Overview
First Impressions
Walking up to The Bishop on Bishops Avenue, you immediately sense this isn’t your typical London hotel. It’s actually a stunning converted Victorian mansion that feels more like staying at a well-traveled friend’s incredibly stylish home. The building itself has this wonderful presence — grand but not intimidating, elegant without being stuffy.
The Unique Character
This unique boutique hotel without official star rating approach really works in The Bishop’s favor, honestly. They’ve focused on creating something genuinely special rather than ticking standard hotel boxes. Each room feels completely different — some have original Victorian features like fireplaces and period windows, while others lean into more contemporary design. I mean, you’re not getting cookie-cutter accommodations here, which is refreshing.
Location & Getting Around
The Bishops Avenue location is quite clever, actually. You’re in North London but it doesn’t feel urban in that overwhelming way — there are tree-lined streets and this almost village-like quality to the immediate area. East Finchley tube station is walkable (about 10 minutes), and from there you’re connected to central London pretty efficiently. The neighborhood has some great local pubs and cafes that most tourists never discover.
What Makes It Work
The service here strikes that perfect balance between attentive and relaxed — staff genuinely seem to enjoy working there, which always shows. There’s a cozy restaurant area where breakfast happens, but it’s the kind of place where you might end up chatting with other guests or lingering over coffee longer than planned. The whole vibe is more house party than hotel lobby, if that makes sense.
Why Guests Love It
People return to The Bishop because it offers something increasingly rare — personality without pretension. You know what really sells it? The little touches that show someone actually thought about the guest experience. The parking situation is sorted (not always a given in London), and the building’s original character has been preserved beautifully. It’s the kind of place where you feel like you’ve discovered something special rather than just booked a room.
Guest reviews
"Great location to enjoy London."
The location is excellent. A road of mansions of the rich and famous. Great access to the underground. We also parked for free around the corner on Hampstead Lane near Kenwood manor. Accessing London via Hampstead Heath made a lovely day.
What could be improved: Well, there are clear renovation issues with the property. One of the toilets strangely didn’t have a sink. But these were not significant enough to distract from the purpose we used it for - a one night stay.
30 December 2025
"Great place to stay, quiet area and not far from underground (10 min walk)."
Really large rooms. Huge TV. Self Catering Shared Kitchen stocked up with bread, cheese, milk. Just bring your own cereal, croissants etc. Jacuzzi in big bathroom. Great staff.
What could be improved: Needed a table to sit around in such a large room.
Need to ask guests to remove outdoor footwear on entering building as cream carpets show up everything. Ask them to bring sandals or slippers with them
These are only meant as observations, not criticisms.
15 December 2025
"Beautiful peaceful place"
It's a beautiful huge place, very well stocked kitchen which was a lovely surprise. The bed was super comfy, bathroom absolute luxury. I will definitely be staying here again and will be looking for it each time I visit London. Plenty of parking available as well
What could be improved: My room was listed as having a TV but that issue was solved when I was able to use one from a different room. Apart from that, no issue whatsoever
9 December 2025
"Great value for money. I always stay here when I’m in London."
Beautiful mansion house with very plush interior. Convenient free parking outside. Perfect location for me to get access to Central London.
8 December 2025
"Superb"
Perfect location, a very spacious room, clean, and overall an amazing hotel. Highly recommended
8 December 2025
"Amazing unique stay"
This is a hidden gem! Amazing house that is making the best use of the vast space. Excellent for families, very close to tube into the city.
We loved our stay and will definitely be returning.
7 December 2025
"Very good"
Shaf and his team bent over backwards to be helpful and welcoming. Whenever we had a problem they were eager to solve it.
The house was amazingly palatial with lush carpets everywhere and marble bathrooms and kitchen.
We appreciated having breakfast provisions available
Beds were comfortable
What could be improved: A provision for rubbish in the suite would have been helpful
Maintenance of the property could be improved
(Eg several ceiling lights needed replacing.)
26 November 2025
"Very good"
The staff were incredibly kind and helpful. The hotel itself was fun and quirky. The rooms were spacious. The location was quiet and perfectly placed to access central London.
24 November 2025
"Comfortable and welcoming, will definitely stay again."
Value for money and very comfortable
What could be improved: Needs some pictures on the walls and a bit of outside maintenance
6 November 2025
"Would stay again"
The David Guetta room was incredible. Would highly recommend
31 October 2025
