Nestled in the creative heart of East London, a historic Edwardian building has been transformed into a distinctive destination for the culturally curious. The Town Hall Hotel in Bethnal Green, which opened its doors in 2010 within a Grade II-Listed former town hall dating from 1910, offers a striking juxtaposition of architectural grandeur and modern, artistic energy.
A Vibe of Understated Grandeur
The hotel's atmosphere is surprisingly low-key given its stately Portland stone facade and impressive scale. It attracts an international, arts-oriented clientele—visitors who are drawn to East London's vibrant scene but don't quite have a pied-à-terre there. Within a short walk, guests can find iconic venues like Moth Club, The Seabright Arms, and Village Underground.
The building's original features are a major draw. Guests are treated to marble staircases, oak panelling, and stained glass as a reminder of early 20th-century craftsmanship. Plaques on the walls detail the history of the local councillors who once populated the corridors before the town hall ceased operations in the 1970s.
The interior is an eclectic mix. Art Deco fixtures blend with contemporary pieces, including a giant bear sculpture made from carpet offcuts and provocative wood carvings. This collection, alongside mid-century furniture and antique safes, creates a fascinating, full-on hodge-podge of styles that bridges the building's past and present.
Rooms, Dining and Amenities
The hotel comprises 97 rooms, including standard doubles, studios, suites, and apartments. Accommodations are notably spacious with a muted tonal palette, though some may show minor signs of wear. The property's amenities are deliberately pared back, emphasising room comfort and public areas.
Culinary offerings are led by Brazilian chef Rafael Cagali. The all-day restaurant, Elis, impresses with high ceilings and coffered walls, serving European dishes with South American influences like crab linguine and picanha skewers. The highlight is the twice Michelin-starred De Terra, offering some of London's most acclaimed South American cuisine. A key point for guests to note is that both Elis and the lounge bar are closed on Sundays, and De Terra operates only from Wednesday to Saturday.
A significant perk is the 14-metre basement pool, open until midnight—a welcome contrast to pools that typically close by 9 pm. This facility is located in a newer extension, added in 2010 by architects DROO and NAME, which connects to the original structure.
The Verdict: Location is King
The Town Hall Hotel's greatest asset is its unbeatable location. Situated within a ten-minute walk of drag bars, art galleries, markets, and countless restaurants, it is perfectly positioned for exploring East End culture. While its public spaces are spectacular, the hotel can sometimes feel eerily quiet without a consistent central hub of activity.
Top Tip: For the complete experience, including access to the Michelin-starred restaurant, plan your stay between Wednesday and Saturday. The hotel truly comes to life on these days.
