Joining

Joining
the influx of members’ clubs that are hitting East
London to fulfil the needs of city cool cats (see also The
Curtain), Devonshire Club fills an
18th-century former East India Company warehouse which stands proud
on pedestrianised Devonshire Square. Sophisticated and seductive,
it’s billed as a place where “Mayfair chic meets East End style” a
description which extends to the crowd – largely suit-wearing but
not supercilious – who are no doubt attracted by the
club-cum-hotel’s diverse spaces which facilitate going from
business lunch to evening date.

Rooms

Both sleek and serviceable, 68 bedrooms and suites fill five
floors, with understated decor spruced up by characterful touches
such as acid-yellow armchairs, magenta throws and decorative
mirrors. We were particularly impressed by the bed, which was
easily big enough for four, while fresh flowers and dazzling white
bathrooms made the room feel bright and airy.

What’s for breakfast?

A traditional menu boasts cereal, eggs any way and a full
English. Wash down with
LA-style juices such as “isotonic refuel”, containing yuzu and
activated charcoal.

How about lunch and dinner?

Head to the 110-seater brasserie where the gleaming sushi bar is
the star of the show – and one our favourite things about the Club.
While the à la carte menu offers homely dishes like steak or
truffle mac ‘n’ cheese, it would be a waste not to go Japanese – if
only to watch the experts whipping up perfectly made rolls in front
of you.

Is there a bar?

Yes, three. Relax among eclectically chic surrounds in the
design-led champagne bar on the ground floor, or head to the more
grown-up library bar, reminiscent of an old-school smoking lounge.
The cocktail bar lives up to its moniker of “St Tropez meets St
James”, oozing opulence and often hosting live music nights. All
hum with a heady buzz of anticipation – no doubt facilitated by
carefully crafted cocktails mixed up by top-notch bartenders.

Amenities

Wifi, extensive fitness studio (including classes and personal
trainers), reciprocal clubs around the world.

Things I should know

If you’re looking for a small boutique hotel, this is probably
not for you.

Within a short walk I can find…

Shoreditch with its many shops, bars and restaurants, while
it’s also well-located for city workers.