There’s something instantly atmospheric about arriving at Town Hall Hotel in Bethnal Green. Its Edwardian façade sets the scene, but it’s the moment I step inside that truly transports me: a grand marble entrance, sweeping staircase and art deco details that hint at the building’s past life as the former Bethnal Green Town Hall. A Grade-II listed building which was restored and completed in November 2010 with a contemporary extension in the form of a new top floor and wing, it has 97 luxury rooms – 10 double bedrooms, and 87 suites with fully fitted kitchens. The mood here feels quietly glamorous, yet warm and welcoming, in fact the perfect mix for a summer sleepover in the heart of London’s East End.
My visit begins with a stroll through Columbia Road Flower Market, just a few minutes’ walk away, followed by browsing vintage shops and record stores along Brick Lane. Back at the hotel, I retreat to my suite for an in-room massage courtesy of Ruuby, a thoughtful touch that feels indulgent but relaxed, and the friendly hotel reception staff are happy to book for guests.
In the evening, a glass of chilled wine in the Assembly Lounge sets the tone beautifully before dinner. The vibe is intimate and unfussy, service is warm and friendly, and the menu draws on chef Rafael Cagali’s Brazilian-Italian roots: thoughtful, seasonal and confidently executed. Afterwards, we’re invited to a private film screening in the Council Chamber, its wood-panelled interior steeped in history and cinematic nostalgia.
And that’s part of the charm here: film lovers will recognise Town Hall Hotel from the screen. The hotel has long been a favourite with location scouts and has appeared in films such as Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels, Snatch, Atonement, Brideshead Revisited, and episodes of Poirot. The Council Chamber itself famously doubled as Hatchet Harry’s office in Lock, Stock and Benicio Del Toro’s tailor in Snatch, while Bethnal Hall was used as the ‘Lyon’s Corner House’ tea room in Atonement where James McAvoy and Keira Knightley’s characters meet up after joining the army to escape prison. As I sit back and soak in the surroundings, it’s easy to feel part of that cinematic legacy.
My room is generous, calm and cleverly designed with a mid-century, Scandi-vibe, with a fully fitted kitchen and beautiful light streaming through large windows. For families, the hotel offers spacious suites, children’s packs and board games, while wellness seekers can make use of the 14-metre indoor pool or indeed book more in-room treatments. The bathroom is stocked with beautifully scented Percy & Reed products. Many guests stay here for longer visits, as the location and nearby Central Line makes for a very easy trip to see the sights, and the kitchen means not having to eat out every day. The hotel does do a packed lunch picnic too, which is perfect for a trip to nearby Victoria Park. And if fine dining is your thing, handily the hotel does have a Two Star Michelin restaurant on site, Da Terra.
The following morning, breakfast at Elis is a highlight: relaxed yet elegant, with fresh, seasonal dishes served with style. Before checking out, I pause to browse the Faber Library, a quiet corner stacked with classics, contemporary fiction and children’s books, a perfect detail that sums up the hotel’s personality: stylish but thoughtful, design-led but never intimidating.
Perfectly placed between Shoreditch, Victoria Park and some of London’s best independent bars and shops, Town Hall Hotel offers more than just a place to sleep. It’s a cinematic slice of London history, reimagined with modern design, welcoming service and a playful spirit that invites you to settle in and linger.
