Securing the perfect London hotel can be a formidable challenge, but one new establishment in a vibrant creative hub is making a compelling case with its unique blend of boutique style and traditional British charm.
A Creative Haven in Central London
Hotel Indigo London Clerkenwell has recently opened its doors in what's described as one of London's most creative postcodes. This four-star boutique hotel from IHG offers visitors the chance to immerse themselves in local life while being perfectly positioned near major attractions like the Barbican Centre, Little Italy, and St. Paul's Cathedral.
The hotel's prime location means Barbican Underground station is just a five-minute walk away, though guests might find it difficult to leave their beautifully appointed rooms. The attention to detail begins in the corridors, where glowing clocks displaying room numbers in time decorate the hallways.
Design-Led Rooms With Smart Features
Upon entering our twin room, we discovered a chic retreat combining sleek interiors with smart technology and refined aesthetics. The space featured plush twin beds with crisp white linens and a striking velvet forest green headboard.
Smart lighting solutions included a nifty reading light and an automatic bathroom light, while built-in amenities and an espresso machine added to the effortless experience. The room's colour palette blended subtle notes of baby pink and mustard yellow with green hues, complemented by oak wood furnishings and gold accents.
Other delightful touches included an old-fashioned style telephone and an ambient circle light above the beds, creating a peaceful haven away from the capital's bustle.
Exceptional Dining and Drinking Venues
The hotel's food and beverage offerings are so comprehensive that guests need never dine elsewhere. The property houses three distinct venues: Wilderness Kitchen restaurant, the Grade II listed Hat & Feathers pub, and the spectacular Sabini Bar.
We began our evening at Sabini Bar, a luxurious cocktail lounge themed around Charles Sabini, a notorious gangster who operated in Clerkenwell during the 1920s and 30s. The bar features dramatic red curtains, a large partisan-style rug, and a dazzling orange-hued chandelier, creating an atmosphere of relaxed comfort with a boujee edge.
For dinner, we experienced the gorgeous Wilderness Kitchen, where table booths decorated with greenery and stylish rattan chairs set the scene. Our meal, served by friendly food & beverage supervisor Amal, included garlic chilli prawns with ginger followed by a perfectly cooked 10oz ribeye steak with chunky chips and peppercorn sauce.
The culinary journey concluded with a warming chocolate brownie with vanilla ice cream, accompanied by a refreshing glass of Pinot Grigio Rosé.
The historic Hat & Feathers pub, accessible directly from the hotel or via its own entrance, offers classic British pub dishes and local beers in a setting described as a Clerkenwell icon.
Breakfast returned us to Wilderness Kitchen for continental options and menu highlights like poached eggs and avocado, alongside fresh juices and coffee to kickstart the day.
Hotel Indigo London Clerkenwell represents a new standard for boutique accommodation in the capital, successfully blending local character with sophisticated comfort and exceptional dining all under one roof.
