TRIED & TESTED HOTEL
Mama Shelter London B A C K G R O U N D Drawing on his Club Med experience, Serge Trigano launched Mama Shelter in 2008 to offer guests fun, affordability and exceptional service in cities he loved. In 2014 the brand partnered with Accor to expand its presence and Mama Shelter London opened in September 2019. W H A T ’ S I T L I K E ? Fun, quirky, boutique and with tongue-in-cheek design features that hint at its destination, from vintage lamps with a twist on the English lacy doily to bursts of Liberty prints. It’s more than a place to stay but a community hub, thanks to its location and highly social dining and entertainment offering – picture an expansive and welcoming open-plan restaurant with a signature communal table, table football and a giant in-built Twister board, plus the classic MAMA island bar and an outdoor courtyard with retractable roof. Nip downstairs and you’ll find Japanese-inspired karaoke rooms with classic ‘50s-style microphones. The hotel is also decked out with pinball machines and retro video games.
It’s more than a place to stay but a community hub
BEST FOR Travellers with meetings in the City of London/Square Mile
DON’T MISS Pre-dinner drinks in the courtyard bar
PRICE Online rates from £69 (US92) mid week
CONTACT 437 Hackney Rd, London, E2 8PP; tel: +44 (0)207613 6500; mamashelter.com
W H E R E I S I T ? Hackney Road, in the thick of London’s eclectic East End, which is currently undergoing rapid gentrification. It’s a short walk to Cambridge Heath and Bethnal Green stations and 20 minutes from Liverpool Street Station and the City of London/Square Mile. It’s also ideal for anyone flying into London’s City Airport. R O O M S There are 194 rooms that focus on simplicity with style, guided by up-andcoming French designer Dion & Arles. Mine was cosy, compact, but perfect for a night or two, featuring a king-size bed with what Mama describes as “five-star bed linen” that was soft and comfortable. A corner bench with cushioning around a small dining table, coffee machine and a bedside table that doubled up as safe made the most of the space. The bathroom had a shower (no bath) and products from the MAMA SKIN range of organic amenities, designed in partnership with French skincare brand Absolution. Wi-Fi and movies-on-demand are complimentary.
F O O D A N D D R I N K The courtyard bar is great for pre-dinner drinks with clients or colleagues, with an upbeat East London vibe. Move into the restaurant and the communal atmosphere continues and you don’t feel like you’re in a hotel at all. The generous family-style dishes are influenced by East London’s multi-cultural community with options ranging from a traditional whole roast chick or fish and chips, to a cauliflower and spinach masala and irresistible kebab combos – spiced falafel, chicken za’atar, lamb kofta and cardamom paneer to be precise. At weekends there’s a popular Mama’s brunch with live music sets. Breakfast options cover all tastes and include a full English, of course. I went for the veggie option with halloumi and avocado thrown in for good measure. B U S I N E S S Two atelier-style meeting rooms are cosy, homely and a welcome departure from the corporate norm, with space for up to 50 people. There’s also a private meeting room (up to 12) and two karaoke rooms (up to 15), all ideal for meetings, seminars and more. L E I S U R E There’s a small gym, the karaoke rooms and of course, the bar and restaurant, but if you’re new to the area, do ask the concierge for tips on what’s close by. I know this area and my top picks are Shoreditch, Brick Lane, Spitalfields and Columbia Road, including the flower market.
V E R D I C T You walk into Mama Shelter and immediately feel at home, just how Mama hoped you would. Friendly staff, comfortable rooms, tasty food and a social atmosphere that creates that all important feel-good factor. If you’re travelling solo, you won’t feel alone. Gemma Greenwood FEBRUARY 2021
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