Mama Shelter Hackney, a vibrant addition to East London’s bustling scene, perches right on Hackney Road, where the boroughs of Tower Hamlets and Hackney collide. This lively thoroughfare is a melting pot of unique establishments, from late-night dive bars like The Queen of Adelaide, to trendy florists like Grace & Thorn, ideal for picking up a souvenir. Wine bars, like Sager + Wilde, and coveted restaurants like The Laughing Heart, add to the eclectic mix. Foodies will also appreciate the close proximity to acclaimed restaurants like Bistrotheque (a quick 10-minute walk) and Peg (a 10-minute taxi ride). Columbia Road, renowned for its popular Sunday flower market, is a leisurely 10-minute stroll away, while the Broadway Market, brimming with high-quality food stalls, is equally accessible. The nearest tube stop is Bethnal Green, conveniently located on the central line.
A Bold and Unconventional Design:
Mama Shelter Hackney embodies the brand’s signature maximalist style, infusing a touch of the 1970s into the design. The open-plan ground floor is a captivating whirlwind of eclectic elements. A mesmerizing collection of lampshades, ranging from tasseled to wicker and even shaped like Mexican sombreros, dangle from a chalkboard ceiling adorned with a mesmerizing graffiti of symbols and words. Mismatched chairs, vibrant Liberty London prints, and shelves overflowing with London-centric books, beaded masks, and animal-shaped ceramics complete the unique aesthetic. This bold and unconventional design might not appeal to all, but it certainly offers a refreshing change from the bland, budget-friendly options often found in similar mini-chains.
A Fun and Lively Atmosphere:
The staff at Mama Shelter Hackney are welcoming and attentive, ensuring a pleasant experience even when the hotel is bustling, as it was during my visit on its opening weekend. A concierge is also available to cater to your needs. The hotel exudes a fun and vibrant atmosphere, with a courtyard featuring a retractable roof, perfect for enjoying cocktails under the open sky. Indoors, guests can indulge in a game of table football, challenge friends on a giant built-in Twister board, or relive their childhood with retro video games. But the highlight of the hotel is undoubtedly the two sound-proofed karaoke rooms nestled in the basement. These rooms, adorned with neon lighting and 1950s-style microphones, are perfect for unleashing your inner rockstar. Each room features two screens and ample lounging space, and drinks can be ordered conveniently from the tap machine outside. At £9 per person, per hour, these karaoke rooms are a steal for a night of fun and laughter.
Modern and Comfortable Accommodations:
The rooms at Mama Shelter Hackney are categorized into Small, Medium, and Large, differing primarily in size. The kitsch Seventies style, reminiscent of the public areas, prevails but with a touch more calmness. Peach walls, monochrome carpets, wooden seating, and colorful cushions and lamps create a relaxed and inviting ambiance. The brand’s signature masks, featuring characters like Tweety Bird and Spiderman, add a playful touch, hanging from the mirrors. Each room is equipped with a flat-screen television, hairdryer, safe, and a fridge stocked with free glass-bottled filtered water. The rooms are refreshingly quiet, aided by blackout blinds and comfortable beds, ensuring a restful night’s sleep. The bathrooms, finished with white metro tiles and lime green accents, boast powerful showers and own-brand toiletries.
A Casual Dining Experience:
The all-day restaurant at Mama Shelter Hackney serves family-style plates for both lunch and dinner. While the food is good, affordable, and easy to enjoy, it won’t compete with the area’s thriving restaurant scene. The menu, while embracing a sharing theme, lacks a cohesive focus, offering a diverse range of dishes, from pork belly baos and lamb shawarma to croque monsieurs and pie and mash with a smoked eel sauce. While my companions and I were disappointed with the crab donuts, the whole roasted chicken with chips and gravy proved to be a satisfying choice. The cocktails are a highlight, particularly the refreshing and elegant “When Ruby Met Tommy”, a tequila, grapefruit, and lime concoction served with a chunky ice cube and rimmed with pink peppercorn salt. A selection of decent wines are also available by the glass, starting at £6. The hotel offers an ample buffet breakfast from 7-10.30am daily, which can be a bit crowded on weekends. While the buffet features a variety of options, including scrambled eggs, bacon, sausages, pastries, breads, fruit, yogurt, and more, I would personally recommend opting for a local coffee shop or café instead, given the £15 price tag.
