We Review The OG of Hipster Hotels, The Hoxton, As It Celebrates 20 Years

The Handbook’s Contributing Fashion & Lifestyle Editor, Astrid Carter, remembers exactly when the original Hoxton hotel opened its doors in Shoreditch back in 2006. As an 18-year-old who had just moved to London, it felt cool, sexy, and the undisputed OG of hipster hotels. Over the next 20 years, many a work meeting, late-night cocktail, and girls’ dinner would take place there. Recently, she returned to the hotel to see the results of its mammoth refurbishment and if it still held that same magic after two decades at the top of the London hospitality scene. Here’s what she thought…

What sets it apart

When you’re staying in a city as buzzy as London, the biggest challenge is finding that sweet spot – a hotel that is genuinely stylish but won’t break the bank. Having stayed in everything from eye-watering five-star luxury to windowless boxes I’d rather forget, I’ve seen both ends of the spectrum. The one hotel I constantly return to that strikes the perfect balance is The Hoxton.

A bright, stylish restaurant at The Hoxton with large windows, indoor plants, wooden tables and chairs, cosy sofas, and unique hanging lights. The decor mixes vintage and modern elements for a warm, inviting atmosphere.

Llama Inn

Their approach is design-led and chic, but with attention to detail that also gives it that boutique hotel feel. The bars, restaurants, and its famous co-working space, are places you actually want to hang out in, drawing a mix of hip travellers and local freelancers like moths to a flame – all without the ridiculous price points.

While the portfolio has grown to 15 locations in the world’s coolest neighbourhoods – from achingly cool Williamsburg to a fresh injection into the Edinburgh scene that opened in the summer – the Shoreditch original is the OG. Truth be told, I’ve been propping up its bar and hosting meetings there many a time since it opened in 2006. It has just undergone a full refurbishment, so I was itching to get back inside to see the results.

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The location

You’re either a Shoreditch person or you’re not. Personally, I think veering East is always a good idea if you want to avoid the tourist-heavy crowds of Central London. You get all the buzz of W1 but with fewer M&M World and Leicester Square-style headaches.

The Hoxton sits at the very epicentre of the neighbourhood. You’re a stone’s throw from Old Street, Spitalfields, and Shoreditch High Street, and within easy reach of spots like Broadway Market and Victoria Park Village. These are some of my favourite places to spend an afternoon – browsing bookshops before moving into small plates in chalkboard restaurants and cool boozers for drinks with friends.

Veering East is always a good idea if you want to avoid the tourist-heavy crowds of Central London. You get all the buzz of W1 but with fewer M&M World and Leicester Square-style headaches.

While Shoreditch has become more commercial lately, and the City’s gleaming skyscrapers are creeping closer, it still retains a grit and soul that Central London lacks. You’re a short walk from Old Street and Liverpool Street stations (both ideal for airport connections), as well as the Overground at Shoreditch High Street. As a base, it makes the entire city accessible.

The rooms

While I’ve frequented the public spaces at The Hoxton Shoreditch many times, this was my first time actually bedding down for the night. Since the hotel has just undergone a major top-to-bottom refresh, I can’t compare it to the old rooms, but the new look is undeniably impressive.

A modern hotel room at Hoxton Shoreditch in London is reflected in a round mirror, showcasing a bed with white linen, a gold-brown accent cushion, a wavy dark grey headboard, wall art, and a contemporary ceiling light fitting.

A modern hotel room at Hoxton Shoreditch in London features a large bed with white linen and a brown accent cushion, a yellow armchair, a desk by the window, standard lamp, and framed art. Natural light fills the stylish space.

My room was super comfortable and design-led in that effortlessly cool way the Hoxton group is known for. I was lucky enough to get an upgrade at check-in, and my room was ready early – Tick! Tick! And an experience I’ve actually had at a few of their other properties.

That said, the rooms are definitely on the cosy side. It’s not a criticism – in East London, you’re paying for the prime location and the vibe rather than square footage – but if you’re looking for a sprawling suite, this isn’t it. Also, good luck with that if your London budget sits south of £300 a night.

Modern bathroom in a London hotel with a rectangular white basin, silver tap, and a large oval mirror framed by round globe lights. Glossy brown tiles cover the walls, and toiletries rest on the worktop—just like at Hoxton Shoreditch.

Decor-wise, it felt white wall crisp and airy, punctuated by charming touches: mismatching art, the signature Hoxton retro telephone, and a very Insta-worthy scalloped headboard. The mustard velvet sofa and chic chrome and marble finishes added some luxe to the room.

The bathroom featured a vanity mirror with bright bulbs on either side (perfect for getting ready), a powerful shower, and those gorgeous-smelling Blank products that run throughout The Hoxton’s properties. Combined with the high-thread-count linens and fluffy white towels, the whole experience felt far more premium than your average mid-range hotel.

Decor-wise, it felt white wall crisp and airy, punctuated by charming touches: mismatching art, the signature Hoxton retro telephone, and a very Insta-worthy scalloped headboard.

Food & drink

The Hoxton’s dining scene has evolved since my last visit, and I was eager to finally try the Peruvian-inspired Llama Inn. I love that it feels like a hidden gem; there’s no sign on the famous Great Eastern Street brick facade, and even inside, only a discreet sign by check-in points the way.

