The Zetter Townhouse

The Scene

As in so many cities, Clerkenwell is a former warehouse district reborn as a hip center of activity that some Londoners even forget about (it’s their loss). Hop on your complimentary Brompton Bikes and check out the nearby Barbican art complex, the medieval Order of St John, Spitalfields Market, and an enormous variety of cultural activities. Nightlife is key to the area---you’ll find megaclub Fabric here---as well as smaller lounges, bars, and gastropubs that run into the wee hours of the morning.

The Concept

This is “the Zetter 200 years ago”, back when patron saint Great Aunt Wilhelmina roamed the world bringing back oddities and brio to scatter around her Georgian townhouse hotel and cocktail lounge. No, really---that’s the inspiration and (made-up) origin story---and we couldn’t be more enamored. Where the Zetter Hotel has an air of modern crash pad, its Townhouse counterpart makes you want to stay in for the night and cozy up to mixologist Tony Conigliaro’s cocktails in plush comfy chairs. The cocktail bar is simply terrific and mixes the right amount of kitsch and charm to give you a space you just want to spend hours in. At some point during your stay, though, you must visit the game room downstairs and get in a round of ping-pong.

The Look

From the delightfully cluttered art in the bar to the chaotic collage of ads in the stairs, you’ll reach the rooms which possess all the whimsy and vintage campiness of the cocktail bar. Wilhelmina dug through antique shops to bring you repurposed authentic vintage furniture and décor…everything from a headboard rescued from a derelict carousel to a model ship atop another vintage headboard with cupboards on either side. In keeping with the Zetter Hotel & Townhouse’s mission to be environmentally friendly, modern touches are hidden inside classic ones---for example, in deluxe and up rooms, you’ll find a reconditioned radio with an iPod dock---but the bathrooms, linens, and other amenities are staunchly from our times (thank goodness). Snuggle up with a classic book (look for the bookshelf in your room) in your fluffy Zetter bathrobe and slippers and order in some room service. We’ll tell you that our favorite room is #4, but each room is a treat and adventure to be discovered all on your own.

In Short

Never short on eccentric Victorian panache, the Zetter Townhouse builds upon the best of its modern-all-around counterpart across the street (especially in its green tendencies) in fabulously flamboyant style that permeates all aspects of the hotel. This is the perfect place to launch a cultural expedition in London---night or day---and to call home while you’re here.