BACKGROUND Open since May, this is the eighth outpost for the design-focused aparthotel brand Locke, which has properties in the UK, Ireland and Germany. It is part of the Edyn group, which also includes Saco serviced apartments.
WHAT’S IT LIKE? The new-build draws inspiration from its surroundings and is aimed at younger business travellers. The design, by Red Deer Architects, features industrial-style elements, bold prints and glass walls that let in light and give a sense of a shared environment. Sustainability is a focus, with eco-friendly amenities and plenty of greenery. To the left of reception is Shaman coffee bar, followed by a co-working area with communal tables, lounge seating and plenty of plug sockets. This space has its own street entrance and an oval bar. Stairs take you down to Kraft restaurant and microbrewery. There’s a gym and laundry room on this level, too. Check-in required a photo ID and credit card, while contactless check-out means you drop off your keys in a box at the desk.
WHERE IS IT? On Kingsland High Street in Dalston, East London, home to a variety of bars, shops and restaurants. It’s a three-minute walk to Dalston Kingsland London Overground station, or about 15 minutes to Hackney Downs Overground, which is four stops from Liverpool Street station.
ROOMS The 124 apartments range from compact 19 sqm Loft and City studios to the 37 sqm Kingsland suite. Each has a king bed, a kitchen, an iron, a safe and a yoga mat. Locke studios and above have dishwashers, and one-bedroom suites have washing machines. There’s no phone but you can contact reception via WhatsApp.
My fourth-floor City Studio felt quite narrow, with the kitchen and bathroom facing each other and the bed and small dining table at the far end. A green velvet sofa continued along the wall to become the headboard, which was a good use of space. Other elements could have been designed better, such as the towel rack being right by the toilet in the bathroom.
The room had an interrnal view, with blackout curtains – the soundproofing was not great, however, and I could hear doors shutting at night. While the concrete walls are meant to give a distressed industrial feel, mine appeared run-down, with some water marks. Still, the wifi was fast and free, the smart TV had tips for the a
