My baby sister in the bath tub

I think this is longest delay on a review probably ever. In about all the history of time. Back in February (yes, February) I got to stay in one of the most glorious little hotels in the world. And my delay in writing about it is far more a result of my need to fully digest it and give it the time it deserves, than a disinterest in writing about it.

The Fox and Anchor is an historic pub (or as they describe it "a proper London boozer") in the Clerkenwell area of London (if you read this review on the Malmaison, also in Clerkenwell, you know my feelings on the area, it's so pretty!) the pub is also home to six rooms (so making it officially an Inn!) – available at a remarkably affordable rate for this area (starts at £125 on a weekend)

The pub itself dates back to the Victorian era – and has been beautifully and authentically restored. The interior echoes the history of the surrounding area and the attention to detail is remarkable. This isn't a theme pub, or a cheesy "gastro-pub" or even a brewery owned personality-less generic pub – it's a proper pub.

Pork Pie and Mushroom Soup in an Mug

Pork Pie

Welsh Rarebit

Roast Pork Belly

My favourite thing about the pub (well one of them) is the food. My sister and I had a truly phenomenal three course, traditional British meal, this did of course mean I had to pretty much throw out my vegetarian ways for one evening. We were seated in the "Foxes Lair" a tiny private dining room built for two – extremely romantic – or at least it would have been if I'd not been with my sister!

I started with a pork pie and mushroom soup, and followed it up with "The Daily Roast" (Pork Belly that night). My sister had the Welsh Rarebit, followed by some fishy concoction including mussels (by fishy I mean literally seafood..she said it was amazing…I'm not a seafood fan!). We were ridiculously full by this stage but decided to go all out and squeeze in a bit of cheesecake. Equally divine.

After eating way too much we made our way up to our room – which was quite the trek – we were on the top floor, no elevator, so it was a bit of a climb, one that would have been zero fun with a large suitcase, but the room was really lovely.

A cozy bed, warm colours and an amazing roll top, claw foot bath tub (which was just what I needed to relax the our show room event/London Fashion Week and subsequent fashion flu off). The bathroom also featured an amazing copper sink. The whole place was so tastefully done and completely within the historic and traditional aesthetic of the entire space.

It's a beautiful and special place, if you're visiting from overseas – it's a real London experience, and if you're local – it's an amazing escape from the hustle and bustle and a great romantic hideaway – even just for a really good meal, I know I'll be back for seconds next time I'm in town!

For more info on the Fox and Anchor, visit their website.

Kelsi x

Our stay and meal at the Fox and Anchor was complimentary – but the thoughts and subsequent dreams of the place are all my own!