On a sultry summer evening last week I found myself at the grand re-launch of the Mercure Hotel, London Bridge. Just moments away from the Tate Modern and the South Bank, this newly refurbished hotel is comfortably stylish and conveniently placed for both business guests and tourists alike.

The new public areas feature a collection of intimate lounge spaces with open brickwork, colourful furnishings and theatrical light fittings. The design is ‘locally inspired’ and the influences include the nearby globe theatre, the Thames warehouses and Borough Market which is just around the corner.

In fact with so much amazing food nearby it’s no surprise that the hotel also takes great pride in the food served in its restaurants and the mingling guests were quite appreciative too!

A quick whizz round the newly decorated bedrooms also revealed that they were just as stylish and comfortable as the public spaces and at the end of a long day it was hard not to sink into those Egyptian cotton sheets right there and then!

At £136 for a standard room (not including breakfast) I’d also say that it is very good value for money.