An

An
ode to Art-Deco, the Town Hall Hotel dates back to
1910 when – you guessed it – it housed the local council. Then, it
stood as a proud embodiment of British craftsmanship. The building
has since been painstakingly remastered (and extended onto Patriot
Square) as a contemporary-luxe hotel. Today it attracts an
international creative crowd as well as London cool cats – not least thanks to
Lee Westcott‘s much-lauded restaurant, Typing
Room. Uniquely channelling
East London cool, the hotel is widely touted as being
fundamental in putting Bethnal Green on the map as a dining
destination (it was previously home to Nuno Mendes’
Michelin-starred Viajante) and one of the city’s most exciting
neighbourhoods.

Rooms

Each room has been individually designed – and it shows, with
the general air being that of a (very rich) architect’s house. A
‘subtle yet expensive Deco style’ is expertly blended to complement
original Edwardian features so that rooms are minimalist but
homely, with clean lines, a muted colour palette, high ceilings,
sliding partitions and concealed handles. It’s a fuss-free approach
which is both practical and chic, with personality is injected with
an antique coffee table or armchair here, sheepskin rug there.

What’s for breakfast?

Breakfast is not included but head to the Corner Room on the
first floor, a casual all-day dining affair serving really good
coffee and offerings such as poached eggs with avocado on sourdough
– as you’d expect in East London.

How about lunch and dinner?

Lunch and dinner are served in both the Corner Room and Typing
Room – those after a quick bite should head to the former, but the
latter is a truly unique dining experience. Located in what was the
typing room of the original council building, Westcott and his team
cook up a seasonal menu using locally sourced British produce.
Heard that before? No doubt. But Westcott goes above and beyond,
producing plate after plate of earthy delights which keep you
guessing from yeasted cauliflower with raisins, capers and mint to
short-rib beef, carrot, salsify and smoked bone marrow, rounded off
by pumpkin, chocolate and kombucha. Opt for the seven-course
tasting menu (because why not?), make sure you’ve got an
elasticated waistband and beware rising at the end, as a
combination of exquisitely paired wines and multiple plates will
have you staggering back to your room lightheaded and giddy.

Is there a bar?

Certainly. Rivalling the Typing Room in innovation, Peg and
Patriot is one of Hackney’s hottest watering holes. Reservations
are key – after all, you can’t expect to just turn up and sip on
fantastical creations such as ‘Bangkok penicillin’ (Thai aromatics,
ginger, lemon) or ‘Merchant of Venice’ (parsley, coriander, butter,
verjus, bitter, smoke). Beware playing your hand at ‘roulette’, in
which you are treated to the bartender’s choice shot of three
different libations – you have been warned.

Amenities

Rooms contain all the expected mod-cons, including free wi-fi
and 24-hour room service, as well as unlimited mineral water and a
free shuttle bus service to Bank and Liverpool Street every weekday
morning. The hotel also has a spacious design-led
pool, glass-walled gym and fitness centre.

Things you should know

The hotel has been featured in many films and shoots, including
Atonement, Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels, Snatch and Edge of
Love.

Within a short walk you can find…

East London is your oyster. If you’re there at the weekend, head
over towards
Broadway Market and
Columbia Road Flower Market followed by a canal-side walk and a
well-deserved pint in one of the many boozers you’ll pass en route
– you’ll soon see why this is known as the coolest part of the
capital.