The Pilgrm

No, that’s not a typo. It really is called the Pilgrm, and that missing second “i” is not all that’s been dropped from this new hotel and food destination in Paddington. It also has no reception, no check-in process – and no obvious street presence. But once you are in the know you are in for an experiential treat.

Have you ever started the day with slices of sweet potato “toast”, guacamole and spiced seeds; or kimchi rice with tea-poached egg, pickled veg and miso paste? Well trust us you should.

The street level Café serves Crosstown doughnuts, cold-pressed juice and custom-made coffee from CRU Kafe perfect for a friendly drop in, but it’s the The Lounge upstairs that really steals the show. Headed by chef Sara Lewis, once of Grain Store and Nobu, it is a chilled take on a restaurant, with low tables and plush armchairs and an eclectic all-day menu: mushroom toasties to die for, soy glazed pork belly, lentil daal with mackerel, charcuterie with sourdough bread, fiendishly good chocolate and red wine salami, and breakfast includes patisserie brought in fresh from Borough Market institution Bread Ahead.

The cocktail menu is exceptional: among the collaborations between The Pilgrm and brilliant bars from around the world are a Negroni from London's Bar Termini and the Reverse Martinez made with rose vermouth, gin and Maraschino liqueur from The Clumsies in Athens.