THERE ARE many hotels which claim to be London’s best kept secret, but the Town Hall Hotel is surely the one!
Situated on a leafy street in buzzing Bethnal Green, this former council building is a beautiful memoir of Edwardian architecture and design, and a reminder that at one point the British government did indeed build truly gorgeous buildings. Retaining the original marble columns, sweeping marble staircase and ornate oak panelling, this hotel transports you to a bygone era of glamour and charm.
The Edwardian Lobby
The rooms, however, are a very modern affair. We stayed in the suite reimagined by the London-based Jan Hendzel furniture studio. Each piece of furniture is hand-carved from upcycled or sustainably grown British wood and uses ancient joinery techniques which use no nails or glue. The skill involved and the final effect is truly staggering.
Da Terra Dining Room | Photography credit Alex Teuscher
The hotel has 97 luxury rooms and 87 suites and these rooms are quite simply the coolest looking rooms in London, there is no other way to say it! All rooms feature one-off vintage furniture items and barista quality fresh coffee and the suites boast original Edwardian features plus a full kitchenette – which is especially convenient for those travelling with children.
Italian inspired cuisine at Elis restaurant
The hotel also boasts Da Terra restaurant which has just earned its second Michelin star for its imaginative and artistic tasting menu which changes with the seasons and is heavily inspired by Chef Rafael Cagali’s Brazilian and Italian heritage. (The restaurant advises to allow three hours for the full experience of this sensory journey.)
Town Hall Hotel Pool
The more informal Elis restaurant (named after Brazilian icon and Bossa Nova star Elis Regina) features a tapas style system of smaller and larger plates ideal for sharing. Specialities include Brazilian salt cod croquettes, house made pasta, Portuguese inspired tartare and pork belly tacos as well as daily specials depending on the day’s catch and the seasonal produce.
As if that weren’t enough the hotel also features a 14-metre pool and in-room spa services. Could you possibly need anything more from a London pied-à-terre?
by Nicola Kavanagh
Room rates start from £285 per night for a double room. Signature suites from £499
For more: www.townhallhotel.com