A sleek, refined hotel and restaurant may seem a little idiosyncratic in trendy Camden, but this boutique London base from Gordon Ramsay has all the right ingredients.
From the first-rate service to the elegant rooms to the fantastic location opposite Regent’s Park, York & Albany has nailed the recipe for succes. The restaurant is its heart, but the guest rooms are far from incidental; in fact, the gorgeous suite is one of our favourite rooms in London.
Rooms: With only 9 bedrooms, York & Albany has an intimate feel – something enhanced by the quirky and bespoke design, which features antique furniture and period prints. There’s nothing stuffy here, though: rooms come with all the mod cons, including iPod docks, DVD players, and fluffy robes and slippers. We loved our Deluxe Room with its park view and grand furnishings, but if you’re looking for a real treat, you can’t beat the sprawling suite.
Food: When a hotel and restaurant are established by Gordon Ramsay, you’re going to have high expectations of the food. Luckily, York & Albany’s relaxed and buzzy restaurant doesn’t disappoint. It’s an accessible fine-dining experience, with none of the frills and pomp of Michelin-starred cuisine. You’ll be treated to good, honest grub presented simply and served with aplomb – think steak, duck, charcuterie and other pub favourites, all executed exquisitely.
Author’s tip: Bring comfortable shoes and walk wherever you can (you’re only 20 minutes from the West End). You’ll save a fortune in cab and Tube fares, and get a much better insight into this fascinating corner of London.
Customer Review: “The York & Albany is a lovely small hotel with an exceptional bunch of friendly staff who really offer a personal touch. The rooms are great and have everything you need, even offering limited views of Regent’s Park. The hotel is ideally situated near Camden Town tube station – which is about 10 minutes’ walk away. Highly recommend! We’re looking forward to visiting again soon!”
Joe, United Kingdom (04.09.14)