The UK’s first vegan suite at the Hilton London Bankside: a stylish stay with a clear conscience
The Evening Standard's journalism is supported by our readers. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.
Imagine a holiday rid of all the niggly questions that are so painfully familiar to us vegans: do you have dairy-free milk? Any feather-free pillows? Is there anything I can eat on the breakfast menu? That’s exactly what’s on offer from the Hilton London Bankside’s brand-new vegan suite. In a UK first, the city hotel has launched a luxurious suite to make any vegan, or eco-friendly traveller, totally at home. Complete with bedding free of all animal products, a plant-based room service menu and toiletries without any animal testing, the team behind this new vegan treat have thought of every detail.
Where?
The hotel is situated just south of the river, right next to the Tate Modern. Just moments from the Thames, and Shakespeare’s Globe theatre, it’s perfectly located to explore both central London and all of the best of the south. It’s also just a 10-minute walk from all of the delights of Borough Market.
Style
Situated so close to the Tate Modern, the Hilton Bankside is design-led with heavy influences from London’s art world. Entering the vast lobby, guests are greeted with a sense of sheer luxury, with champagne served during check-in providing a great opportunity to enjoy the multiple sculptures and artworks. The hotel is also influenced by its urban neighbours - London foxes - which feature throughout the hotel and are even hidden in more than 30 spots for younger guests to spot on a treasure hunt.
The room
The vegan suite oozes luxury, while maintaining a clear conscience for any vegan travellers. Entirely refurbished, the suite features a cosy living area, extremely spacious bedroom, and two bathrooms. Decorated with a botanical theme, the suite feels more like a boutique hotel than a classic Hilton, with exquisite attention to detail. Quite literally from the moment you step foot on to the suite’s sustainably sourced bamboo tiles and organic cotton carpets, every material has been carefully selected.
From the specially designed, plant-based check-in desk, right through to the sofa cushions and headboard, Piñatex - a vegan-friendly leather made of pineapple - features heavily. The pineapple theme is continued throughout the experience from the curated artwork, to the pineapple-embroidered, vegan suite robes.
And at no point does any of this sacrifice quality. When getting ready for bed, guests are able to choose from a fully vegan menu of pillow options. These include those made of buckwheat, an orthopaedic memory foam made of shredded bamboo, or an anti-allergy foam to replace feather down. Bathroom toiletries are also replaced with vegan-friendly PRIJA products, and all cleaning products have been given an eco-friendly makeover, providing ultimate comfort with complete peace of mind.
Food and drink
From within the comfort of the vegan suite itself, to either of the Bankside’s two restaurants, there are a host of delicious plant-based food and drink options available. While spending time in the room, the mini-bar has had a complete vegan overhaul, featuring natural soft drinks, fruit crisps and delicious dark chocolate. The room-service menu too is packed with choice, ranging from a selection of vegan drinks including hot beverages and alcohol, to in-room lunch and dinners spanning cauliflower steak to five-bean dhal. One of the greatest treats, however, is the expansive vegan breakfast menu available to be ordered right to your plant-based bed. We enjoyed a full selection, including a cooked breakfast, granola, fresh fruit, yoghurt and muffins.
If you can tear yourself away from the comfort of the suite, the hotel’s two restaurants also offer a fully vegan, three-course menu. We opted to eat in The Distillery - the Bankside’s elegant destination bar. Complete with cosy booths, warm lighting, and excellent service, it is all too easy to while away an evening here. The food too is of impressive quality, with thoughtful dishes such as a creamy potato gnocchi and an exquisite chocolate and orange cake, making this a genuine vegan dining destination.
Facilities
The Hilton Bankside has all the amenities you could need, including an indoor pool, fitness centre and executive lounge.
Best for...
An indulgent retreat in the heart of London. Enjoy a decadent stay, while keeping your conscience clear.
Details
Vegan suite: £770 bed and breakfast basis for November 2022
