Tucked away on Great Queen Street, just moments from Covent Garden, Middle Eight Hotel is a five-star retreat that trades on atmosphere and story rather than spectacle. Blending elegant interiors with a relaxed sense of luxury, it’s the sort of hotel that rewards a slower pace—a weekend of theatre, leisurely dinners and exploring the capital, all from a base that feels connected to its neighbourhood.
The Story Behind the Name
Owned and operated by Shiva Hotels, Middle Eight draws its identity from the site’s musical heritage. It stands on the former location of Kingsway Hall, one of London’s most celebrated recording venues throughout much of the twentieth century, where some of the world’s greatest classical performances were captured.
The hotel’s name comes from the musical term “middle eight”—the section of a song where the melody shifts before returning to its original theme. That inspiration extends throughout the property, with each Signature Suite named after a well-known piece of music featuring its own memorable middle eight.
It’s a genuinely distinctive concept, rooted in the building’s history rather than created purely for aesthetics. The interiors combine rich marble, warm ambient lighting and tactile textures to create spaces that feel sophisticated yet inviting. Arriving ahead of check-in, we settled into the elegant lounge with a glass of prosecco while our suite was being prepared.
The Location
One of Middle Eight Hotel’s greatest strengths is undoubtedly its location. Situated on Great Queen Street, it enjoys a peaceful position just beyond the bustle of Covent Garden while remaining within easy reach of Holborn, offering the best of both worlds.
Many of London’s most iconic attractions are within a short walk. Covent Garden’s bustling piazza is home to boutique shops, street performers and an excellent selection of restaurants, while nearby Neal’s Yard offers colourful independent cafés tucked away along charming cobbled lanes. Theatre lovers couldn’t ask for a better base, with the West End just a few minutes away on foot.
The British Museum, Somerset House and Lincoln’s Inn Fields are also close by, yet despite being in the very heart of the city, the hotel feels pleasantly removed from its constant pace.
Staying in the Bay Suite
We had the pleasure of staying in the Bay Suite, one of Middle Eight Hotel’s impressive Signature Suites.
The suite immediately felt light, spacious and inviting. A calming palette of soft neutrals was paired with rich walnut finishes, brushed brass accents and luxurious fabrics, creating a space that balanced contemporary design with genuine comfort.
The generous open-plan layout included a stylish lounge area with plush seating, making it the perfect place to unwind after a day exploring London. Carefully selected artwork and soft lighting carried through to the striking four-poster Emperor bed, dressed in crisp white linens that promised a wonderfully restful night’s sleep.
It was the thoughtful details that elevated the experience even further. The complimentary minibar was stocked with soft drinks, a bottle of wine and even a cocktail set, while a Nespresso coffee machine and smart TV ensured every comfort was within easy reach. Shortly after we settled in, a handwritten welcome card and fresh fruit platter arrived in the suite.
The marble bathroom was equally impressive, featuring a freestanding bathtub complete with bath salts, bath bombs and a wooden bath tray alongside a spacious walk-in rainfall shower. Underfloor heating, Christophe Robin toiletries, generous vanity space and plush bathrobes completed the spa-like experience.
The Bay Suite’s defining feature, however, was its indoor garden. Positioned beneath a striking glass ceiling and centred around a dramatic living wall, it flooded the suite with natural light throughout the day while creating an unexpected sense of calm —a feature unlike anything we’ve experienced in another London hotel.
Charlotte was just as well looked after, with her own generously sized dog bed together with food and water bowls positioned beside the suite’s modern electric fireplace.
Dining at Sycamore
That evening, we dined at Sycamore, Middle Eight’s Italian-inspired all-day restaurant and bar.
Warm timber finishes, plush velvet seating and soft lighting create a setting that transitions effortlessly from bright and welcoming by day to intimate after dark. Equally suited to leisurely lunches, celebratory dinners or evening cocktails, it’s also dog-friendly, allowing Charlotte to join me throughout the evening.
Joined by a friend, I began with the After Eight Smoke, one of the restaurant’s signature cocktails. Presented beneath a glass cloche filled with aromatic smoke, it arrived with an unmistakable sense of theatre before being unveiled tableside.
To begin, we shared the smoked duck carpaccio and the fritto misto. The delicate duck was beautifully complemented by romanesco broccoli, crisp fennel and sweet orange, while toasted hazelnuts added a welcome crunch. Alongside it, the fritto misto arrived perfectly golden with a vibrant orange mayonnaise that brought just the right amount of citrus freshness.
For the main course, I chose the pan-seared sea bass served with silky pea velouté and sautéed mushrooms. Beautifully cooked with crisp skin and delicate flaky flesh, it was light yet packed with flavour. My guest opted for the 21-day aged sirloin steak, accompanied by thin, crisp fries and a rich red wine reduction.
Dessert provided a fitting finale to the evening. We shared the restaurant’s signature Sycamore tiramisu alongside a warm chocolate and raspberry fondant, whose molten centre paired beautifully with creamy vanilla ice cream.
The next morning, I chose to enjoy breakfast in the suite, making the most of the Bay Suite’s indoor garden before checking out. Surrounded by the living wall and bathed in soft morning light beneath the glass ceiling, it felt wonderfully peaceful despite being in the heart of central London.
The omelette was perfectly cooked with my choice of fillings, while the standout dish was undoubtedly the toasted brioche, generously topped with Chantilly cream, fresh berries, crunchy pistachios and a drizzle of maple syrup.
Beyond Sycamore, Middle Eight Hotel is also home to The Balcony, an elegant lounge serving drinks and afternoon tea, and QT, a speakeasy-style basement bar hosting live music and comedy nights. Both reinforce the hotel’s musical identity and are well worth seeking out during your stay.
Getting There
Middle Eight Hotel is exceptionally well connected, making it an ideal choice whether you’re arriving by train, Underground or car.
Holborn Underground Station is just a five-minute walk away and is served by the Central and Piccadilly lines, providing direct connections to King’s Cross St Pancras, Heathrow Airport and the West End. Covent Garden Underground Station is also nearby, while Tottenham Court Road offers easy access to the Elizabeth line, making journeys from Paddington, Canary Wharf and Heathrow particularly convenient.
Once you’ve arrived, one of the hotel’s greatest advantages is that there’s very little need to use public transport. Covent Garden, the Royal Opera House, Somerset House, the British Museum, Lincoln’s Inn Fields and the West End are all within easy walking distance, making Middle Eight Hotel an excellent base for discovering London on foot.
Final Thoughts
What makes Middle Eight Hotel memorable isn’t simply its contemporary design or central location—it’s the way every element feels connected by a genuine sense of place. From its musical heritage and thoughtfully designed interiors to the tranquil Bay Suite, and relaxed dining at Sycamore, the experience feels cohesive and considered throughout.
Whether you’re visiting London for a theatre break, a special occasion or a weekend exploring Covent Garden, Middle Eight Hotel offers a comfortable and stylish base from which to experience the city.
With thanks to Middle Eight for hosting us.
If you’re planning a wider UK stay with your dog, I’ve also rounded up my favourite stays in this guide to the best dog-friendly hotels across the UK.
Check availability and current rates at Middle Eight
- My stay at Middle Eight was complimentary; however, all views and photographs are entirely my own.
