Ideal for a leafy mini break that doesn’t require trekking all the way to Cornwall, The Kingston 1 is a petite property brimming from tip to toe with excellent dining opportunities, tasteful decor and a prime location for adventuring, says Editor Sophie Ritchie
A new hotel located in leafy, suburban Kingston upon Thames, The Kingston 1 is a short seven minute (10 if you’re a poor judge of phone navigation) walk from Kingston train station. Blending into its quaint surroundings, this petite property fits perfectly into its residential backdrop with a chicly simple exterior.
Offering 22 guest rooms and a duo of suites, along with a modern European restaurant and bar named Solo, I can’t wait to discover my home for the night as I step over the threshold and into the sophisticated space.
The Room
After a quick and friendly welcome, the receptionist hands us the key to our suite for the evening – aptly named The Kingston. One quick staircase climb and a narrow hallway lined with doors leads me to the suite, which is large and spacious inside.
It’s instantly comfortable – the living room is furnished with plush sofas, soft carpets and a well-stocked minibar filled with half of Waitrose. Also waiting for us is also a rather large bottle of Moët & Chandon Champagne, sitting pretty in a bucket of ice adjacent to a plate of strawberries and dark chocolate – now that’s what I call a welcome.
Split into a bedroom, bathroom and before mentioned living room space decked out in neutral, calming tones, the suite makes an excellent abode to unwind and relax for a few hours – abetted by a pile of modish magazines and stylish furnishings. Whilst the living room and bedroom are vast, the snug bathroom caters more for guests who like to get up and go rather than spa and ‘ahh’ – there’s no bath, instead a powerful rain shower, fluffy towels and White Company toiletries fill the space.
The Kingston 1’s location makes it ideal for exploring the nearby area – especially as it’s perched just a short walk from the town’s famous riverside. On a gloriously sunny day, don’t miss a stroll along the water – which is teeming with glossy apartments, independent restaurants and of course, fellow explorers. Nearby, there’s also Richmond Park, Bushy Park and Hampton Court Park to explore.
The Food
There’s plenty to get excited about when it comes to modern European cuisine at Solo, The Kingston 1’s stylish restaurant. Visit on a Friday and Saturday for a special Chef’s Menu courtesy of Head Chef Marco Palazzo.
Influenced by contemporary Italian cooking techniques and designed to celebrate fantastic local produce, dishes include the likes of Charred Octopus Tentacle on Sautéed Potatoes with Olive Tapenade and Spinach & Ricotta Cannelloni filled with Purple Basil Pesto. For those visiting on other days of the week, a delectable all-day dining menu features everything from a saintly Green Salad to a diet-breaking Buttermilk Chicken Burger.
The cocktails at Solo, of which there are an eclectic mix, are also fantastic and definitely worth trying. Order a French Martini for something a little off-piste and you won’t regret it – but there’s also a wide range of classics to sample alongside.
Being such a new venue, it feels like a hidden gem due to the lack of fellow diners during my meal – which is sure to change soon once word spreads as both the food and drinks are delectable (and who doesn’t want to have a cocktail picture whilst sitting in a hanging bird cage!).
Breakfast is a comparatively much busier affair, with the chicly-styled room filled to the brim with fellow guests tucking into everything from saintly oats and smoothies to grilled cheese sandwiches and buttermilk pancakes.
The Wordrobe Verdict
Ideal for a leafy staycation that doesn’t require trekking all the way to Cornwall, The Kingston 1 is a petite property brimming from tip to toe with excellent dining opportunities, tasteful decor and a prime location for adventuring. Check-in, chill out and get ready to recline like a King (or queen) for the night with this chicly suburban stay.
Make it happen
How: Solo at The Kingston 1 is open every day from 7.30am to 9pm; Solo Bar is open every day from 7.30am to 11pm. For dinner or hotel reservations, visit kingstonone.com, phone 020 8099 5551 or email booking@kingstonone.com
Where: 88 London Rd, Kingston upon Thames KT2 6PX
Words by Sophie Ritchie
