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 don'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  wwwartistresidencelondoncouk  doubles from £150, room only rating: 
penzance victoria station brighton
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 two owners also have similar properties in brighton and penzance 