Bedtime Stories at 40 Winks

Tales of Love, Lust and Longing

Bedtime Stories at 40 Winks Hotel is simply an experience not to be missed! From the moment you ring the bell, you are no longer in Stepney Green, or a Queen Anne townhouse - the harsh realities of life can be left in the hallway along with your shoes as you step into the dimly lit cave peopled with pyjama-ed strangers sipping cocktails from teacups and nibbling on warm sausage rolls.

If you don’t get your kicks parading through the East End in your night gown you are welcome to bring it along with you & change. David Carter, owner of 40 Winks is on hand to welcome and admire those with the most fetching attire and equally ready to teasingly scold anyone not embracing the spirit of the evening - no-one would dare!

 

Imagine my surprise when Mr Carter boldly asked me ‘are you a good lover or a bad lover?’ It was then explained that all guests should be informed on arrival to which group they belong, in order to divide the story-telling sessions taking place before and after the interval - however I was overlooked! A little taken aback I thought it only modest to declare myself thoroughly BAD.

Daniel Marcus Clark started the bad lovers off with an Edgar Allan Poe-esqe tale of love and heart transplants. Combining storytelling with music he was utterly captivating. After the interval, comprising of more nibbling and a cup of luxurious Artisan du Chocolat hot chocolate, we crept upstairs to hear the expressive flame headed Cat Weatherill recounting the story of Orsino...the details of which alas, I drank too much gin punch to remember! It was getting late and I longed to nestle down for the night on the many cushions and blankets. Unsurprisingly there were certainly a few couples feeling the mellow and romantic atmosphere of this Valentine’s special.

My friend and I both fell down the stairs during the course of the evening - something which happens frequently due to the rather lethal combination of gin, slippers and velvet-like carpets! But this only adds to the laughter and general bohemian feel of 40 Winks.

My favourite part of the evening was beautiful Vivienne Youel singing a collection of love songs. With an exquisite voice and lyrics, I can’t help but wonder if we haven’t seen the last of Miss Youel, whom Mr Carter apparently discovered busking in the underground.

The evening concluded with Mr Carter awarding prizes to the ‘most glamorous nightie’ and ‘most elegant pyjamas’ before handing out goody bags filled with treats such as frilly knickers by retro lingerie brand What Katie Did and chocolates by Artisan du Chocolat. As if that wasn’t enough, Mr Carter bade the ladies farewell with long stemmed red roses generously sponsored by Purely Roses.

The Bedtime Stories series continues with Irish Nights on the 16^th & 17^th March to celebrate St Patrick’s Day.