Journey time from ExCeL London: 40-mins
Shoreditch and Hoxton, lie at the heart of alternative London and Cool Britannia. Cheap warehouse spaces attracted the likes of Damien Hirst and Tracey Emin in the early 90s. Now its cobbled brick streets, hip pubs and clubs offer an alternative night-spot, perfect for after-hours entertaining.
How do I get there?
From ExCeL London take the DLR to Canning Town and change for Jubilee Line connections to London Bridge. At London Bridge take the Northern Line 3-stops to Old Street.
ExCeL London Recommends
The Boundary
Tel: +44 (0) 20 7729 1051
2-4 Boundary Street (Entrance on Redchurch Street), London, E2 7DD
www.theboundary.co.uk
The Boundary building includes three restaurants and bars; 12 individually designed guest bedrooms, plus five suites; a small British food store and a bakery. The original building, a late Victorian warehouse, was carefully converted over a period of three years prior to the launch in 2008. During the development period, special attention was given to preserving the most attractive industrial features, from the scale of the various spaces to the original brickwork, both inside and out, together with the many sash windows that now provide an abundance of light for each of the bedrooms.
The Hoxton Grille
Tel: +44 (0) 20 7550 1000
81 Great Eastern Street, EC2A 3HU
www.hoxtonhotels.com/restaurant
The Hoxton Grille is located within the Hoxton Hotel a modern brassiere and lounge bar with a high energy yet relaxed atmosphere, open all day everyday. With its contemporary design, overstated lamp shades and mustard leather banquettes, the Grille has a culinary heritage firmly rooted in the UK with all menus based on classic dishes and bistro favourites.
Les Trois Garcons
Tel: +44 (0) 20 7613 1924
1 Club Row, E1 6JX
www.lestroisgarcons.com
Chef Jérôme Henry draws from his Swiss-French roots to create a menu packed with flavours and top ingredients. Wines are served from the restaurant's own cellar situated next to the chef's table (suitable for parties up to ten guests). The main room seats 75, where you may bump into the likes Gwyneth Paltrow, Nicole Kidman, Jade Jagger, Lennox Lewis, Stella McCartney, Gilbert and George or Yoko Ono!
Loungelover
Tel: +44 (0) 20 7012 1234
1 Whitby Street, E1 6JU
www.loungelover.co.uk
One of London's top cocktail bars opened by the owners of Les Trois Garcons in May 2003. The bar itself is almost like walking through a film set, with glamour aplenty and the opportunity to spot a celebrity or two. Loungelover operates on a booking system so you will have to make a reservation even if you just want to come for a drink. There is limited space at the bar if you want to wait for a table. Food is available in the form of small plates, ideal for sharing.
Town Hall Hotel & Viajante Restaurant
Tel: +44 (0)20 7870 0460
Patriot Square, London, E2 9NF
www.townhallhotel.com
After a visionary extension and a sensitive restoration, Town Hall will offer a new concept for London's energetic East End. The spacious 98 hotel rooms and apartments combine the amenities and luxuries of a five star hotel with the space and style of a designer apartment. Along with the glamorous banqueting and meeting facilities with their Town Hall charm and ultra modern finish. A clever revamp has created the Town Hall Hotel & Viajante Restaurant - a hotel of both style and simplicity, etched in its history, peppered with modernity topped with arguably one of the best restaurants in London run by Chef Nuno Mendes.
