This is the second in a short series about my travels to London, England. When planning this trip I searched for London hotel reviews and found surprisingly few first-hand accounts. I hope this detailed review of The Bull and The Hide in the City of London helps others who are deciding where to stay.
THE HOTEL: The Bull and The Hide
- Location: The City of London — the financial heart of the city and within easy walking distance of Liverpool Street Station. The Bull and The Hide offers seven individually styled boutique rooms tucked above a traditional pub. The entrance sits between Bishopsgate and Devonshire Square; note that Devonshire Row is a narrow pedestrian alley, so being dropped off in Devonshire Square and wheeling luggage down the alley is the most convenient approach. The hotel is roughly a 37-minute drive from Heathrow. If you need airport transfer service, consider booking a professional chauffeur or a licensed London taxi rather than rideshare apps; I had two poor experiences with Uber drivers who struggled with local street patterns, while black cabs and local drivers were consistently knowledgeable and efficient.
From the street you first encounter the lively pub, The Bull, and it can be a little surprising to learn the hotel rooms are above. We walked into the pub to check in and the bartender, Frasier, kindly led us through a tucked-away side door and upstairs. There is no elevator, but the staff carried our luggage and made the stair climb effortless.
At the bar I spotted tempting house-made snacks — sausage rolls, crispy chicken skins and other bar treats — which set the tone for a cozy, well-curated food and drink experience.
Upstairs the rooms felt far more luxurious than the modest exterior suggested. I stayed in the Hush Heath Suite and found it crisp, comfortable and thoughtfully appointed. The bed was exceptionally comfortable with a duck feather duvet and goose-feather pillows. Small touches throughout the suite created a welcoming, home-like feel.
A compact writing desk provided a convenient workspace with reliable Wi-Fi. When our initial connection failed, staff promptly issued an alternative login that worked without fuss.
One charming detail was a simple, creative closet: a branch suspended from the ceiling with hangers — both practical and decorative.
The bathroom felt indulgent with heated floors, a heated towel rack, a rain shower head and a blow dryer. I took a long bubble bath in the deep tub and appreciated the quality of the fixtures and toiletries.
A short hallway from the bedroom led to a separate sitting room, a thoughtful layout for anyone traveling with a companion. The sitting room included a pull-out sofa bed, making the suite family-friendly for guests with children.
Just beyond the sitting room was a small balcony where we enjoyed a glass of wine. The owners also operate a winery in Kent, Hush Heath Estate, and the hotel welcomed us with a taste of their wines — an inviting, personal touch.
From the balcony we could see 30 St. Mary Axe, the distinctive contemporary skyscraper commonly known as “The Gherkin.” The view added a touch of modern London to the otherwise classic, intimate setting of the hotel.
Outside the rooms guests have 24/7 access to The Guest Pantry, stocked with water, juices, milk, soft drinks, beer and an assortment of snacks and sweets. Those caramel wafer cookies in the jar were especially good — I regretted not bringing some home.
Above the pub is a 36-seat restaurant and private dining room called The Hide. We dined here the first night and enjoyed contemporary English dishes with European influences. Highlights included a fresh avocado and palm hearts salad with mango and passion fruit dressing, an Angus filet with Stilton sauce, and a rich chocolate dessert with crème fraîche and flaked almonds. The kitchen emphasizes local, homemade ingredients and the wine list was well curated.
The next morning we used the pantry to make espresso and then had breakfast in the pub among local professionals — the full English-style offerings were satisfying and freshly prepared with locally sourced products.
Before our noon check-out we took a short walk to explore the neighborhood. London Bridge is a short taxi ride away, but we chose to climb the Monument tower — 331 steps to a panoramic view of the city. The Monument commemorates the Great Fire of London and offers an engaging bit of local history. Nearby shops in this area tend to be more reasonably priced than the high-end districts, making it a pleasant place to browse.
On our way out we noticed a playful sign near the reception that reflects the warm, relaxed attitude of the staff — a good reminder of the friendly, personal service that defines this property.
MY FINAL THOUGHTS:
I strongly recommend The Bull and The Hide for travelers seeking a non-traditional, boutique lodging experience in London. The combination of a lively pub, an intimate restaurant, and comfortable, well-appointed rooms creates a memorable stay that feels both authentic and special. The hotel isn’t in the heart of classic tourist hubs, which I found refreshing, but it’s a short cab or Tube ride from most attractions. Service from manager James and the team was attentive and personal, ensuring our stay was enjoyable. The pub and restaurant can also be booked for private events, which adds versatility for special occasions.
THE BULL AND THE HIDE, 4 DEVONSHIRE ROW, BISHOPSGATE, LONDON EC2M 4RH
https://www.thebullandthehide.com/
Let me know if you give it a try — I’d love to hear about your stay.
Disclosure: The Bull and The Hide provided a complimentary one-night stay with breakfast and dinner so I could experience and report on the hotel. RecipeGirl.com maintains editorial control of its content; all impressions, opinions and recommendations are my own.