Remember when that new kid transferred to your school, they seemed to have it all. The clothes, the demeanour and that magnetic authenticity. It left you wondering how can I be like them, what do I have to do? Every so often a new hotel pops up which challenges the status quo, and the hierarchy is broken. The Mondrian Shoreditch is the hotel for the contemporary nuanced traveller.

Planted in the energetic and exuberant East End neighbourhood of London, the Mondrian Shoreditch is the definition of upmarket cool. Shoreditch is known for its authenticity, alternative and stylish atmosphere which has increasingly made it the trendiest postcode in London, if not England. The Mondrian Shoreditch is a perfect representation of the community with guests ranging from tech entrepreneurs to social behemoths. Offering 120 chic guest rooms and suites alongside a 24-hour gym and beautiful health centre, the contemporary nuanced traveller will not be left short changed. The luxury dining and drinking experience will have guests well attended to with Chef Dani García and the Bibo Shoreditch restaurant as well as the sumptuous mixology skills on show at Christina’s Bar, open throughout the day.

Formerly occupying the fabulous building was the club-turned-hotel The Curtain, which unfortunately had to close its doors in September 2020 due to the COVID pandemic. Enter the Mondrian, now the sixth project of the hotel group founded by Ian Schrager in the 1990’s. Owners the Reuben Brothers set to work during the barren touristic landscape of the pandemic with design studio Goddard Littlefair (behind Gleneagles and Villa Copenhagen) to create the effervescent hotel guests experience today. Based heavily upon the group’s first hotel located in South Beach Miami, it is easy to see where the swagger comes from.

The whitewashed brick rooms are filled with natural light through floor to ceiling windows which look out upon the bustling day-to-day life of the East End streets below. Eclectic interiors compliment the artisan feel of the rooms with authentic artwork, trunk-style bedside tables and green leather chesterfield seats. Monochrome marble surfaces spill into the bathroom with a relaxing steam bath proving the perfect antidote for exploration within the urban jungle. A number of suites and rooms have balconies equipped with deck floors and lounge chairs which prove to be perfect for sundowner drinks and some fresh air. Whilst the rooms aren’t exceedingly spacious, they are designed for comfort, which is exactly what they provide. It is worth keeping in mind that with all the opportunities on the hotel’s doorstep, guests will rarely spend too much time in the room.

Something that will most certainly keep guests out of their rooms are the luxury dining options on offer. Destined for a big culinary name when The Curtain closed its doors, the spot has been filled by Bibo, the first UK restaurant from Michelin-starred chef Dani García. Self-proclaimed as the ‘artisan of flavour’, Chef García combines Andalusian ingredients with techniques and products sourced from world cuisine. This is not the typical hotel restaurant, instead it has been carefully blended into the fabric of Shoreditch. A theatrical ambiance perfect for casual lunches or vivacious dinners, it is far from the aloof and stiff atmosphere often found in luxury hotel dining settings.

Styled halfway between an Andalusian Tapas Bar and a Brasserie, Chef García brings the hidden Spanish courtyard vibe to Shoreditch. The menu showcases a series of tapas classics, many of which to be shared amongst two or more people. These include patatas bravas and delicious croquets topped with Jamón Ibérico. The staple dish that draws crowds from near and far is the oxtail brioche. With ceramic fish shoals suspended across the room, guests are transported to a place of adventure and exploration, as reflected by the delightful cuisine.

Since its opening last year the ground-floor bar Christina’s has become a cultural hub for all those in the neighbourhood who seek to break away from the work-from-home schedule. The long copper bar is decorated with botanical motifs and brings Italian aperitivo drinks culture with a British twist. Sustainability is at the heart of everything with locally sourced ingredients from firms with positive social impact. Perfect for a cup of coffee in the morning or a spirited drink in the evening. Christina’s is at guests beckoning call whenever they desire.

The icing on the cake for guests of the Mondrian is access to Laurel’s On The Roof. A rooftop bar, restaurant and pool inspired by 1970’s LA, it is one of very few rooftop pools that can be found anywhere in London. High-spirited and glittering, it brings a touch of retro glamour to the East End neighbourhood. Offering both lunch and dinner, the menu draws upon some Californian classics including Malibu Shrimp Cocktail and Cobb Salad. The drinks mirror the nostalgia of the food with eclectic cocktails being served in 70’s inspired glassware. The mood shifts throughout the day as lunch flows into dinner with DJ’s setting the tone from Thursday to Saturday for an intimate party atmosphere.

As authentic as Shoreditch, with a pinch of culture from all around the world, the Mondrian is perfect for the contemporary nuanced traveller. The Mondrian Shoreditch hotel is a reflection of personality, both of the individual and the neighbourhood. A sanctuary for the creative and cool, away from the well-trodden paths of Trafalgar Square or Covent Garden, explore London’s trendiest neighbourhood whilst submerging yourself in artisanal luxury