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 THE BEST WAY TO GET TO LONDON Southeastern runs train services into London from Kent and East Sussex, operating some 2,000 trains a day, including the high-speed from Ashford to St Pancras International in just 38 minutes. www.southeasternrailway.co.uk 45