Hyatt Regency London Blackfriars And The Cricket Club Review

Back in June 2023, Onin.London got to visit the newly opened Hyatt Regency London Blackfriars for the official press launch and got to explore the 205-room hotel. It is the 14th property in the country to participate in the World of Hyatt loyalty program, demonstrating Hyatt’s vision for the United Kingdom as a priority growth market within its diverse and evolving brand portfolio. In the last five years, Hyatt has increased its presence in the UK from 5 to 13 properties, with 6 of those based in London.

It’s simply a gorgeous hotel so you know we had to stay there. Thankfully we were offered a press stay in September and we couldn’t have been happier.

Arriving at the hotel, staff were extremely accommodating and helped me throughout. I had crutches and a moon boot at the time so the extra support was much appreciated.

After checking in, we ventured to our room to chill before dinner. The room was clean, spacious and comfortable. If we didn’t have dinner calling our names down stairs, it’s more than likely we would not have left.

Amenities wise, the body wash, shampoos and conditioners were top notch and smelt great. I don’t know if it’s just me but I love top quality hotel amenities. When hotels source great products it makes me feel special and welcome. It adds such a personal touch as well.

Food and beverage wise, there are three innovative food and beverage concepts. We were dining at the  Chinese Cricket Club. The restaurant fuses traditional techniques and the finest ingredients to present a contemporary take on Chinese classics.

We think it’s pretty cool that the restaurant is named in honor of the story of the captain of the Shanghai XI cricket team, Feng, who travelled to England in 1857 with his bride Xiu. Arriving in Blackfriars docks, the couple made their way to Limehouse, where Xiu opened the first traditional Chinese restaurant in London. Their legacy lives on in the inviting backdrop of The Chinese Cricket Club and it’s rich and diverse menu of homemade dim sum and signature specialties.

Before I tell you what we ate I will say I had been telling everyone prior to visiting about how good the food was at the launch. So the second time eating here had a lot to live up to. It did not disappoint!

For starters we had the SMOKED PEKING DUCK – HALF (Cucumber, Leek, Hoi Sin Sauce, Pineapple and Pancakes). This dish must be ordered up to 48 hours in advance and sells out regularly. It is so worth the price tag of £58. If you’re looking to splurge on any dish… make sure it’s this one! It’s perfection. Also I hate cucumber… so pineapple with the duck… total game changer!!

Our other starters included the CRISPY SOFT SHELL CRAB, TIGER CHILLI CRISPY BEEF and ROYAL HAR GOW DIMSUM. You can’t go wrong with these dishes. They were simply just delicious. 

Our mains though, wow! If we were blown away by the staters… we were even more impressed by them. My guest went with the SPICY CREAMY PRANWS, while I had the SHAOXING WOK-FRIED ATLANTIC MONKFISH. We ended up sharing both dishes with the SHANGHAI FRIED RICE. These dishes were utter perfect.

By the end of the mains we were pretty full, but our lovely waiters insisted we make room for dessert. They recommended their most popular dishes the MATCHA TIRAMISU and their signature dish THE MANDARIN FORTUNE. While both desserts were absolutely lovely, it was the Match Tiramisu which won best dessert for us. Light, creamy and full of flavour… it was like nothing we’d ever tried before. I could have eaten a second one if I wasn’t so full.

After dinner we ventured back up to our beautiful room to watch tv and relax. The rooms were quiet and we honestly felt like we were the only people in the hotel. (We weren’t, so the soundproofing definitely worked).

We slept great and their next day, it was back to The Cricket Club for breakfast. Of course we had to get the hotels version of the English Breakfast and it was great. Again staff were extremely friendly and helpful. You really can’t fault the service here at all.

Thanks Hyatt Regency Hotels. We had a marvellous stay and we’re already trying to think of a reason to come back.

For more information about Hyatt Regency hotels, please visit: hyattregency.com