When I came back to London after seven weeks in New Zealand, I embarked on a campaign to embrace my beloved city again. I wandered gorgeous mews streets and visited a tucked-away cathedral for breathtaking views over the city. So when Travel Supermarket got in touch, asking if I’d like to test out one of their quirky UK accommodation options, I decided to stick close to home and see a familiar side of London through different eyes. I stayed at the incredible Rookery hotel in Farringdon and had an amazing time wandering the local neighbourhood – and of course testing out a couple of delicious food options!
The Rookery is believed to have been built in 1764 as a collection of houses, and has seen all sorts of occupants, from bakers to bootmakers to soldiers! One of my favourite details was that each room is named after an early resident of the area – mine was Sophie Rood, a young servant girl.
When I stepped inside on a grey and freezing winter’s day, my room was so inviting I nearly canned all plans to venture outside again! I starfished on the enormous and comfortable bed, gazing up out the skylight and felt the relaxation sink into my bones.
But I can’t lie still for long, not when there is a neighbourhood to be explored. I had previously worked near Farringdon and Clerkenwell, so some of the area was familiar, but I took especial delight in wandering around with curious, rather than commuter, eyes. The area lies just outside the official City of London, and from medieval times was a popular area thanks to its position slightly uphill from the river and its many refreshing water springs, including the Clerk’s Well which gives Clerkenwell its name.
So central – that’s Smithfield Market right outside my window!
Slightly ironic name given there’s barely enough room for…
The castle-like structure of St John’s Gate was built in 1504 – amazing! It was originally the entrance to the Priory of St John, before being turned into the offices of the Master of Revels in Queen Elizabeth’s time. Now, it and the buildings around it are home to the British Order of St John, which is the parent of the St John Ambulance Service which do such amazing work around the world.
Great doors
Crossing under the Gate and across the street behind, I caught a glimpse of green. Sticking my head through an arch, I was pleasantly surprised to see the St John Priory Cloister Gardens laid out in front of me. It was a tranquil oasis in this busy area of the city, and although it was too cold to sit and embrace the peace, I’d love to return in spring or summer to test it out then.
But my stomach was calling me onwards, so I headed around the corner to Granger & Co. The fine brunch work of Aussie Bill Granger has been on my radar for some time, and I think these were the best corn fritters I’ve had in London… deeeelicious!
Gary Stranger’s epic four story London Wall
I wandered slowly back to the Rookery, attempting to get a view of the tucked-away Charterhouse (no luck) and spotting street art as I went. Before long the chill became too much and I retreated back to my cosy room. And of course, what could be more British than a spot of tea in gorgeous crockery?!
That night I headed up the road to meet friends at Exmouth Market, home of some great pubs and restaurants. We put our names down (a practice infinitely superior to queuing in the cold!) for Morito and went around the corner to the Exmouth Arms to await our call. Chatting over ciders and people-watching whiled away the time until we could squeeze into the small but perfectly-formed Morito and order a veritable feast of tapas. Everything was delicious and my friend Anna nearly had a meltdown about how good the crispy aubergine with pomegranate molasses was. Mind you, so did I – and I’d happily return just for that!
After an amazing night’s sleep tucked up in my ginormous bed, it was all-too-soon time to leave the oasis of the Rookery and head back across London to home. I loved my staycation experience – another great way to see London through new eyes!
Have you ever taken a staycation in your own city?
My stay at the Rookery was complimentary for the purpose of review but all opinions, ravings etc as always are my own.
