You know what? I wasn’t expecting much when I first walked into this place – I mean, “penthouse” can be such an overused word these days – but this London Bridge spot actually delivers on the promise. The location is honestly perfect if you want to feel like you’re living in London rather than just visiting it. You’re literally a two-minute walk from Borough Market (get there early on Saturday mornings before the tourist crowds hit), and the views… well, let’s just say you’ll be taking way too many photos of the Thames and probably annoying your friends back home.
The apartment itself feels properly luxurious without being stuffy about it. The finishes are really well done – marble countertops that actually look expensive, not like those fake ones you see in some rentals, and the furniture has that lived-in quality that makes you want to sprawl out with a book. I particularly loved the kitchen setup because you can actually cook a proper meal if you want to skip the restaurants for a night (though honestly, with Champor-Champor just around the corner on Tower Bridge Road, why would you?). The bedroom is spacious enough that you’re not tripping over your suitcase, and the bathroom – okay, this might sound weird – but the shower pressure is absolutely perfect. You know how hotel showers can be disappointing? Not here.
What really sold me on the area, though, is how it hits that sweet spot between central and residential. Sure, you’ll hear some traffic from the main road, but it’s that constant London hum rather than jarring noise, and by night it settles down quite nicely. The walk to London Bridge station is maybe seven minutes if you’re moving at a normal pace, which means you’re connected to basically everywhere without dealing with the chaos of staying right in Zone 1. Plus – and this is something I only figured out after a few days – you’re actually closer to some of the best bits of South London than most tourists ever get. The George Inn is right there for a proper pub experience, and if you fancy a longer walk, you can wander down to Bermondsey Street for some excellent coffee shops and that lovely antique market on Fridays. Honestly, the 8.8 rating makes sense when you factor in both the quality of the space and just how well-positioned you are to experience London like someone who actually lives here.