COMO The Halkin Hotel & Texture Restaurant, two long-time favorites in London
A luxury boutique hotel & an urban modern restaurant:
London is one of our family’s favorite cities to visit and we did this three times in the past eight years and every time we stayed at COMO The Halkin and had dinner at Texture restaurant, which is not exactly next door but not too far away. This is quite unusual for us because we like to try out new hotels and restaurants, but these two places are so good that we keep returning. Actually, they have not that much in common apart from the exterior architecture and the modern interior, but that is not really the point. It is just that these two spots are the only constants when it comes to our family’s London travel adventures.
1. COMO The Halkin Hotel
Location
In my view, southwest London is one of the best choices for staying as a visitor. You are near to many attractions but away from the hustle and bustle of the West End. The Halkin’s location is especially favorable. It is set on a quiet street of handsome Georgian properties in the heart of residential Belgravia. Your are here five minutes away from the Hyde Park and from the Hyde Park Corner tube station. It is amazing how the scene changes when going from the tube’s exit to the hotel, from buzzing city center to quiet, residential surroundings! And imagine it is easy to walk past without even noticing it because it is such a discreet place, more to it in the next section. A funny detail, where The Halkin is now was once a car park!
Ambiance/Service
When it comes to service, it is always present when needed but otherwise unobtrusive. Upon arrival, you are treated to a scented hot towel and are invited to a drink of your choice in the bar or your room, complete with some tasty nibbles, a nice touch. When we arrived at the Halkin, we were welcomed as returning guests. Everybody around including the concierge was informed that we are regulars. Also several times during our stay the hotel director, who was new to this position, asked after our wellbeing.
Facilities
The fifth-floor Belgravia Suite we had is especially charming, it has a ship like feeling featuring a high, barrel-vaulted ceiling. There is a spacious lounge area and a huge bathroom and all comes with plenty of natural light.
A particularly nice asset is the rear garden, which can be accessed upon request. There is a small fitness room but no spa. However, you can use the one at the nearby sister hotel of COMO Metropolitan.
On site you also find a renowned Michelin starred restaurant named Ametsa with Arzak Instruction. It is an offshoot of the famous three stars restaurant Arzak in San Sebastian/Spain offering Basque cuisine. As we did not dine here, I cannot comment on this. However, we had breakfast included in our arrangement and this was always a feast for all the senses. There is no buffet, everything is served by kind and attentive staff. After some cereals, berries or whatever you can choose from an array of hot items, my favorite dish was broken eggs and Iberico ham, delicious! You could also help yourself from a basket with freshly baked bread and pastries. It is easily one of the best breakfasts I have ever had.
Pricing
2. Texture Restaurant
Location/Ambiance
The dining area is stunning, a spacious Georgian room, vast and high ceilinged. The room is decorated in neutral colors and with some modern art. The furniture is comfortable and modern, what results in a nice balance between old and new.
Food concept
The restaurant, established in 2007 and awarded a Michelin star in 2010, offers different menus as well as an a la carte option.
Sampled dishes
A great starter was the yellow fin tuna, prepared with ginger, soy, fennel and coriander. The fish, prepared to perfection, had a delicate flavor and was tenderly melting. Together with the garnishes, which suited just fine, it resulted in a great combination.
Out of the main courses, a memorable dish was the organic Icelandic lamb. Here the tender saddle and the succulent shoulder were paired and made together with the mild calcot onions and the aromatic heritage carrots a tasty creation.
When it came to desserts, three out of four people of our table opted for the chef’s signature dessert, Icelandic skyr. And we were fully satisfied with it! We got skyr (similar to Greek yoghurt) as mousse and ice cream, flavored with vanilla and combined with rye bread crumbs and Wye Valley blueberries, an irresistible composition!
Service/Pricing
As far as the costs for dinner are concerned, it is well priced. The tasting menu is £ 95.00; starters are priced from £ 16.50 to £ 34.50 (langoustines) and mains from £ 29.90 to £ 43.50. Desserts are available for £ 13.50 each. A good deal is the sample lunch menu where you get 2 courses for £ 29.00 and 3 for £ 33.50.
Overall
Date of visit: July 2017
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