As the lockdown began to ease a little, and having spent the entire period in our flat in London, I was itching for a change of scene and a “weekend away”. Well, we couldn’t exactly go too far, and so I decided to book a little weekend at The Hoxton in Southwark and visit a hotel that’s been on my list for a while.
On a sunny Friday afternoon I packed my bags, closed my laptop and headed to Southwark, home to The Hoxton’s newest kid on the block. As soon as you step inside the door not only are you greeted by chic hand-sanitiser stations (because, 2020), but the trademark Hoxton style and decor greets you. It’s laid back, but it’s beautiful, welcoming, chic and cosy all at once. Check-in was easy and simple, and I was soon on my way up to our “Cosy” room. Far from being cosy (read: small!) we had a huge bed and room for a small seating area.
I’ve stayed in The Hoxton in Paris before and loved it. A lot. I can’t quite pinpoint exactly what it is about The Hoxton hotels that I love so much, but I think it’s the mix of beautiful decor, warm and friendly attitude and it’s so laid back. And for the price point in major cities like London and Paris, I think it’s an absolute gem!
If you haven’t stayed at a Hox hotel before, then you need to know about the breakfast bags! Not only can you order room service, but you can instead (or also!) indulge in a little breakfast bag, either at a nominal charge or included in your room rate. Just pop your bag outside your room, and at the time you select, your bag will be returned with a fresh croissant, some OJ and a piece of fruit. Ideal if you’re heading out and about or just want a lighter breakfast. Also, do I need to sell fresh croissants and coffee in bed? Didn’t think so. Oh, and because each room comes with a Roberts radio, which I love, cue mornings of croissants in bed with a side of radio music and dancing in your pjs!
It might sound like a little thing, but I love that The Hoxton’s mini bars are empty apart from water and milk – and instead they have their incredible bars and a no-rip-off mini bar behind the front desk, where you can buy wine and beers at reasonable prices. So if you just want to have a chilled evening in your room with some room services and drinks, it couldn’t be easier.
I was also completely in love with the beautiful bathroom – there’s something about that grey/green colour which I loved and I really liked the New York inspired feel to the whole bathroom. Also, do I need to say fluffy, fluffy towels?!
Around the hotel, the decor is just as beautiful, with a sense of a cosy friends house rather than a hotel. The bar is in Albie, the downstairs restaurant in The Hoxton, and you can expect comfy armchairs and sofas all around the bar area. On a Friday night it was lovely and buzzy, despite good social distancing being in place.
There’s also a gorgeous upstairs bar, which we didn’t visit, but I can imagine it comes alive on a Friday and Saturday night!
And before you check out, you have to visit Seabird, The Hoxton Southwark’s stunning rooftop seafood restaurant. I’d recommend booking ahead as we struggled to get a table apart from for Sunday lunch. It’s a really beautiful, relaxed restaurant which boasts London’s largest oyster menu, and delicious, delicate seafood dishes with incredible cocktails and views out over London. What better way to end a trip?!
The Hoxton Southwark
40 Blackfriars Rd
South Bank
London
SE1 8NY
