THE ROOKERY
Glowing Georgian hideout next to London’s Square Mile.
HIDDEN AMID A WARREN of tiny streets that was once home to London’s notorious rogues and roués (it takes its name from a gang of thieves who once ruled this area) The Rookery stands just a stone’s throw from The Square Mile, London’s financial epicentre.
This row of beautifully restored Georgian houses at the end of a narrow Dickensian lane feels rather like a throwback to storybook London. The 18th century meets the 21st with a ravishing splash of theatrical Gothic as you step inside.
The atmospheric Rookery echoes with Clerkenwell’s colourful history, and interiors in this enticing boutique hotel are brimming with period charm. Mellow wood panelling, flagstone floors, oil paintings, antiques and cosy open fires in winter lend an at-home warmth that makes it feel more like a private club than a hotel. The owners have filled the place with some of their own quirky artworks and antiques, and it all works a treat.
Hit the spot
In the midst of buzzy Clerkenwell, close to London’s Square Mile.
Pillow Talk
Bed down in a Deluxe room for the full Rookery charm: a huge period four-poster, silken drapes and a decadent clawfoot bath for two.
Be savvy
Request a room at the back for the soundest sleep – Clerkenwell is big on nightlife.
Be smitten
Lovers' hideout in the City.
Witty touches
Bedrooms – all different – have a cosily romantic vibe and are named after some of the people who have lived here during the last 250 years. Expect antique beds with ornate carved wooden headboards, crisp linen sheets, beamed ceilings and windows adorned with silken drapes.
Bathrooms come with big Victorian roll-top baths, generous bath-shower combos or walk-in showers, with plenty of fluffy towels and Aveda toiletries. Technics include free wi-fi and flatscreen TVs.
The Rookery’s luxurious Deluxe rooms go one better, with four-poster beds and a sitting area. Then there’s the Rook’s Nest. This swishy duplex suite at the top has what’s probably London’s most lavish bed – a huge affair flanked by a quartet of dusky, lamp-bearing gilded cherubs. You’ll also find an original Edwardian bathing machine, and rooftop views to St Paul’s cathedral from the top floor attic lounge.
Downstairs, there’s a well stocked honesty bar in The Rookery’s cosy lounge, and a pocket-sized garden filled with urns of flowers – ideal for a glass of bubbly before heading out. Witty decorative touches around the place include a trompe l’oeil painting of a young milkmaid peeking naughtily around a half-open door, and the fresco of smocked peasants – sly portraits of the owners – leading cows to market.
You’re in the happening heart of Clerkenwell here, so request a room at the back to ensure the soundest slumbers. This fascinating quarter of London simply hums with history, and if you’ve done the West End, this is the place to soak up a new and fascinating slice of London away from the big tourist crowds. Cosseting staff will help ensure you love your stay.
The Rookery was reviewed for Room for Romance by Mark MacGee
HIDDEN AMID A WARREN of tiny streets that was once home to London’s notorious rogues and roués (it takes its name from a gang of thieves who once ruled this area) The Rookery stands just a stone’s throw from The Square Mile, London’s financial epicentre.
This row of beautifully restored Georgian houses at the end of a narrow Dickensian lane feels rather like a throwback to storybook London. The 18th century meets the 21st with a ravishing splash of theatrical Gothic as you step inside.
The atmospheric Rookery echoes with Clerkenwell’s colourful history, and interiors in this enticing boutique hotel are brimming with period charm. Mellow wood panelling, flagstone floors, oil paintings, antiques and cosy open fires in winter lend an at-home warmth that makes it feel more like a private club than a hotel. The owners have filled the place with some of their own quirky artworks and antiques, and it all works a treat.
Hit the spot
In the midst of buzzy Clerkenwell, close to London’s Square Mile.
Pillow Talk
Bed down in a Deluxe room for the full Rookery charm: a huge period four-poster, silken drapes and a decadent clawfoot bath for two.
Be savvy
Request a room at the back for the soundest sleep – Clerkenwell is big on nightlife.
Be smitten
Lovers' hideout in the City.
Witty touches
Bedrooms – all different – have a cosily romantic vibe and are named after some of the people who have lived here during the last 250 years. Expect antique beds with ornate carved wooden headboards, crisp linen sheets, beamed ceilings and windows adorned with silken drapes.
Bathrooms come with big Victorian roll-top baths, generous bath-shower combos or walk-in showers, with plenty of fluffy towels and Aveda toiletries. Technics include free wi-fi and flatscreen TVs.
The Rookery’s luxurious Deluxe rooms go one better, with four-poster beds and a sitting area. Then there’s the Rook’s Nest. This swishy duplex suite at the top has what’s probably London’s most lavish bed – a huge affair flanked by a quartet of dusky, lamp-bearing gilded cherubs. You’ll also find an original Edwardian bathing machine, and rooftop views to St Paul’s cathedral from the top floor attic lounge.
Downstairs, there’s a well stocked honesty bar in The Rookery’s cosy lounge, and a pocket-sized garden filled with urns of flowers – ideal for a glass of bubbly before heading out. Witty decorative touches around the place include a trompe l’oeil painting of a young milkmaid peeking naughtily around a half-open door, and the fresco of smocked peasants – sly portraits of the owners – leading cows to market.
