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R E G U L A R S
Sleep east-y
With a raft of new hotel openings,
London’s most creative district is our favourite
spot to work, party
and
stay
4. Backpacker base
The Dictionary Hostel
Until last year, über-cheap accomodation was
something visitors to E1 could only dream of. That
was before a group of bright young 20somethings
invested their life savings in this, Hackney’s first,
hostel. Now, thanks to some seriously comfy beds,
free breakfast, and original touches (look out for
the neon-daubed pig sculpture in the window) – all
for a seriously meagre investment, there’s a budget
option the borough can be proud of.
From £15 (€18),
thedictionaryhostel.com
5. Party pad
Qbic
Just a bagel’s fling from the bars of Brick Lane,
this low-fi design hotel is aimed squarely at the
budget-conscious party animal. Opened in
November, the first UK branch of this Dutch chain is
most notable for its quirky capsule concept: each
room’s ‘Cubi’ is a bed and bathroom in one. Add
enthusiastic decor, including lamps made from
garden hose and swathes of neon-striped carpet,
and the effect is somewhat OTT – hangovers,
beware – but it’s certainly cheerful as well as cheap.
From £69 (€84),
qbichotels.com
6. Design domicile
Town Hall Hotel
What do you get when you cross a crumbling Art
Deco building with space-age innovation? A
contender for London’s best design hotel, that’s
what. Style addicts will love the eclectic makeover
that rescued Bethnal Green’s former town hall from
ruin: glass walls, sunken baths and vintage pieces
have turned municipal rooms into something akin to
a Bond Villain’s lair. Throw in Michelin-starred
Viajante restaurant and you’ve got a special-
occasion stay for the pickiest of fashionistas.
From £163 (€198),
townhallhotel.com
WORDS
SARAHWARWICK
ILLUSTRATION
ROBIN DAVEY
P L A N O F
A C T I O N
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