The old Metrop abounds in Golden Era-worthy hospitality, usually housed in admirable period architecture. One such place that had yet to be visited by the Wonderland City set was the Midland Grand Hotel, at St Pancras Station.
Inside this 1870s Gothic Revival gem, which was thoroughly renovated in the early 2010s, souls inclined towards aesthetic wining and dining can find two separate bars and a rather nice dining room. Following the 2020 unpleasantness, some of those spaces were temporarily closed but have now been restored to the great drinking public; among them, the Gothic Bar.
It was a frightfully sultry evening when a couple of dozen suavely attired gerls and chaps festooned themselves over the plush furniture and Northern Gothic bric-a-brac, hewing to our mission not to be spectators but, rather, be part of the spectacle.
Drinks flowed (naturally), and poses were struck on that stairwell. Someone’s birthday was memorialised and kind strangers were moved to approach the group with fulsome compliments. The scalding external temperature did not forestall a display of elegance. Wonderlanders are a sturdy lot, when it comes to style over weather.
As always, the Sheridanite component was out in full force, including two stalwart members visiting from the Continent (bearing award plaques and style, or course). The solicitous staff performed well and the surprise of custom matching to the surroundings soon wore off. We daresay that a visit during the cooler months might be in order, perhaps white tie, hmm?
