While most people would jump at the chance to spend a night in a posh London hotel, it was a bit of a tougher sell for my husband who has always resisted visiting the capital if he can.

It’s not that he doesn’t like big cities, it’s just having grown up on a farm perched on the Purbeck cliffs, he’d rather spend a weekend at Kimmeridge than Kensington.

However, after the promise of a top-notch dinner and absolutely NO shopping on Oxford Street, our trip to The Pelham Hotel was on.

Arriving mid-morning on Saturday, the hotel was right opposite South Kensington tube station, in the centre of museum-land.

A gorgeous London townhouse, the Pelham’s plush décor is luxurious but infinitely comfortable.

Friendly staff greeted us warmly at reception, and although we were just dropping off bags before heading out to explore, we could have checked in there and then, despite our early arrival.

Perfectly situated for the galleries, Natural History Museum, Science Museum, the V&A, Royal Albert Hall, Kensington Gardens and just a few minutes walk from Harrods, we wandered over to Kensington Gardens for a walk to work up an appetite for lunch.

Meandering from the Albert Memorial to Kensington Palace, we strolled back to South Kensington for a bite to eat near the hotel. And there was no shortage of places to choose from.

Burgers, bistros, bakeries, sushi and much more, there really is more than enough to satisfy even the most fussy of appetites.

Kensington is a great place to be at weekends. Busy but without the crowds, there is a buzz to the area, but it’s much more relaxed than the mainstream tourist spots.

After an hour getting lost in the Harrods experience, we headed back to the hotel, keen to rest our aching feet in our room.

We were not disappointed.

Shown up the stairs to the ‘Red Room’, the hotel is exquisitely decorated, but is in no way garish. It feels homely but so elegant.

Delicious treats had been laid out for us in the room, with a walk-in wardrobe, mini bar, flat screen television, and immaculate bathroom (and fabulous complimentary toiletries to boot).

A home from home, the bed was beautifully dressed and even included a pillow menu, with a vast array of choices to suit even the worst insomniac’s needs.

After freshening up we headed out for dinner at The Pelham’s sister hotel, The Gore.

Just a few minutes walk, The Gore is a quintessentially British hotel, with a buzzing bar and sublime restaurant.

Arriving early, we grabbed a seat at the bar, and perused the cocktail menu.

Known for being the venue for the Rolling Stones ‘Beggars Banquet’ album launch in 1968, Bar 190, is the kind of place you would happily drink all evening.

With a cocktail menu as long as your arm, I opted for a Deep Purple, comprising of Plymouth Sloe gin, Chambord, berries, and cranberry and lemon juice.

It was quite honestly, one of the best cocktails I’ve ever had. And yes, I do consider myself somewhat an expert.

Time for dinner, we headed across the corridor to the restaurant, 190 Queen’s Gate. Low lighting, panelled walls and soft chatter; this is a place for food to be enjoyed and savoured.

With a menu created by Michelin star chef Daniel Galmiche, the French influence is clear, but with a modern British twist.

I couldn’t resist the onion tarte tatin with goats curd mousse, while my husband chose the mushroom soup with soft quails egg.

I tried to eat the tarte tatin sedately, but it was so delicious, it soon disappeared. The onion was far from overpowering but balanced beautifully with the creaminess of the goats curd mousse.

Our main courses of slow cooked beef short rib, with cream potato and vegetables were even better.

The star of the show - the beef - almost melted in your mouth, with the potato and vegetables perfectly cooked and seasoned.

Not to be beaten, the chocolate mousse dessert is something I would walk back to London for. This was one of the best meals I have ever eaten. The service was impeccable, the food sublime.

The combination of food, wine and plenty of fresh air meant we enjoyed a restful night’s sleep back at The Pelham, with little noise from outside, just the odd rumble from the tube station.

And despite our extravagant meal the previous night, we both tackled breakfast with gusto, enjoying a full English breakfast and pancakes with generous refills of coffee for both.

The breakfast buffet included everything you could possibly want, and you get the feeling that if The Pelham didn’t have it, they’d find it for you without batting an eyelid.

Late check-out is an option but we were keen to see a bit more of the city.

Leaving The Pelham’s bright sunny entranceway, we both vowed to return very soon. It’s a hotel with such a cosy but luxurious feel, we will be back.

Ideally situated just a few short Underground stops from all the major tourist spots, it provides that home from home feel in the city.

And with the added quality of impeccable service and beautiful furnishings, we may be booking way in advance to get our dates.

But it’s impossible to keep a gem like this hidden forever.

• Rooms at The Pelham start from £190 including complementary wifi and VAT.