HART Shoreditch invites a different kind of city escape. Stepping in, I could already feel the intention behind it: to create a corner where creativity and atmosphere blend together in a curated approach to modern hospitality. Set in the heart of Shoreditch, one of London’s most culturally rich neighbourhoods, HART is not just a place to stay, but a space designed to be experienced.
A Calm, Design-Led Staycation in Shoreditch
From the outset, the tone felt clear. My arrival felt effortless, with the atmosphere being calm yet quietly energised. The interiors strike a balance between contemporary minimalism and tactile comfort. It created a setting that is both elevated and inviting. It’s the kind of place that makes you exhale without even noticing – something increasingly rare in a city that barely pauses.
This is where the concept of staycation evolves. At HART Shoreditch, it’s not about retreating from London by means of pools, jacuzzi, or spa circuits, but about reconnecting with it in a more conscious way. Here, I was allowed to move naturally between wellness and creativity at the same time. Something I hadn’t realised I was lacking amid London’s hustle and bustle.
I arrived to a warm welcome of coffee and freshly baked pastries that I so very enjoyed in the hotel’s welcoming lobby space. Around me, there were creatives typing away on their laptops, professionals checking in ahead of meetings, and people coming and going.
Immersive Wellness at HART Shoreditch: Sound Healing and Reiki
Soon after, things slowed down. One of HART Shoreditch’s most defining offerings is its immersive wellness experiences. I took part in a sound and Reiki healing session led by Maria Lodetoft, HART’s resident wellness expert and an internationally recognised practitioner.
Going into the experience blindly with no prior experience or idea of what it would entail, I found the session restorative. It provided me a moment of stillness from the combination of sounds, energy and the sensations altogether. At one point, I felt a light touch at my forehead – so subtle I almost questioned it – followed by a gentle wave of vibration that travelled slowly through my body, all the way down to my feet. And for the first time in a long time, the usual noise of the city faded into the background.
Sip, Paint and Create: HART Shoreditch’s Artistic Experiences
Later, the mood shifted again. But this time, into something more creative. I joined a Sip & Paint session led by local artist, Naomi Ese Agago, who offers an expressive counterpoint to the earlier wellness experience. With a drink next to me and a canvas in front, I was invited to create without pressure. It was relaxed, slightly messy, and genuinely enjoyable. Moments like this make the stay more personal albeit it being a curated experience.
Inside the King Skylight Suite at HART Shoreditch
And as the day transitioned into evening, I retreated into my sanctuary where I enjoyed a quiet moment alone whilst preparing for the evening ahead. The suites at HART Shoreditch are designed with a clear understanding of modern luxury: understated and considered. A particular standout is the 30 sqm King Skylight Suite, where high ceilings and natural daylight work to impress. It’s a cosy living area that dons armchairs, a sofa, and two HDTVs perfect for relaxing or entertaining. It has everything you need without it feeling overdone.
As an added extra touch, every room has a bespoke carafe designed by different East London artists that you can refill anytime from the hotel’s filtered water fountains. Thoughtful details run throughout, including shelves lined with a wide selection of books for guests to spoil themselves with. I found myself reaching for ‘Yes She Can’ by Ruth Davidson, which made for the perfect wind-down before dozing off to la la land. Every detail, from the handwoven textures of the quilt on the bed to the layout of the room, invited its guests to decompress and settle in without a second thought. It felt like a refuge from the outside world. It was quiet, ethereal, and soothing.
Dining at UBA: A Pan-Asian Restaurant at HART Shoreditch
Evenings at HART Shoreditch are anchored by its vibrant dining offering, UBA. I merrily headed my way to the restaurant for a night of Pan-Asian meal. The restaurant delivers a bold, contemporary take on the cuisine where flavour is prioritised. Dinner here is an experience itself. The menu leans bold and flavour-led, and it delivers with no fault.
I ordered their whole marinated baby chicken finished with a drizzle of goma, ginger, and miso dressing. The dish arrived beautifully glazed, the skin lightly caramelised while the meat remained tender and full of flavour. The dressing was subtly nutty from the sesame, and the miso lifted the dish without overpowering it. It tasted comforting and refined – a simple concept executed with care.
The restaurant naturally draws its guests in with its moody ambiance, a DJ behind the decks, and an atmosphere that is both social and intimate. With dishes like their Salmon Belly Teriyaki, Yakiniku Glazed Beef Ribeye, or one of their assorted sushi platters, UBA is a spot where guests can settle in for a long dinner or stop for a quick bite before easing into the night.
Recently, HART has introduced a weekend brunch at UBA. It’s a concept that is fresh and flavour-packed, an alternative to the traditional brunch scene. Available every Saturday and Sunday from 12-3 PM, the offering embraces the spirit of Asian street food. Guests can elevate the experience with a bottomless option, offering 90 minutes of unlimited wine, prosecco, or select cocktails. The brunch offers vibrant plates and continuous pours that encourages you to linger a little longer.
A Shoreditch Stay That Balances Wellness, Creativity and Comfort
What makes HART Shoreditch particularly compelling is its ability to balance contrasts without ever feeling disjointed. It never feels like it’s trying too hard, while simultaneously proving wellness and indulgence can exist side by side. Creativity and comfort are equally prioritised with every detail being considered yet nothing feels overly structured.
As the night drew to a close, I headed back to my room, and it felt like a natural continuation of the day rather than a conclusion. Sleep came easily with the calm that HART has shaped for its guests, something that is almost unheard of when in East London, and with that I also awoke genuinely rested.
In a city defined by movement, HART Shoreditch offers a pause. A staycation here is something more than just convenience, but rather a tailored experience that blends city lifestyle, local culture, and personal wellbeing. My stay here proved one thing: London stays do not always have to be about escaping but can also be about experiencing the city slowly and intentionally, even in a place like Shoreditch where energy is usually frantic and the pace is relentless. It is, ultimately, a reflection of the neighbourhood it calls home, dynamic and effortlessly evolving.
