Rating : . The pub-with-rooms phenomena continues apace in London - and this is a classic of the genre , executed with style and panache by a couple of twentysomethings who met at Leeds University . This is their third Artist Residence ( Brighton and Penzance are up and running ) , in what used to be a traditional boozer in Pimlico , a short walk from Victoria Station . If the bones of a building are important , here they 're as good as they get . A bright splash of colour on the canvas : Artist Residence has brought a dash of flair to an old pub . Built by Thomas Cubitt in 1852 , the grand , stuccoed house is on four floors - five if you count the basement , where there 's a dimly lit bar and sitting room for hotel guests . I feel good the moment I walk in . There is no fuss at reception and , unlike The Orange nearby , there is a separate entrance for those staying the night , so you do n't have to shout your name at the bar or get handed a packet of crisps rather than your room key . I 've booked a Small Plus room , but am upgraded to The Loft because not many of the ten rooms are occupied . Everything about The Loft is charming : the wooden floors and panelled walls , bare brick , white paint . The bedhead is a gate and the lights ( all on dimmers ) are industrial , with Sixties anglepoise lamps on the bedside tables . The cupboard must have been reclaimed from an office . In fact , reclamation seems to be a theme . 'The countryside comes to town ' is another . The bathroom is part of the bedroom , with a separate shower and enclosed loo . Two sturdy sash windows look terrific and , hallelujah , you can open them . The restaurant is called 64 Degrees . The idea is that the chefs are part of the eating experience , especially if you sit at the bar , as I do . Small plates of this and that are the order of the day under three sections : veg , fish and meat , with four options for each . Haddock gyoza , pear and fennel has me leaning over the bar and asking one of the chefs for an explanation . There are no side dishes of any description - and no carbs as far as I can see . Dr Atkins would feel at home . There 's a bubbly , unpretentious atmosphere , though I would expect proper napkins rather than paper jobbies at these prices . Frankly , that 's about the only criticism I can muster . Artist Residence . 52 Cambridge Street . London . SW1V 4QQ . 020 7931 8946. www.artistresidencelondon.co.uk . Doubles from £150 , room only . Rating : .
Stylish pub-with-rooms is a discreet hideaway close to Victoria Station . Artist Residence has taken over what used to be a traditional boozer . The one owners also have similar properties in Brighton and Penzance .