Kettner's

Kettner's, a Michelin Key Selected property in London, offers a blend of historical charm and contemporary luxury, establishing itself as a sophisticated retreat in the vibrant heart of Soho.

1. Overall Rating & Sentiment

Kettner's generally receives highly positive feedback, often described as a chic and iconic Soho destination. Time Out, for example, gives it a 5 out of 5-star rating. Guests frequently laud its "old-school glamour" and enchanting atmosphere, making it a favored spot for a romantic or special occasion.

2. Key Highlights

Guests consistently praise Kettner's for its prime location, elegant design, and rich historical atmosphere. The hotel, part of the Soho House group, retains much of its antique character and historical details, setting it apart from typical Soho House properties. Its champagne bar, with a horseshoe-shaped marble counter, original sugar-cube mosaic floor, and intricate stuccos, is particularly highlighted for its "Twenties decadence" and convivial atmosphere. The service is also frequently cited as a highlight.

3. Room Quality

Kettner's offers 33 bedrooms, ranging from "Tiny" to "Big" and a Jacobean Suite, each featuring original Georgian details alongside Art Deco influences and the eclectic Soho House style. Rooms are designed with vintage-inspired interiors, including William Morris-print wallpapers and antique furnishings. Comfort is a recurring theme, with mentions of "nicely decorated and very comfortable" rooms. Amenities include flatscreen TVs with Apple TV, Bluetooth Marshall speakers, Roberts radios, well-stocked minibars with pre-mixed cocktails, coffee makers with Grind capsules, tea kits, homemade biscuits, hair straighteners, bathrobes, and full-size Cowshed and Soho Skin products. Some rooms boast luxurious freestanding or roll-top baths, while accessible rooms feature spacious wet-rooms.

4. Dining Experience

The dining experience at Kettner's is a significant draw, honoring its legacy as London's first French restaurant, opened in 1867. The restaurant serves classic French bistro fare, with dishes like Terrine de Campagne, Poulet aux Morilles, and Côte de Boeuf taking center stage. Reviewers note "unrepentant French cookery," where butter is plentiful, and praise dishes such as beef bourguignon, cheese soufflés, and steak frites. Portion sizes are often described as generous. A three-course set menu is available, offering good value for the quality. Breakfast is served until noon on weekdays and 1pm on Sundays, with an all-day menu available until late. The Champagne bar and a piano bar further enhance the opulent dining atmosphere.

5. Service & Staff

The service at Kettner's consistently receives high marks, with staff described as "delightful" and exhibiting a "politeness as polished as the parquet". Guests appreciate the attentive and gracious hospitality, contributing to the overall charming and glamorous feel of the hotel.

6. Location & Accessibility

Kettner's boasts an unbeatable location "smack in the middle of Soho", just off the iconic Old Compton Street. This puts guests at the "beating heart of Soho," with immediate access to a plethora of bars, restaurants, and shops. The hotel is conveniently located a short walk from both Tottenham Court Road and Leicester Square tube stations, offering excellent transport links to explore the rest of London. While the vibrant nightlife of Soho can lead to some noise, the hotel thoughtfully provides earplugs in rooms.

7. Value & Pricing

As a luxury property in a prime central London location, Kettner's falls into a higher price bracket. Saturday night rates can range from approximately £335 to £850, depending on the room type and time of year. Soho House members and Soho Friends can access discounted rates. Despite the premium pricing, many guests consider the experience to be of excellent value given the quality of food, service, and unique ambiance. The restaurant also offers a relatively reasonable three-course set menu for £29, making the dining experience accessible.

8. Common Complaints

While generally highly rated, a couple of minor points have been noted by guests. The lively Soho location means that it can be noisy at night, though the hotel mitigates this by providing earplugs. One reviewer also mentioned that the art nouveau lamps in their room were "a touch too soft to work under". Historically, there were some concerns when Soho House initially restricted entry to members only, but Kettner's thankfully reopened its dining room and hotel to the public in 2023, reinstating its classic French bistro fare in 2024.

Sources

1. timeout.com
2. mrandmrssmith.com
3. mrandmrssmith.com
4. hardens.com
5. tablethotels.com
6. michelin.com
7. squaremeal.co.uk
8. sohohouse.com
9. timeout.com
10. mostlyfood.co.uk