THE ZETTER TOWNHOUSE

Part of the The Zetter Hotels & Co Collection who are recognised for exclusivity, excellence, and effervescence within the luxury boutique hotel industry, The Zetter Townhouse Clerkenwell is an independently owned, 13 bedroom Georgian Townhouse Hotel with an award winning cocktail lounge.

Beyond the heavy door, the unique and eclectic decor of Wilhelmina's cocktail lounge awaits. But who is Wilhelmina you may ask?

Wilhelmina Zetter lived in Clerkenwell all her life. Born in 1727 to a well-to-do family and proud owners of The Zetter Warehouse in Clerkenwell, they dealt in spice accumulated from their travels all over globe. The warehouse was positioned just a stones throw away, across the historic St Johns square from their family home, The Zetter Townhouse.

On the death of her parents, Wilhelmina inherited the family’s wealth and property and with no other family in London, aside from her troubled Nephew Seymour, Wilhelmina spent her time travelling the world and sourcing treasures from her adventures. When she returned home to London she would fill her house with dinner parties in her Dining room followed by late night soirees in her Games room.

With all the gambling, cocktails and rendezvous filling Wilhelmina’s life and her residence, it’s no surprise that she quickly became known for her love of a tipple or two, something her and her Nephew Seymour had in common.

As the years passed by and the parties subdued, Wilhelmina having not spared the time to marry or have children in her youth found herself slightly alone. An old lady that resided just a few roads away, Jane Lawson, quickly became her closest companion. Unlike Wilhelmina, Jane had found love and married, only to be windowed at just 26 years old on her wedding day. Jane never bathed, never changed her clothes, and most memorably always drank the same tea come rain or shine, until the day she died. It is said that Jane Lawson was in fact Charles Dickens inspiration for Mrs Havisham in great expectations. Lady Jane Lawson died a few days after Wilhelmina Zetter. Some say it was the death of her only friend that brought on her death.

The Zetter Townhouse, 49-50 St John's Square, London EC1V 4JJ

On the death of his adored aunt, in 1816 at the age of 89, Seymour inherited Wilhelmina’s house and assets. After being corrupted by his eccentric aunt his hobbies included gambling, horses, drinking and beautiful women, but his love above all else was art. He was very much a dandy, a Renaissance man, who loved to live, and after just a few short years of inheriting Wilhelmina’s fortune he was forced to downsize and purchased a smaller Townhouse in the west end of London on Seymour Street.

As he aged away from the soft, playful nature of his beloved Aunt, Seymour developed a wicked temper only diluted by his love of nature and watercolour that can still be seen in his Marylebone Townhouse today.

With crisp white sheets, sumptuous beds, and The White Company toiletries, the 13 rooms all boast modern luxuries with quirky furnishings. From the perfectly sized Deluxe Doubles, to the colourful rooftop Junior Suite - complete with a striking in-room alcove bath - there is a room for all tastes and budgets. The stunning apartment boasts views across the historical St John's Square, all the way across to The Shard and makes for the perfect setting for brides-to-be getting ready for their big day at the townhouse.

The Zetter Townhouse Clerkenwell has a wedding licence in place and can offer ceremonies for up to 50 guests. A truly unique venue, there is a choice of beautiful spaces to suit all wedding party sizes, should you envisage an intimate celebration or a bigger reception. The Dining Room seats up to 12 guests for dinner, the spacious Games Room can have 36 people in Banqueting Style, or 50 for a cocktail reception, or you can even hire the Townhouse exclusively and have up to 120 guests to celebrate.

The innovative recipes for the house cocktails are not only as eclectic as the trinkets adorning the shelves, but also pay homage to the area’s distilling heritage. Old recipes for tinctures, bitters and herbal remedies have inspired not only the cocktails but also the homemade cordials and infusions that sit behind the apothecarystyle counter. Highlights include the signature 'Plum Sour' with salted plum vodka, verjus, plum wine and umeshu; and the 'Twinkle' - vodka, elderflower cordial and champagne.

A host of small plates and wide range of spirits are also available, alongside a room service dining menu and a hearty breakfast. Choose from a classic full English or Wild mushrooms with smoked ricotta and brioche; or even Eggs Royale with two poached eggs, toasted English muffin, Lambton & Jackson smoked salmon and hollandaise sauce.

Small but perfectly formed with beautiful original building character, The Zetter Townhouse Clerkenwell is your ideal home away from home in the city.