13 February, 2019
The Soho House group have struck again, opening their third London townhouse (they also have Dean Street and Kettner's, both in Soho) in ever-popular Shoreditch. Situated on one of the coolest streets in the neighbourhood, this urban bolthole has the familiar feeling of the group's other properties, though interiors take on a more contemporary-cool edge (think mid-century leaning towards Seventies retro chic) in line with its East London location.
Compact rooms mean it's definitely a place for movers and shakers who are keen to get out exploring rather than lounge about in a bathrobe all day - though the impressive array of normal-sized toiletries and treats from their Cowshed Spa does make this rather tempting. Serving its purpose as a launchpad for the area's stellar offering of restaurants, bars, boutiques and markets, it's a pretty unbeatable option if you're looking for a hip hotel in E1.
If you've ever stayed at a Soho House property before you'll know the drill - it's homely sophistication that works on both an aesthetic and a practical level. These guys have 23 properties around the world and have worked out exactly where you need a plug socket, how many pillows is just right and what should be in a minibar. Word of warning: the tiny rooms are tiny - this place does exactly what it says on the tin, and is all the better for it.
We didn't actually make it to breakfast having got wholeheartedly stuck in to the area's heady nightlife scene the previous evening, but expect acai/grain bowls, almond-butter toast and "green eggs" (with avocado and pesto) with njuda and porchetta creations to sate the carnivorous. If you're heading out the night before, be smarter than us and remember to order yours on room service before leaving.
Ground-floor Cecconi's is a fanfare to Italian cuisine. Order arancini, tuna/beef carpaccio and burrata for the table, before moving onto pasta, wood-fired pizza or a plant-based main like whole-roasted cauliflower. In fact, get the pizza for the table, so you can cast your eye over other mains such as sea bass and steak. Do leave room for "dolci" though - the profiteroles come with pistachio gelato and chocolate sauce. Enough said.
Yes, and you should drink negronis at it while ogling the hot young things around you.
You won't find a spa or a gym, but that's not what you're here for.
The delights and distractions of Shoreditch. Expect your wallet to take a hit thanks to your close proximity to shops like APC and Modern Society. Check out our favourite boutiques here.
Keep your eyes peeled for the house's "40 under 40" art collection from 40 East London artists under 40.