Work x Weekend

So, I'm feeling that this weekly workcation idea has some legs. I've told a couple of friends about it and they have all said what a great idea it is for me...can't believe that I didn't think of it before! Following a satisfactory first experience at The Library Lounge in The Standard in Kings Cross, I was looking for a Southbank base to work from on the Friday and then weekend like the solo queen I am. I remembered seeing a hotel on Lower Marsh when I was in the Waterloo area last year and a quick bit of Googling identified my memory as the Ruby Lucy. Booking a Nest room for a very reasonable £137, I had secured my next workcation station.

I love Lower Marsh. Like a few other favourite spots in the city (Marylebone High Street, Greenwich, etc), it has that feeling of being out of London but keeping all of the good bits. It is the light at the end of the fabulous Leake Street Arches tunnel (a must see for so many reasons) and an easy stroll from Waterloo.

My love for it has increased many fold since my workcation at Ruby Lucy. From the incredibly warm welcome from Isabella on arrival, to the cool boho lounge area where I spent a very comfortable day working from, through to checking into room 106 and falling in love with the shower (yes...bathroom aesthetics are big in my world), I had a fine old time.

After setting my work area up in the lounge and taking a look out of the wonderfully big windows, I was feeling peckish and noticed a very enticing looking deli across the road. Isabella was only too happy to take care of my stuff and I strolled, coat and bag free across the road into Greensmiths.

After purchasing my lunch and discovering that you have to wait outside for your coffee to be passed through the window, I was back in the hotel lounge, tucking into a very delicious salt beef bagel, posh crisps, super indulgent chocolate brownie and a superb skinny flat white (£15.50). The lounge was fairly quiet with just one other person using their laptop and a couple of small groups having a lunchtime drink. There is a real chilled vibe in the hotel during the day and I loved listening to Ruby Radio throughout my stay. I had a small table to rest my laptop on so felt more comfortable than I had at The Standard.

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The loodown:

I was able to check into my room and use my own bathroom but I did check out the public facilities and they are bang on Ruby trend; clean and quirky.

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As the afternoon turned into early evening, the weekend buzz grew and people started coming into the lounge for drinks. I obviously had to have a cocktail or two before I went to out to dinner and spent around £30 on their twist on a Dark 'n' Stormy and a G&T.

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The verdict:

I really felt like I was wrapped up in a warm hug at the Ruby. I couldn't have felt more welcome and being able to watch the Lower Marsh world go by outside the windows gave me the visual stimulation that I miss at home. As there are plenty of places nearby to grab lunch from, it offers a more budget friendly option. I have already booked to go back later in March and can't wait for another Ruby hug...

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Good to know:

• Room 106 has a wardrobe, not all the Nest rooms do

• The Leake Street Arches are less than a 5 min walk from the hotel

• If you are a pizza fan, look no further than Crust Bros which is less than 10 mins away