Surrey


<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-where"><strong>WHAT? WHERE?</strong></h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2024/05/The-Selwyn-front-1000x1000.jpeg" alt="The Selwyn, Richmond" class="wp-image-54003" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2024/05/The-Selwyn-front-1000x1000.jpeg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2024/05/The-Selwyn-front-800x800.jpeg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2024/05/The-Selwyn-front-400x400.jpeg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2024/05/The-Selwyn-front-768x768.jpeg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2024/05/The-Selwyn-front-500x500.jpeg 500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2024/05/The-Selwyn-front-1100x1100.jpeg 1100w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2024/05/The-Selwyn-front.jpeg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Set behind a beautiful double-fronted Victorian façade, The Selwyn is a boutique hotel offering elegant bed and breakfast accommodation in the heart of Richmond. </p>



<p>But you don&#8217;t have to be a guest at the hotel to enjoy the hospitality. It&#8217;s a neighbourhood hotel at heart. And the restaurant lounge, called The Social Blend, is opened daily for bruch, coffee and pastries from 11am-2pm.</p>



<p>It&#8217;s perfectly located on a grand residential street just minutes from Richmond&#8217;s bustling high street intertwining cobbled streets. The Thames is a 10 minute walk in one direction, and Richmond Park is 10 minutes the other way.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-vibe"><strong>THE VIBE</strong></h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2024/05/The-Selwyn-lounge.jpeg" alt="The Selwyn, Richmond" class="wp-image-54004" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2024/05/The-Selwyn-lounge.jpeg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2024/05/The-Selwyn-lounge-800x533.jpeg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2024/05/The-Selwyn-lounge-1000x667.jpeg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2024/05/The-Selwyn-lounge-400x267.jpeg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2024/05/The-Selwyn-lounge-768x512.jpeg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>Super stylish, The Selwyn is luxe Art Deco meets Victorian glamour. It&#8217;s set behind a stunning double-fronted townhouse built in original yellow London stock bricks with a tiled pathway leading to the front door. In the spring and summer it&#8217;s draped in wisteria.</p>



<p>Inside, this chic hotel is brimming with historic hipness. There&#8217;s an elegant lobby with black and white checkerboard floor tiles, original bay sash windows, polished walnut wood panelling and a stylish mix of mid-century and Victorian furniture and accessories.</p>



<p>A staircase leads up to the bedrooms, and the lobby flows through to the hotel&#8217;s restaurant, The Paisley Room. It&#8217;s here that guests are served breakfast each morning &#8211; and from 11am it becomes The Social Blend. </p>



<p>There&#8217;s a timeless Art Deco vibe to the space. An entire wall is clad in textured charcoal grey paisley print wallpaper and hung with an interesting mix of a artwork that includes black and white photography, antique maps and Victorian portraits. Striking light fittings hang from lofty ceilings and there&#8217;s a lovely view of this pretty Richmond neighbourhood from the large bay window at the front.</p>



<p>Seating is a mix of banquettes and tables, and there are plans to create a bar here too. Watch this space!</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-scoff-amp-quaff"><strong>SCOFF &amp; QUAFF</strong></h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2024/05/The-Selwyn-tomato-and-feta.jpeg" alt="Tomato and feta on sourdough at The Social Blend at The Selwyn, Richmond" class="wp-image-54005" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2024/05/The-Selwyn-tomato-and-feta.jpeg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2024/05/The-Selwyn-tomato-and-feta-800x533.jpeg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2024/05/The-Selwyn-tomato-and-feta-1000x667.jpeg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2024/05/The-Selwyn-tomato-and-feta-400x267.jpeg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2024/05/The-Selwyn-tomato-and-feta-768x512.jpeg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>The Social Blend menu is small but perfectly formed with a range of high quality food. There&#8217;s a hint of French fare going on &#8211; classic omelettes, croque monsieur and croque madame, avocado and poached eggs on sourdough, plus a choice of savoury and sweet pastries. There are also American style pancakes </p>



<p>Wash it down with a choice of Teapigs tea or botanical coffee from London-based The Roots Collection.</p>



