Kingsland Locke, London

Kraft restaurant is a brilliant concept bringing together a microbrewery, a gin company and cuisine from Le Bab

BACKGROUND

Open since May, this is the eighth outpost for the design-focused aparthotel brand Locke, which has properties in the UK, Ireland and Germany. It is part of the Edyn group, which also includes Saco serviced apartments.

WHAT’S IT LIKE?

The new-build draws inspiration from its surroundings and is aimed at younger business travellers. The design, by Red Deer Architects, features industrial-style elements, bold prints and glass walls that let in light and give a sense of a shared environment. Sustainability is a focus, with eco-friendly amenities and plenty of greenery. To the left of reception is Shaman coffee bar, followed by a co-working area with communal tables, lounge seating and plenty of plug sockets. This space has its own street entrance and an oval bar. Stairs take you down to Kraft restaurant and microbrewery. There’s a gym and laundry room on this level, too. Check-in required a photo ID and credit card, while contactless check-out means you drop off your keys in a box at the desk.

WHERE IS IT?

On Kingsland High Street in Dalston, East London, home to a variety of bars, shops and restaurants. It’s a threeminute walk to Dalston Kingsland London Overground station, or about 15 minutes to Hackney Downs Overground, which is four stops from Liverpool Street station.

ROOMS

The 124 apartments range from compact 19 sqm Loft and City studios to the 37 sqm Kingsland suite. Each has a king bed, a kitchen, an iron, a safe and a yoga mat. Locke studios and above have dishwashers, and one-bedroom suites have washing machines. There’s no phone but you can contact reception via WhatsApp.

My fourth-floor City Studio felt quite narrow, with the kitchen and bathroom facing each other and the bed and small dining table at the far end. A green velvet sofa continued along the wall to become the headboard, which was a good use of space. Other elements could have been designed better, such as the towel rack being right by the toilet in the bathroom.

The room had an interrnal view, with blackout curtains – the soundproofing was not great, however, and I could hear doors shutting at night. While the concrete walls are meant to give a distressed industrial feel, mine appeared run-down, with some water marks. Still, the wifi was fast and free, the smart TV had tips for the area and the room rate included a guidebook to East London.

FOOD AND DRINK

Shaman is a healthconscious café serving grab-and-go items and speciality coffee. It’s a popular spot, with a hatch open to passers-by. There was a bit of a wait for my breakfast at 9am but it was worth it, and the barista was friendly.

Kraft restaurant, is a brilliant concept that brings together brewery German Kraft, sustainable gin company Jim and Tonic, and Middle Eastern and Asian cuisine from Le Bab. The space is airy, with a high glass ceiling and lush foliage. It looks into the microbrewery, which makes some good craft beers. QR codes bring up the well-priced menu from Le Bab, which includes sharing plates and posh kebabs.

MEETINGS No dedicated rooms.

LEISURE

There’s a gym – you have to book in advance – and 30-day free access to the workouts on fitness app Fiit.

VERDICT

Kingsland Locke excels with its locally inspired interiors and collaborative communal areas, which include fantastic dining venues and a stylish co-working lounge that transforms into a buzzy bar by night. I was less impressed with the room, which, despite its newness, relied too much on shabby over chic. Hannah Brandler