Hotels are too frequently described as a ‘home away from home’, but what does that really mean? Comfy beds? Chic, homely design? (Or in my case, a row of smelly boys’ football boots and trainers discarded by the door?) But some hotels go beyond the cliché and craft a welcoming atmosphere and liveable flow that you can really picture yourself being content in. I’ve stayed in three Miiro hotels in the last 12 months, and if I did have a lifestyle that required hopping between London, Paris and Barcelona, I’d happily make the group’s city crash-pads my bases.
The group’s newest, Templeton Garden, is in the leafy neighborhood of Earl’s Court in Kensington and Chelsea and as the name suggests, is all about the outdoor space. And what better reason for a city staycation, than to enjoy the sprawling private sun-drenched garden that the home of your dreams should have had?
STAY
The private, landscaped garden with corners for lounging or outdoor working, is the hotel’s show-stopper, but the interiors are quietly beautiful. With design led by James Thurstan Waterworth of Thurstan studio, known for his work for Soho House and several other notable members’ clubs, understated luxury and effortless good taste are the order of the day. These are spaces meant for relaxing in, or working in, calming, earthy tones and luxe finishes. The outside spaces influence the hotel’s interior spaces, reflected in bespoke artworks and a custom illuminated oak branch chandelier in the bar, crafted by Cox London. There is sustainability in mind, with designs incorporating upcycled elements and antique furniture sourced from local craftsmen and women throughout the hotel’s 156 rooms and suites. Room categories range from single all the way to the Templeton Garden Suite featuring private garden access. All have plenty of natural light, large bathrooms and, importantly, peace and quiet. The hotel offers wheelchair access and facilities for disabled guests.
(c) James Mcdonald
EAT & DRINK
Let’s start with a drink at the hotel’s bar Sprout, where cocktails are crafted seasonally based on ingredients found in the hotel’s garden and local suppliers. But one evergreen must-try on the menu is the Marmitini, a thoroughly British concoction mixing a homemade ‘Marmite’ with vodka and Cornish manuka tea. It’s not too bitter and the salty marmite is subtle; this love-it-or-hate-it mix is well worth visiting for. If you’re on the ‘hate it’ side of the fence, the Frigitelli margarita is a delicious seasonal twist on the tequila classic.
The restaurant Pippin’s is similarly seasonally focused, mixing elevated pub and bar favourites like cheese soldiers and fried oysters with hearty British mains like garden vegetable pot and chicken and chips. Must-tries include the spice-shrimp crumpet, a happy accident from the kitchen when a crumpet ended up in the fryer; the result is a delicious British take on prawn toast. Puddings are an all-English affair too, from the tempting Neal’s Yard cheese board to the Templeton trifle. The chocolate mousse should not be overlooked – an absolute feast for chocoholics.
A casual breakfast is available in vintage-inspired café Pip’s, or you can take breakfast in Pippin’s, too. The food and coffee is excellent, but the breakfast prices are a little high if you’re dining a la carte; the £9.50 fruit salad hardly fills a cereal bowl.
(c) James Mcdonald
THE FINAL WORD
Large, open-plan bright spaces for lounging, a garden that’s crying out for a summer party and a marmite martini to impress your +1 with; if I could host at Templeton Garden I’d be a lot more house-proud.
BOOK
Rooms start from £290 for bed and breakfast doubles | 1-15 Templeton Pl, London SW5 9NB | miirohotels.com/templetongarden
Templeton Garden, London hosted Rebecca for a review stay in June 2025.