NYX Hotel London Holborn by Paloma Lacy
London is experiencing a boom in new hotels, coinciding nicely with the easing of restrictions, this is perhaps further evidence that we’re finally in for a bumper summer of fun.
The capital it seems is ready to welcome back much-missed tourists and nowhere more so than London’s ‘Midtown’, where NYX Hotel Holborn By Leonardo Hotels is located.
Where? Yes, you heard correctly. London’s newest district, Midtown, is the area between Soho and the City.
Right on the doorstep of Covent Garden, NYX is already making its mark, attracting Londoners and out-of-towners alike, drawn to this design-led haven, complete with swimming pool, and spa.
It might well be the perfect staycation spot this year, as complicated travel restrictions see more of us sticking to these shores and even home soil.
Date night is very much back on the agenda or at least that’s what it looked like when I visited the restaurant at NYX Holborn a few weeks ago.
This un-pretentiously modern take on a New York midtown diner was busy with couples making the most of their recent release. No singles or family groups, solely couples spending quality time together.
As with so many menus today, this one is a bit of a melting pot, starting at the US, skipping down to South and Central America and darting off in other directions for good luck.
Baby squid with chorizo was a hit and a reminder at just how wondrous a combination these two ingredients make.
Ninja buffalo wings were wickedly hot, tempered by a cooling blue cheese dip, and margarita chicken stix made up the third snack, served as starters for two to share.
The meat dishes came as little surprise, burgers, rib eye on the bone and buttermilk chicken.
The latter seems to have found its way on to pretty much every British and American menu I’ve clapped eyes on in the past few years.
More startling was the balance struck between meat and veggie/vegan dishes, with four or more meat-free dishes.
No tokenism here but inventive plates that appeal to all.
Jerk cauliflower patties, NYX vegan Reuben’s on rye – an interesting take on that New York staple, replacing salt beef with aubergine.
It was nice to see that most meaty of vegetables employed elsewhere, in the aubergine schnitzel.
Call it Midtown, call it what you like, but I rather enjoyed the buzz of Holborn.
NYX Hotel London Holborn, 50 - 60 Southampton Row, WC1B 4AR. Call 020 7242 1800