The super swanky five star Mondrian Shoreditch (formerly The Curtain Hotel) is a cool reflection of the edgy urban area in which it stands. Home to a spa, 24 hour gym and rooftop plunge pool among its stylish selling points, its standout destination restaurants and bars within the hotel also give it extra brownie points.
Room grades range from the standard king courtyard, through to the superior queen, the loft suite which has a spacious wraparound terrace, and for the ultimate rockstar experience, the penthouse suite charged with some serious swag.
Mondrian Shoreditch Hotel Design
With Goddard Littlefair at the helm for Mondrian Shoreditch’s renovation, the design studio took inspiration from the ‘oranges and lemons’ rhyme said to be written about the churches in the local area, and you’ll see nods to this throughout the interiors of the hotel.
The lobby area retains the old hotel’s patterned floors against patina copper effect aged walls. It’s a beautiful welcome and you can’t help but marvel at the gigantic copper sun hanging high above the concrete full length reception desk.
It’s also hard to miss the IG worthy mirrored installation from acclaimed designer Yayoi Kusama – a room filled with globe lighting designed to give the impression of infinity – the irony isn’t lost in a world of social media immediacy.
Christina’s Shoreditch
The lobby’s biophilic theme carries through into Christina’s – a double height café bar serving pastries and signature sandos. If you’ve never had a sando before, then this is the place to try one! With a twist on the traditional Japanese creation, these crustless gourmet sandwiches include decadent fillings like Aussie wagyu, house tonkatsu, black truffle aioli and karashi, between slices of soft fluffy white milk bread. Coffee comes from prison based roastery Redemption Roasters, while delicious pastries are freshly baked and delivered from the Chestnut Bakery in Belgravia.
During the day, Christina’s is a pretty and pleasant space to hang out in. By night, the curved copper bar is the place to be, catching up with friends, sipping on incredible cocktails which have been curated by Mixologist Marcis Dzelzainis and chatting to the incredibly sociable bar staff who will make you literally any cocktail you wish for… That’s if their extensive list of red, white, rose, orange, organic and biodynamic wines, champagnes and flamboyant cocktails don’t float your boat (wild nettle spritz with white vermouth anyone?!)
Rooms
With an immediate sense of calm as soon as you open the door to your stylish room at the Mondrian Shoreditch, you’ll feel right at home. Our loft suite offered up exposed white brick walls Manhattan style, with floor-to-ceiling windows bathing the room in natural daylight. The view of a graffiti covered abandoned carpark and the streets of Shoreditch from the spacious balcony and luxurious room provided the coolest of juxtapositions.
The wraparound terrace complete with seating area, lounge area and even patio heaters was the perfect place to enjoy the last of a bottle of rioja from BiBo, whilst wrapped in fluffy dressing gowns and cosy slippers.
Our walk in shower doubled as a steam room (why wouldn’t it?!), while high end furniture including a green chesterfield, gigantic bed and bespoke artwork on the walls.
BiBo Shoreditch
BiBo Shoreditch is Andalusian chef Dani Garcia’s first UK outpost. Although it’s accessible via the stairs from reception, there’s a separate entrance making it most definitely a destination restaurant. BiBo’s culinary concept offers high end dining from a Michelin starred chef with reasonable prices, in a really cool setting.
Descending the stairs into the basement, we weren’t entirely sure what to expect but we needn’t have worried! BiBo has quite clearly made a good impression and the buzzy, busy space was packed out – every one of the high stools at the central island bar occupied.
With Andalusian inspired interiors, ceramic fish shoals swarming the air, and rattan pendant lighting against a backdrop of handmade tiles and copper panelled walls, there’s also an outdoor courtyard area for those who fancy a bit of al fresco action.
The service is efficient – fast but not rushed, with each dish the perfect size for sharing. Garcia’s oxtail brioche is world renowned – a light puffy bagel shaped brioche with a pile of saliva-inducing slow cooked oxtail, dowsed in a secret ‘bull sauce’. Beautiful straight-from-the-ocean butterflied sea bream was a gorgeous, satisfying main, served in a bells pepper dressing with basil and lime and glazed aubergine with herbs, yoghurt and broccoli. The corvina ceviche is best enjoyed when you mix the sauce into the ceviche for a heavenly zingy dish.
Altitude at The Curtain Club
Altitude is the former Curtain’s private members club. Still for members only after midday which is called The Curtain Club if you’re staying for breakfast, you’ll get to enjoy the incredible interiors of this stand out rooftop area. Designed beautifully with cane furniture and striped fabrics and monochrome detail along with a central fireplace which just begs to be sat at, the banquette seating lining the floor to ceiling glass, provides some privacy for those sunbathing or dipping in the pool.
Breakfast highlights include light as air omelettes, frothy and delicious with spinach and ricotta and equally frothy drinks – delicious and smooth caffeine fuelled coffee in designer cups.
No matter what you’re coming to London for, Mondrian Shoreditch is one of those hotels that you’ll want to spend all of your time in! It’s a lifestyle hotel in which every little detail has been thought out with the experience of the customer in mind.
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