Victory House -M Gallery: a new luxury boutique hotel offering a cosy and charming escape from the dazzling lights of London’s West End.
Behind the buzzing tourist trap of Leicester Square, an area renowned for its cinema scene and iconic red carpet sits the new Victory House- M Gallery by hotel group, Sofitel. Being a Londoner myself, the need for an overnight hotel stay in the city is non-existent, so getting the chance to experience my own city (which I adore) as a tourist was somewhat strange yet oddly thrilling, almost as if I were experiencing the magic of London for the very first time.
The sheer variety of what London has to offer I can imagine to be slightly overwhelming, but Victory House provides a little luxury retreat, and where better to be than right in the hub of it all. Within walking distance guests will find themselves submerged in the bright lights of Piccadilly Circus, the neon signs of vibrant Soho and the cobbled streets of Covent Garden. Theatres and art galleries line the nearby streets with restaurants serving every type of cuisine you could possibly think of; shops selling vintage clothes and bars alive till dawn. There’s the National Gallery a few steps away as well as famous London landmarks including Somerset House and Buckingham Palace both within a short distance. Location wise it couldn’t be better.
The hotel itself is elegant and stylish with dark and intimate corridors playing homage to cinema with portraits of 1950 films stars adorning the walls and old silent films projected in the lift and lobby. This is to reflect the rich cinematic history of the surrounding area- an important element of the design by architects Michaelis Boyd. The 86 rooms, including nine suites (all soundproof) are furnished in warm and luxurious teals and greys and each have a contemporary black and white Art Deco inspired bathroom. But it’s the huge plump and pristine bed with its marshmallow-like tempur mattress that I am still thinking about to this day.
The ground floor restaurant, Petit Bistro by Ed Baines and Jamie Poulton is the sister restaurant to Soho’s Randall & Aubin, which just so happens to be one of my favourite restaurants in London. This second instalment did not disappoint. The French-inspired menu uses local produce to create mouth-watering and succulent classics including moules mariniere, steak frites and crème brule, all enjoyed in a cosy and intimate setting. It’s like a slither of Paris in the heart of the West End. Breakfast serves a delicious array of warm croissants, heavenly buttermilk pancakes with Chantilly crème and perfectly cooked omelettes and eggs as well as fresh bread and jams.
With anywhere, the service whether good or bad is always remembered and can have a huge impact on the experience as a whole. The staff at Victory House were second to none: professional, helpful and absolutely charming. They were constantly on hand to assist and nothing was too much to ask. From the moment I arrived to the minute I left I was completely and utterly looked after.
It was such a pleasure to stay at a new hotel that has kept so much of its history and heritage at its heart. Its 19th century terracotta façade being just one example of its status as an icon, previously known as Hôtel de l’Europe. But today, bringing with it new life in the form of a fresh and contemporary design plus its incredible views over Leicester Square and ideal location make this another standout property on the ever-growing hotel scene.
Rooms start from £200 and suites start from £342. Book now.