The Rookery by Vanessa Kaoukji

Sister hotel to Hazlitt’s and only open as a hotel for five years, The Rookery embodies the same atmosphere as its counterpart but in the city, very close to Smithfields market and St Pauls, where guests will never be far from a historical place of interest. But being in the city, weekends are quiet; no restaurants are open and as the hotel doesn’t serve dinner you’ll be hard pressed finding somewhere to eat (though staff are willing to pick up a take-away for you and bring it to your room).

All 33 rooms are individually decorated with antiques and mahogany backed beds. Bathrooms are sometimes more impressive than the bedrooms with original fittings and the odd commode. The Theophilus Garencier room has a copper walled bathtub, whereas the Joseph Smith room (a standard double and the only four poster) has original 17th-century woodwork.

One room that stands apart from the others and makes this hotel worth trekking out to is the Rook’s Nest. Used by Hello! magazine for photo shoots, this is a two-floor treasure hidden at the top of the hotel with views of St Pauls and the old Bailey. From the platformed Edwardian walk-in Jacuzzi bath, to the black whip-wielding cherubs guarding the bed, the room could compete with the Pelirocco for the ‘dirty weekend’ prize. Upstairs the study and dining area is transformed into a voyeur’s dream as, at the flick of a switch, a panel in the floor slides away - James Bond style - to reveal the bed below.

During the week the hotel caters mainly to business clientele. The public spaces are somber but charming. On the whole, you will be left to your own devices (breakfast is served on the leafy terrace in the summer, but this is the only meal provided) which is probably a good thing if you're staying in the Rook’s Nest and not wanting to be disturbed.

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