I lived in Aldgate East when I first moved to London 13 years ago and it's safe to say it's transformed in that time. While it undoubtedly still maintains some of its rough and ready personality, the ruggedness of old is definitely now sitting slickly alongside some rather shiny glass office blocks, tasty indie eateries and a slew of new hotels, one of which is the Corner London City.
Just around the corner from the tube and the end of Brick Lane, it's a prime East End location while still being a short walk from Liverpool Street station. The hotel claims to be the greenest in London, having being certified by Green Tourism it uses 41% less water consumption than other UK hotels and 67% less CO2 emissions than the industry average, alongisde a host of green credentials like sustainably sourced design in every room, aerated shower heads that use 25% less water per minute, handcrafted, natural, organic cotton matressses and rooftop solar panels just the tip of the iceberg. This is definitely somewhere that's taking their promise seriously.
The unique bedrooms come in three sizes; the cosy, windowless Snug, medium sized Comfy and spacious Plush, all with organic toiletries, rainfall showers, a handy workspace and superking mattresses. Annoyingly, tea and coffee making facilities are available in the communal spaces on each floor - a nice idea in theory and certainly more economical, but frustrating if you don't really fancy plodding down the hallway in your pyjamas to make yourself a drink. Some of the design choices are questionable at best - the quite frankly baffling mirror set up in my room appeared to be made from an easel wrapped in hosepipe and the giant print of a dog looming large behind the bed isn't the most relaxing - but you certainly can't say it's not quirky and different compared to the usual.
Downstairs the bar and kitchen serves a menu of some really rather excellent cocktails alongside an all-day menu of light bites and tasty meals, including some really great vegan options. Arriving at 9.30pm after a very long day at work, the staff were all too happy to help in delivering some fantastic crispy calamari and chunky skin on fries, accompanied by a Spicry Margarita. It's a great space with a nice buzz; get it on your radar for a visit with or without a stay.
What's more, the hotel isn't just for guests sleeping over - it has an array of handy workspaces that can be booked out separately, from individual private rooms to meeting rooms and co-working tables set up in the main bar area; it's a genuinely helpful set up and given its location a nifty option for those who don't necessarily want to trek into town.
Despite the scary dog bed, this is a prettu slick hotel that defintiely knows its niche. The green credentials are seriously impressive; throw in a great night's sleep, a banging menu and a place to handle your morning calls and you're definitely on to a winner.
Rooms from around £152, room only.
