After a visionary extension and sensitive restoration, the imposing Bethnal Green Town Hall in London’s East End is now open as Town Hall Hotel Apartments.
TOWN HALL HOTEL & APARTMENTS
Patriot Square, London E2 9NF (020 7871 0460)
The new development, comprising 98 hotel rooms and apartments, a restaurant, bar, pool and gym, has been created by entrepreneur and hotelier Peng Loh who enlisted Rare Architects for the restorative work.
The traditional 1930s building with its Edwardian frontage and Neo-Classical fine stone frontage has been restored. Original elements of the building have also be retained, including sculptures commissioned from Henry Poole. Wide marble halls, dramatic staircases, and stunning public rooms have been carefully restored by skilled craftsmen.
Such restoration hasn’t prevented contemporary touches, most notably present in the Town Hall’s extension which is discreetly set back from the frontage. The architects adopted a technique that covers the new outer wall with a metal ‘skin’, laser-cut in a pattern inspired by the art-deco metal ornamentation in the building’s original Council Chamber.
The hotel offers a mix of studios, one and two bedroom suites and feature rooms. Each room is individually designed with a mix of original retro furniture and contemporary Scandinavian inspired hand-crafted pieces.
Throughout the hotel in 2010, look out for the introduction of new installations by six artists, as commissioned by local not-for-profit group, Artsadmin.
Be sure to check out the hotel’s restaurant – VIAJANTE – with its sensational taster menu created by head chef Nuno Mendes.
Tags Bethnal Green | Bethnal Green Town Hall | Hotel | Rare Architects | Town Hall Hotel Apartments | Viajante
