Set beyond a fairly unassuming entrance — save for a red carpet lining the stone steps — Bertrand’s Townhouse is a newly opened hotel in London’s Bloomsbury neighborhood. Tucked down a street just off from the pretty Bloomsbury Square, the hotel is named for Bertrand Russell, the renowned British philosopher and writer.
He was part of the Bloomsbury Set (sort of — he was considered to be more on the periphery), a network of British writers, artists, and intellectuals. Think of the set as the early 20th-century’s answer to an influencer, except a lot more, well, influential.
Russell, or Bertie as he was known to his nearest and dearest, is considered the founder of analytic philosophy — he was first introduced to Euclidean geometry at the ripe old age of 11 and made an enduring impact on logic, mathematics, and philosophy. He lived in the area from 1911-1916 and was closely connected with the Bloomsbury Set during this time. Go for a brisk walk around the block from the hotel to see the English Heritage Blue Plaque on his home at 34 Russell Chambers, Bury Place.
Blending in with its neighbors, the hotel is housed in three restored Georgian townhouses and the decor is decidedly British. There are heritage details throughout, like original cornicing and select artworks (lots of typical country British style — think dogs and hunting scenes), decorative fireplaces, and bespoke marble features.
This is a small hotel which leans into history and character over amenities — so there’s no gym, no spa, and just the one place to eat and drink. But what it lacks in lavish amenities it makes up for with eccentric charm.
©Bertrand’s Townhouse
Stay
There are just 43 rooms (or ‘quarters,’ as the hotel calls them), the largest of which is the Philosopher’s Quarters — granted, it’s not as gargantuan as some of the mega suites you can find in the capital but still a fairly respectable 355 sq ft. There’s a striking Japanese-style wooden wardrobe, a huge bed with a small seating area at the foot of it, a decent sized writing desk, a small ‘mini bar’ with a Smeg fridge, and a Nespresso coffee machine.
The most pivotal feature is the free-standing claw-foot bath tub — framed by large windows (draw the gauze curtains to make sure the opposite residential buildings don’t get an eyeful), the tub sits adjacent to the bed. The bathroom is all white marble with heated floors and a generous shower. All products are Diptyque. It’s remarkably quiet for a central London hotel — I’m a frustratingly light sleeper and didn’t hear a sound all night.
Dine
There is no signature restaurant here, rather dining takes place in Ottie’s Salon. Named for Lady Ottoline Morrell who was known as a sort of matchmaking catalyst for the Bloomsbury Set, connecting people (such as Virgina Woolf and Aldos Huxley) who might not have crossed paths otherwise. Her romantic relationship with Russell influenced his thinking on love, ethics, and personal freedom.
The menus take excerpts of her diary entries about Russell, noting that he has no logical reason for disliking a tea strainer, and he forgets what he’s eaten soon after he’s eaten it, and how, on return from Russia, he remarked: “Man does not live on bread alone.” It has a speakeasy lounge vibe, with a central bar, roaring fireplace, velvet chairs in hidden nooks, gilded ornate mirrors, and peacock lamps. The end result is posh yet bohemian.
Breakfast has all the typical offerings along with some more decadent — truffle scramble eggs on toasted brioche, or lighter options like courgette pancakes. Come evening there are small plates such as whiskey-glazed short rib croquettes, seared Atlantic scallops, and wild mushroom ravioli.
Adjacent to the bar is a selection of cigars (Russell once remarked that smoking had saved his life…) and outside is the Cigar Garden. The outdoor terrace, while pretty quiet and sad when I visited in deepest darkest December, has potential for fun garden parties come summer and I’m told there’s plans to add in an outside bar.
Explore
The hotel’s location is away from the busier touristy areas but is still within walking distance to Russell Square and The British Museum. The Bloomsbury Bookshops and Cafes, a historic literary neighborhood full of independent shops, are also within walking distance and a lovely way to spend an afternoon.
