I stayed in ‘bold’ London hotel with rooftop swimming pool and music-inspired bar

Virgin Hotel London Shoreditch has a rooftop bar and swimming pool. | Virgin Hotels

When I lived in London (which seems like five years ago but is more like 12), I spent a lot of my time working and going out in and around Shoreditch and Dalston. It was a super-cool place even then, and, with the opening of the Virgin Hotel on Curtain Road (a stone’s throw from a former office at a time when I thought sushi was the height of fashion), it cemented itself as cool-luxe. With the refurbishment of the hotel complete - including a rooftop pool and bar - I was keen to head back to my old stomping ground to see it from a different vantage point.

One of the bedrooms at Virgin Hotel Shoreditch, London. | Virgin Hotels

Budget or boutique?

Shoreditch may be the original hipster paradise, and this is a cool hotel but it’s still five stars. With rates starting from £300 per room per night, it’s a boutique offering.

Room service

Back in the spring the final phase in the hotel’s transformation was complete and saw the addition of a rooftop pool and bar, and 14 new suites. It was one of these spacious rooms that I stayed in when visiting at the end of the summer.

Lynne Hunt London (LHL), together with Virgin Hotels’ in-house design team have curated a bold and contemporary new design for its Premier Suites and Sir Richard's Penthouse Flat that celebrates the vibrant spirit of the 1970s with a fresh, modern twist. My room had a warm neutral palette with white walls, a dark gray painted brick wall with texture coming from the boucle sofa, and a custom-designed oak wardrobe. A bright orange Hollywood style bare bulb mirror was a fun addition and the huge king sized bed was incredibly comfortable. The ensuite had a huge walk-in shower, that doubled as a steam room, and was as sleek and modern as the room.

A suite at Virgin Hotel Shoreditch, London. | Virgin Hotels

Wining and dining

Another new addition to the hotel is the bar and restaurant on the ground floor, Hidden Grooves. Designed by the man himself, Richard Branson, visitors to this cool, music-led venue may think they’ve stepped back in time to the 1970s thanks to the vintage furniture, lighting and array of records.

Channeling inspiration from Japanese listening bars, the hifi bar concept evokes the golden age of vinyl, inspired by the Virgin Records era, and pays homage to Richard Branson’s legendary music history. The menu is small plates, ideal for sharing over an album-themed cocktail or glass of wine as the DJ plays. Try the crispy dates stuffed with colston basset stilton and smoked bacon; the KFC korean fried cauliflower, served with roasted sesame and chilli; beef sliders with cheese, pickles and house sauce all served on a brioche bun and the moreish koffman fries.

The ground floor Hidden Grooves Bar, Virgin Hotel Shoreditch, London | Virgin Hotels

Worth getting out of bed for

Shoreditch itself is a great spot for independent shops, bars and restaurants but is also close to central London and the City. Head to Shoreditch High Street for shopping, coffee or brunch or, if you’d like to catch a film, the Rich Mix cinema is an ideal spot. You’re only a short Tube ride away from Leicester Square and Covent Garden and the big theatres.

Once you’ve shopped, eaten or soaked up some culture, the Marlin’s on the Roof bar and outdoor pool is an ideal place to wind down. It gets busy on sunny days, so I took a dip early in the morning when it was quiet. For evening drinks, it has a cool vibe and serves everything from wine, beers, gin and tonics, cocktails to smoothies.

Little extras

My room had plenty of water, fresh fruit and a bright red fridge mini bar alongside a coffee machine for in-room drinks. The robes, slippers and bathroom sauna gave the room a spa-like feel.

The mini bar in one of the bedrooms at Virgin Hotel Shoreditch, London. | Virgin Hotels

Guestbook comments

Virgin Hotels London-Shoreditch completed its phased transformation in late April. Located at 45 Curtain Road, the 120-bedroom hotel has a rooftop pool and unveils 14 stunning new suites. The opening includes the arrival of Hidden Grooves, a brand-new hifi listening bar that pays homage to Virgin’s roots in music, featuring a studio-album-themed cocktail menu, light bites and an extensive vinyl collection.

Hotel information

Virgin Hotels London Shoreditch, 45 Curtain Road, London EC2A 3PT (020 3988 4455, https://virginhotels.com)