Set in the vibrant, urban streets of Shoreditch is a stunning Grade II listed Baroque-styled building, which is home to one of the area’s most luxurious and up-and-coming hotels, The Courthouse Hotel Shoreditch.
Boasting 128 guest rooms and suites, 3 bars including a rooftop bar with stunning views over the capital’s famous landmarks, 11 event rooms, a spa and even its own bowling alley, it looks to create a truly exclusive experience for both business and leisure. Earlier this year I got to visit the hotel with my guest, Anita, to see for ourselves how the team have transformed the renovated classic courthouse with a Shoreditch infused makeover.
Standing tall on the bustling streets of Shoreditch, the Courthouse Hotel is just a 5 minute walk from it’s nearest tube station, Old Street, making it a great location for a conference or that all important business meeting. If it’s more of a trip for leisure, the quirky and urban hub of London’s nightlife is right on your doorstep, not that you’d know it once you enter through the stunning traditional wooden doors that greet you upon arrival.
Stepping through into the entrance lobby, we immediately loved the decor, which is doused in traditional neutral colours, luxurious metallic accents finished with beautiful stained glass features. We could’ve spent hours admiring the opulent staircase, drenched in beautiful colours flowing from the traditional atrium that lay above it, but it was time to check in.
Throughout our stay one of our highlights was the attention to detail and personal care taken by each and every member of staff that made our stay that extra special. After an efficient check in and a guided tour to our room, we got to bask in the luxury that lay behind the door. We stayed in the Hoxton Suite featuring a King size bed, separate lounge area and large bathroom.
Room
Greeted with a spacious lounge area decorated in geometric designs and purple accents, we could see why these rooms would appeal to the business guests. Utilising the expansive space available, the lounge included a desk, coffee table, television and mini bar.
Separated by a geometric design partition, the sleeping area continued the executive feel with a grey design splashed with a little extra warmth added through plum hues lining the king size bed and covering the bay window seat. A near full length window added the only natural light source to the room, which, considering the suite’s location in the centre of the hotel, gave a bright and airy atmosphere. Some of the furniture did seem slightly unnecessary whilst some key pieces were missing including a dressing table / area near to a mirror, however a surprising feature was the large tall wardrobe that blended in with the furniture so effortlessly at first we couldn’t find it.
Located at the rear of the room was a large bathroom including a separate bath and shower, and potentially one of the largest over-sink mirrors I’ve ever seen. The bathroom even had it’s own TV, because one in the bedroom and another in the living room just didn’t quite suffice. After a busy day of meetings in central London, a long soak in the bath with an episode of Friends on the TV was just what I needed.
Wining and Dining
Venturing up to the dizzy heights of the rooftop bar the stunning views over London’s skyline made for an elegant, yet vibrant start to our evening. It’s a definite must-visit, even if you’re not staying at the hotel, the bar is open to use.
Feeling peckish we relocated to the restaurant, located on the ground floor, and immersed ourselves in the most eccentrically decorated space within the hotel. Blending traditional, modern and futuristic design throughout, the restaurant was a definite talking point of our trip. We were seated in our own circular table booth, which I always find helps to provide an inclusive and sociable atmosphere. Surrounded by Banksy inspired artwork, which paid tribute to the building’s courthouse heritage, it was hard to know where to look first. Beautiful geometric patterns and delicate copper lighting set a soft tone bouncing off the statement art pieces, which adorned every wall.
Opting for the Soup of the Day and a Halloumi dish to start, the aromas were tantalising as they arrived at the table. The hearty flavoured, yet light in texture, winter vegetable soup was comfort in a bowl whilst the Halloumi oozed smoky character with a refreshing mint and watermelon cleanse preparing us for our main course.
Before the next course arrived we took a stroll to the cells, quite literally. Paying homage to it’s heritage, the restaurant has restored the cells from the Courthouse creating a unique way to relax with a few drinks in the cell themselves. With each one dedicated to a famous inmate it definitely put an individual stamp on the evening had. The downside being that its structure is the size of a cell and, with its narrow dimensions, it’s a little small to spend too much time in.
Next up we enjoyed our main dishes of buttermilk chicken, accompanied with seasonal vegetables and mashed potato with chive, and grilled salmon with new potatoes cooked with dill . Our favourite dish of the evening came courtesy of the buttermilk chicken, which glistened on the plate against the vibrant colours of the vegetables. We finished our dining experience off with a serving of apple & cinnamon crumble and ginger cake, both of which highly satisfied our sweet tooth.
Although the menu was slightly limited, we were advised the hotel had just taken on a new chef who we have to complement on their presentation, flavours and textures, which made for a highly enjoyable meal.
Hotel Amenities
We rounded up our evening with a guided tour of the hotel with the Front of House Manager, Tobias, who ensured we took in all of the amenities including its spa and swimming pool, conference and cinema room (available for private hire alongside business bookings) and, most impressively, its own private two lane bowling alley. Available for guests to use, say goodbye to the hours spent waiting for the rainy weather to pass or better yet, entertain corporate guests during a conference weekend.
Breakfast
Waking from a relaxing and undisturbed night’s sleep we headed to breakfast in the second restaurant located on the left side of the hotel. The service was a little disappointing with the staff seemingly underprepared for what was a particularly busy breakfast run. With two entrances available to use and no clear process on how to order it was a little confusing for guests, something that can be easily resolved by the hotel. However, the quality of the breakfast dishes were a delight and set us up for another busy day ahead.
Overall
Surrounded by modern features in the suites, it’s easy to forget you are in such a traditionally beautiful preserved building, however the moment you step into the lift and explore the Courthouse there are reminders a plenty of its heritage. In its infancy there were a few small teething issues, but with the personable and helpful staff present that we met, we’re confident that as the Courthouse Hotel continues to develop it will become one of the best hotels Shoreditch has to offer.
Address: 335-337 Old St, London EC1V 9LL
Phone: 020 3310 5555