You’re in the happening heart of Clerkenwell here, so request a room at the back to ensure the soundest slumbers. This fascinating quarter of London simply hums with history, and if you’ve done the West End, this is the place to soak up a new and fascinating slice of London away from the big tourist crowds. Cosseting staff will help ensure you love your stay.
The Rookery was reviewed for Room for Romance by Mark MacGee
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Dining in
There’s no restaurant, and continental breakfast (an optional extra) is delivered to your room.
Breakfast
Continental breakfast (charged) is served in your room until 10.30am.
Room service
Available 24 hours a day.
Where?
The Rookery
What’s cooking?
Continental breakfast only – with a wealth of restaurants in the neighbourhood.
Top table?
Under the duvet – breakfast is brought to your room.
See & Do
This part of London is heaving with historic interest and things to do.
From here you can walk to a galaxy of attractions in and around the City of London: the Millennium Bridge and Tate Modern gallery, Tower Bridge, Shakespeare’s Globe theatre, St Paul’s Cathedral and the Museum of London.
You’re also within easy reach of the Sir John Soames museum in Lincoln’s Inn, the Dickens museum in Bloomsbury, the Old Bailey and the Inns of Court. It’s easy to get to Docklands, and the West End is just a cab ride away.
Diary Dates
June-July
Assorted arts events – both free and ticketed – take to both stage and streets for the City of London festival.
November
The Lord Mayor’s procession winds through 800 years of London history, followed by fireworks on the Thames.
Various months
The Motor Show and the Boat Show are just two of the blockbusters staged at the ExCel centre in Docklands.
There’s no restaurant, and continental breakfast (an optional extra) is delivered to your room.
Breakfast
Continental breakfast (charged) is served in your room until 10.30am.
Room service
Available 24 hours a day.
Where?
The Rookery
What’s cooking?
Continental breakfast only – with a wealth of restaurants in the neighbourhood.
Top table?
Under the duvet – breakfast is brought to your room.
See & Do
This part of London is heaving with historic interest and things to do.
From here you can walk to a galaxy of attractions in and around the City of London: the Millennium Bridge and Tate Modern gallery, Tower Bridge, Shakespeare’s Globe theatre, St Paul’s Cathedral and the Museum of London.
You’re also within easy reach of the Sir John Soames museum in Lincoln’s Inn, the Dickens museum in Bloomsbury, the Old Bailey and the Inns of Court. It’s easy to get to Docklands, and the West End is just a cab ride away.
Diary Dates
June-July
Assorted arts events – both free and ticketed – take to both stage and streets for the City of London festival.
November
The Lord Mayor’s procession winds through 800 years of London history, followed by fireworks on the Thames.
Various months
The Motor Show and the Boat Show are just two of the blockbusters staged at the ExCel centre in Docklands.
GETTING THERE
Location
Peter’s Lane, Cowcross Street, London EC1M 6DS
Parking
Parking around here is expensive (available nearby for GBP 1 per hour), but you won’t need a car.
Trains
Mainline: King’s Cross Liverpool Street
Underground: Farringdon (100 yards) on the District/Circle lines.
Taxis
Approx GBP 55 from Heathrow.
Airport
London Heathrow – 18 miles
Rooms and suites
30 rooms, 3 suites
Special features
Rooms come with antiques and ornately carved beds, while bathrooms have original Victorian fittings. You’ll find Aveda bathroom smellies, wi-fi, air con, LCD television, minibar and safe.
Also…
Deluxe rooms have huge four-posters, sofas, silken drapes and DVD players. Many have clawfoot baths and shower heads the size of dinner plates.
ESSENTIAL INFO
Rates guide
GBP 210 – 595 + VAT
Open/closed
Open all year
Check-in
3pm
Check-out
12 noon
Minimum night stay?
No
Children
Welcome. Children under 12 can stay free of charge in their parents’ room.
Pets
Guide dogs only.
Air conditioning
Yes – all rooms.
Wedding license?
No
Location
Peter’s Lane, Cowcross Street, London EC1M 6DS
Parking
Parking around here is expensive (available nearby for GBP 1 per hour), but you won’t need a car.
Trains
Mainline: King’s Cross Liverpool Street
Underground: Farringdon (100 yards) on the District/Circle lines.
Taxis
Approx GBP 55 from Heathrow.
Airport
London Heathrow – 18 miles
Rooms and suites
30 rooms, 3 suites
Special features
Rooms come with antiques and ornately carved beds, while bathrooms have original Victorian fittings. You’ll find Aveda bathroom smellies, wi-fi, air con, LCD television, minibar and safe.
Also…
Deluxe rooms have huge four-posters, sofas, silken drapes and DVD players. Many have clawfoot baths and shower heads the size of dinner plates.
ESSENTIAL INFO
Rates guide
GBP 210 – 595 + VAT
Open/closed
Open all year
Check-in
3pm
Check-out
12 noon
Minimum night stay?
No
Children
Welcome. Children under 12 can stay free of charge in their parents’ room.
Pets
Guide dogs only.
Air conditioning
Yes – all rooms.
Wedding license?
No
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The Rookery
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