By Katie Wilson
On the site of the former Ace Hotel, which closed during lockdown, a new Shoreditch institution has risen from its ashes.
One Hundred Shoreditch is from the same team behind Sea Containers hotel on the South Bank – and it’s your new east London hangout.
Home to the most restaurants and bars in any hotel in the area, there’s a basement cocktail bar, wine bar, lobby bar, restaurant, coffee shop and a just opened rooftop terrace.
Here’s what happened when we spent a night at east London’s most exciting new hotel.
FIRST IMPRESSIONS
Arriving at One Hundred Shoreditch on a sunny Friday afternoon, there was already a buzz about the place as the hotel geared up for the weekend.
In a prime position on Shoreditch High Street and a short walk from both Liverpool Street and Old Street areas, you really are in the heart of east London. It’s the perfect base for a weekend stay in the capital.
Staff are friendly, welcoming and really know their stuff. There is no pretentiousness here. It’s just a really nice place to be.
STYLE AND INTERIORS
Although the shell of the old Ace Hotel looks the same, its interiors have been given a complete overhaul now it is One Hundred Shoreditch.
Independently owned, it’s still east London cool, but has been given a slick, more grown-up update to reflect the changing face of the area.
Think edgy artwork and sculptures in the bars and restaurants, while bedrooms feel calming, airy and full of natural light.
THE ROOMS
There are 258 bedrooms and suites at One Hundred Shoreditch, ranging from Studios to Studio Suites. The latter have spacious living rooms and private terraces overlooking the London skyline, offering more of an apartment feel.
In terms of style, the rooms are all very similar with crisp white furnishings, cool Scandi decor in neutral colour schemes and bespoke artwork.
The Studios are smallest, but each room comes with comfy robes, DS & Durga toiletries, black out blinds, complimentary still or sparkling water which you fill from taps in the hallway, a mini bar and full-size fridge full of east London treats as standard.
Friends staying in London for the weekend should book the Studio Double Double room, which has two double beds for maximum comfort when you’re nursing a hangover.
We stayed in a Studio Loft room. These light-filled beauties have oriel bay windows with seats, offering a view of Shoreditch you don’t often get to see. Perfect for people watching, we could have spent hours just looking out the window at the scenes below, drink in hand.
Bathrooms are also chic with wicker accessories and showers or mirrored bathtubs. We loved the handy One Hundred Shoreditch tote bags and black umbrellas left in the room for if the London weather turns.
FOOD AND DRINK
With three bars, a restaurant, coffee shop, take out hatch and rooftop terrace, One Hundred Shoreditch is a food and drink destination from morning until late.
Downstairs you’ll find The Lobby Bar – the hotel’s living room – serving up casual drinks plus freshly baked pizzas, salads, burgers and snacks.
This leads through to the main restaurant, Goddard & Gibbs, an all-day eatery specialising in ethically sourced British seafood. You can’t miss the giant yellow sculpture in the middle, designed to evoke memories of the seaside.
It has a Wine Bar attached which feels like an indoor terrace, where they have just launched a Champagne and Shucks happy hour from 5-7pm. At weekends book the Seafood Brunch. Make it bottomless from £19pp (plus food).
We visit for dinner, where instead of champagne we opt for a bottle of the expertly recommended Rathfinny Estate Brut from Sussex (£68). In a welcome change sourdough milk buns, instead of regular bread, is brought to the table with cultured butter.
Spotting a Prawn Cocktail (£16) from the Raw Bar section of the menu immediately conjures up a feeling of nostalgia. It’s a must order, but could be shared as a starter or enjoyed as a main such is the portion size. Other highlights include the Sea Bream Ceviche (£10), Dressed Crab (£16) and the oyster platters, which start from £15 for six.
There are only 12 main courses to choose from, including the Catch of the Day, but all are classics and fairly reasonably priced. There is Fish & Chips (£16), the G&G Fish Pie (£20) and Grilled Lobster & Chips (half £27/whole £40). We were impressed with the Hake Kiev with samphire and capers (£22).
Meat eaters can order the Angus Beef Burger (£16) or Ribeye Steak (£32). There is little on the menu for vegans or veggies bar a risotto, but staff are as accommodating as they can be to dietary requirements.
With the sun going down we head up to The Rooftop, which has opened its doors just in time for summer, to catch the last of the rays.
Taking inspiration from Palm Springs with its pink plant-filled interiors and panoramic views, there’s no doubt it is one of the most beautiful rooftops in east London. It’s also one of the few you can visit where you don’t have to be a member to get in.
Cocktails here are special and all priced at around £13. Try their signature Lemongrass Margarita and The One Hundred Punch. Food is served as small plates. Think tacos, tostadas and soft shell crab burgers. Note the rooftop is closed on Sundays and you can’t book a table on the terrace as it’s walk-ins only, but you can book a table inside.
We finished the night off in the Seed Library basement bar, the newest opening from cocktail supremo Mr Lyan. It’s guaranteed good drinks, great service and DJs bringing the weekend vibes. Club nights are also held here. Check the hotel’s ‘what’s on’ section for upcoming events.
EXTRAS
As well as all the above, One Hundred Shoreditch has five meetings and events spaces which can be booked for everything from private dining to work events and weddings. The largest room has floor to ceiling glass windows offering epic views over the capital.
Fitness-conscious guests can book a slot in the hotel’s dedicated Peloton Studio. If you’re in a Studio Suite, you can pre-arrange for a Peloton bike to be placed in your room during your stay.
Dogs and families are welcomed at One Hundred Shoreditch. Note well behaved dogs are allowed in most areas, except The Rooftop. Cots, additional beds and connecting rooms are available for little ones.
Priding itself on being a hotel that cares, One Hundred Shoreditch has plans to become a fully sustainable building in its first year by cutting carbon emissions and operating on 100% renewable electricity.
They have also partnered with local charities to help homeless people in the area, as well as those experiencing domestic violence and abuse.
OVERALL VERDICT
One Hundred Shoreditch was the new UK hotel opening we had our eye on this year, and it didn’t disappoint. If you really wanted to you could spend a whole weekend here and never leave the hotel, there is so much under one roof. We’d advise you book a room and do exactly that. Even if you don’t stay here, all the bars and restaurants are available to non-guests.
Rooms start from £175 a night
Book a stay at One Hundred Shoreditch here
Read more: London’s best rooftops and terraces
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