There is something breathtakingly cool and effortless about London's The Culpeper. It isn't a hotel, it's a pub located in Spitalfields, East London. This energetic, London haven simply has all the right things in the right places. Swirl, sip and spit wine, dine on the latest menu offering or perch by the ledge of the tall windows and enjoy an afterwork on a sunny day. This is London after all. In essence, we aren't talking about a place for visitors - this is where locals and visitors intertwine and it's beyond fantastic.

Naturally, it essentially being a pub, it's the bar on the ground floor which really is the heart, spirit and foundation of The Culpeper. A chalkboard up high gives you a glimpse of mouthwatering dishes to nosh on whilst drinking a pint. Want to have a bite in a more restaurant style environment? Go up one floor where you have a slightly more formal version of their pub. In both settings, they make use of the product that they have grown themselves on their rooftop terrace. Diners can expect a simple menu of three starters, mains and desserts. There's no chance of getting bored, as the menu changes weekly and always involves a couple of sharing dishes too. By the time you get to the second floor, you can't help but feel like you're staying at a pal's place this side of town. Here you'll find five rooms, all with its own sense of character but consistently encompassing sandstone walls, original fireplace and neutral tones.

OUR STORY

When we checked-in, at the Victorian B&B the service was super friendly and the thing we recall the most was the stairs. As you go up from the side entrance, you enter the behind the scenes of the restaurant. We saw the beautifully industrial styled pub, very much resonating with East London and then cooks at the restaurant prepping for lunch in the kitchen on the first floor said hello, before we made it to the second floor. With these experiences, we were immediately introduced to the character of the place. Our stay was in the double room with an ensuite and facing the street.

The style is pared back, somewhat dishevelled and stylish. Pops of colours come from the varied textiles in the suite, such as the Mandal Veveri throw and cushion on the bed, the Acapulco chair and pouffe and rug neatly laid down. The rustic plant pots, simple shelving unit and wooden bedside tables add a sense of ease. It's cosy and funky and has a sense of familiarity to it. The flatscreen TV is positioned above the fireplace which is adorned with modest plants and a few notes from the team. In the morning we enjoyed listening to some of the activity of London life from outside before heading down to breakfast. Don't simply expect eggs and bacon from this establishment, it's not your usual pub grub. We tucked ourselves away in a corner on the first floor and worked our way through Harissa eggs and Spanish tortilla but you'll also find a classic full English on the menu for those in need. Similarly, the restaurant serves delicious modern British food with a twist. It's fuss-free and incorporates elements of surprises.

The wow-factor really is with the rooftop, that almost operates like an urban city garden. Guests can start their day with breakfast up here on a sunny day and appreciate the views. It can also be reserved for dinners and tuck into the local cuisine. Previous concepts have also been trialled, for example, the drawing club that they used to run among other initiatives - really adding an inviting community angle to their philosophy. As of earlier this month, The Culpeper announced that the theme of the rooftop for this season will be preservation and this will operate under Piculpeper. The latest offering is dedicated to the fact that the rooftop cultivates lots of cucumbers in the summer months. Cucumbers both long and short and across 13 different varieties, will be featured in cocktails, dishes and workshops, and is in collaboration with Studio Stilton. This ode to the green vegetable is a pure example of the cheeky and fun character that The Culpeper possesses.

THE GOODIES

- Flatscreen TV
- Fan and heating system
- Bed linen and towels
- Bathroom amenities
- Tea and coffee
- Nespresso coffee machine
- Breakfast included
- Rainshower
- Satellite TV
- Restaurant
- Central heating & air conditioning
- A rooftop with impressive city view
- Free high speed WiFi throughout the grounds

SUMMARY

Rate - Start from 120 euros per night for a double room with an en-suite
Location - Spitalfields, London
Suitable for - couples, groups, friends
Tips - Reserve a spot on the rooftop, you won't regret it! Plus, guests receive a 10% discount.

BOOK THE CULPEPER