On Great Eastern Street, Hart Shoreditch is a few minutes’ walk from Old Street station in one direction, and Brick Lane in the other. So whether you’re zipping around the entire city or staying close to the vintage shops and coffee roasters of East London, you’ll be happy with your headquarters.

 

Stylish, sophisticated but with an edge. The hotel is named after The Harts, a family of cabinetmakers who occupied the building in the 1800s, and there are nods to the hotel’s history, and Shoreditch’s industrial roots, throughout the design and amenities. Look out for art, toiletries and even a water carafe in each room crafted by local makers.

 

I stay in the King Junior Suite, which boasts not one but two TVs. As tempting as it is to throw on a plush bathrobe, order room service and watch Love Island all evening, east London’s culinary delights beckon.

 

UBA, Hart Shoreditch’s pan-Asian restaurant, has a modern and mixed menu with everything from dim sum to sushi to grilled meats. Highlights include Cantonese dumplings, har gow, stuffed with a juicy whole prawn, tuna tataki with sriracha ponzu and micro herbs, and yakiniku glazed beef rib-eye with punchy wasabi furikake.

 

As a lychee martini lover I can’t resist a cocktail called ‘Blushing Geisha’ with vodka, umeshu (Japanese plum wine), lychee and sorrel.

 

Once known for its underground culture and hipster hangouts, Shoreditch is now a must-visit for every tourist to London thanks to its colourful street art, shopping on Brick Lane and Spitalfields market and plethora of buzzy cafés and restaurants, so you won’t be stuck for things to do.

 

Hart Shoreditch has its own agenda of events and live music, including Mindful Mending Club where you can give your clothes a new lease of life, and creative poetry and zine workshops.

 

An afternoon stroll leads to crowds waiting to catch a glimpse of Dua Lipa, a trendy clothing brand’s sample sale and a Havana rum pop-up Tiki bar within about 100 yards of one another. That’s Shoreditch for you!

 

Order the passionfruit lychee crème brulée with passionfruit sorbet from UBA – trust me.