GOT HERE Array ( [strictly_necessary] => Array ( ) [functional] => Array ( ) [performance_analytics] => Array ( ) [advertisement_targeting] => Array ( ) [gtm] => Array ( [0] => Google Tag Manager (Head) [1] => [2] => on ) ) A Brief History of Bertie’s | Bertrand’s Townhouse Skip to content
Chapters
Reserve

Introducing Bertrand

Known affectionately as “Bertie”, Bertrand Russell was a British mathematician, logician, philosopher, and public intellectual whose ideas shaped the 20th century. 

 

Founder of analytic philosophy, a Nobel Prize winner, and author of over 60 books and 2,000 articles, he was also a Fellow of the Royal Society and a Lifetime Fellow of Trinity College. Honoured with Britain’s Order of Merit, Russell spent his life in pursuit of reason, humanism, and the defence of freedom of thought.

 

An advocate for truth and curiosity, Bertrand combined intellect with eccentricity. A devoted pipe smoker, he famously claimed that tobacco had once saved his life: he insisted on travelling in the plane’s smoking section, which spared him when the flight crashed into the sea – while all in the non-smoking section perished. 

 

At Bertrand’s Townhouse, you catch glimmers of Bertrand’s famous wit, a spark of eccentricity, and the kind of subtle mischief and quiet joy he so adored.

The Bloomsbury Set

In the heart of Bloomsbury, the Bedford Estate has long been alive with grand ideas and imagination. During the early 20th century, the Bloomsbury Set – a constellation of thinkers, writers, and artists made these streets and squares their stage. This is where lively debates, flourishing salons, and daring new ways of thinking took root.

In Bloomsbury’s golden age of intellect and artistry, the townhouse became a haven for lively minds and creative spirits. Writers, philosophers, and visionaries gathered here – their conversations weaving through rooms still rich with wit and imagination.

 

Even today, traces of those spirited gatherings still linger in the townhouse’s quiet corners and intimate nooks.

Becoming Bertie’s

Once a distinguished Bloomsbury townhouse, this home has been thoughtfully transformed into Bertrand’s Townhouse. A boutique retreat that honours the intellectual and artistic heritage. Every detail sparks curiosity, reflection, and conversation. From the cigar garden and pipe lounges to quiet reading corners and carefully curated artwork. 

 

Step inside this modern interpretation and experience the wit, warmth, and elegance that once defined Bloomsbury’s most brilliant minds. Pause, think, and connect.

Experience

Reserve a stay at Bertie’s and experience history first-hand

Correspondence from Bertie

Stories, offers, and the occasional scandal — delivered to your inbox. We write only when there is something worth saying.

Dearest Bertie,
We would love to stay with you between
18th December 2025 and 19th December 2025.

We are a party of 2 guests, and would like to reserve 1 room.

Looking to book more than 6 rooms? Get in touch to arrange a group booking.

Book Direct
with Bertie

Why book through strangers when you can come straight to Bertie? Enjoy instant privileges reserved for the astute and curious – just as Bertie would have wished.

Complimentary Welcome Drink
Priority Room Upgrade
Early check-in & Late Check-out
Check Availability
Close