Bowden Court

Never knew there are still places that serve workhouse rate breakfast in the UK. Stayed in this place for a few days, tried breakfast once and decided to cut losses and ignore it on other days. I mean how do you call two slices of toast (you prepare it yourself) a cup of tea/coffee with cold milk, lard/jam and cereal (corn flakes/oatmeal) breakfast? I mean no egg, no sausage, no beans even if you can go luxurious? i did not bother with the dinner but my friend who went said it was corn, a piece of chicken and greens (lettuce or so) and they calim to give breakfast and dinner. Please someone needs to insist on what B&Bs can call a meal for guests.

This place is only suitable for 1 night and you should not bother with any meal!!!

Only thing to reccomend this place is the great location!!!

I was there for only 3 days to visit London. My friend is there looking for jobs. So it was cool. The room as very clean, no spiders or anything like that. The reception is young and friendly. The only thing i didn't like as much was the food...coz i'm Italian. Overall it was a positive experience!!

Call in advance for booking!

I just got back to the US from a weekend in London, so I thought I would share my thoughts on Bowden Court. I am not a picky person when it comes to hostels - just something clean, well-managed, fully staffed and welcoming. That was not the case with Bowden Court. If you're truly just looking for somewhere to sleep at night, it's bearable, but otherwise, I would strongly recommend paying a little more and staying elsewhere.

The rooms themselves are fine - at least the one I was in. Some people were placed with "roommates" who were actually residents (people who had lived there for months, or even years). Probably not the situation you are looking for.

The sheets were clean, but the blanket was stained. The bathrooms were horrible - many were locked, others were filthy and didn't flush. No soap or towels in the bathrooms. Showers were cramped, small and smelled like mildew - although at least there were individual showers. Still, they were gross.

The food was unbearable. We tried to eat "dinner" there the first night, but it was fish (clearly just frozen fish that had been heated up) with overcooked, unseasoned white rice and green beans. The coffee was undrinkable and the water cups were visibly dirty. We didn't bother to try any of the other meals, although apparently the night we were there was an especially bad dinner night.

The reception desk was open and closed at random times, although they were generally pleasant and helpful.

Overall -unless you're desperate, I'd strongly advise that you keep looking