* the impressive “Kimpton Fitzroy London Hotel” & its “Russell Square” surroundings

This particular blog is just a simple short and sweet one, unlike most of my other 500+ blogs (thank gawd for that, I hear people say).

But – just because its a short one, it doesn’t mean to say its not interesting and enjoyable (as the actress said to the Bishop).

The subject matter is about a particular hotel and the immediate area in which its situated.

So – this blog is entitled:-

The “KIMPTON FITZROY LONDON HOTEL” & its “RUSSELL SQUARE” surroundings……….

_________________________________

Now, I’m no expert on architecture and design – but I know what I like and I appreciate the unique quality that some buildings have – and the Kimpton Fitzroy London Hotel is one of those buildings that ‘floats my boat’ and intrigues me.

The hotel building occupies a large section of the eastern side of Russell Square–London WC1.

Building work started on the Hotel started in 1898, and it was opened to the public in 1900.

It was designed by ‘Charles Fitzroy Doll’ (b.1850 d.1929)

Charles Fitzroy Doll was an English architect who’s specialty was Hotels throughout the Victorian and Edwardian periods.

From the time of its opening and right up until 2018 – his Kimpton Fitzroy London Hotel was called the “Hotel Russell” – because most of the area of London on which the Hotel stood, was owned by the Duke(s)of Bedford who’s family name was ‘Russell’ – hence “Russell Square”.

In 1885 Charles Fitzroy Doll was appointed head surveyor for the ‘Bedford Estates’ in Bloomsbury and Covent Garden – and that’s how he ‘got the gig’ to build the ‘Hotel Russell’.

The design of his Hotel Russell was based on the Chateau de Madrid on the Bois de Boulogne in Paris – especially its distinctively  decorative thé-au-lait (“tea with milk”) terracotta brickwork.

He was also responsible for designing the Dinning Room on the fated ‘Titanic’ – and it is said that Doll based the Titanic Dining Room on the Dining Room of his Hotel Russell.

The now named ‘Kimpton Fitzroy London Hotel’ today – has 334 top quality rooms Champagne and afternoon tea lounge, a cafe, destination cocktail bar and gym, and its amazing unique Victorian design casts and impressive shadow over Russell Square and its skyline.

To get a closer look at what its like inside, I blagged my way in past the hotel’s 2 doormen, and took a wander around the glamour of its first couple of floors – very impressive indeed – and the sort of place that, if I had the dough – I would definitely think seriously about booking in for a couple of nights – just to experience the unique vibe it portrays.

As I say – to me – this 123 year old hotel – is one quality building – and well worthy of a Shoes blog.

___________________________

The Kimpton Fitzroy London Hotel peers down on the Russell Square garden – a large garden square in Bloomsbury within the London Borough of Camden.

Russell Square was ‘laid out’ in 1804 and is named after the Duke of Bedford, who owns most of the land in Bloomsbury – ‘Russell’ being the Duke’s family surname.

Its nothing spectacular – but is a welcome safe haven retreat for those working/living/studying/visiting nearby – who may be seeking a little ‘oasis of tranquility in a desert storm’.

Its clean – its pleasant it has eating/drinking facilities / a small decorative fountain / plenty of trees / ‘bug hotels’ / plenty of species of birds – all that you’d want from a central city public square/garden.

And of course – you can see the prestigious ‘Kimpton Fitzroy London Hotel’ from the eastern side of Russell Square.

Just outside one of its entrances sits probably the best maintained, and certainly busy ‘Cabman Shelter’ – 1875 built and still going strong today – well worth a visit to but a cuppa and a bacon sarnie.

Its not always been sweetness and light at Russell Square though – there’s been a couple of ‘dark’ moments in recent times.

in 2005 2 terrorist bombs went off close by – 1 in the tube station and one on the top deck of a bus.

In 2016 Russell Square was the scene of a mass stabbing incident. On the evening of 3rd August 2016 – teenage Zakaria Bulhan aged 19, killed a 64yr old retired special needs teacher, and also badly injured other holidaymakers and theatre goers.

It was deemed that it was NOT a terrorist attack, and that the attacker had suffered some sort of psychotic episode, and as a result he was charged with manslaughter. Not a happy time for Russell Square.

So – after spending time admiring the Kimpton Fitzroy London Hotel externally and internally –  and then having a peaceful amble around Russell Square public gardens – it was time tio seek some liquid refreshment before heading off back home.

Not far from Russell Square, in a place called ‘Queens Square’ – I stumbled upon a lovely little boozer called “The Queens Larder” – a proper old skool city pub.

The pub takes it’s name from Queen Charlotte, wife of the ‘Mad King’ George III, who was receiving treatment for his apparent insanity at a doctors house in the square.

The Queen Charlotte assisted in the nursing of her husband, by cooking for him and rented a small cellar beneath the pub, where she kept special foods for him.

So – to assist my mental health, I felt it only right to down a couple of ‘cheeky’ Guinness’s – before wandering off to Russell Square tube station – and very nice they were too – I can thoroughly recommend The Queens Larder pub, if you ever find yourself Russell Square way.

So – that’s it – hope you enjoyed this little jaunt and its accompanying photos.

_______________________________________

See below the full gallery of photos taken to support this blog