design hotel London

Visiting London has never been easier with so many affordable, design-led hotels and serviced apartments popping up all across town. If you’re planning a trip to the capital and want to stay somewhere with the wow factor and a cool local vibe, the hottest brand to watch has to be Locke.

I first discovered this game-changing aparthotel concept with a fabulous stay at Leman Locke, the group’s debut opening housed in a modern Aldgate tower with plush pastel interiors, high-spec appliances and spectacular views of the city.

Since then, Locke has expanded to five sites in London, as well as Manchester, Cambridge, Edinburgh, Dublin and Munich. Each property has its own unique style and has been thoughtfully designed to reflect the neighbourhood.

I was excited to stay at Kingsland Locke for the weekend, having watched the construction of the building during our local lockdown walks. It opened in May last year and features 124 studio apartments and one-bedroom suites, plus social and eating spaces, designed by Red Deer Studio.

Location

As the name suggests, it’s right in the heart of Dalston and ideal for exploring the East End with Ridley Road Market, The Rio Cinema and Kingsland Road’s vibrant restaurants on the doorstep. You can also easily walk to Broadway Market, London Fields, Columbia Road Flower Market and Brick Lane.

Check-In

On arrival, we immediately felt the relaxed vibe of Kingsland Locke, as we walked through the entrance’s leafy plants to the green tiled reception desk decorated with toys and ornaments made by local artists. Check in was easy and low-key with a warm welcome from the friendly staff, all wearing stylish uniforms designed by Birdsong, an east London sustainable and ethical fashion brand.

Locals are able to use the open lounge and co-working space, so there’s always a lively atmosphere with lots of chatting and typing over drinks from Shaman coffee shop and the in-house microbrewery. For residents, there’s also a workout studio (yoga mats are provided in your room), laundry room and bookable manicures from a top local nail technician.

The Studio

Our City Studio (19 sqm) – accessed by an Instagrammable peach and pink hallway – was spacious, calming and efficiently-designed. Homely dark wood panelling and parquet flooring is contrasted with unfinished concrete walls and brightened with a gorgeous custom-made velvet sofa in sumptuous bottle green and chartreuse tones, that seamlessly flows to the headboard of the comfy king-size bed.

Room features include a snug dining area, large Smart HD TV, free wifi, storage cupboards, iron and a fully-equipped Smeg kitchen with a hob, fridge/freezer, microwave-grill, toaster and dishwasher, plus a full set of cooking utencils and crockery. Also, a fresh brew is always close at hand with a kettle and a selection of premium loose-leaf teas and ground coffee.

The small but perfectly formed bathroom is fabulously futuristic (and made for selfies), with matte black fixtures and white geometric tiles and a powerful walk-in shower, big fluffy towels and full-size products by Kinsey Apothecary.

Dinner at KRAFT Dalston

In the evening, we dined at Kraft Dalston, Locke’s collaborative restaurant from local indie brands German Kraft Brewery, Jim and Tonic Distillery and foodie favourite Le Bab. This subterranean space couldn’t be cuter with mint green and pastel pink chairs, hanging plants and quirky hot pink sharks circling the glass ceiling. At night it has a warm glow and the spacious bench seating makes it perfect for large groups and celebrating occasions.

Le Bab specialises in creative, charcoal-grilled kebabs using high quality British meats and many of the dishes are shareable. We started with the excellent Mezze Mix for 2 with velvety peanut curry pesto hummus, crisp pork belly bites and moreish garlic butter naan.

We followed with some tasty kebabs – Pork Shawarma with juicy Dingley Dell organic pork, sweet pickled cucumber and fresh chermoula mayo on fluffy pita flatbread and a Dirty Bab, which was similar but quite a bit bigger with the addition of fries and fondue sauce.

The food was fantastic and very reasonable priced for such high quality, plus it’s hard to beat a restaurant that’s just downstairs!

Breakfast is a simple affair at Kingsland Locke (you can pre-book a voucher at the health-conscious Shaman cafe), so we popped out to grab some delicious morning pastries at our favourite bakery The Dusty Knuckle.

Around Dalston

For more places to eat out in the immediate area, I also recommend tacos and margaritas at the slightly shambolic but fun Del74, hearty plant-based food at Mildred’s, drinks and experimental music at Cafe OTO and freshly-made baklava at Bebek Baklava.

