Named for the wine merchants and noble textile sellers of London who specialised in fine silks and damasks, Vintry & Mercer aims to preserve the historic trading past found in the narrow streets of the City from a contemporary perspective to suit the modern traveller. In an area alive with the hustle and bustle of commerce and conversation, this luxury five-star hotel is hidden down a narrow lane leading to the River Thames.

Brummell booked into Vintry & Mercer just before Christmas and the short walk from Mansion House Tube Station down Garlick Hill to the entrance was like a scene from Dickens. A narrow but beautiful entrance lined with greenery led us to reception and the most welcoming staff who checked us in. The contemporary lobby is warm and welcoming with vitrines displaying trinkets reminiscent of the City’s historic trading past. A winding staircase leads to the 92 bespoke rooms and suites above. We were on the sixth floor so opted for the lift. The higher you go at Vintry & Mercer, the quicker you realise the deception of that narrow entrance; the space opens to vast hallways of rooms and the impressive Mercer Roof Terrace, which offers panoramic views of the London.

Our room was immediately welcoming – the comfortable queen-size bed sits facing floor-to-ceiling windows opening out onto a private balcony overlooking the bright lights of the City – a view many would delight to experience, including the mesmerising colour-changing spire of the Shard. An under-floor heated bathroom with separate toilet (always a plus) houses a giant bathtub with a TV screen allowing us to catch-up on the latest episode of Black Doves while soaking in the delicious aroma of the complimentary CO Bigelow Apothecaries toiletries – but not before a delicious glistening roof-top meal on the roof of the hotel.

Heading up to Mercer Roof Terrace, greeted again by the friendliest, most accommodating team, we were led past the vibrant candlelit tables of diners and onto the outdoor terrace – a daunting prospect in the middle of winter. But we needn’t have worried – our table, inside a private, faux-fur-lined, fully heated cabin awaited. Yes, we said cabin and we wouldn’t have had it any other way. The terrace was dotted with cabins and igloos for winter dining, overlooking the skyline, this time St Paul’s Cathedral the focal point. Warm and cosy, we proceeded to order a raft of comfort food from the generous menu.

Divided into Nibbles, Starters, Land, Sea and Earth, we selected a delectable Yorkshire ham hock terrine, Hereford beef fillet tartare and a classic prawn cocktail to start, followed by a succulent and tender Hereford 28-day-aged sirloin on the bone and a Colne Valley lamb Barnsley chop. Sides are separate and we would recommend the crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside triple-cooked chips and BBQ sprouting broccoli. As if we hadn’t filled our boots enough, the cosy cabin and impressive views inspired us to order dessert and neither of us could resist the chocolate and pecan gâteau with blackberry sorbet – the perfect finisher before retiring to our room of dreams.

After a restorative night’s sleep, we awoke refreshed and ready for a hearty breakfast in the relaxed Vintry Kitchen on the ground floor. A choice of continental buffet or full-English from the menu meant we were spoiled for choice and ready to start the day with an inspired and positive attitude.

They certainly know how to treat their guests at V&M – we will be back!

Rooms start from £221 a night, including breakfast; Vintry & Mercer, 19-20 Garlick Hill, City of London, London EC4V 2AU; vintryandmercer.com