A Closer Look at Kingsland Locke: The Coolest Hotel In The Heart of Dalston

Situated in the heart of Dalston – one of East London’s most eclectic neighbourhoods – Kingsland Locke is a home-away-from-home that blends the comforts of your own abode with touches of hotel luxury. Located opposite the iconic Rio Cinema and just a stone’s throw away from a multitude of bars, restaurants and pubs, the hotel has incongruously found its place amongst the area’s hubbub, sitting proudly on Kingsland High Street.

If you’ve stayed at any of Locke’s other outposts before, you’ll know that they take their design schemes seriously; preferring to curate considered interiors that tell a story and feel rooted in the surrounding region. Designed by Shoreditch-based studio Red Deer, Kingsland Locke’s interiors draw inspiration from the vibrant colours and scenes of the encompassing neighbourhood. The hallways have been decorated in a peachy shade set against raw renders – a picture-perfect backdrop reminiscent of the iconic stills of a Wes Anderson flick. Elsewhere, the reception desk and water stations have been fashioned from metal framing and sit against a backdrop of colourful tiling, cleverly imitating the market stalls dotted around Dalston.

A quick elevator up to the rooms, however, reveals muted tones and underdone textures  that nod to the region’s more subtle side. Soft, grey, concrete-effect walls are contrasted with custom-made, green, velvet sofas, high-shine metal light fixtures, chocolate-brown parquet flooring and thick terrazzo-topped surfaces. Draw back the black-out curtains and make the most of floor-to-ceiling windows and impressive views across London’s skyline. To bring that homely feel, the rooms also come equipped with high-spec appliances, as well as all the crockery and utensils you’d ever need – for those who don’t live in the city, you’ll feel like a native in no time.

If you prefer dining out , Kingsland Locke’s food and beverage programme will be sure to entice you down to KRAFT – a dynamic new venture formed between Kraft Brewery, Jim and Tonic Distillery and Le Bab. Committed to reducing the outlet’s CO2 footprint by 75%, Kingsland Locke boasts its own impressive gin distillery and microbrewery on-site, eliminating any unnecessary packaging and deliveries. KRAFT’s central bar is decorated with industrial touches, in a grey and silver palette that’s cut with plush, dusty blue velvet sofas, pastel green metal tables and an abundance of plants hanging overhead.

The lower ground of the hotel boasts a large, naturally-lit atrium that transitions from co-working space in the day, to a lively restaurant come nightfall. Down here, you’ll find dusty green floors complemented by metal chairs in playful hues, touches of rattan, geometric upholstery on banquet seating and an array of eye-catching wall art – not to mention the impressive glass-encased distillery opposite the restaurant tables. Choose from a menu of casual, modern Middle Eastern fare, including the likes of a grilled chicken shish kebab, with spicy red cabbage slaw and Kashmir chilli mayo, or mouth-watering vegetarian options like the paneer kebab, paired with a curry mayo and beetroot and coconut puree.

Staying for breakfast? On the ground floor near reception you’ll find Locke Hotels’ signature Shaman Coffee chain – a breakfast bar adorned with contemporary tiles and contrasting borders, offering all the classics one might crave in the mornings. Take your place at one of KRAFT’s window seats to enjoy selections whilst overlooking the bustling high street. Whether your visit has been fleeting or you have enjoyed a long weekend away, we know you’ll be eager to plan a stay with Locke Hotels again in the future.

Located not far from Kingsland Locke, our Islington store is home to our latest styles in a calm, modern boutique environment. So why not stop off for some shopping whilst in the area?