Stay Here: Courthouse Hotel, SohoBy Alicia Grimshaw

Soho: home to upscale restaurants, trendy cocktail bars and boutique hotels. The area is a hive of activity for tourists and Londoners alike. On the doorstep of Carnaby Street and Liberty’s is the Courthouse Hotel, a majestic old Grade II Listed Magistrates Court which has been lovingly restored to bring the hotel into the 21st Century with a modern twist. If you’re planning a weekend trip to London or a sassy staycation, make sure you check out the Courthouse Hotel. Here’s the lowdown:

Courthouse Hotel: The Vibe 

The Courthouse Hotel is what you’d call a hidden gem, as clichè as it sounds – but it’s true. The hotel can easily be overlooked. The Georgian frontage blends in with other building in the area, there isn’t a mass of signs or colourful banners. The Courthouse Hotel is all about elegance and that’s apparent before you step inside.

The hotel is like a tardis. From the outside the hotel looks compact, and definitely lives up to its boutique name. Inside is a different story completely. The lobby is a huge space with L shaped sofas, contemporary art pieces littering the walls and ornate oyster seats (you’ll see what I mean).

And, unlike other hotels in the area, it’s not just rooms available but so, so much more. We’re talking about a cocktail bar, award winning restaurants (not one, but three), a spa, fitness centre and a divine roof terrace.

Courthouse Hotel: The Accommodation 

There’s 116 rooms in the hotel – these range from classic rooms right up to the Lalique Penthouse suite. All rooms are fully equipped with a mini bar, a state of the art entertainment system, a personal and laptop safe and a writing desk.

The Lalique Penthouse suite will have you wishing you’d booked in for a week-long stay. The suite can accommodate up to four people and boasts two bedrooms, both with en-suite bathrooms, a living room, a dining room and, not forgetting – a kitchenette. The Lalique Penthouse Suite offers luxury and style as its name suggests. Having been named so because of the beautiful Lalique pieces of furniture and art, the Lalique Penthouse Suite is home to some of these beautiful signature pieces including 3 regal chandeliers, a majestic mirror and an opulent glass table made by the modern and innovative technique Lalique is famous for.

If you’re after some a little more unstated, the Superior King still delivers on both comfort and style. The bathroom interiors are sourced exclusively from Italy and feature an innovative frosted picture window between the bathroom and bedroom offering light and privacy at the same time.  The bedrooms are kitted out in calming colours, there’s homely furnishings and plenty of space. The bedrooms are full of life and character; think classically Georgian with sash windows and bright wallpaper, but with modern touches. By that we mean a huge plasma TV, a high-tech shower bath combo and beautiful granite work surfaces.

Courthouse Hotel: The Food 

The hotel boasts its own restaurant, so it’s perfect if you want to escape and not leave the premises for 24 hours. It’s very relaxed and casual, with the restaurant the culinary and architectural focal point of the Courthouse Hotel, with the history as rich and colourful as its exotic menu. Silk Restaurant’s classic courtroom setting and innovative Asian fusion cuisine, offers a fine-dining restaurant experience with unique appeal. Lit by a stunning vaulted glass ceiling and framed in English Oak panelling, the vibrant eatery features the original judge’s bench, dock and witness stand from its days as the Great Marlborough Street Magistrates Court.

Signature dishes include scallops seasoned with Kaffir lime leaf on strawberry salsa and refreshing chilli, cilantro coconut froth –  a delicious interpretation of Jungli Maas, comprised of tender Kentish Roe Deer, chilli paste, coriander seeds and, smoked vegetable salad and the Pla Yang Krachai, a dreamy combination of sea bream fillets with fresh red chilli Krachai  and garlic.

As the menu is re-worked two to three times per year, the flavours and themes are constantly fresh and exciting, promising a sensational dining experience on every occasion.

Courthouse Hotel: The Verdict 

The Courthouse Hotel has everything you want and more. The rooms are, for a Central London hotel, spacious and inviting. The rooms are decorated in such a way that you can’t help but feel at home. The staff are friendly and approachable, and the hotel’s central location makes it perfect if you’re hitting the shops of Soho or exploring London’s best art galleries, as it’s moments from the heart of town. They do one seriously good breakfast buffet, which will serve you in good stead for any London adventures. The kind of hotel that only people in the know would venture to – take the weekend off, and go find out for yourself.

19-21 Great Marlborough Street, London, W1F 7HL

For reservations, call: 020 7297 5555 or visit their website here.