John's Mews, Holborn

Description

Mount pleasant

Holborn, and next door Clerkenwell are some of the most ancient areas of the city. Here, slick apartment blocks sit alongside churches that somehow survived the Great Fire of London. The residents are just as diverse, trendy advertising executives hurry past aged watchmakers, and the pubs are as likely to serve a diamond cutter as they are a cabbie.

Amidst this fascinating mix sits John’s Mews with it's reassuringly neutral décor and wonderful personal twists. If you want to experience London’s history in contemporary style, this is the way to do it.

Hanging out

Your hosts reside in the Midlands and use John’s Mews as a southern pied-a-terre. He’s a top talent agent, so when they’re not relaxing at home, they’re scouting the London scene for the next big thing…

Wall to wall

Up on the second floor of a decidedly swish block, you’ll find John’s Mews light, quiet and immaculate. The open plan living space features a striking display of framed theatre programmes , and you can admire them from the deep embrace of the L shaped sofa. The kitchen’s resplendent in creamy wood and grey granite, complete with a steam oven, and, in place of a kettle, a tap dispenses your boiling water.

The glass dining table seats five beneath the stern gaze of the horse and his rider, and before retiring, make sure you taste the night air from the balcony. The master bedroom is restful and neutral with a smart en suite, while those in the twin bedroom next door have their own, family bathroom across the hall; both, naturally, filled with our delicious White Company toiletries.

Picture perfect

With its cobbled alleyways and sunny squares, this area is made for walking. Drink beneath the lights that loop across Exmouth Market, sample Michelin starred dishes at Moro and St John, or rise early and watch the butchers descend upon the meat market at Smithfield. For those of a romantic bent, Hatton Garden is where lovers go to choose their engagement rings, or, if you’d rather, enjoy the cockney swagger of Leather Lane market. If you want to get into the West End, hop on a bus or head down the tube; either way, you’ll be there in less than twenty minutes.