Royalty Meets Punk at This Chic London Hotel

An unassuming façade gave little away as I paid my cab driver. Once over the threshold, however, the volume was cranked up to full at this unapologetically cheeky hotel, one that reminds guests not to take the capital (or themselves) too seriously.

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Royalty meets punk

More than somewhere to shelter from the rain while waiting for a taxi, nhow’s lobby is the hotel’s social heart. This open-plan space combines the front desk with the Guilty restaurant and bar, alongside cozy nooks designed for co-working or unwinding over a “fireside” beverage.

Even the furniture has a sense of humor, with suited-and-booted armchairs and the kind of knick-knacks ornamenting the typical British family home. The quest for my suite, one of 190 rooms, led me down a corridor edged by doors inspired by Notting Hill’s colorful terraces. My pied-à-terre for the evening continued the residential theme, with a separate relaxation area complete with a second television and a Marshall DAB radio.

Alongside the coffee maker and teapot (the only way to master the art of the cuppa), I had a cocktail-making kit at my disposal. A life-size portrait of King Charles II with pixelated privates marked the entrance to a bathroom with a freestanding tub, always my number one amenity to find in a hotel. A Queen Elizabeth II graphic presided over the bed where I slept soundly after feasting in the hotel’s restaurant. My plans to stream that evening’s football match were abandoned in favor of a considerably more appealing 10 hours of sleep before tackling British Airways’ longest non-stop flightpath.

Guilty pleasures

The hotel’s playful lobby flows naturally into Guilty, the restaurant and bar where much of the social action takes place. Once the breakfast buffet and brunch bowls are cleared away, the lunch and dinner menu reflects London’s international character, with a curated assortment of dishes from around the world. I warmed up with a Santorini Salad, a twist on the Greek classic, while my main course of Old Delhi Chicken Tikka sizzled in the kitchen. Stomach satiated, I asked for a slice of tiramisu to be dispatched to my room to polish off later.

After a chat with the bartender, I ended up sipping an Old Fashioned made with a splash of Patrón tequila in place of whiskey. When it comes to both décor and dining, nhow isn’t particularly interested in sticking to the rules, much like England’s rebellious capital.

Exploring the East End by Brompton bike

The London theme continues in the basement, with a subterranean gym modeled after the city’s defining emblem, the Tube. Even the elevator bears a “Mind the Gap” warning, which explains why I automatically reached for my Oyster card. For those who prefer to exercise en plein air, nhow proposes another distinctly London option. A fleet of classic Brompton bicycles is available to guests, making it easy to explore the local area on two wheels. The hotel also holds Green Key certification, reflecting its focus on environmental practices.

Claiming a fairly nondescript corner of East London on the cusp of Shoreditch, the hotel’s location might be its biggest departure from the traditional London hotel experience. Angel and Old Street, the closest Underground stations, are each around a 15-minute walk away. King’s Cross is roughly the same distance by taxi.

I’d recommend taking advantage of the Regent’s Canal, which offers a more leisurely way to explore this part of London either by bike or on foot, linking the neighbourhood with King’s Cross and Camden. A clutch of attractions can also be reached within a 30-minute walk, including Shoreditch High Street, Brick Lane, and, on Sundays, Columbia Road Flower Market.

On the topic of weekends, nhow London’s Lazy Sunday offering is handy to know about for anyone looking to prolong the relaxation. Subject to availability, you’ll enjoy a 5:00 PM checkout, sparing the need to rush out of this slightly bonkers interpretation of London.

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