When I told a friend that I was going to stay at London's newest boutique hotel in Bermondsey, their immediate response was: "Bermondsey? Why on earth would you want to stay there?"

Admittedly, I was thinking the same thing, but that turned out to be misperception number one.

The hotel, part of the Bespoke Hotel Group, is actually a convenient place to stay for visiting the main attractions of central London. It's close enough to be a comfortable walk to London Bridge, Borough Market and Southbank, but far enough away not to have to deal with tourist crowds and heavy traffic.

Not only that, the entire area is being regenerated to the tune of £60m. With the recent development of an arthouse cinema, supermarket, boutique shops, apartments and offices as well as it being home to London's largest antiques market every Saturday, Bermondsey Square is on track to becoming the alternative Hoxton Square.

Novotel London St Pancras, NW1

No points for character, but this hotel is handy for the Eurostar and has comfort, attentive staff and splendid food

BACKGROUND

• The Bermondsey Square Hotel, London

• The Fox and Anchor, Smithfield, London, EC1

• Andaz, Liverpool Street, London EC2

• The Zetter, London EC1

• Apex City of London Hotel, EC3

BACKGROUND

• The Fox and Anchor, Smithfield, London EC1

• Threadneedles, City of London, EC2

• The Hoxton, London, EC2

• Sleep Inn, Tower Hill, London E1

Related Internet Links

• More hotels in East London and The City

Externally the building resembles an uninspiring, orange office block, but inside it's chic, stylish and fun — in an upmarket 60s-inspired kind of way. I booked a Friday night stay expecting it to be relatively quiet as the hotel had barely been open a month. That was misperception number two.

When I arrived, the bar area was pulsing. Through large glass windows I could see people draped over black leather sofas and pouffes while others perched on bright red stools around the central bar.

Front reception was just off to the side of this area, which I found slightly strange as there was little privacy for guests checking in. The staff were efficient enough though and I was promptly directed to my room on the top floor.

The hotel has 60 deluxe rooms, 15 slightly larger Club bedrooms and four loft suites.

I stayed in one of the loft rooms, each named after women featured in songs from the 60s. My room was Lucy, I guessed in tribute to Elton John's song Lucy in the Sky With Diamonds. As I stepped inside, the room's long black drapes studded with fake diamantes confirmed it.

With leopard-skinned sofas and bling trimmings, the room teetered on the edge of tackiness but the minimalistic, black and white furnishings throughout the rest of the room, saved it and instead I would describe it as funky, designer chic. There was a huge king-sized bed with a pillow-top mattress that felt like you were sleeping on a cloud. Plush pillows, a desk, hanging space and large dress mirrors completed the ensemble.

The bathroom was large for an inner-city hotel room, with a shower over the bath and double marble sinks. I rate a good shower and this one was fantastic — no running around under the rose to get wet here. Turn it on and the illuminated showerhead, which is the size of two large dinner plates embedded in the ceiling, drenches you from top to toe.

If that wasn't wet enough, when I ventured outside onto the room's wrap-around deck, I discovered a huge eight-seater spa. The only hitch was I had not brought my bathers. With the sun setting over the city, relaxing for a while was too good an opportunity to pass up, so I abandoned outer clothing and hopped in. Luckily, the spa is tucked away on the far corner of the deck, so is far enough away from prying eyes in surrounding office blocks. Well, at least I hope it was.

One disappointment was the minibar, or lack of. Aside from a couple of bottles of water, the fridge was bare. I suppose it provided a reason to head down to the hotel's restaurant, Alfies Kitchen, for a bite.

In effect, Alfie's is a bar, restaurant, wine shop and deli combined. During the day it opens its doors to hungry office workers and serves gourmet sandwiches to those eating on the run. In the evening the restaurant comes alive. The night I was there, tables turned over continuously.

Chef Mark Taylor's mantra is healthy, hearty food for all occasions and most of the ingredients used are sourced from Borough Market. I figure quality comes at a cost so I quickly forgave the ever-so-slightly overpriced menu. The service staff were efficient and jovial.

My meal started with an entree of classic shellfish cocktail — what I guessed was a new take on the old prawn cocktail. It came as a layer of creamed shellfish, topped with creamy prawns and finished with sweet relish. I followed up with lamb cutlets which were perfectly cooked and finished with a divine warm chocolate pudding and vanilla ice cream. Entrees start from £5.50, mains at £13.50 and dessert £6.50.

Breakfast the next morning was well provided for with a decent selection of cereals, pastries, toast and spreads. The hot breakfast menu featured the usual suspects such as the full English, scrambled eggs and porridge.

The hotel prides itself on being able to offer guests, be they corporate or otherwise, anything and everything they might need for their stay in London. It includes three conference rooms and members' bar, small inhouse spa and guests are given discounted access to the nearby Thirty Seven Degrees gym. They even allow dogs to stay at the hotel, on the first floor. I was uncomfortable with this revelation. Not because I dislike dogs, but because I draw the line at eating and sleeping near them.

The hotel is already ranked 52 out of 1,153 in London on TripAdvisor.co.uk . As it is so new, only seven people have reviewed the hotel on the site but "fab and funky", "smart and stylish hotel" and "modern and chic" is how it is predominantly described by patrons. Attracting mainly five-star ratings, two people gave it four, it seems London's newest boutique hotel has found favour with the public.

How much? Prices for a deluxe double start at £125 per night on a bed and breakfast basis, while a loft suite will set you back £227 per night. Check the website for special discount rates.

Best thing: the spa in the loft room from which you overlook the London skyline

Worst thing: minibar, dogs are allowed

Access all areas: the hotel is suitable for wheelchairs

Need to know: The Bermondsey Square Hotel, Tower Bridge Road, Southwark, London, SE1 3UN. Website: bespokehotels.com T: 0870 111 2525 or email.

Food: 7.5 out of 10

Service: 8 out of 10

Room: 8.5 out of 10

Value: 8.5 out of 10

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