Words by Rowena Marella-Daw
London’s edgy East End has come a long way since the days when dark, foggy alleyways were steeped in danger and mystery. Once no-go areas encompassing Spitalfields, Whitechapel and Hoxton slowly metamorphosed at the dawning of the Millennium, regenerated and gentrified to become one of the capital’s trendy social hubs.
Not to be outdone, the next-door district of Shoreditch has now taken over as a fashionable place to visit, live, work and play. There is much history squeezed into this quirky neighbourhood, and the period buildings and converted warehouses we see today belie a fascinating past. A medieval priory and nunnery once stood on Curtain Road, the same location where England’s first playhouse, The Theatre, was built in 1576. It was here that Shakespeare’s ‘Romeo and Juliet’ was first performed.
But for all its remarkable history, Shoreditch is fondly remembered for the furniture trade that thrived here between 1860 to 1945. This rich heritage resonates with up-and-coming enterprises and establishments that have made Shoreditch their base, not to mention some of the capital’s prestigious arts colleges, namely the London College of Fashion, the Court Theatre Training Company and the National Centre for Circus Arts.
When not studying, drawing or performing, artists and budding actors are rubbing elbows with techies and young entrepreneurs who frequent the cafés, bars and lounges of trendy hotels that have recently sprung up.
Hotel
A perfect example is Hart Shoreditch, which opened in 2020 bearing the name of the building’s former occupier, the Hart family of 19th century cabinetmakers. The lobby is a cosy sanctuary with a spacious lounge and communal workspace sandwiched between the Mostrador Bar and the reception desk, where friendly staff provide a warm welcome. The vibe is hip, the atmosphere relaxed.
The interior, crafted by world-renowned Fabled Studios, embodies the area’s rich artisan heritage by melding metalwork styles prevalent during the Victorian era with contemporary style. This is evident in the hammered copper accent on the reception desk, Art Deco inspired circular table lamps, and a bespoke chandelier made of wooden lanterns. Clever use of thin copper rods on the wall behind the bar provides decorative shelving for plants and drinks.
A palette of turquoise blue, beige and mustard for the velvet sofas and chairs creates a vibrant, understated elegance. On the same level and next to Mostrador restaurant is a spiral staircase leading down to private event spaces. The use of striking wrought iron frames and banisters is said to echo the character of Huguenot silkweavers’ townhouses in 18th century East London.
Room
The same ethos applies to all 126 rooms and suites, where contemporary design harmonises with period styles. A moody glow emanates from Art Deco-inspired rose-gold copper wall lamps, while the bathroom’s brass fittings add retro flair, complemented by marble walls with asymmetrical patterns.
There is more emphasis on black and tones of grey on dining tables and cabinets, but this is softened by applying neutral tones and ochre on chairs and sofas, as well as rose-gold metal on coffee tables for a touch of glamour. A vintage-style Marshall Bluetooth speaker also adds a bit of nostalgia.
Food and drink
Conveniently located on the ground floor of Hart Shoreditch, Mostrador London is redefining the concept of casual dining, courtesy of world-renowned Buenos Aires-born chef and restaurateur Fernando Trocca. ‘Mostrador’ or ‘counter’ in Spanish, takes inspiration from informal counter-service eateries popular in Latin America, and follows on from the success of Trocca’s mostradores in Uruguay and Montauk.
So what’s special about Mostrador? This all-day dining experience offers a culinary treat crafted to satisfy small and ravenous appetites. As soon as you enter, your eyes are riveted towards a long spread comprising platters of goodness full of flavour, texture and colour, so delectable it might even turn a carnivore into a vegetarian. Using creativity and panache to turn fresh, locally-sourced ingredients – vegetables, grains, spices, herbs and dressings – into special mouth-watering dishes is what sets Trocca’s mostrador apart.
Portions are generous, and exciting dishes include salt baked beetroot, pink tahini, radish, cucumber; and Chickpea shakshuka, roasted peppers, fennel, cherry tomatoes and feta. Meat-eaters need not fret, the menu is designed to allow for a combination of salads and a choice of seafood or meat from the daily menu board. Those who prefer a traditional three-course meal will find the à la carte choices equally tantalising, washed down with a tempting choice of alcoholic and non-alcoholic cocktails, including Maria la Bloody and Yerba Lemonade.
Desserts are moreish but not cloyingly sweet. Leave some room for the carrot cake with pecan and cream cheese frosting, or the orange and almond cake with chocolate ganache. If you fancy something a bit different for breakfast or afternoon tea, the all-day bakery offers more unusual Argentinian treats: Vanilla and dulce de leche alfajor and Medialunas, a cross between a brioche and a croissant.
Dining at Mostrador London is a delightful, guilt-free feast for the body and soul. If only Trocca had a recipe book in English.
To do
Hart Shoreditch is conveniently located on Great Eastern Street, a few paces from historic Curtain Road, the focal point of this enclave’s burgeoning art scene. While exploring this offbeat neighbourhood’s nooks and crannies, you’ll stumble upon trendy bars, independent cafés, eateries, avant-garde shops, and inevitably, a couple of tattoo parlours. Art galleries, street art and graffiti go with the territory.
Hop on one of many buses heading towards Liverpool Street and explore Spitalfields for its vibrant market and Brick Lane for a good Indian nosh. Have a pint at Dirty Dick’s, now a gastro-pub, and find out about its sad but compelling history. If you fancy watching a dance performance, Sadler’s Wells is a short bus journey in the opposite direction towards Angel Station and King’s Cross.
In a nutshell
Shoreditch and its environs offer a different side of London far from the claustrophobic touristy hot spots, department stores and restaurant chains. This multi-cultural community of trendy tribes is buzzing with creative energy – a social hub with lots of character and attitude. Staying at Hart Shoreditch will certainly put the inquisitive culture vulture right at the heart of East London’s historic gem.
Factbox
Nightly rates start from £189 on a room-only basis.
The nearest stations are Old Street and Liverpool Street underground stations, and Hart Shoreditch is a short walk from either station. There are also frequent bus services on either direction, stopping just a few paces from the hotel.
Address: 61 – 67 Great Eastern St, Hackney, London, EC2A 3HU
Phone: +44 20 3995 3655
Website: hartshoreditch.com
