Detailed Review
The Bingham combines a boutique style hotel, romantic riverside restaurant and relaxing lounge bar all in the confines of a Georgian townhouse dating back to the 1700's. Overlooking the tranquillity of the River Thames in Richmond, Surrey, The Bingham is still close to London's West End.
The Bingham hotel and restaurant represents one of Richmond's most sought after venues for all manner of events, intimate private dining, civil wedding ceremonies, wedding receptions and business conferences to name a few.
The atmosphere is distinctly warm, the staff incredibly accommodating, and for the many regular guests, the hotel is literally a 'home from home'.
The Bingham is easily reached from either London Heathrow or Gatwick Airport, and 30 minutes from Central London by train, Richmond is an ideal base for exploring many attractions and events including Kew Gardens, Hampton Court, Twickenham Rugby, Wimbledon tennis and Chelsea flower show.
Press Quotes
“Two Georgian townhouses on the edge of the River Thames at Richmond make The Bingham hotel, and while the decor is sleek and contemporary, the elegant exterior and internal period features stay true to the history of the Grade II-listed building.” The Times 07
Independent Reviews
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“Set back from the bustling capital, this sleek Georgian townhouse in Richmond has views over the prettiest stretch of the Thames.”
The Bingham
By Angela Moore
The Bingham is set in Richmond, the far western reach of London, on the banks of the Thames. Out here the city starts feeling like a country town and the Thames turns beautiful, with weekenders hiring skiffs to picnic on the riverbanks and weeping willows trailing fronds in the water. If you can’t spare the time, or can’t face the M4, you could come out here and pretend you’re spending a weekend in the country.
The hotel itself is a conversion of three lovely Georgian houses. The bar is in a glorious room; its proportions and the pretty river view from the tall French doors make the rather hard-edged contemporary décor look misplaced. Next door to the bar, the restaurant, with its glossy black wallpaper and smart chandeliers, has garnered good reviews in the London press. A small balcony connects this and the bar, with just enough space to allow for some tables on the terrace – lovely for summer.
Downstairs, a small walled garden overlooks the river. You can eat here too; it’s a charming place to come for an evening sundowner. It’s also a great wedding location and the Bingham has become immensely popular for these and other events. The hotel will always inform guests if there is to be an even when they are staying but it’s worth keeping in mind.
At the time of review, mid-2006, the hotel has the air of a work in progress. Pictures are still being hung in hallways; work is about to begin on new additions, including a conservatory. The décor, recently refurbished, is showing signs of scruffiness, especially downstairs; the hotel acknowledges this and is working on refurbishment. On the plus side, staff are friendly and extremely professional. It will be interesting to see how this hotel develops over the six months or so.
The rooms
Rooms are light, smart and stylish, in shades of chocolate and grey. They’re small-ish but nicely laid out and spacious enough that you will be comfortable. Luxurious touches include goose-down feather duvets on the beds, bespoke mahogany furnishings and in-room music from the hotel’s well-stocked sound server – listen to it in your room or plug in your ipod. Bathrooms vary in size and layout – some have separate shower cubicles, most have over-tub power showers. The River Design Doubles are choice as they face the river, away from the busy road that runs behind the hotel. There are also two romantic rooms with antique four-posters and bay windows – the best rooms in the house.
The verdict
An interesting option for a nearly-there weekend out of London; still a work in progress, though
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