Kingsland Locke is the perfect base for a memorable leisure stay in London with everything you need to be comfortable and no pricey extras. I can’t think of any real downsides, other than I’d love the option of starting the day with a full breakfast or brunch in that lovely, light-filled restaurant – this may not fit Locke’s vision for the property but it would be a nice feature.

There are plans for more Locke residences in Berlin, Lisbon and Copenhagen over the next few years, so keep an eye out!

Photos by Chérie City

Last weekend, I was invited to stay at London Marriott Grosvenor Square and sample the delights of Gordon Ramsay’s Maze and Maze Grill.

London Marriott Grosvenor Square is just a few steps from Selfridges and the Bond Street boutiques, so it’s an ideal base for a shopping weekend. This is one of Marriott’s most contemporary hotels and from the moment I stepped inside it felt buzzing and sociable yet relaxing.

The Room

My Deluxe King Room looked on to leafy Grosvenor Square and I could spot the different international embassies from my window. Grosvenor Square is one of my favourite London parks, as it’s just a few steps from the shops, is just the right size and is perfect for watching the world and posh little dogs go by.

My spacious room was decorated in monochrome and mink shades with tactile furnishings and featured a contemporary four-poster bed. The bed was like floating on a cloud and I was told that this is Marriott’s signature bed, which now features throughout the group’s properties. It had the most gorgeous soft linen and was covered with plump cushions – I slept on no less than six pillows!

There was plenty of desk space to work, a large flatscreen TV in front of the bed and a triple fitted wardrobe with an iron and ironing board. I felt instantly at home with tea and coffee making facilities, a bathrobe and slippers and a stack of magazines to work through.

A Welcome Treat

When I arrived, I was greeted with a colourful bowl of fresh fruit, bottled mineral water, a box of Marriott handmade chocolates and a personal note welcoming me to the hotel.

Later in the evening, I was brought more mineral water and an adorable London Marriott Grosvenor Square teddy bear – a nice touch.

The Bathroom

The bathroom was classic marble and had a bath with a shower over and even a pair of scales (if you dare look after a visit to Maze)!

The bathroom products were from Marriott’s own aromatherapy range and had a citrusy gin and tonic scent. Perhaps some Miller Harris or Molton Brown products would be more inspiring and be better suited to the luxurious design of the rooms.

The Club Lounge

The Club Lounge was an excellent feature and it felt like having a luxury airport lounge constantly at my convenience. It provided somewhere other than the my room to relax and refuel with complimentary teas and fresh coffee, bottled soft drinks, continental breakfast and a selection of scones, cakes, snacks and canapés until midnight.

The Club Lounge is free to use for guests staying in a suite or a Club room and there is an honesty bar for if you feel like having a cold beer or spirit. It has complimentary WIFI throughout, so you can work, catch up on the news on the large TV screens, or relax after a meeting or using the fitness room.

After settling in, we met Darin, the lovely Director of Sales & Marketing and had a tour of the hotel, followed by some exotic-looking cocktails in Maze Bar.

We saw the suites and balcony rooms and the impressive blue and yellow ballroom, which was set up for an Indian wedding that evening. We then had some free time to relax or enjoy the sun before dinner. The Concierge had thoughtfully created a walking itinerary for us, taking in the sights of St James’ Park, and we were also given a Selfridges VIP Card, if we felt like a spot of shopping.

That evening, we regrouped for a cocktail masterclass and a fantastic dinner at the Chef’s Table at Maze.

Breakfast

After a really good sleep, I had my wake-up call from reception and was soon brought my breakfast by the wonderful Audrey. She was so cheerful and motherly, I wish I could wake up in this way every day!

I had the most delicious, creamy Eggs Benedict, a selection of pastries, a large pot of fresh coffee with hot milk and a glass of freshly squeezed orange juice.

I spent the morning working in my room and then it was down to Maze Grill for a steak masterclass followed by lunch at the Chef’s Table.

London Marriott Grosvenor Square is a real destination hotel and there are options for fine dining at Maze or a more informal experience at Maze Grill. Or you can even stay holed up in your room with Gordon Ramsay room service, although the best shopping and a delightful park on your doorstep might coax you out!

Photos by Chérie City.

Chérie City was a guest of London Marriott Grosvenor Square.

A Great Stay at Kingsland Locke Dalston