Perfectly positioned in London’s fashionable and creative culture, the Courthouse Hotel Shoreditch is a five-star hotel that we can’t wait to experience.
As its name suggests, Courthouse Hotel’s history is firmly placed in the hands of the law. It was once the Old Street Magistrate’s Court and police station, hosting high-profile cases and appearing in many tabloid newspapers. From the Kray Twins to author George Orwell, the court has seen an array of well-known individuals.
We were warmly welcomed with not even an air of the hotel’s criminal past and took in a tour of the hotel. The original holding cells downstairs are now part of a chic bar, transforming each cell into a modern and arty private booth. Leather banquettes replace hard wooden benches, and an indulgent Chesterfield-style padded wall covers the brickwork of the original cell that East-End gangsters would have come across after being hauled off the streets. The original doors are intact, and the brickwork is the very same the Kray Twins would have seen as they were held in the cells there. There’s an unmistakable, mysterious feel, and we loved the clever way the basement had been transformed into a super cool luxury bar.
Our room
Up to our room on the sixth floor, where we were captivated by the views – summertime cocktails on the fifth-floor terrace would be sublime. The hotel also has a bowling alley, cinema and games room – you’d never have to leave!
The spa
We took a little trip to the spa, with its heated indoor swimming pool, sauna, and steam room. It’s such a lovely little escape from the outside world that you can really forget the bustle of the city just outside the door.
Dinner
Excellent food and great service made dinner at the restaurant Judge and Jury just lovely. We enjoyed duck, fish with beautiful heirloom tomatoes, and a fabulous Eton Mess. The ambience is wonderful, a sophisticated yet lively vibe. We enjoyed a fantastic meal in the classy wood-panelled space.
Breakfast
Breakfast the next morning was just as delicious, with a really nice buffet selection. We took the opportunity to visit the flower market close by and wandered around the area—the hotel is so well situated, perfect for a city break.
Weddings
Weddings at the Courthouse Hotel Shoreditch offer a complete service, from flowers and invitations to photography and favours. The wedding space itself is modern and classy, with high ceilings and modern technology. It has five individual rooms that are versatile enough to combine into one room or a selection of smaller spaces. The entire suite can accommodate up to 700 guests, with individual chambers holding up to 150 guests.
We had such a lovely break here – the perfect city escape.
335–337 Old Street, EC1V 9LL