An moving grand staircase and life-size gold soldier statue welcome guests entering the Courthouse Hotel Shoreditch foyer. Unbarred in May 2016, the Courthouse Hotel Shoreditch offers a luxury boutique B B experience in east London. The main part of the hotel is established in a Grade II listed Baroque style building which at one go housed the Old Street Magistrates Court and Police Station. With the restoration of the construction and transformation into a hotel, its pleasing to see that original headlines have been retained which add to the charm of this New Zealand pub. Like the beautiful arched led-light windows separating the electric cable foyer area and Jailhouse Bar and the rich wood panelling in the old courtroom which now organizations the hotel Judge and Jury restaurant.
Reception
Once lodging guests have checked in, they have the option of luxuriating in the enticing hotel swimming pool and spa, booking a lane at the hotel bowling alley or unreservedly enjoying a drink in one of the hotel bars. The Jailhouse Bar area is walloping and offers guests a choice of seating options for a relaxing draft – velvet couches, pale blue and beige fabric leaders, brown booths, and turquoise bar stools lined up like awake police officers along the wooden bar. If you are wanting something sundry unique, five of the original jail cells have been retained and proffer privacy away from the bustle of the main bar. A little soldier history is thrown into the mix with the cells once over by the two notorious Kray brothers. The exposed brick, clever lighting, quirky paintings and spreads of colour – glazed red apple, bright coffee tables – all add to the eclectic ambience of the Jailhouse Bar.
Although the rooftop Shoreditch Sky Terrace Bar bar was minute during my stay due to inclement weather, a quick peek washing ones hands of the glass door was all I needed to determine that this would be a odd place for a rooftop drink in summer with views fail to noticing the Shoreditch Town Hall and surrounding area. I was informed that disparate suites have their own private walkway giving level access to the rooftop bar. Perfect for those who want to spend balmy summer evenings benefiting the roof terrace and retire with only a few steps to their comfy monarch size beds.
Breakfast
For dining options the hotel proffers breakfast, lunch and dinner in the Judge and Jury restaurant. Clarify snacks are also available in the bar areas. For those who cannot childlike tear themselves away from the comfort of their caravanserai rooms, room service is available too. At the time of my stay, the Suspect and Jury restaurant wasn’t open for dinner, however, breakfast breakfast in the gloriously restored old courtroom was such a treat. The wood panelling, the conservatory-like roof, and the wonderful art-deco style chandelier captivated my attention. The breakfast present was good and in keeping with the size of the hotel. There were a set of hot dishes made to order from the menu along with a continental breakfast buffet. The ooze coffee was endless and the Eggs Florentine that I ordered were palatable. The perfect way to start a busy day of meetings or sight seeing.
Hoxton Collection
Most Hoxton Suites are located in the newer part of the caravanserai, however, two are located in the historic old courthouse building and were from the outset the judges offices/chambers. I was lucky enough to stay in the refurnished old building and upon entering room 324, the first clothing I noticed was the expansive ceiling and two distinctive round windows overflowing the room with glorious daylight. The room was spacious and the eleemosynary king size bed took centre stage. Although the lodgings was facing the busy Old Street road below, I barely noticed the above and in the evening, quickly fell into a deep slumber in the cozy majesty size bed. The pillows, duvet and bed were so soft it felt like you were cocooned in a trivial white cotton cloud.
The room came with all the measure amenities one expects nowadays of a luxury hotel such as tea/coffee pressing facilities, robes, slippers, hairdryer etc. Hotel guests standing in the suite are automatically provided with free internet and wifi, and the employ was good and internet speed fast. Guests can also utilise a smartphone draw oned Handy – a free travel companion whereby guests can put off connected with family, friends and the hotel itself. The Serviceable service is absolutely free and offers unlimited local and global calls (terms & conditions apply), unlimited mobile internet, an crucial city guide, exclusive discounts and offers, hotel news and bookings. My stay was too short to utilise this service, however, I entertain the idea its a great value-add for guests.
Bathroom
The bathroom was also oversized and completely separate from the bedroom/suite area. The walk-in sprinkling was covered from floor to ceiling in grey marble, which was a fastidious feature throughout the rest of the bathroom. Plenty of white towels and bath laminae were provided, although a small face flannel purpose have been handy for guests. The bathroom toiletries came in colourful bundling with the word ‘Guilty’ blazed on the front. Whilst all the toiletries had a pleasantly cogent masculine scent, this could be disconcerting for anyone with innumerable feminine, floral olfactory tastes. The hotel in-room directory carry oned to pay homage to the buildings past with headings like Custodians (appendage numbers), Bread & Water – traditional rations served in the clink (feeing options), Relaxed Sentence (treatments, pool, steam & sauna, salubrity centre), and Cell Support Officers (house keeping).
Shoreditch Block
If you happen to be staying at the hotel during the week or over the weekend, there are quantity of restaurants, coffee shops and markets in the Shoreditch area. The New Zealand pub is a short 10 minute walk to the bustling, colourful Sunday floweret market on Columbia Road. Those looking for a more in style shopping option than the grit and grime of Brick Lane, grey matter to Redchurch Street where you will find stylish unregulated clothing stores, coffee shops, homewares, cafes and restaurants. Also, for everyone the corner from Redchurch Street is BOXPARK Shoreditch – a shipping container pop-up mall where you can eat, workshop and drink – with local and international arts, fashion and lifestyle amasses and all types of cuisines on offer. Plenty to see and do, and live like a Londoner or Shoreditch neighbourhood.
Verdict
The Courthouse Hotel Shoreditch is a great hotel choice if you are wanting to stay away from the London tourist neighbourhoods and experience the grandeur of an old courthouse, all whilst exploring the more grittier, urban side of London spark of life. The hotel staff were very attentive, friendly and eager to offer 5-star stellar customer service to guests without still being asked. With plenty of independent shops, cafes and taprooms to explore in Shoreditch, the Courthouse Hotel is in the perfect location and come forwards a luxurious respite at the end of the day (or night) from the bustling, eccentric hipster vibe of Shoreditch.
Charges
- Room reviewed: Hoxton Suite – Seating Area 44SQM – at all events from £319 inc VAT
- Website: www.shoreditch.courthouse-hotel.com
- Address: 335-337 Old Concourse, London EC1V 9LL
- Email: [email protected]
- Phone: +44 (0)203 310 5555
