High Road House

High Road House, located in the upscale West London district of Chiswick, is a distinctive property known for its unique blend of boutique charm and Soho House style. As a Michelin Key Selected hotel, it is recognized for offering a "very special" guest experience, characterized by excellent architecture, interior design, service, personality, and value.

1. Overall Rating & Sentiment

High Road House boasts an exceptional overall experience, as reflected by a Michelin Guide guest score of 19.7 out of 20. The general sentiment is highly positive, with guests appreciating its cool, low-key atmosphere and "fab service". It is often described as a "very special" place to stay.

2. Key Highlights

Guests consistently praise High Road House for its distinctive design, which features a slightly Deco-influenced take on classic Soho House style, complete with vibrant mosaic floor tiles and contemporary art by living British artists. The hotel cultivates a relaxed and social atmosphere, attracting individuals from the local artistic and creative industries. Amenities like Cowshed bath products are a recurring positive mention. The property also offers ample common lounge space for guests to enjoy. The High Road Brasserie, in particular, is noted for its "fab service" and a "laid-back vibe".

3. Room Quality

The hotel features 14 rooms, categorized as "Tiny" and "Small". While the "Tiny" rooms are considered "comfortable enough," the "Small" rooms are more expansive and include freestanding baths, contributing to a luxurious feel. Rooms are often described as gleaming white spaces with thoughtful splashes of color, such as yellow chairs and green cashmere blankets. Guests can expect comfortable king-size beds, retro radios, large swivel flatscreen TVs, and white leather and chrome armchairs. All rooms come equipped with Cowshed bath products. Michelin rates the room quality highly, at 19.5 out of 20.

4. Dining Experience

The High Road Brasserie, located on the ground floor, is open to both hotel guests and the public, serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner daily. Its interior mirrors the hotel's aesthetic with art-deco touches and banquette seating. The brasserie is particularly popular for its "great" Saturday brunches and "superb" Sunday lunches, which offer a selection of roasts. The menu leans French, offering classic brasserie fare like steak tartare and escargots, alongside European dishes such as chicken Milanese and fish & chips. While some may perceive the menu as "simple," the quality and execution are generally highly regarded. The brasserie also offers a concise cocktail list and an extensive wine selection.

5. Service & Staff

The service at High Road House is a standout feature, earning a perfect score of 20.0 out of 20 from Michelin. Guests frequently describe the staff as "fab" and "friendly". While some older reviews mention instances of "supercilious self-importance" from staff and slow service at breakfast, more recent feedback and the prestigious Michelin Key selection suggest a consistently high standard of hospitality.

6. Location & Accessibility

High Road House is situated in Chiswick, a desirable and increasingly upscale residential area in West London. The location offers a quieter, more low-key experience compared to other Soho House properties, yet provides "easy access to central London". The surrounding neighborhood is characterized by smart gastropubs, retail boutiques, and florists. Public transport is convenient, with Stamford Brook tube station nearby and a bus stop just around the corner at Balfern Grove. Nearby attractions include Chiswick House, approximately 1.5 km away, and Sipsmith Distillery, about 300 meters from the hotel. The brasserie benefits from generous sidewalk seating, popular for al fresco dining.

7. Value & Pricing

Pricing for rooms at High Road House starts from approximately $193.20 (GBP 140.00) per night. The Michelin Key selection itself considers "value for the price" as a significant factor in its assessment, indicating that the hotel provides a notable experience commensurate with its cost. While a 2014 review suggested the brasserie's food could be considered expensive for the quality, it also acknowledged that the offering met popular demand. More recent diner feedback, however, has rated the brasserie's value highly. It's worth noting that non-Soho House members will incur a £100 fee for a 12-month Soho Friends membership when booking a room.

8. Common Complaints

Historically, some guests of the High Road Brasserie have noted "patchy" food quality and occasional slow service, particularly during breakfast. There was one significant older complaint detailing a booking error, poor service, and overcooked food, along with an observation of unprofessional kitchen practices. However, the recent Michelin Key selection suggests these issues may have been addressed, as the rating criteria include "quality and consistency of service" and overall guest experience. The hotel's smaller scale means it does not offer full-scale Soho House amenities like a spa or athletic club.

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