By Jennifer O’Neill

If you are looking for an escape from the hustle and bustle of Central London, but don’t want to embark on an endless road trip, park your car at The Bingham hotel, just a short drive from London and step inside your new home away from home.

In the quaint town of Richmond sits an even more unique hotel experience with unexpected surprises at every turn. The Bingham Hotel, overlooking the River Thames evokes the coziness of a BandB but with the slick bar, restaurant and amenities of the most contemporary of hotels. The property, originally consisting of two Georgian townhouses, were joined together to create 15 Art Deco inspired bedrooms. The most desirable rooms are the River and Superior River Design rooms. I had the luxury of staying in The Super Room and was mesmerized by the idyllic views of the sun reflecting off of the river outside my window. The room itself was beautifully decorated in muted hues of browns and creams with modern touches reflected throughout. The bathroom was beautifully appointed with a whirlpool bath for two and a glass-walled rainforest style shower. A large flat screen TV in the bedroom was thoroughly enjoyed while tucked underneath the crisp white bed linens and flanked by mountains of soft pillows.

As a former residence of two poets, the rooms are each named after the works and poetry of these women who wrote under the pseudonym, ‘Michael Field’. My room, appropriately named ‘The Sweet Briar’, evoked the innocence of a secret romantic getaway of a time gone by and I happily indulged the role.

The service of the Bingham staff was a beautiful balance of prompt, helpful and efficient, yet not pushy or intrusive. There is truly a feeling of being in your own home, and to that end, your privacy is well respected.

Aside from being a spectacular property, the Bingham restaurant is a culinary gem, garnering national press attention. After a stroll along the towpath of the river and a walk through the surrounding town, I was ready to be dazzled by the AA Rosette awarded restaurant. Dish after dish of artistically arranged delicacies, each more mouth watering and breathtaking than the last, both satisfied my appetite, while also visually stunning my senses. The white onion risotto garnished with lardo di colonnata, crisp shallots and parsley oil was heavenly and the lemon sole beautifully arranged with chickpea gnocchi, mussels, buttered green vegetables and lemon dressing did not disappoint. Needless to say dessert was literally the icing on this ever so delicious cake called the Bingham.

Bingham 61-63 Petersham Road, Richmond Upon Thames, Surrey, TW10 6UT +44 (0) 20 8940 0902