fried egg, with
extra texture from sunflower and pumpkin seeds;
whilst I opted for the chicken caesar salad to be
presented with the ‘small’, starter size dish of crisp
romaine lettuce, gorgeously charred chicken breast,
crisp croutons, shavings of Parmigiano-Reggiano,
and lashings of sauce.
Our mains continued the traditional theme, my
guest swayed by the signature Wes burger was not
disappointed by the juicy wagyu beef burger
oozing with raclette cheese, accompanied by breaded
king prawns, and served in a beetroot bun. Whilst
my ‘fish & chips’ delivered the most delicate plate
of pale, Meantime-battered haddock with hints of
chive, accompanied with caper aioli and delicious
mushy peas.
And of course then came pud. A heaving slab of
bread and butter pudding with English caramel ice
cream, and an oozing, warm chocolate fondant with
Madagascar vanilla ice cream; perfectly accompanied
with a rich bitter espresso martini for me and another
Mario concoction, this time boasting Glenfidditch
12, Diplomatico Reserva, green cardamom and
grapefruit juice, for my better half!
After a very calm and restful night in our suite we
were delighted to head to Provisioners for breakfast.
The Provisioners design is classic yet contemporary:
light wood panelling, bold clean lines and modern
tables and chairs. Look closer though and you’ll
notice the subtleties – the wooden floors with striking
tiled accents showcase the footprint of the former
jail cells on which it’s been built, the menus, when
available, come in the form of courtroom dockets,
and the central jail cell has been preserved and
reimagined as a coffee store. Of course it’s not just
any coffee store… In another nod to history and a
story involving a policemen who taunted inmates
by wafting the aromatic scent of coffee into their
cells, The Dixon now brews (behind bars, naturally)
its own artisan coffee, Shakedown, which is available
at Provisioners, in the hotel bedrooms’ coffee pods
and in my Courtroom Bar Espresso Martini!
Martinis on hold for the morning we indulged
instead with a freshly brewed cappuccino and a
hearty vegetarian English breakfast - which is
served until lunchtime for those needing a much
deserved lay in!
With ‘Welcome Back to The Dixon’ rates starting
from just £102 per room per night and exemplary
standards of service and safety, there truly has never
been a better time to stay!
The Dixon
211 Tooley Street,
London
SE1 2JX
[email protected]
thedixon.co.uk
TheDixonLondon
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