Xenia, Earls Court

Enjoy a brandy, with a cigar from the humidor, in the compact courtyard herb garden off the cocktail bar at new Kensington independent boutique hotel, Xenia. Renovated in spring 2013, the swish pile is also conveniently located for those stuck in the Cromwell Hospital, but not so wired up to BUPA machines they can't pop out for a martini to swallow their meds with ("totes not recommended" I hear health czars holler). The list is inversely proportionate to the bijou absinthe and truffle-tone lounge itself. Kiwi and lychee martini, elderflower cosmo, lavender margarita and cucumber dream are among various fixes from £8. Butch-er options include a trio of hooch-heavy tiki ideas and a smokin’ Tanqueray and Lagavulin smoky martini. Served from 10 am to 10 pm, bar food includes burgers, various Mediterranean-style salads, charcuterie and cheese platter (£15), fish and chips (£18), Parmesan tomato and aubergine soufflé and sandwiches. There’s a conservatory, a terrace and a wine bar/ restaurant that feels jolly and light - in direct contrast to Alfred Hitchcock’s glowering dark former townhouse home directly opposite. Is that somebody's Mummy I can see through its attic window? 

Xenia Hotel, 160 Cromwell Road SW5 OTL 7442 4242        www.hotelxenia.co.uk

Adapted from my review for www.squaremeal.co.uk