Kirsty Welsh makes a strong case for an autumnal city escape at The Franklin, Knightsbridge.
Autumn is the perfect season to book a stay in the Big Smoke. The temperatures are cooler, the summer holiday crowds have disappeared, and the leaves in Hyde Park start to turn a delicious golden hue. Tucked away in Egerton Gardens, The Franklin makes a rather compelling base for it all.
Is there anything better than a Knightsbridge hotel stay in London? At The Franklin, it turns out the answer is 100% yes. We arrive over the August bank holiday weekend, but the air already has that crisp, autumn feel, setting the scene for a new season.
The Franklin is one of those under-the-radar five-star boutique hotels. So much so from the exterior you could easily mistake it for a private residence, with subtle branding in keeping with the street. Housed in a red-brick Victorian townhouse, step inside and it’s a different story altogether: polished surfaces, mirrored details and Jazz Age glamour, with an exclusive members’ club vibe thanks to interior designer Anouska Hempel.
A Coveted Knightsbridge Location
The location couldn’t be more sublime. You’re within walking distance of the Royal Borough of Chelsea’s finest attractions and just a seven-minute trot to Harrods - ideal if you want to plan ahead and explore the Christmas floor. Beyond this, the V&A Museum is practically across the road, while Sloane Square is less than a 20-minute walk away.
Owing to its boutique nature, you won’t find a traditional reception desk. Instead, the entrance feels more like stepping into a private residence, with old-world Chelsea grandeur, geometric stone flooring, charcoal walls, velvet seating, and large bay windows offsetting the monochrome colour palette.
Fitting with the monochrome theme, there’s a liquorice-themed pick ‘n’ mix station to graze on while the excellent reception team handle your check-in.
Or, head straight to the bar, which I can only describe as like walking into a sophisticated, mirrored jewellery box. The décor really does feel like you're stepping back in time, with Great Gatsby-esque details and mirrored trolleys displaying house-made spirits in oversized glass bottles reigning supreme.
Kick off the day with a strong coffee served in Franklin-branded stoneware or, if the mood strikes for it, indulge in a one of their house cocktails such as The Egerton Garden which makes for a refreshing, celebratory toast to your stay.
The Franklin’s Junior Garden Suite
The hotel features 35 rooms and suites. We stayed in the exquisite Junior Garden Suite which, as the name suggests, overlooks the private gardens of Egerton Gardens. It extends across 45 square metres and boasts elegant Italian flourishes in the form of a four-poster bed lit by huge mirrored panels, high ceilings, and vintage-style Crest 1907 motif wallpaper.
Even the smallest details feel intentional: Blenheim Bouquet amenities by best-of-British perfumer Penhaligon’s, a monthly Franklin-curated insider’s agenda of what’s happening in the capital, beds dressed with luxury Frette bed linen and soft pillows, along with a pillow menu if the pillows aren’t quite to your liking.
A sleek intercom controller is conveniently fitted on the wall next to each side of the bed, controlling the lighting, climate control and ‘Do Not Disturb’ setting – so you don’t even need to hop out of bed when you want a little privacy.
The bathroom doesn’t disappoint on the sophistication front either. Small, but perfectly formed with a bathtub - a non-negotiable for me. There’s always something quite satisfying about sitting in a bubble bath in a hotel after a busy day of navigating the city.
Elsewhere, a minibar draws you in with its array of jelly beans and posh popcorn alongside fancy tipples, from Gosset Grande Réserve Champagne to Cîroc vodka. There’s also a sleek Illy espresso coffee machine for guests craving an energising pick-me-up, and plenty of reading material, including a chic Gabrielle Chanel photo book.
Wellness Hideaway
Downstairs in the basement, there’s even a Turkish hammam. If you’re a wellness guru or a skincare fanatic, you’ll know just how crucial a good steam can be in aiding muscle relaxation and improving circulation. There’s also a 24-hour fitness studio (a rarity for boutique London hotels), and a bijou treatment room for an extra dose of rejuvenation.
Italian Dining With An Asian Twist
When it comes to food and drink, a hotel with a reputation for its gastronomic offering instantly eliminates the extra forward planning, saving you from endless online scrolling to find a nearby restaurant.
There’s no need to hit that search button for an alternative unless you don’t like the sound of an Italian feast laced with global flavours.
Headed up by chef Roberto Roncolato, who brings an Asian twist to his Italian cuisine, the restaurant is split into two cosy dining rooms, with an intimate dining room seating 30. Again, there’s that Venetian mirrored feeling, alongside an exceptional service team, with bar and restaurant manager Fabrizio standing out as one of the biggest assets.
The décor also includes a nod to The Wizard of Oz by way of a Tin Man, a Cowardly Lion and Dorothy’s ruby-red slippers. These, I'm later told, all form part of the themed Wicked Witch afternoon tea. Even more reason to come back and sample it.
We started with sourdough straight from the oven, followed by homemade ravioli filled with lashings of creamy burrata and ricotta gnocchi with black truffle on a bed of Veronese cheese foam.
Main dishes include perfectly cooked roasted duck breast and juicy, roasted rib-eye. If you opt for just one side, let it be the yalininku oyster mushrooms – think mushrooms on a different level that almost call for their own return trip.
To elevate the experience, indulge in the curated Italian wine pairing before rounding off the evening with what I can only describe as the ultimate tiramisu experience to end all tiramisus.
Final Verdict
From its enviable Knightsbridge location and beautifully designed rooms to its exceptional Italian dining and thoughtful little touches, The Franklin certainly checks plenty of boxes. But it’s the warm hospitality that really stays with you – a genuinely attentive team who seem intrigued to hear about their guests' city explorations. It’s the sort of place that makes departure feel deeply unreasonable.
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