New Arch, Marble Arch

How did we end up there? Oh, we dropped the kids off for a sleep-over at the Museum, and then all the Mums headed for a drink. The Arch Hotel, a new boutique hotel off of Bryanston Square, on Great Cumberland Place fills a niche in the neighborhood. Quietly placed, and surprisingly busy and buzzy inside, with an eclectic selection of modern art- a must-have for any trend-setting restaurant/hotel- and a restaurant and bar. The owners, we were told, were Israelis, who also owned two other hotels, in the English countryside. Ahhh, the countryside… more on that later.

We loved the ‘library’ room, and we loved the set up of the restaurant/bar. They were intentionally divided into distinct spaces for casual dining, with an open cooking fire. There were other spaces for large groups, small groups, and intimate groups that don’t want to be seen. Sheer curtains pulled across could add an instant bit of privacy, or mystery to your date.

Our drinks- well, I ordered a Bellini. It was cold, slightly flat, and wasn't sure it was prosecco. I asked, they brought out a bottle. It was prosecco, though I didn’t recognize the bottle. The mojitos were equally cold and uninteresting. A pity, but we’ll try them again just for the atmosphere and to sample more of the very good finger food.