ONE of London’s most unique hotels, the Courthouse Hotel is one for history buffs who love some of the city’s darker residents.
Here is everything you need to know about staying there.
Where is the Courthouse Hotel?
This historic hotel is right in the middle of trendy Shoreditch.
It is minutes from the hotel’s famous steps is the pulse of east London’s nightlife scene, with pop-up food stalls, music venues, restaurants and bars.
You are also just five minutes from Old Street Underground station and can walk easily to Spitalfields Market, the city of London and Columbia Road Flower Market.
What is the hotel like?
The hotel is housed in a Grade II Baroque building, which was once the Old Street Magistrates Court and Police Station.
The listed building held some high-profile cases such as the London mobsters, the Kray Twins and author of “1984” George Orwell.
Since undergoing a recent multi million conversion of the historical building with a newly built extension, the hotel features 86 guest rooms and 42 suites.
What are the rooms like?
The hotel’s modern interior is a contrast to its colourful backstory.
The recently renovated bedrooms are mega-stylish, with art-deco touches and elegant fittings.
The enormous bathrooms with double walk-in showers are a huge plus.
Plus, as well as very comfortable beds, almost all rooms have fantastic views over the east London skyline.
Rooms start from £165 a night.
What can you eat and drink there?
The hotel has a range of places to grab a bite or you can sit at the bar and enjoy a stylish cocktail.
The Jailhouse Bar is set within the former Police Station of the Old Street Magistrates Court – the very same place the Krays once stood trial.
There is also a restaurant, aptly named Judge and Jury, which is set in a dramatic former courtroom with panelled walls that serves breakfast, lunch, dinner and afternoon tea.
It’s fair to say I ate better than the former defendants of this courthouse, with a steak salad and chips and a large glass of red.
There was also a great cocktail menu, making it a great spot to start your night out in Shoreditch, perched at the dramatic bar with an Old Fashioned in hand.
Although, I’m guessing if the Krays were drinking here back in the day, it would more likely have been a pint of stout and a bag of crisps.
By night, the Upper 5th Shoreditch bar has a rooftop terrace and a panoramic view of the skyline.
What else is there at the hotel?
Believe it or not, the hotel has a 196-seat cinema inside it, as well as an indoor swimming pool and a two-lane bowling alley.
There is also a serene spa, which is a sanctuary away from the busy city.
Is the hotel family friendly?
Yes, there is the Hoxton Family Suite which sleeps four people.
Is the hotel accessible?
In regards to accessibility, the hotel entrance has wheelchair access, and the lift connects to all floors.
The hotel also has six accessible rooms.