As soon as you walk through the main entrance of the Hoxton on Great Eastern St, you know you are somewhere with the X Factor. The open-plan reception is linked up with the bar and restaurant, making for a buzzing atmosphere before you’ve even checked in.
With really helpful, personable staff it has a very ‘unstuffy’ appeal, and the urban decor makes it a seriously cool and edgy space.
The wow factor: The eclectic design of this unique hotel gives it a real edge. With massive piping running across the ceiling of the restaurant to the huge lamps suspended above the tables, there’s a nod to the area’s more functional roots.
This is combined with a whimsical take on decoration with random artefacts dotted around, including a bike hanging from the ceiling, ancient typewriters, loads of books, open fires and big comfy sofas. In one corner there’s a photo booth opposite a bank of Apple Macs for general use, plus there’s free WiFi throughout.
The Hox Gallery showcases UK artists – during my stay there was a quirky exhibition of portraits by Charlotte Cory who draws people dressed in Victorian outfits with animal heads.
Food and drink: After a drink at the really busy bar I managed to get a table for dinner in the Hoxton Grill. Booking definitely recommended – it’s really popular. The menu is sort of American diner meets English brasserie and has an excellent choice of steaks, burgers, Cajun dishes, salads and sandwiches. I opted for the Hanger steak and fries with a glass of Argentinian Malbec. Perfection on a plate and in a glass.
All the staff were friendly and served the many tables of happy punters with a smile and perky banter.
The rooms: My bedroom was decadently fabulous. With its dark walls and huge circular mirror it had a curious feeling of urban decadence. I loved the nifty little desk with its inbuilt sections for the TV remote, pencil notepad and corkscrew. There were lots of books and a good selection of glasses and tea-making equipment. A big leather chair sat opposite the massive bed with waffle bedspread and gloriously comfy mattress. There was a rainforest walk-in shower and the boxed Pears Soap had a little note encouraging me to take it away at the end of my stay.
It’s the perfect place for a lazy morning too as breakfast in bed is included in the room rate, or breakfast is served in the restaurant until midday.
Rooms from £49, contact the hotel for more details and special offers.
Click here to find out more and to book.
81 Great Eastern Street, London, EC2A 3HU
Find out more about The Quirky Traveller here.
