Great Scotland Yard Hotel

Take time out at the elegant Great Scotland Yard Hotel in Westminster, a building brimming with history.

In Tudor times, the Kings of Scotland lodged here when visiting London and, more recently, it has served as the headquarters of the Metropolitan Police.

The understated decor creates a calm retreat and rooms range from cosy king and twin rooms to suites. There's even a standalone two-bedroom Georgian townhouse spanning five floors for a real home-from-home experience.

Explore the seasonal menu at Ekstedt at The Yard, which brings the theatre of live-fire cooking techniques to the dining room, while the two bars conjure up past eras in the form of a speakeasy-style drinking den and an intimate art deco cocktail bar.

For a contemporary take on traditional afternoon tea, head to The Parlour, where canine companions can also tuck into the Happy Tails afternoon tea created just for dogs.