There’s something about a day out in South Kensington that, even having lived in London my entire life, still feels like a treat. I can’t think of many better ways to spend a day out in London than weaving through the sculptures at the Victoria and Albert Museum, marvelling at the Natural History Museum’s Hintze Hall, or learning something new at the Science Museum. And just a stone’s throw away, The Ampersand Hotel offers the perfect place to rest weary legs — an elegant, quietly luxurious haven where the buzz of the museums fades and comfort takes over.
The Ampersand, located in the heart of South Kensington, London’s cultural capital, is one of the area’s most loved luxury boutique hotels, offering unmistakable British charm. The hotel recently celebrated its 10th anniversary, but the building’s history dates back to 1880, located in a converted Edwardian townhouse.
Tea With a Twist
We begin our stay at The Ampersand on Sunday afternoon with their ‘Science Afternoon Tea’, which is nothing short of a spectacle. Cleverly tying in with the Science Museum nearby, the tea is interactive and engaging for children and adults alike. We enjoy ours with a glass of champagne, watching as tendrils of steam from the dry ice spill down over the pastries and scones. Served in the elegant Drawing Rooms, this themed tea is a feast for both the eyes and the palate, blending traditional elements with whimsical, science-inspired twists.
The savoury course offers a curated selection of delicate sandwiches and bites, from smoked salmon and avocado blinis to roast beef brioche and chicken with basil and lemon mayo — alongside seasonal vegetarian options. Next come the scones, served warm with classic Devonshire clotted cream and strawberry preserve, accompanied by imaginative extras like freeze-dried raspberry dust, crunchy caramel, and a squeezable tube of tangy lemon curd, adding a playful, experimental edge.
But it’s the sweet treats that truly steal the show: intricate pastries and confections that evoke a miniature laboratory of flavour and form. Guests can expect to encounter “planet” mousse domes, chocolate “spacemen,” vibrant blueberry and yuzu macarons, and petri dish jellies — all served with theatrical touches such as swirling dry ice mist that brings a sense of wonder to the experience. Even the chocolate “fossils” hidden beneath edible “soil” invite discovery and delight.
Suite Dreams
Well-fed (and entertained!) we return to our room at The Ampersand, the Deluxe Studio, which features high ceilings, a luxurious velvet headboard on the king-sized bed, and a bath complete with Malin and Goetz toiletries. Each bedroom is designed with one of five pillars of science in mind; ours inspired by botany with elegant floral wallpaper and bursts of colour in the soft furnishings. Room service is available 24 hours a day and, after a short walk around the boutiques of South Kensington to create space for dinner, we enjoy one of life’s best luxuries — a glass of champagne in a king-sized hotel bed, linens fresh and crisp.
Apero’s Refined Take on Mediterranean Cuisine
Nestled beneath the Victorian cellar arches of The Ampersand, Apero offers another captivating dining experience within the hotel, that seamlessly blends Mediterranean flavors with London chic in a menu that balances well-executed classics with experimental sharing plates. The restaurant’s intimate setting, characterised by softly lit interiors, cool white metro tiles, and exposed brick walls, creates an inviting atmosphere for guests.
The culinary journey at Apero is marked by a menu inspired by the Mediterranean’s finest ingredients and enduring flavors. Guests can indulge in a variety of dishes; we enjoy their burrata, which is perfectly creamy, fresh, and indulgent, alongside their homemade focaccia, still warm from the oven. For our mains, we opt for pasta with their tomato sauce which is rich and flavourful; an example of a simple dish done right with quality ingredients.
Complementing the exquisite cuisine is Apero’s well-curated wine list, featuring selections that pair harmoniously with the dishes, enhancing the overall dining experience. The attentive staff, with their genuine passion for the offerings, ensure that we are well-cared-for throughout our meal.
The Luxury of Unwinding
It would have been a wasted opportunity not to end the night soaking in a bubble bath, complete with an Ampersand-branded rubber duck for a touch of playful charm, before slipping into my pyjamas and retreating to the sumptuously soft bed, made for sinking into and forgetting the day.
For those who delight in uncovering hidden jewels in London’s hotel scene — much like the curated picks in House of Coco’s London Hotels Under the Radar — The Ampersand stands proudly among those off‑beat, quietly sophisticated escapes worth seeking out.
Staying at The Ampersand is more than just a night away — it’s a seamless extension of the South Kensington experience itself. After a day immersed in world-class museums and vibrant culture, the hotel is a retreat, offering both refuge and indulgence in equal measure. Whether it’s the inventive nods to science woven throughout the décor, the playful elegance of the afternoon tea, or the soulful flavours of Apero’s Mediterranean menu, every detail is well executed. In a city that never sleeps, The Ampersand reminds you that sometimes, the greatest luxury lies in simply resting well — and waking refreshed, ready to explore all that London has to offer once again.
