Home to home with Great Scotland Yard Hotel
I still remember the feeling when I stepped out of the car at Great Scotland Yard. London was glowing in that soft, golden light it sometimes gives you — fleeting, romantic, unpredictable. My stay wasn’t just at a hotel, but in The Townhouse — a secret corner of the Great Scotland Yard Hotel that feels like your own private London home.
The townhouse has its own discreet entrance — you could almost walk past without knowing what lies inside. Funnily enough, I’d walked past it so many times and never noticed. I wondered if the tourists taking photos outside could imagine what was hidden just beyond those doors. And once you step in, the noise of Westminster fades away. Across five beautifully designed floors, there are two ensuite bedrooms, two cosy private living rooms, a writing room, a game room and even a fully equipped kitchen, all dressed in rich textures and soft tones with the added touch of motion-activatedlighting. It’s the kind of space that immediately makes you exhale. A bouquet of fresh flowers and a bottle of champagne were waiting for me on arrival, a quiet gesture that made me feel instantly welcomed.
The Great Scotland Yard Hotel is more than just a place to stay — it’s a building layered with history and a touch of playful charm. Once occupied by Margaret, Queen of Scots, and home to the original headquarters of the Metropolitan Police in 1829, and later part of the Ministry of Defence, its story runs deep in London’s fabric. Everywhere you look, the design nods to its past: hidden doors, delicate emblems etched into glass and metal, and rooms named after detectives who once defined the era. Even one of the hotel’s bars, The 40 Elephants, takes inspiration from a real 19th-century female gang of thieves — bold, unapologetic, and legendary. The townhouse itself sits within what was once the Georgian-fronted original building, now reimagined as a private residence where you can live out your own quiet London chapter. It’s this blend of history, intrigue, and modern comfort that gives the hotel its heartbeat — a soul that feels both timeless and alive.
That evening, I dined at Ekstedt at The Yard, the hotel’s restaurant led by Michelin-starred Swedish chef Niklas Ekstedt— a name synonymous with fire, flavour, and a touch of Nordic theatre. The team invited us to witness their cooking ritual: an open flame, cast iron, and smoke curling through the air. We began with the flambadou oyster — though for me, the chef prepared a flambadou mushroom instead, its smoky butter richness impossible to forget. Then came birch fire trout, followed by hay-smoked duck — each course poetic and primal in equal measure. We ended with a cep mushroom soufflé, earthy and elegant, paired with the kind of wine that lingers on your tongue long after the glass is empty.
At one point, the team brought us freshly baked sourdough straight from the open fire, the crust crackling, the air filled with that comforting scent of smoke and warmth. It was one of those small, perfect moments you don’t plan but remember most.
The next morning unfolded quietly with breakfast at The Yard — the kind of slow, gentle start that sets the tone for the day. The table was filled with choices: buttery pastries still warm from the oven, a perfectly made traditional English breakfast, and a range of lighter, healthier options. There’s something grounding about mornings like that, when time seems to slow and you catch yourself simply enjoying being there. And for those rushing off to explore the city, the team thoughtfully prepares breakfast to go — another sign of how effortlessly they think of everything.
Before leaving, we had lunch at The Parlour, a charming space where time seems to stretch a little. If you go, order the beef fillet or the black leg chicken stew — both are comforting, deeply flavoured, and beautifully presented. And before you return to your room, step into the hotel’s hidden bar for a final drink — it feels like discovering a secret meant just for you.
The townhouse is more than just an extension of the hotel; it’s a sanctuary of privacy and peace without ever feeling detached. You can move between the bustle of the hotel and the intimacy of your own residence in seconds. Located in the heart of Westminster, it’s the kind of place that makes you fall in love with London all over again — a blend of history, sophistication, and the quiet luxury of feeling completely at home.
When I left, I lingered at the door for a moment, not quite ready to say goodbye. Some hotels impress you, but others stay with you. The townhouse at Great Scotland Yard is very much the latter.
