The background

First opened in 1854 as one of series of hotels to support the Great Norther Railway Company’s route to Yorkshire and Lincolnshire, Great Northern Hotel is a glamorous and convenient resting place for travellers to and from London. Sensitively renovated to exude the romance of the golden age of rail travel, it was originally designed by Victorian architect Lewis Cubitt with an elegant curve, which reciprocates Cubitt’s King’s Cross’s Western Concourse. The hotel now acts as a central hub at the heart of King’s Cross with 90 bedrooms, a restaurant and two bars to accommodate every type of traveller.

The space

Combining high-ceilings, floor-to-ceiling windows, majestic British decor and original features from the original hotel, Great Northern is a calm and serene space that directly juxtaposes the hustle and bustle of the station outside. Set over six floors, the hotel’s wide corridors add to the sense of light and space (said to be broad to accommodate hoop-skirted victorian maids). From the bustling GNH Bar & Terrace – a British railway pub with comfortable seating surrounding a central bar – a few walnut steps lead you to the grand original wrought-iron staircase, overlooked by a huge window. An art installation lines the walls here in homage the hotel’s railway heritage. Talking of walls, an intriguing fact about this hotel is that the walls are thick and contain a burnt coal residue to protect it from the fire and sparks of steam locomotives given its close proximity to the station.

Brummell stayed in one of the hotel’s Heritage rooms, one of four room types available, from Couchette – designed to emulate a small yet luxurious railway sleeper – to the Edwardian and Victorian designs. Heritage, with its sage green walls, elegant mirror at the head of the bed and vintage-style bathroom, complete with walk-in shower and sliding door, is as grand and luxurious as it is serene and relaxing. Giant sash windows overlook the concourse below but close the window and you’re a world away from the hubbub. The supremely comfortable bed that awaits, is fit for a queen – literally – as this European King Size is created by Hypnos, a brand that has been supplying the royals since 1929. A leather banquette and table make catching up on emails a home-from-home affair while the well equipped bathroom with Malin + Goetz cosmetics mean you can travel light.

On every floor, guests can enjoy The Pantry 24/7 – a small but well-equipped self-service kitchen with a tea and coffee, snacks – from freshly baked sweet treats, to chocolate and fruit – that really adds to the homely welcoming feel here. There’s even a stack of recyclable takeaway cups so you can grab a morning coffee before heading out to catch the train or explore the city.

Food and drink

As well as the GNH Bar & Terrace on the ground floor, guests can find the refined Rails restaurant on the first floor. Formerly Plum + Split Milk – due to the pared-back colour scheme – this luxurious and relaxing space has recently been renovated to offer guests a majestic dining experience. With curved leather booths, clusters of low-hanging lanterns, large windows and grand dried flower arrangements, it’s a space that emulates the romance of the golden railway era. Serving a varied modern British menu with a Parisian twist, we began our meal with smoked Chalkstream trout, and a roasted Beetroot dish, delicious and beautifully presented and paired with the restaurant’s generous wine selection. For maisn, the Flat Iron steak frites was cooked quickly and to perfection and the grilled lemon sole was moreish and wholesome. Our chocolate fondant dessert really topped off a great meal, as washed down with a couple of classic cocktails – namely the delectable Paloma, tequila, grapefruit juice, lime agave syrup, Pampelle liquor and soda water. I think we’ll come again.

Anyone looking for a relaxing night-cap before heading back to their room for the evening, should head to the Little Bar & Lounge next to Rails. An intimate, low-lit and relaxing space, Little Bar is the perfect place to cosy up in a little nook and sip a delicious cocktail over good conversation.

The bill

Stay in the Heritage room from £300 per night, including breakfast. Dinner for two at Rails is approximately £150 including wine and cocktails.

The Verdict

There is such a vibe here at Great Northern Hotel. Whether you’re enjoying a vibrant drink in GNH Bar, a delicious meal in Rails or enjoying some R&R in the beautifully designed rooms, you feel looked after here. You can enjoy the hustle and bustle of its central location and relax in complete solitude, order room service or sever yourself in The Pantry. Whatever you’re in town for, this is the hotel that will give you exactly what you need: service, comfort and a surprising story at every turn.

Great Northern Hotel, Pancras Rd, London N1C 4TB; gnhlondon.com