Fancy drinking a “Slammer” in the very cells where Ronnie and Reggie Kray were once detained at Her Majesty’s Pleasure? With the former Old Street Magistrates’ Court and Police Station transforming into Courthouse Hotel Shoreditch from 1st June, the owners are guilty as charged of opening London’s most hotly anticipated luxury boutique hotel.
This £40m renovation project has seen the nick that housed the East End’s most notorious felons morph into a haven of spacious rooms and suites; restaurants; bars; bowling alley; spa and luxurious cinema.
Courthouse Hotel Shoreditch has used its colourful past – the Grade II listed building served as the Old Street Magistrates’ Court and Police Station from 1903 until 1996 – to create a truly one-of-a-kind backdrop.
Impressive period features have been retained and restored before being complemented by equally arresting contemporary additions.
Located in both the old and new wings are 86 guest rooms and 42 suites, each setting a benchmark for luxury accommodation in Shoreditch. The collection is spearheaded by the Shoreditch Sky Terrace Suites, two jaw-dropping one-bedroom residences spread out across 60 square metres of living space. Along with their panoramic London skyline views, each boast a private bar and mini cinema lounge.
When it comes to sating the appetite, there’s plenty of choice – and not a bowl of porridge in sight. The former Courtroom Number 1 now hosts the main casual fine dining restaurant whilst Courtroom Number 2 has been transformed into an ultra-exclusive members’ bar.
Providing a quirky setting in which to enjoy an expertly mixed cocktail, the main bar comes complete with five of those refurbished cells. The Shoreditch Sky Terrace bar meanwhile offers a spectacular spot in which to relax with a cocktail during the summer months.
As for facilities, guests of Courthouse Hotel Shoreditch will have access to the very finest, with the contemporary wing housing such state-of-the art offerings as a 196-seat cinema; a two-lane lane bowling alley with private bar and an events space capable of accommodating 450 people sit down or 900 reception-style.
After a spot of pampering? Then head to the hotel’s luxury spa where you’ll find a heated indoor swimming pool; fitness centre; treatment rooms; steam room and sauna.
The building is used to taking centre stage. It was in the Magistrates’ Court that writer Joe Orton stood accused of stealing books from Islington library and the Kray twins of demanding “money with menaces”. Even after it closed its doors, it remained a much sought after filming location, immortalised in everything from Spooks to Luther.
Now as Courthouse Hotel Shoreditch, this iconic venue is set to take on a new role as one of London’s most exciting places to work, rest and play.
Address: Courthouse Hotel Shoreditch, 335-337 Old Street, London EC1V 9LL / 020 3310 5555
