This Shoreditch Hotel Celebrates Iconic Design Eras

If you possess a keen eye for design, or simply like to revel in the glory of impeccable aesthetics – all while luxuriating in a state of unparalleled relaxation, fuelled by exquisite food and blessed with a panorama of London's skyline – then look no further. Even on the dreariest winter day, Boundary Shoreditch will catapult you into bygone design eras – from British modernism to Bauhaus.

This 17-bedroom boutique hotel, located a three-minute walk from Shoreditch High Street overground station, is the ideal launchpad for exploring East London’s creative scene. Set within in a Victorian-era printing factory and warehouse, the hotel was a collaboration between the late Sir Terence Conran and his wife Vicky. Together, they’ve crafted a tribute to 20th-century design brilliance.

In the rooms, design legends come to life. You might find Marimekko's vibrant blue poppy fabric, a striking French perfumery shop print by the iconic Andrée Putman, or Charles and Ray Eames' celebrated House of Cards motifs – all reimagined as headboards. Eileen Gray’s influence appears in the form of her iconic Bibendum chair and signature rug designs, while Mies van der Rohe is represented with the Barcelona and MR chair-ottoman duo. The Bauhaus movement also leaves its mark with a Wassily chair, a Wagenfeld table lamp and Laccio low tables.

Boundary offers 17 individually designed rooms across its Shoreditch location

In other words, if you’re playing design bingo, Boundary will give you a full house. With its exposed red brick, elegant white awnings and towering windows, the hotel retains its industrial character while reflecting Shoreditch’s design-savvy spirit.

Rooms

You’ve got the picture by now – of the 17 rooms, not one is a carbon copy of any other. Ample choices await, offering generous space. Opt for the Boundary Bedroom, a Corner Bedroom, the expansive Duplex Loft, spanning two floors, or splurge on the 55sq m Tang Suite, personally crafted by Sir David Tang, and featuring a separate living room.

The ground-floor, all-day brasserie serves timeless English and French cuisine | Credit: Caitlin Isola

What’s for breakfast?

Eggs tailored to your preference – royal, Benedict, Florentine. Staples such as smashed avo on toast, shakshuka, and breakfast baps. Or fuel up with a substantial full English for your day of exploring Shoreditch and beyond. Craving a touch of French flair? Indulge in French toast with berries and vanilla cream or bacon and maple syrup.

How about lunch and dinner?

Here, the choice is yours – whether to stay grounded or go sky-high. On the ground floor, the all-day brasserie menu is a tribute to timeless English and French recipes. Start with salt and pepper squid, beef carpaccio or a crispy duck egg. Mains runs the gamut from spiced cauliflower schnitzel to corn-fed chicken with polenta and wild mushrooms. If you find yourself here on a Sunday, opt for the acclaimed roast, made with locally sourced meat. A veggie version is available, too.

When spring and summer roll around, the rooftop bar and grill transforms into a Mediterranean haven (London weather permitting), with Italian chef Roberto Branca serving charcoal-grilled meats and fish, refreshing salads, charcuterie and sumptuous seafood. The colder months usher in an alpine-inspired menu – après-ski vibes sans the exhausting slopes, but with gooey cheese fondue and raclette by the open fireplace.

The hotel offers two restaurants: a buzzy, ground floor brasserie and a warm-weather rooftop bar and grill | Credit: Caitlin Isola

Is there a bar?

Kudos to bar manager Ben, who not only dreamed up every concoction on the menu but also demonstrates his artistic prowess in bringing the cocktails to life. Sip on tailor-made creations that draw inspiration from the Bard himself; think the revenge-fuelled Hamlet, a potent blend of whisky, cold brew, salted caramel and walnut bitters; or the romantic Romeo & Juliet, featuring Patrón Silver tequila, coconut, pineapple and lime juice, almond syrup and a hint of chilli. Dive into the extensive wine list (from over 500 artisanal growers) at the Noisette Fleury bar – at 22m long, proudly one of Shoreditch's longest – and immerse yourself in the art of leisure, with an invitation to kick back and people-watch for as long as you fancy.

Amenities

All rooms have king-size beds, and come stocked with artisanal wines, teas and coffee. Spacious bathrooms have rainfall showers and a curated selection of Aesop products. Opt to lounge in your robe and slippers and elevate your stay like a true design aficionado – each room has a personal trove of design books, dedicated to its respective era. Rooms and corridors, meanwhile, showcase global art pieces. Come rain or shine, you can access the rooftop year-round.

All rooms have king-size beds, and spacious bathrooms equipped with rainfall showers and Aesop products

What are the hotel’s eco-credentials like?

Comprehensive, from the zero-to-landfill policy during the building’s renovation – where existing structures and materials were salvaged, reimagined and refurbished – to the curated collection of vintage furniture. Each piece of new furniture is not only sourced locally in the UK but is FSC-certified, ensuring both style and sustainability. Both in-house restaurants source locally and seasonally.

What about accessibility?

Secure your stay in the Young British Designers-inspired Boundary Bedroom 12. This wheelchair-accessible and step-free room guarantees unencumbered mobility throughout both the room and the bathroom.

Boundary is housed in a Victorian-era printing factory and warehouse. Its interiors combine exposed red brick and elegant white awnings with towering windows | Credit: Caitlin Isola

What’s the crowd like?

Shoreditch's ubiquitous creative denizens mingle effortlessly with post-work City suits. And the tourists? They're the savvy repeat visitors who've claimed this spot as their own, including the effortlessly chic French crowd who casually hop over on the Eurostar.

Within a short walk I can find…

Nestled in the heart of east London, this is your gateway to the locale’s most cherished shopping and art spaces. Liverpool Street station is a 10-minute walk away, as is Columbia Road Flower Market on a Sunday. Get ready to discover Shoreditch's crème de la crème – from boutique retailers to vintage treasure troves.