<p>I popped in for brunch and a catch-up with Muddy Surrey colleague Sam, on a sunny Friday morning. There&#8217;s a relaxed vibe going on at The Social Blend, and it&#8217;s okay to pop in for a quick bite or stay a little longer, if you like, to savour the coffee and atmosphere.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2024/05/The-Selwyn-eggs-and-avocado.jpeg" alt="Poached eggs and avocado on sourdough at The Social Blend at The Selwyn, Richmond" class="wp-image-54001" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2024/05/The-Selwyn-eggs-and-avocado.jpeg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2024/05/The-Selwyn-eggs-and-avocado-800x533.jpeg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2024/05/The-Selwyn-eggs-and-avocado-1000x667.jpeg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2024/05/The-Selwyn-eggs-and-avocado-400x267.jpeg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2024/05/The-Selwyn-eggs-and-avocado-768x512.jpeg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>I sampled the avocado and poached eggs with an almond milk coffee, and Sam chose the feta and tomato sandwich with tea. The verdict? This is uncomplicated food done exceedingly well. Is there anything better than fresh avocado and perfectly poached eggs? Possibly not, although the tomato and feta sandwich did stir some feelings of food envy. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-stay"><strong>STAY</strong></h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="844" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2024/05/The-Selwyn-Richmond-Cabin-desk-and-bed.jpg" alt="The Selwyn, a boutique hotel in Richmond." class="wp-image-53743" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2024/05/The-Selwyn-Richmond-Cabin-desk-and-bed.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2024/05/The-Selwyn-Richmond-Cabin-desk-and-bed-800x450.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2024/05/The-Selwyn-Richmond-Cabin-desk-and-bed-1000x563.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2024/05/The-Selwyn-Richmond-Cabin-desk-and-bed-400x225.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2024/05/The-Selwyn-Richmond-Cabin-desk-and-bed-768x432.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>There are 50 boutique bedrooms split between the Victorian townhouse at the front and a later addition at the back. There are four levels of bedroom &#8211; Cabin, Family (with two double beds), Classic and Selwyn &#8211; and all are beautifully turned out with lovely velvet headboards and bright tapestry cushions. Guests enjoy in-room luxuries that include plush bedding, eco-certified bath amenities, flat-screen televisions and complimentary wi-fi.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-kid-friendly-nbsp"><strong>KID-FRIENDLY?&nbsp;</strong></h2>



<p>I&#8217;d bring well-behaved kids to The Social Blend, although there is a bit of a sophisticated vibe going on here. Don&#8217;t expect them to hand out colouring books and crayons to keep the nippers busy while you refuel, but the selection of pastries, cake and tarts should keep them (and you) happy.</p>



<p>If you&#8217;re staying at The Selwyn, the Family rooms include two double beds &#8211; so no need to draw straws for who gets the lumpy sofa bed. Cribs are available upon request. Children under the age of 12 stay free with an accompanying parent.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-and-dogs-too"><strong>AND DOGS, TOO?</strong></h2>



<p> The Selwyn welcomes dogs into The Paisley Room, but it&#8217;s guide dogs only for overnight stays.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-disability-access"><strong>DISABILITY ACCESS</strong></h2>



<p>There are three stairs to navigate for entry into The Selwyn, so it&#8217;s not wheelchair accessible. There is a lift once inside. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-out-amp-about"><strong>OUT &amp; ABOUT</strong></h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1080" height="810" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2022/05/Richmond-Park-Fallow-deer.jpg" alt="Fallow deer in Richmond Park" class="wp-image-47360" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2022/05/Richmond-Park-Fallow-deer.jpg 1080w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2022/05/Richmond-Park-Fallow-deer-800x600.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2022/05/Richmond-Park-Fallow-deer-1000x750.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2022/05/Richmond-Park-Fallow-deer-400x300.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2022/05/Richmond-Park-Fallow-deer-768x576.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2022/05/Richmond-Park-Fallow-deer-700x525.jpg 700w" sizes="(max-width: 1080px) 100vw, 1080px" /></figure>



<p>There&#8217;s plenty to see and do in the area, not least the lovely range of shops in Richmond. You&#8217;re within easy distance of Richmond Park and Kew Gardens, plus the 17th century Ham House and Gardens if gardens are your thing.  Twickenham Stadium is a 25-minute bus ride away for rugby fans and the Thames River is only a 10-minute walk from the hotel for a riverside stroll. Central London is less than 20 minutes on the train.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-muddy-verdict"><strong>THE MUDDY VERDICT</strong></h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1125" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2024/05/The-Selwyn-Richmond-Hotel-exterior-side-view.jpg" alt="The Selwyn, a boutique hotel in Richmond." class="wp-image-53752" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2024/05/The-Selwyn-Richmond-Hotel-exterior-side-view.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2024/05/The-Selwyn-Richmond-Hotel-exterior-side-view-800x600.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2024/05/The-Selwyn-Richmond-Hotel-exterior-side-view-1000x750.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2024/05/The-Selwyn-Richmond-Hotel-exterior-side-view-400x300.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2024/05/The-Selwyn-Richmond-Hotel-exterior-side-view-768x576.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p><strong>Good for:</strong> This is a lovely neighbourhood hotel offering top-quality classic brunch and lunch dishes. It&#8217;s ideal for brunch with the girls, first (or any) dates, family get-togethers, work meetings and quick coffees or catch-ups.</p>



<p><strong>Not for:</strong> You&#8217;re firmly in the territory of brunch-type fare, so if you&#8217;re after a full-three courses with wine &#8211; this isn&#8217;t your place.</p>



<p><strong>The damage:</strong> It&#8217;s excellent value, for great quality food. Dishes like the classic omelette and poached eggs with avocado on sourdough are £10.50; the croque madame is £12.95; pastries are £3.50-£4.50.</p>



<p><strong><em><a href="https://www.theselwyn.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Selwyn</a>, 48 Sheen Road, Richmond TW9 1AW. Tel:&nbsp;<a href="tel:020771673165">020&nbsp;7167 3165</a></em></strong>. </p>


Review: The Social Blend at The Selwyn, Richmond

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