Bingham, London, United Kingdom
Hotel Overview
Review of Bingham, by The TI Review Team
By TI Reviewer Katie Thomas:
The Bingham, set in scenic Richmond upon Thames, is a Georgian gem, a relaxing retreat just outside London. It boasts sleek sophistication behind its historic facade, and provides all modern conveniences within its stately walls.
Hugely popular amongst newly-weds, The Bingham is renowned for its special wedding accomodation. Its two Garden Rooms frequently host about-to-be-marrieds, and there are tailored spa treatments on offer in the run-up to the big day too. The in-room Bliss Indulgence, available to all guests, includes therapies like cleansing reiki, Indian head massages, Japanese facials, as well as manicures and pedicures. Yoga classes are also offered every Monday evening.
The Bingham's acclaimed restaurant serves fresh, local produce, and its reputation owes much to head chef Shay Cooper's history of excellence in the field. The glamourous bar area shines in silver, with metallic-painted and mirrored walls, and does double duty as a sleek art deco-inspired lobby, with sky-high ceilings, leather couches, and plenty of space to read magazines and enjoy view across the Thames.
The Bingham has 15 individually designed rooms, all stocked with bathrobes and slippers, generous minibars, iPod speaker systems, WiFi, coffee and tea making facilities, flat screen TVs and rain shower-heads. There is also a family suite which features a huge bathroom with a conveniently separate walk-in shower and bath tub.
Facilities
Hotel Policies
Rooms
15Who stays here?
With the Twickenham Film Studio just over the Thames, the Bingham attracts a film-oriented crowd - Joe Wright, Gisele, Brendan Fraser and Jim Broadbent have all checked in.
Come for...
- Rugby at Twickers
- Rowing on the river
- Weddings - it's a deservedly popular venue
Not Suitable for...
- Exploring central London - it's half an hour to Waterloo on the overland train
Children
Children are welcome at the hotel, and staff provide extra cots on request. There are also two rooms that interconnect for families: the Superior and Design Double rooms.
Eating in
The prime position is on the balcony - best in summer, but as it's covered and heated you can eat the modern European fare all year round. The bar - in a handsome, soaring-ceilinged Georgian room - is relaxed and quiet.
The Press Say
“Two Georgian townhouses on the edge of the River Thames at Richmond make The Bingham hotel, and while the decor is sleek and contemporary, the elegant exterior and internal period features stay true to the history of the Grade II-listed building.” The Times 07Reviews
Review of The Bingham, by Angela Moore
The Bingham is set in Richmond, the far western reach of London, on the bank of the Thames. Out here, the city starts feeling like a country town and the Thames turns beautiful, with weekenders hiring skiffs to picnic on the riverbanks and weeping willows trailing fronds in the water. If you can't spare the time, or can't face the M4, you could come out here and pretend you're spending a weekend in the country.
The boutique hotel itself is a conversion of three lovely Georgian houses. The beautifully proportioned downstairs rooms, have tall French doors and river views. Next door to the bar, the restaurant, with its glossy black wallpaper and smart chandeliers, has garnered good reviews in the London press. A small balcony connects this and the bar, with just enough space to allow for some tables on the terrace - lovely for summer.
Downstairs, a small walled garden overlooks the river. You can eat here too; it's a charming place to come for an evening sundowner. It's also a great wedding location and the Bingham has become immensely popular for these and other events. This boutique hotel will always inform guests if there is to be an event when they are staying but it's worth keeping in mind.
The 15 rooms are light, smart and stylish, in shades of chocolate and grey. They're nicely laid out and spacious enough so that you will be comfortable. Luxurious touches include goose-down feather duvets on the beds, bespoke mahogany furnishings and in-room music from the Bingham's well-stocked sound server - listen to it in your room or plug in your iPod. Bathrooms vary in size and layout - some have separate shower cubicles, most have over-tub power showers. The River Design doubles are choice as they face the river, away from the busy road that runs behind the boutique hotel. There are also two romantic rooms with antique four-posters and bay windows - the best rooms in the house.