Hotel of the Week: Hart Hotel, Shoreditch

Recently, over a bowl of spaghetti, Hugo Spritz in hand, a friend and I bonded over the pleasure of a solo hotel stay. In between mouthfuls of simple carbohydrates, we effusively agreed that nothing quite compares to stretching out over an enormous bed, wrapped in a towelling robe, having just raided the minibar. 

I strongly believe the most restorative of stays can be in your own city. Quite simply because there’s no pressure to explore the surrounding area – you already know where the quaint coffee shops are, what the local shops have to offer and likely, which restaurants are worth a reservation. So, when the invitation came to stay at Hart Shoreditch – a handy 30 minutes from my front door – I jumped at the opportunity for a sleepover in my own city. 

The hotel positions itself as at the heart (or hart) of the neighbourhood’s rich heritage of craftsmanship and creativity. As you enter the lobby and bar area, you’re greeted by walls adorned with abstract art by contemporary urban artist Mali Mowcka, whose sculptural wooden forms and paintings symbolise growth, rebirth, and continuous change. It truly sets the tone for the rest of the stay.

The Rooms 

Of the 126 rooms, the King Skylight Suite is the one to book. The muted palette – of beige, greys with flashes of orange – has been set as an antidote to the busy city outside. Throughout, though, there are interesting nods to different design styles: a Berber rug and dried flowers, which lend a bohemian air, contrasted with mid-century flourishes like angular furniture and parquet flooring, as well as industrial metallic panelling. In principle, it sounds confusing, but in practice, it’s balanced. 

The bed, of course, is vast – as you’d expect in the King suite – but it’s the living area that is the room’s best feature, specifically the plush window seat that’s a perfect spot for people watching. As for the bathroom, what it lacks in size, it makes up for in natural light. Just above the bath, there’s a huge window, positioned at the perfect height to protect your modesty. What lingers, though, are the small touches – the Roberts Radio, a bespoke bedside carafe designed by an East London artist, not one but two HDTVs and fluffy robes you’ll want to try and sneak home in your suitcase.

Wellness 

In lieu of a spa, Hart has opted for a comprehensive wellness programme. Transforming its event space, the hotel hosts a series of classes like Reiki and sound healing. I enjoyed an hour of the latter, and while I don’t pretend to be “woo woo” by any stretch of the imagination, I must say it was incredibly relaxing. I’ve heard it be said that meditation is like taking the stairs and sound healing is like taking a lift – the same end result, just a different way of getting there. 

There is a fully equipped (and air-conditioned) gym for those whose version of relaxation includes a full-blown workout. The hotel also currently has a partnership with a local masseuse, Zowie Georgia, offering 20% off deep tissue massages, reflexology and more. 

The Food and Drink 

The central offering on site is UBA, an East London take on Pan-Asian Street Food. Expect comforting Hirata buns and dim sum favourites like seafood dumplings and pan-fried gyozas, as well as sushi and robatayaki larger dishes. Everything is super flavourful, if a little familiar. The brunch offering, however, does provide something new. It’s definitely worth checking out late to experience an alternative to the typical eggs-and-avocado affair. Paired with eclectically and expertly crafted cocktails, there’s rock shrimp tempura, buttermilk chicken katsu buns, and a dessert of the day, amongst others.  

Who’s Who

Lina Zakzeckyte serves as the ship's steward and the hotel's GM. It’s clear the hotel’s grounding in the community comes from the top down, with Lina saying: “Working in partnership with the local community doesn’t just enhance the business. It gives it a soul that guests can truly connect with.” She’s also committed to ensuring guests experience excellent, people-first hospitality that’s centred on their values and the hotel's values. 

SPHERE’s Shoreditch Guide

SPHERE’s full Shoreditch neighbourhood guide can be found here, but to give you a snapshot:

• Where to eat – Pomme Bakery for weekend pastries, Osteria Angelina for unusual, yet delicious Japanese-Italian fusion, One Club Row for polished New York glamour or Rochelle Canteen for no-fuss dining with an exquisite menu.

• Where to drink – Equal Parts on Hackney Road is an effortlessly cool spot to enjoy vinyl music, or Oranj has a great wine-bar small-plates vibe (you’re in East London after all).
• What to do – Columbia Road Flower Market is always worth the mooch, but make sure to go early to avoid the crowds. Redchurch Street has a wonderful selection of independent and boutique shops, and Libraria Bookshop is absolutely worth the visit, both for the aesthetic and to pick up your latest read.