When Ennismore Design Studio launched The Hoxton, they dreamt of it to be a series of open-house hotels around the world inspired by the flavor of the neighboring streets. After outposts in London’s Shoreditch and Holborn, and expansions to Amsterdam, Paris, Williamsburg, Portland, and Chicago, Ennismore have returned home to establish The Hoxton, Southwark, right in the heart of London.
The newest hotel is the most centrally located by far: short walks get you to the must-see London icons – the Tower Bridge and the London Eye. For the artistic-minded, there’s the Tate Modern, the National Theatre, and Shakespeare’s Globe. Or, if you’re the type of person who loves to saunter aimlessly and linger to savor the city’s sights and smells, the River Thames is just 5 minutes away and connects you to the other bank and the landmarks on the North shore. Standing on the Blackfriars Bridge, looking to the bridges ahead and behind you, there is a sense that you’re standing on the main artery of London’s industry, history, and aesthetic.
The 192-key property features large Crittall-style windows to frame the expansive city views. Concrete ceilings and bare brick walls, a Hoxton bedroom signature, are paired with comfortable touches such as velvet ruby headboards, handmade glassware, and brass lighting by Chelsom. To make each room more friendly than stuffy, each room features art curated by Jealous Gallery and books selected by Hox Friends.
But Ennismore wanted this hotel to be more than a sleep spot, they’re also hoping to draw in a crowd of local and foreign remote workers throughout the day. Communal spaces are decorated with flourishing, giant palms and art collections by Project on Walls. Working From_, a new shared workspace concept by Ennismore “for the sofa-surfing professional”, will launch in January 2020 over 6 floors of the building to provide even more space for locals, freelancers, and creatives. This space will have over 750 desks with open studios, private studios, booths, and a winter garden. At the end of the work day, head up to the rooftop restaurant Seabird for oysters, a seafood raw bar, and fantastic views of London.
What: The Hoxton, Southwark
Where: 40 Blackfriars Rd, London SE1 8PB, United Kingdom
How much? Room prices start at USD $204
Highlights: The newest hotel in London’s South bank draws in the “sofa surfing processional” by maximizing communal workspaces for local and foreign creative workers.
Book it: Visit The Hoxton, Southwark