The Zetter Clerkenwell

Hotel Description

You know what struck me first about The Zetter Clerkenwell? It’s tucked into this gorgeous Georgian square that honestly feels like a secret London locals have been keeping to themselves. St John’s Square isn’t one of those touristy spots you’ll find on every Instagram feed – it’s actually got this lovely, almost village-y feel despite being right in the heart of Clerkenwell. The hotel itself is this beautiful red-brick building that fits so perfectly into the square, you’d almost miss it if you weren’t looking. But once you step inside, well, that’s where things get interesting.

The interiors are this brilliant mix of quirky and sophisticated – think vintage cocktail trolleys in the rooms (yes, actual cocktail trolleys), hand-painted wallpapers that somehow manage to be bold without being overwhelming, and these gorgeous vintage touches that feel curated rather than thrown together. I mean, someone clearly spent time thinking about every detail here. The rooms aren’t massive by any stretch – this is London, after all – but they’re cleverly designed and honestly, you’ll probably spend most of your time exploring anyway. What I really loved was how quiet it gets at night, which is pretty remarkable considering you’re walking distance from both Farringdon and Angel stations. The staff actually seem to know the neighborhood too, which sounds obvious but you’d be surprised how rare that is.

Here’s the thing about staying in Clerkenwell – you’re basically in one of London’s best-kept food and drink secrets. Smithfield Market is literally around the corner (the meat market, not the touristy bit), and there’s something quite magical about hearing the early morning bustle if you’re an early riser. St. John restaurant is practically next door, which any serious foodie will tell you is reason enough to book. Plus you’ve got Exmouth Market just a short walk away for daytime coffee and browsing. The area gets properly lively in the evenings too – lots of great pubs and wine bars that locals actually frequent. Parking is pretty much impossible around here (welcome to central London), but honestly, you won’t need a car anyway. The Tube connections are excellent, and walking to places like Covent Garden or even the City takes maybe 20 minutes max. It’s one of those hotels where the location isn’t just about convenience – though it definitely is convenient – it’s about actually experiencing a bit of London that feels authentic rather than packaged for tourists.

Rooms

• Deluxe Double Room with 1 double bed for 2 adults
• Deluxe King Room with 1 extra-large double bed for 2 adults
• Junior Suite with 1 large double bed for 2 adults
• Deluxe Suite with 1 extra-large double bed for 2 adults

Facilities