Vast and spacious with room to roam, The Lensbury is a four-star hotel sitting pretty on the banks of the River Thames in Teddington. Offering everything from fitness classes and kayaking sessions to lounging opportunities and tasty club cuisine, Sophie Ritchie shares why you’ll love this elegant escape
With the buzz of a central London hotel but the location of expansive manicured lawns and generous floorspace, The Lensbury feels like quite the hotel hybrid when I first arrive to its bustling reception. Spaciously scenic, this 155-room property has over 100 years of history behind it and retains the essence of old school elegance even in 2021. Featuring neutral colours, gleaming floors and subtle furnishings, interiors reflect this archaic background and offer graceful decor from the lobby to the restaurant and bedrooms.
Originally formed in 1920 as the sports and social club for Shell employees, with activities paused temporarily due to WW2, over the years The Lensbury firmly cemented itself as a staple sporting institution. The hotel still welcomes professional athletes today, with members flocking to its (separately entranced) doors for top-notch club facilities and family-friendly experiences.
The Room
Vast and spacious, opening the door to our Deluxe Twin room on the third floor reveals a space that is likely larger than many Londoners’ entire apartments. With mocha-coloured carpet, patterned with swathes of vines, the elegant decor creates a peaceful and comfortable atmosphere.
Above the bed hangs sunset-inspired artwork and large windows look out across the carefully-kept grounds, where a mixed crowd of families and office folk mingle in the outdoor seating area. A fresh platter of fruit and large bottle of Prosecco also await to be devoured – saintly and sinful, my favourite kind of welcome.
All of The Lensbury’s rooms also come with the benefits of complimentary wifi and parking, as well as hairdryers, flat screen TVs and plenty of tea and coffee facilities. Categories range from a snug Cozy Classic to the impressive Dutch Suite, providing something for every budget and boudoir preference.
The Food & Drink
All meals are served in the downstairs Lounge Restaurant, which serves relaxed cuisine with a friendly atmosphere and excellent customer service. Meals are simple but sumptuous; think plenty of stone-baked pizzas, fish & chips, salads and a refreshingly wide array of vegan choices.
Those with a penchant for healthier dishes will love the Superfood Salad, which is packed with fresh quinoa grains, avocado and tender stem broccoli, topped off with a silky chia seed dressing. It’s fully-booked on the night of our visit and teeming with Teddington diners, but the waiting staff still manage to perfect the art of making each table feel taken care of.
Breakfast is also served in the Lounge, with a wide array of buffet tables brimming with options. As The Lensbury is partly a health club, it’s not surprising to see a station filled with healthy and gluten-free choices – think oats, nuts, seeds, yoghurts and fruit bowls galore. But, for those who like to start the day with a more decadent edge, all of hot classics of fried eggs, bacon and sausages are also waiting to be devoured under shiny silver lids.
What to Do
1 Workup a sweat in The Lensbury’s on-site gym, a new, fully connected space filled with the latest Technogym equipment before treating yourself to a pampering spa treatment.
2 Take on one of over 100 fitness classes in The Lensbury’s holistic, hi-impact and cycling studios. For something more relaxing and calming, we thoroughly recommend breaking into a Downward Dog for the regular candlelit Yin Yoga session.
3 Take to the Thames at The Lensbury Watersports Centre, a hub of H20 activities from sculling boats and kayak hire to canoes and a choice of sailing dinghies. Book tuition from the team or head out on your own – either way, you’re bound to enjoy making a splash.
The Wordrobe Verdict
Vast and spacious with room to roam, The Lensbury is the perfect escape for everyone from families and friends to couples and conference goers. Filled with old school charm and excellent hospitality, it’s no surprise that this Thames-side stay is still welcoming guests after 100 years. If you’re looking for a break from the everyday bustle, swap the city for the carpeted lawns of this elegant hotel and enjoy a spot of traditional tranquility.
Make it happen
Where: Broom Rd, Teddington TW11 9NU
Wallet: Rooms start from £145 for a Classic Double and £225 for a Deluxe Twin / Family Room.
How: Find out more and make a booking via visiting lensbury.com or phoning 020 8614 6400.
Words by Sophie Ritchie