A stylish restaurant dining area at The Hoxton features patterned chairs, marble tables, upholstered banquettes, large round light fittings, indoor plants, and natural light from a glass ceiling. The decor showcases soft pastel tones and elegant details.

Located on the 7th floor – reached via a cool, art-lined corridor and a dedicated lift – it has quickly become one of my favourite new discoveries. I visited for a long, lazy lunch in the depths of December, and somehow the space felt like golden hour the entire time. Sunbeams bounce off the surrounding city skyscrapers and flood through the floor-to-ceiling windows. I actually had to wear my sunglasses throughout the meal, which I secretly loved.

London generally does Peruvian food well, but Llama Inn is a stellar addition to the ranks. The service was exceptional, with a passionate staff who knew the menu inside out. Naturally, we started with Pisco Sours before working our way through small plates and hearty sharing dishes.

The standouts included the Leek Anticucho, served on a skewer with romesco and olive. It’s a fresh, salty, seasonal, and unctuous take on a Gilda and the perfect way to start a meal, cocktail in hand.

A woman wearing sunglasses and a brown coat smiles at the camera inside The Hoxton, with sunlight streaming through a window behind her, creating a warm and bright atmosphere.

A ceramic plate at The Hoxton holds slices of cured salmon on a white sauce, garnished with microgreens, pink pickled vegetables, mustard seeds, green oil drops, and a tomato-based relish. The plate rests on a terrazzo surface.

The Salmon Gravlax, served in a pool of creamy tiger’s milk with peppery radish and popping mustard seeds. So pretty, it’s the type of dish that makes your phone want to eat first and upload straight to Stories, but held its own in flavour against the Instagram-worthy presentation.

Then came chicken thighs. I don’t usually order chicken out– it feels a bit mid-week meal – but this was a 10/10. It was incredibly tender, layered with a parmesan cream sauce, botija olive tapenade, and plenty of fresh coriander on top.

A sunlit restaurant patio at The Hoxton with glass walls and a wooden pergola, where diners enjoy meals. The space features patterned tile flooring, lush greenery, and modern décor.

A Lazy lunch in the depths of December, ssomehow felt like summer’s golden hour the entire time.

The finale? A decadent yet light giant profiterole stuffed with hazelnut praline and pistachio ice cream, drizzled in dark chocolate. Heaven.

Llama Inn originally started in Brooklyn, and with that location having recently closed its doors in late 2025 after a ten-year run, it’s nice to see the London outpost carrying the mantle so successfully. If you aren’t in the mood for Peruvian, there’s also Il Bambini Club on the ground floor, serving up antipasti, silky bowls of pasta, and their signature seasonal pizzas.

Things to do

You’re right in the thick of it at The Hoxton, Shoreditch. Whether you want to stay local or hop on the Tube to explore other corners of London, you’ve got food, drink, art, and entertainment to fill your days. Here are a few little black book gems I’d recommend:

Bleecker Burger, Spitalfields

Grab something quick (or nurse a hangover) here. Affordable and a little bit filthy, there’s a reason it was recently ranked the second-best burger in the world. Also available on Deliveroo.

Seed Library

Sip late-night cocktails at this basement bar from world-renowned mixologist Mr Lyan. Expect vinyl spinning, moody interiors, and revolutionary cocktails that push the envelope. Nothing too sweet – just how I like them.

Gloria

Find family-friendly dining just up the road from The Hoxton. It’s full of crowd-pleasers like pasta made table-side in a giant cheese wheel, creamy plates of burrata, and their famous lemon meringue pie or tiramisu.

Smoking Goat

Eat like a local at this Bangkok BBQ-inspired spot. Warning: everything is outrageously spicy.

One Club Row

Blow the budget at one of 2025’s most talked-about openings. Just a 10-minute walk away, it’s an NYC bar-meets-Paris bistro. Expect great people-watching, sinkable martinis, and live piano music on the weekends.

Rich Mix Cinema

A Shoreditch institution showing everything from blockbusters to vintage screenings and indie gems, with tickets starting from as little as £7.50.

Whitechapel Gallery

A little further afield, but worth the 20-minute walk for the historic building, beautiful art spaces, global exhibitions, and an excellent bookshop.

The verdict

A cosy living room inspired by The Hoxton, with a lit fireplace, brick walls, two brown cushioned chairs, a small round table, a floor lamp, a red armchair, and a modern painting hanging on the wall.

The fact that I’m still returning to The Hoxton’s original outpost 20 years later pretty much says it all. What it might lack in room size, it more than makes up for with consistent style, warm hospitality, and an ever-evolving restaurant and bar scene. The vibe always feels fresh, and I’m certain this won’t be my final visit to what is now a global – and actually affordable – hotel group.

Getting there and booking

The Hoxton is less than a five-minute walk from Old Street Station and Underground, and Liverpool Street Station is a 10-15 minute walk away with connections to Stansted Airport, but the hotel is easily accessible from all the major train stations and London airports. Room rates start from just £117 for a ‘Shoebox’ room.

WHERE: The Hoxton, Shoreditch, 81 Great Eastern Street, London, EC2A 3HU
WEBSITE: www.thehoxton.com/london/shoreditch/

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