HOTEL of the week

THE MOORGATE, LONDON

WHERE AND WHY This super-chic boutique aparthotel opened at the end of last year right in the heart of the City of London – just a stone’s throw from Moorgate tube station. Despite being in the hustle and bustle of the Square Mile, you’re guaranteed a good night’s sleep thanks to the sound-proofed windows. Spread over four floors of the Grade Ii-listed building, the 27 studio and one-bedroom apartments are stylishly designed, featuring state-of-the-art entertainment facilities including smart TVS, underfloor heating in the bathroom and washing machine/dryers to cater for long-stay guests. The reception is staffed from 8am to 8pm.

ON THE MENU They are serviced apartments, so there is no restaurant or bar on site. But

each apartment has a well-equipped kitchen with Smeg appliances, Nespresso machine and dishwasher. Guests will find fresh milk on arrival, along with complimentary crisps, porridge, chocolate bars and tea and coffee. With well over a dozen cafés and bars in the area you won’t go hungry, and the trendy restaurants of Spitalfields and Shoreditch are a short walk away. WHILE YOU’RE THERE Check out the Sky Garden, a free public space perched on top of the Walkie Talkie building in Fenchurch Street, for the jaw-dropping views across London. If you have a strong head for heights, Sushisamba on the 38th floor of nearby Heron Tower is an ultra cool Japanese-brazilianperuvian sushi bar which offers the highest outdoor dining in Europe. If you prefer to stay closer to the ground, Finsbury Circus Garden, the oldest public park in London, is just a three-minute stroll away. For culture vultures, The Barbican, one of the UK’S leading arts centres, is close by, while the West End’s theatres and shops of Oxford Street are just a 15-minute tube ride.

WAKE-UP CALL Studio apartments range from €225 to €400 per night. Free high-speed wi-fi. themoorgate.com, 0330 320 0693

MARTIN FRICKER