The Courthouse Hotel Shoreditch
335-337 Old St, London, London EC1V 9LL, England
Why We Like It
Close enough to the heart of the city to be convenient, while offering its diverse and eclectic neighborhood of fun, Shoreditch is the ideal base for a London trip that’s about more than the main attractions. While the bar may not be regularly buzzing, there are plenty of places nearby that are, and besides, there’s always the bowling alley, cinema or pool for alternative entertainment. While not exceptional, the service is more than adequate and such is the space here that you can wander the hotel and remain in your own bubble.
Fodor's Expert Review
Utilising the dashing Edwardian façade of a former magistrate’s court, this grandly renovated luxury hotel combines the charm of its storied history with a list of alluring amenities as long as your arm. Inside, the stained-glass windows, holding cells and ornate wooden paneling of the Grade II listed building remain, incorporated into the contemporary design of a hotel wishing to appeal to the broadest range of guests. From cocktail bar to bowling alley, cinema to spa, there’s a little something for everyone at the Courthouse Hotel Shoreditch.
Recommended Fodor’s Video
Room
While we’re not overly fond of the stock prints of London attractions that appear on some of the walls, rooms are stylish and understated for the most part. Playing with a muted color scheme, the large rooms are separated into two buildings; the original courthouse and the new attachment joined onto the façade during renovations.
Tip Rooms in the old courthouse section have more character and come with the benefit of street views over the buzzing Shoreditch High Street intersection.
Bathroom
Grey slate tiles cover the opulent bathrooms, setting a masculine, understated tone not dissimilar to the rooms. Walk-in showers feature in most bathrooms but guests can request a room with specific bathtub option.
Lobby
In possession of an unmistakable gravitas, the lobby is arguably the most beautiful space in the hotel. Full of original features, not to mention an impressive grand staircase, it’s worth having Instagram poised and ready on check-in.
Pool
Lit with dim, mellow lighting and surrounded by chic grey slate, the basement pool is a serene escape from frenetic Shoreditch.
Gym
The impressive gym provides every machine you might need for a full cardiovascular workout, as well as a sauna and steam room for a wellness boost.
Dining
Running with the judicial theme, the Judge and Jury restaurant takes up residence in one of the old courtrooms, where original wood panelling and vast windows create quite the regal environment. The high-quality menu serves a range of classics with a focus on the grill.
Drinking
The huge bar serves a selection of cocktails named with a theme of law and order (no, not the TV show) in mind. Best of all are the five original holding cells that now act as private booths for those who want to enjoy the illusion of drinking in jail—just with cocktails instead of moonshine. Open weather dependent, the rooftop bar offers the greatest views in the hotel.
You Should Know The huge ground floor bar lacks atmosphere and beyond the fun of the cells, it doesn’t make the best place for an intimate evening.
Bowling Alley
A two-lane bowling alley can be booked by guests who want to channel their inner Lebowski.
Cinema
Screening new releases, the 196-seater, high-tech cinema is yet another of the Courthouse Hotel’s abundant amenities.
What's Nearby
Getting Around
A five-minute walk from Old Street Tube, and the same from Shoreditch High Street Overground, connections into the center of the city are conveniently located. Twenty minutes from the West End by Tube, Shoreditch is close enough to the theatre and major galleries, while offering its own inimitably trendy charms when you want to stay close by.
Restaurants
Head to Kingsland Road for some of the city’s finest Vietnamese food, making a special stop at Mien Tay (6-minute walk). Alternatively, make the short walk to Brick Lane where curry houses literally fill every other shop front. There’s no shortage of choice, but for the best you’ll have to go a little further, making the journey to Whitechapel and the delights of Tayyabs (10-minute drive), where you have to eat the lamb chops and pumpkin curry.
Bars
Drink some of the best cocktails in Shoreditch at the extravagant Callooh Callay (2-minute walk), or go for rare whiskies sat at the bar at Bull in a China Shop (6-minute walk).
Photos
Quick Facts
People Also Liked
