London’s South Bank, once overshadowed by its northern counterpart, is undergoing a dramatic transformation. A perfect example is Blackfriars Station, which underwent a massive makeover in 2009. This flagship station, now boasts platforms that extend over the River Thames, showcasing the area’s renewed vibrancy.
South Bank: A Cultural Hub
The revitalization of the South Bank is evident in the flourishing of cultural landmarks, from Shakespeare’s Globe and the Tate Modern to the mid-century South Bank Arts Complex. The area is attracting the attention of developers, with a wave of trendy hotels opening their doors, including Sea Containers, CitizenM, Bankside Hotel, and most recently, The Hoxton.
The Hoxton: A Modern Design Hotel
The Hoxton, nestled just a few minutes’ walk from the Thames on Blackfriars Road, is a stylish haven within walking distance of London’s most celebrated cultural attractions. Connecting easily to various parts of the city, the hotel is just a short train ride away from London St Pancras Station, Gatwick and Luton Airports, and within reach of London Waterloo and London Bridge stations.
The Hoxton boasts a history dating back to 2006 when it first opened in Shoreditch, setting a trend for design-driven hotels in the East End. Known for its unique marketing strategies, the hotel once sold rooms for just £1, attracting a young and vibrant crowd. Its commitment to high-style, no-frills, and affordable rates has made it a popular choice for travelers seeking a hip and stylish experience, expanding its reach to Amsterdam, Paris, and various American hotspots.
A Welcoming and Buzzing Atmosphere
The Hoxton, despite its boutique aesthetic, is a spacious hotel with nearly 200 rooms spanning over a dozen floors. Rooms are categorized by size, offering options from the Shoebox to the Biggy, which, while roomy, isn’t enormous.
Industrial Chic Meets Modern Comfort
The hotel’s décor blends industrial chic with a modern twist, featuring velvet headboards, wood-paneled walls, Crittal-style windows, exposed concrete ceilings and pipes, parquet floors, brushed brass fittings, heavy block-printed curtains, and mid-century-style tables and chairs.
Each room includes a notebook filled with local recommendations, replacing the traditional minibar with a fridge. Guests can stock up on drinks and snacks from reception at “supermarket prices.” The hotel also provides a complimentary bag filled with fruit, an energy bar, and a juice shot, delivered to your door each morning.
Dining Options for Every Taste
The Hoxton offers two restaurants: Albie, a ground-floor brasserie, and Seabird, a rooftop seafood eatery on the 14th floor.
Albie, with its New York-inspired aesthetic and vaguely Mediterranean cuisine, provides a stylish and lively setting for dining. The bar boasts a decent selection of non-alcoholic cocktails, while the service is friendly and attentive. The food, while good, might not offer the most exciting menu.
Brunch, however, is a better option, although the complimentary breakfast snack bag, provided for guests, might not be substantial enough for a Sunday morning.
The real highlight is the Insta-worthy Seabird, boasting a raw bar, described as “London’s longest oyster bar,” and breathtaking views of the city.
Explore the Vibrant Neighborhood
Beyond the hotel’s walls, Bermondsey and Maltby Streets are just a stone’s throw away, offering a wealth of delicious eateries and the Bermondsey Beer Mile.
Cultural Delights at Your Doorstep
The area is a haven for culture enthusiasts. Guests can immerse themselves in theater productions at the National Theatre, Globe, and Menier Chocolate Factory, catch a film at the BFI or Curzon Sea Containers, admire art at the Hayward Gallery or Tate Modern, enjoy music at the Royal Festival Hall, and much more. Borough Market, the London Eye, and The Shard are also easily accessible.
For those eager to explore beyond the South Bank, Covent Garden and the West End are within reach by bus or tube from Southwark Station.
The Hoxton: More than Just a Hotel
The Hoxton goes beyond providing a comfortable stay. It actively supports the Good Neighbours charity, dedicated to assisting vulnerable and socially isolated members of the local community. The hotel also hosts a free monthly brunch for community members willing to volunteer their time, and participates in community garden projects in South London, as well as providing assistance to older local residents.
The Hoxton is a testament to the South Bank’s transformation, offering a stylish and contemporary hotel experience in a vibrant and culturally rich neighborhood. It’s a place where you can enjoy delicious food, explore exciting cultural attractions, and contribute to the local community, all while experiencing London at its finest.
