You may have spotted we’re already bringing some tempting content to your eyes this month. Given how generally meh January is, we’re encouraging our readers to take a little time out and scope out a staycation. Nothing beats a night away from home in your home city - it feels even more indulgent than actually going away - and with so many incredible hotels on our doorstep, January is the perfect time to make the most of quiet rooms and handy offers and treat yo’self.
Hart Shoreditch, part of the Curio Collection by Hilton, couldn’t be more perfect location-wise. Just a short walk from Old Street, Liverpool Street and Shoreditch High Street stations, and smack bang across the road from Gloria (rolling distance after too much pasta, no less…) this is one of our favourite spots in the east end.
The decor is inspired by the area’s rich industrial heritage with nods to old-world charm twinned with contemporary design to avoid it being twee. As soon as we arrived we were blown away by the wonderful staff; Lonnie on reception just fizzes with energy, it’s impossible to have a bad stay with her megawatt smile brightening up check in.
Downstairs the capacious lobby is home to the Mostrador Bar, serving up a menu of cocktails and nibbles, resplendent with comfy velvet lounge chairs, and nooks to enjoy a drink and a chinwag and a shared workspace should you need to use it.
The elegant rooms are bathed in light thanks to floor to ceiling windows and are the epitome of elegant luxury with some seriously chic touches when it comes to lighting and decor, while the gold and marble bathrooms are seriously insta-worthy. We digress; it’s not just the interior design that’s lovely (promise). With a complimentary bottle of Negroni in the room for our arrival, cosy robes and slippers, and an oh-so-comfy bed, you’d be forgiven for not stepping foot outside your room.
There is, however, a new pop-up restaurant to get your teeth into. Mostrador London opened in November, the first London outpost from world-renowned Argentinian chef and restaurateur Fernando Trocca. The family-style dining concept specialises in all-day dining, serving up plentiful, showstopping salads and simply prepared proteins with a strong focus on locally sourced, quality ingredients as well as all-day pastries (music to our ears…). Signature dishes include Butternut squash with honey, lime, cinnamon vinaigrette, kale and feta, Roasted beets, goats cheese, hazelnut, white peaches, fresh mint vinaigrette and Medialunas - Argentinian croissants. If going downstairs for dinner feels too much like hard work however, we can confirm the room service menu is also rather excellent.
With a perfect location for exploring one of the most exciting parts of town, a gorgeously cosy and welcoming atmosphere and a new menu to sample, it’s clear to see why Hart is one of our favourite recent staycations.
Nightly rates from £180, room only.
www.hartshoreditch.com
