The Best Hotels to Book in Old Street, East London

At the end of Old Street, near Columbia Road, you’re in the heart of the East End‘s gritty history at this Grade II-listed former courthouse. Featuring a stained-glass dome and sweeping staircase, the hotel has seen its fair share of history, including the trials of violent gangsters the Kray twins, and author George Orwell. There’s a heated indoor pool, bowling alley and cinema screening room, and for an immersive experience, head to the Jailhouse Bar – in the old police station – or to the courtroom-turned-dining room, Judge and Jury, for brasserie-style fare.

Nobu Shoreditch reflects the industrial grit of its surroundings while also paying homage to its Japanese heritage with minimalist and elegantly crafted style notes. Overseen by Nobu Matsuhisa, the in-house restaurant bears both the name and menu of this legendary chef, plying visitors with delicacies such as miso black cod and toro sashimi. There’s a tasting menu, too, if you want to get the full experience. Spend the day exploring characterful Brick Lane and art at the Barbican before enjoying a signature Nobu massage. Sleek, effortless and minimalist, the rooms are as sophisticated as the clientele at this iconic hotel.

Just three minutes from Old Street roundabout, M by Montcalm is a pocket of quiet amid the noise and chaos of the surrounding streets. Inside this glass-covered, angular modern building, you’ll find rooms decked out in soothing shades of cappuccino and cream, and an impressive array of tech. There’s mood lighting and climate control as well as complimentary smartphones that allow you to make local and international calls for free. Elsewhere on site, the indoor pool harks back to Ancient Greece, with its burnished gold murals and soothing, up-lit surface. After a swim, indulge in a spa treatment – the Capsule Rituals are ideal if you’re short on time, offering various 30-minute facial and massage treatments.

From Big Ben taking off like a rocket in the lobby, to Queen Elizabeth II reimagined as a neon mural in the bedrooms, there are quirky nods to British culture throughout nhow London. The references to Brit pop don’t stop there either – expect grunge-style Union Jack printed rugs, rotary phones and graffiti in the bedroom paying tribute to the classic punk rock number London Calling by the Clash. The in-house bar is equally vibrant and serves as the main eatery too while the concept for the Bell & Whistle restaurant is finalised. In the meantime you can order from a flexitarian menu that hits the spot for vegetarians, vegans and meat-eaters, while nhow bar has an extensive spirits and cocktail menu to kick your evening off in style.

Out of town prices in inner city London? Yes, please. This is exactly what you’ll find at the Z Shoreditch, where understated elegance meets affordable convenience. Just a one-minute walk from Old Street roundabout, its rooms are functional and minimalist – you’ll find everything you need and none of the costly extras you can do without. Rooms range from doubles to family-size, and there are several accessible options for those who need them.