The Grafton Arms Pub & Rooms

Hotel Description

Honestly, I wasn’t expecting much when I first walked up to The Grafton Arms – it looks like just another London pub from the street, wedged between the usual Fitzrovia mix of office buildings and cafes. But you know what? Sometimes the best places are the ones that don’t shout about it. This little gem sits right on the edge of Camden and Bloomsbury, and I mean literally – you’re a two-minute walk from the British Museum and close enough to hear the buzz of Tottenham Court Road without actually dealing with the chaos.

The rooms upstairs are what really surprised me. They’ve managed to keep that proper pub character (creaky floorboards, original windows that actually open) while making everything feel genuinely comfortable. My room had this lovely view down Grafton Way, and honestly, the morning light streaming in was perfect. The bed was one of those where you sink in just enough without feeling like you’re drowning in foam – which, let’s be real, is harder to find than it should be. What I really appreciated was the attention to small stuff: proper reading lights, enough plug sockets (thank god), and a bathroom that didn’t require contortionist skills to use the shower. The walls are thick enough that you’re not hearing every conversation from the hallway, though you’ll definitely catch some of the evening crowd from downstairs – but it’s more atmospheric than annoying, especially on weekends when there’s often live music.

The pub itself is the real heart of the place, and this is where being local matters. The Grafton Arms pulls in an actual mix of people – academics from UCL wandering over after lectures, media types from the nearby agencies, and enough regulars that you feel like you’re experiencing something authentic rather than just tourist London. The food’s solid British pub fare done properly (their Sunday roast is legitimately good), and the beer selection goes beyond the usual suspects. I spent most evenings just hanging out downstairs instead of venturing out, which says something. The staff genuinely seem to enjoy working there – always a good sign – and they know the neighborhood well enough to give you proper recommendations, not just the obvious tourist spots. If you’re staying during the week, mornings are beautifully quiet, but weekends can get properly lively until around 11 PM. The location means you can walk to most central London attractions, but more importantly, you’re in one of those pockets of the city that still feels like actual London rather than a theme park version of it. Plus, Goodge Street tube is right there when your feet give up on you.

Rooms

• Deluxe Double or Twin Room with 1 large double bed and 2 single beds for 2 adults, 1 child
• Deluxe Double Room with 1 double bed for 2 adults
• Double Room with 1 extra-large double bed for 2 adults

Facilities