Review: Quirky London address Town Hall Hotel

Location: Town Hall Hotel brings a classic luxury edge to east London, a short walk from Bethnal Green and Cambridge Heath stations. A stone’s throw from Shoreditch, Hackney and Whitechapel, the property is in a great location.

First impressions: Once you pass through the grand stone facade, you’re met with sturdy marble columns, domed glass ceilings and wood panels, where Winston Churchill wouldn’t look out of place. In fact, the hotel is frequently used as a set for period dramas and is a popular venue for Dua Lipa-esque town hall weddings. The property certainly encapsulates quintessential Britishness.

The facts: The Edwardian side of this former council building was completed in 1910, before an art deco section was added in the 1930s. Today, the hotel (which opened in 2010) houses 10 rooms and 87 suites with full kitchens, some of which contain mezzanines and second bedrooms. The views of bins, graffiti and concrete prefabs are less than edifying, but they’re easy to overlook considering the comfort and quirkiness of the interiors. 

The two-Michelin-starred restaurant Da Terra is helmed by chef Rafael Cagali, whose dishes are inspired by his Brazilian and Italian heritage. More-relaxed restaurant Elis also carries these influences, serving tasty plates such as tender pork chops and succulent steaks in a setting that feels as homely as a lounge. The hotel features a 14-metre underground pool and offers in-room massages, facials and IV drips from Ruuby.