Set across a slick contemporary six-story building just around the corner from Blackfriars Bridge, Bankside is a stylish Autograph Collection hotel that is packed with contemporary art and design.

From the lobby to the rooms, the design is meticulous. All the furniture is hand-picked and the hotel boasts an extraordinary contemporary art collection that is also reflective of its location in the heart of London's cultural district.

Bankside even has its own gallery, The Art Yard Gallery, and an artist-in-residence programme. In partnership with curators Contemporary Collective, the hotel champions up-and-coming creatives working in design, sculpture, painting, film, drawing, printmaking, installation, new media and photography. During their stay guests can see the artists at work at the on-site studio and the hotel also runs workshops for guests. 

Aside from the eye-catching art collection, the hotel is also known for its focus on sustainability. From tables made of recycled plastic to the installation of solar panels and even a policy of using no glue (which gives off VOCs) when installing the hotel carpets, the hotel takes its approach to environmental sustainability seriously. 

Meals and drinks are enjoyed at The Art Yard Bar and Kitchen, an informal all-day restaurant, serving fresh seasonal food, reflective and rejuvenating cocktails and local beers and wines from off the beaten track.