I spent the night at a Victorian hotel with its own library within walking distance of the Royal Albert Hall and the V&A.
Located on Queen’s Gate in Kensington, The Gore is a relaxed hotel first built in 1892, featuring a bar, restaurant and even its own library.
The hotel is within walking distance of many local landmarks including the V&A, The Natural History Museum, The Royal Albert Hall and Kensington Palace Gardens.
The hotel was famously known for hosting Judy Garland, with one suite even being named after her, after she donated the headboard she owned to the hotel.
The hotel is also dog friendly, with dog beds and bowls provided, and being located so near to the park it’s a great place for dog owners looking to bring their dog on a visit.
We stayed in one of the Junior Suites, these suites all feature unique designs inspired by their famous one-time occupants.
Our room was the Dame Edith Evans Suite, which featured light blue décor with exotic pillows and an alcove with antique books.
If you like photo opportunities these rooms have them in abundance, with wall panelling and chandelier lighting.
The bathroom was equally impressive, with a set-in bath and complimentary bathrobe and slippers and full-sized Penhaligon’s toiletries to get stuck into.
Rosie my guide dog was also made very welcome and was given her own dog bed to sleep on during our visit.
Downstairs you’ll also find the Bar 190, serving classic cocktails with traditional Victorian décor.
The hotel was also famously used to launch The Beggars Banquet Album by The Rolling Stones in 1968, and currently the bar has collaborated with Catherine West to host an exhibition featuring a collection of photos of the band during their visit to The Gore’s Elizabeth Room, which you can still stay in today.
One of my personal highlights was the hotel's small library, where you’ll find books along with a selection of daily papers and comfy sofas and armchairs.
I don’t think I’ve ever seen a location that resembled a full-sized Victorian dollhouse as much as this room did.
You can even have tea or coffee served in the library, perfect if you want to enjoy a quiet hour in the morning or evening.
On the second day we dined at the 190 Queens Gate Restaurant, that serves a broad range of breakfast options including Eggs Royale, French toast and packages along with continental options all served to you.
This was something I liked about the breakfast, that the food was brought to you rather than having to get food yourself at a buffet.
Continental breakfast is priced at £21 a person or £28 if you want to have cooked options as an extra.
The restaurant also serves a pre-theatre dining menu with two courses priced at £35 a person or £40 for three courses.
The menu is seasonally changing using in-season produce for freshness as well as flavour.
We both tried the Wye Valley Asparagus with cucumber salad, served with a warm and creamy Cornish crab sauce.
This was such a delicious dish with a lovely mix of flavours and went well with a glass of white Devonshire wine that we were recommended to try.
For mains I tried the Roasted John Dory, a boneless fish served with fennel, tomato, basil dressing and bouillabaisse sauce.
With its beautiful interiors, relaxed and laid-back feel and central location, The Gore is definitely a worthy place to visit if you’re looking for an upmarket and luxurious hotel that feels cosy and homely at the same time.
It’s definitely one of Kensington’s hotel gems and well worth a visit for anyone looking to spend a night there.
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