This summer, try something different and stay at The Orange in Belgravia. A new addition to the Cubitt House group, which also owns The Thomas Cubitt on Elizabeth Street and The Pantechnicon on Motcomb Street (both within walking distance), The Orange is like a little piece of the country in London – less a hotel than a restaurant-with-rooms. It is situated on Pimlico Green, one of London’s prettiest areas, crammed full of coffee shops, cafes and restaurants, and where Saturday mornings bustle with couples and families shopping at the weekly farmers’ market.

One has little need to dine out, though, when staying at The Orange. The three floors of light and airy eating space provide a sure sign this place is dedicated to food, and indeed the fare – simple, rustic and seasonal – is spectacular. The menu of classic staples (such as French onion soup, mussels, grilled steak, sea bream, wrapped chicken breast, fabulous wood-fired pizza and delicious salads), all of which are cooked to perfection, has kept the place buzzing since it opened its doors last year. The dishes reflect a passion for the uncomplicated, with the emphasis on quality ingredients sourced from sustainable sources and through relationships forged at the local farmers’ market. Run by friendly and efficient staff, The Orange also boasts plenty of entertaining spaces, and even hosts a film night in the basement on Mondays.

The top floor holds four beautiful rooms with large windows, wooden floors, king-size beds and marble bathrooms. Furnishings are rustic country chic, and the overall feeling is fresh and lovely. Special touches including a 32-inch flat-screen TV, desk-come-dressing table, iPod docking station and WiFi service combine to make this much more than just a ‘room’. With nothing corporate about the place, The Orange is a quintessentially British city bolthole, perfect for a few nights in London – although the food will certainly tempt you to stay a little longer.