Batty Langley’s, London

Batty Langley’s, London



“You’ll
find us when you need us” is the unofficial motto of
Batty Langley’s hotel. The third
offering from Douglas Blain and Peter McKay (the brains behind
Hazlitt’s in Soho
and The Rookery in
Clerkenwell
) kept quiet within its first few months of opening
in 2015. But this hand-off marketing approach seems to have come up
trumps. Word is now out about Batty’s, and it’s spreading with the
slow and steady mystique of a hushed secret. Located in the heart
of Old Spitalfield Market, Batty’s is named after Bartholomew
Langely, an 18th-century architect, gardener and author who was
large both in life and proportion.

Taking inspiration from the era and eccentric manner of its
namesake, the hotel has brought Georgian England right into the
modern day. Rooms are sumptuously upholstered in silk drapes and
velvet cushions, and walls are adorned with oil portraits that hang
beside cases of antique books. Meanwhile, bathrooms come complete
with roll-top marble baths and brass faucets in the shape of
animals.

But Batty’s is a far cry from being a museum and the hotel is
nothing if not tongue-in-cheek. There are the wooden thrones that
are in fact working toilets, the cabinets that open up to reveal
television and even a bookcase that opens up to reveal a secret
room. And most of all there’s the culture clash to be found on the
terraces. Guests need only stepping through the silk drapes of
their room to be surrounded by the glass towers of the City –
Batty’s is a place where past and present London coexist.

Rooms

All of the hotel’s 29 rooms are individually styled, named after
former residents of the local area. We checked into Kitty Fisher’s,
a suite inspired by the 18th-century courtesan, and dove straight
into the dark wood four-poster bed. The bathroom – with stained
glass windows and a cavernous tub with a copper shower guard – was
a real highlight.

What’s for breakfast?

Breakfast in bed is pretty much compulsory here and Batty’s
keeps things simple with a menu that includes bacon sandwiches and
natural yoghurt with berries, which all come served on an oversized
wooden tray delivered to your room. (NOTE: those concerned about
crumbs can sit downstairs in the parlour if they prefer).

How about lunch and dinner?

There’s no restaurant here, but there’s a room service menu
serves light bites around the clock. Personally, we prefer to
venture out to Old Spitalfields and grab a bite from som saa
or St John.

Is there a bar?

There’s an honesty bar located in the tapestry room for guests
to help themselves, and connoisseurs can have a go at crafting
their own house cocktail.

Amenities

Free wifi, REN bath products, Apple TV, honesty bar, courtyard
garden, over 3,500 books…

Things you should know

This is a quiet and cosy hotel – you’ll have to step outside if
you want crowds and chaos.

Within a short walk you can find…

Old Spitalfields Market, Brick Lane, Liverpool Street Station
and Shoreditch High Street.

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