Locke at Broken Wharf

Hotel Description

You know what struck me first about Locke at Broken Wharf? The building itself – it’s this gorgeous converted Victorian warehouse that somehow manages to feel both historic and completely modern at the same time. I mean, you’re literally steps from the Thames here, tucked into this quiet corner of the City that most tourists never stumble across. The address might say “Broken Wharf” but honestly, there’s nothing broken about this spot.

The thing about staying here is that you’re in proper London – not tourist London, but actual working London. During the week, you’ll see city workers grabbing coffee at 7am, but come weekend it gets pleasantly quiet since all the office buildings empty out. The apartments (because that’s really what they are, not hotel rooms) have these massive windows and kitchens that actually work. I loved being able to grab ingredients from Borough Market – just a quick walk across the river – and cook something real instead of living off room service. The interiors are what I’d call “industrial chic done right” – exposed brick, concrete floors, but somehow cozy. Those rainfall showers are pretty spectacular too, though fair warning, the water pressure might knock you over the first time.

Location-wise, you’re golden here. Mansion House tube is literally around the corner, and you can walk to St. Paul’s in about five minutes if you take the back streets (which I recommend – Watling Street has some lovely old pubs). The millennium footbridge is right there when you want to pop over to Tate Modern, and honestly, the evening walks along the Thames path became my favorite part of each day. Sure, you’re not in Covent Garden or Shoreditch, but that’s actually the point – you get to experience London like someone who lives here, not like someone just passing through. The staff gets this too; they’re more like helpful neighbors than hotel employees, probably because most guests stay for weeks rather than days. It’s quieter than you’d expect for central London (those thick Victorian walls help), though you’ll definitely hear the occasional late-night reveler wandering back from the pubs along Queen Victoria Street. If you’re looking for that classic London hotel experience with doormen and afternoon tea, this isn’t it. But if you want to actually live in London for a while, even if it’s just for a few days, Locke gets it right.

Rooms

• City Studio with 1 large double bed for 2 adults, 1 child
• Micro Studio with 1 large double bed for 2 adults, 1 child
• River Suite with 1 large double bed for 2 adults, 1 child
• Locke Studio with 1 large double bed for 2 adults, 1 child
• Locke Studio – Accessible with 1 large double bed for 3 adults, 1 child
• One Bedroom Open Plan Suite with 1 large double bed for 2 adults, 1 child
• City Studio River View with 1 large double bed for 2 adults
• City Studio – City View with 1 large double bed for 2 adults, 1 child

Facilities