The Bingham – Richmond

start the slideshow

This glamorous but intimate riverside hotel began life as two Georgian townhouses, later joined together by Lady Anne Bingham, a forebear of Lord Lucan. From 1899-1914 it was home to two writers, Katherine Bradley and Edith Cooper, who published poetry together under a nom de plume. ‘I have rubbed myself against nature’s great, warm hand,’ wrote Katherine, after a bout of gardening ‘in a spirit of pagan delight’. Crikey. Today’s owner, Samantha Trinder, ably assisted by brilliant general manager Erick Kervaon, has created a special place in which to stay and dine. Slick and contemporary, the hotel has the friendliest staff, a fun cocktail bar and a beautiful restaurant – a Richmond hotspot where modern British cuisine excels. But it’s the setting and the view that add the extra magic here: the river is just at the end of the expansive terrace with its pretty walled garden, and there’s a towpath alongside the water, with rowing boats and pleasure craft plashing by. And London on your doorstep. 

Doubles from £164

+44 (0)20 8940 0902; thebingham.co.uk

Want to find out more? Visit the hotel's website.