…Covering a Wall and Bathing in Resplendent Lime Green
The B&B at 21 Barclay Road doesn’t do things by half measures. While other London establishments hand out maps in yesteryear’s crumpled paper, Barclay Road uses an entire wall to get the job done. You can follow the S bends in the Thames as it snakes across the city that’s seen the Romans, the Tudors, the Beatles, and soon the Olympics strut their stuff across Europe’s largest capital.
21 Barlcay Road
21 Barclay Road itself, on the other hand, takes a smaller, more personal approach. It’s run by Charlotte, an American who visited many years ago and decided never to leave. Instead of chintzy florals or drab and dowdy grey, 21 Barclay Road impresses with a sleek modern charcoal renovation that makes efficient use of any available space.
21 Barclay Road impresses with a sleek modern charcoal renovation that makes efficient use of any available space
There’s a kitchen in the corridor, a slight throwback to student days were it not for the manicured cupboards and immaculate cleanliness. DIY toast and tea is the name of the game for breakfast, sharing company with the other guests should anyone else be in town.
In fact, a stay here is made for those who love company. The owners frequently invite guests upstairs to join them for drinks and a singsong around the piano and both the staff and owners like to drop in to say hello.
They’re also keen to help out with information. Aside from the map in lime green, rooms carry guides to London walks, an oyster card for guest use (the local – and best way to get around the London Underground) and plenty more besides.
Bathrooms are also thoughtfully equipped – with make-up remover for the girls and, well, see-through shower walls for the boys.
Outside, it’s a two minute walk to Fulham Broadway tube and while you’re not in the rockstar central part of London, you’re still incredibly close by local standards.
21 Barclay Road features in the Sawday’s British Bed & Breakfast collection and suits those who love company, luxury, independence and low maintenance within a stone’s throw of central London.
Disclosure: I received complimentary accommodation at 21 Barclay Road for review purposes through Sawday’s. Doubles from £95/night, singles from £75. Words, pictures, opinion and fondness for marmite remain my own…
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