One

One
of the most hotly anticipated openings of the year, The Curtain opened its black
revolving doors to excited murmurings that it was set to rival
Shoreditch House as East London’s hottest members’ club slash
hotel. Costing £70 million and taking four years to build, it’s the
brainchild of Michael Achenbaum – the
New York hotelier behind the Gansevoort brand who many hold
responsible for putting the Meatpacking district on the map – so
it’s no surprise that London’s cool cats have sat up and taken
notice.

Standing six storeys high, it climaxes in an impressive rooftop
pool with panoramic views of the city and reaches down into an
urban underbelly with a subterranean drinking den. While the name
refers to the 16th-century theatre that was once across the road
(and allegedly held the first performance of Romeo and Juliet) we
like to think of it as a smoke screen for what goes on within. Live
music, low lighting and an air of naughtiness which is hard to pin
exactly down attracts movers and shakers from film, music and
fashion – this place
screams exclusivity with a generous dollop of fun, which the
membership waiting list suggests a lot of people want in on.

Rooms

The imposing red-brick building comes with 120 guest rooms,
including five suites. In characteristic East London style, a moody
colour palette meets exposed-brick walls, freestanding bathtubs,
sleek black-and-white bathrooms and a not-so-minibar which will no
doubt please the musicians (and any groupies) who check in. Book a
loft with a terrace – we’ve never seen a bigger balcony.

What’s for breakfast?

Head up to the
rooftop restaurant, Lido, to fill your boots at a buffet spread
of fresh pastries, granola and Greek yoghurt. Sourdough, avocado,
labneh, quinoa, Manuka honey and every kind of milk imaginable all
go without saying. Alternatively, hold out until
brunch and spend a merry Sunday sipping bloody Marys and
admiring the view.

How about lunch and dinner?

The basement restaurant, Red Rooster, has received as much hype
as the hotel, hopping across the pond as a sibling to the
Michelin-starred branch in Harlem, which is headed up by Marcus
Samuelsen and counts Barak Obama as a fan. This is a place to see
and be seen – fortunate, given that you probably won’t be able to
hear each other over the live music – so sink into a sumptuous
navy-velvet banquette and take in the colourfully quirky
surroundings. Southern soul food is order of the day, and it’d be
rude not to go for Sammy’s chicken ‘n’ waffles with a side of
shrimp ‘n’ grits. There are sparklers and “Trash Tiki” cocktails,
need we say more?

If you’re after something a little less lively, Lido (open to
guests and members only) offers seasonal Mediterranean fare with a
backdrop of floor-to-ceiling windows and twinkling fairy lights.
Those who’ve been busy sampling Shoreditch’s effervescent nightlife
should make a beeline for Tienda Roosteria (thoughtfully located on
the ground floor and open until late) for tacos and probably some
more tequila.

Is there a bar?

There are eight, including a pretty covered courtyard complete
with a tree, sultry Billy’s Bar and the sound-proofed basement club
(the latter two are members only). Alternatively, a roaming
mixologist will come to your room and create something bespoke.

Amenities

Wifi, gym (including classes with Boom Cycle), heated rooftop
pool, spa, ballroom and cinema room.

Things I should know

Unless your parents used to be in a band and think they’ve still
“got it”, you probably shouldn’t recommend they stay here when they
come to visit.

Within a short walk I can find…

You’re in the thick of
Shoreditch with its vibrant restaurants, shops and bars.