I stayed at London's newest Hotel Indigo that pays homage to Clerkenwell's history

Hotel Indigo Clerkenwell is the latest addition to the capital from the IHG Hotels & Resorts family. Tucked away in a quiet corner of the city, it offers a peaceful retreat that's still within easy reach of London's most vibrant hotspots.

Just a stone's throw from the iconic Brutalist Barbican Centre, the hotel embodies the brand's ethos as 'The World's Neighbourhood Hotel', drawing inspiration from the rich history of its surroundings. In Clerkenwell, that means honouring the area's storied past in clockmaking, architecture, and goldsmithing. There's also a cheekier side to its heritage. Hotel Indigo nods to the outlaws and gangs that once roamed these streets.

That history runs throughout the hotel, whether it's the clock cogs dotted through the corridors or the cocktail bar named Sabini, after the British-Italian mob boss who once roamed these streets (Peaky Blinders fans may recognise the name).

Despite all the nods to the past, the space feels fresh. The lobby is bright and airy, with a black-and-white tiled floor that channels a bit of art deco glamour. Rich green and navy tones, gold finishes, and a few playful details, like the reception desk dressed up with bobbins and haberdashery, keep things interesting.

At the heart of the lobby, a communal lounge area is dotted with cosy booth seating and a more open-plan lounge, divided by sleek modern shelving. It's the kind of space you can hang out with a drink or catch up on some work without feeling rushed. You'll also spot a wall of vintage cameras, paying homage to the former Kodak HQ that once sat nearby.

One thing that immediately stood out to us was the hotel's signature scent, which subtly infuses the space and adds a touch of luxury.

Check-in is simple, the staff are friendly, and if you arrive early, there's somewhere safe to stash your bags.

Rating: 4.5/5

Hotel Indigo Clerkenwell has 143 rooms across nine floors, split between Standard and Premium categories (though, from what we could tell, the main difference comes down to square footage). However, all rooms share the same design style, inspired by the area's architecture and craft heritage.

Room numbers are whimsically displayed on backlit clock faces, each set to match the room number.

Once inside, each bedroom is designed to feel like an architect's studio. You'll find a desk styled with an architect's cutting mat and a headboard crafted to look like stacked blueprint tubes. It's playful but in a grown-up way. A large round mirror turns the desk into a dressing table (a feature many hotels forget), which is handy when getting ready.

We stayed in a Premium room, where a huge, more-than-king-sized bed takes centre stage, framed by a plush green velvet headboard. Overhead, golden orb lights add a hint of sophistication, while the soft, muted walls and pale wood floors keep the space feeling light and modern.

The first thing we noticed? Just how new everything felt: spotless, scuff-free, and with a fresh, just-opened scent.

Our room faced an inner section of the hotel, so the view wasn't much, but the sheer curtains gave it a bit of a boutique-hotel polish.

There's a generously sized TV on the wall, individual reading lights on either side of the bed, and an open wardrobe with plenty of hanging space, shelves, and a handy bench for your suitcase. You'll also find robes, slippers, a hairdryer, a safe, and a Nespresso machine - small touches that quietly elevate the stay.

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The bathroom is large by city hotel standards, with crisp white tiles, bright lighting, and a good-sized mirror above the sink. Urban Apothecary toiletries are included, and there's even a speaker so you can play music from the room into the bathroom, which is great if you like to listen while you shower.

One thing to note: the bathroom is semi-open-plan, with two sliding doors separating it from the bedroom. It's fine for couples, but might feel a little too open if you're travelling with a friend or family member.

Even though we stayed over a weekend, the room was quiet and peaceful, with no outside or hallway noise, and the bed was as comfortable as it looked.

The hotel has 14 accessible rooms, and select rooms are pet-friendly. Interconnecting rooms are also available upon request for families.

Rating: 4/5

Hotel Indigo Clerkenwell is home to a trio of distinctly different dining and drinking venues. First, the Hat and Feathers. Though technically part of the hotel, it sits next door in a Grade II-listed pale yellow building and looks every bit the classic London pub. During our stay, it had a steady stream of punters, with staff serving up classic pints, bar drinks, and a hearty menu of pub staples-think fish and chips, pies, and a small but satisfying dessert selection. Inside, it's all dark wood, vintage-inspired pub furnishings, and a welcoming atmosphere.

Back inside the hotel, Sabini is something of a hidden gem. The cocktail menu blends signature creations with well-made classics (the margarita was one of the best I've had in a while), and the space itself is undeniably chic. It's low-lit and moody, with curved shelving behind the bar displaying a line-up of spirits. Dimly lit with curved shelving displaying an array of bottles, the bar is styled with Chesterfield armchairs, rich rugs, and elegant gold lamps that cast a soft glow on each of the small tables.

A gallery wall of portraits gives a subtle nod to Clerkenwell's history.

Wilderness Kitchen, tucked at the back of the hotel, serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner, with a menu that claims to use local market produce. It's also the source for in-room dining, though that comes with an additional charge. The dining room features floor-to-ceiling windows that mirror the open, airy vibe of the hotel lobby. True to its name, the space is filled with greenery. Plants hang from the ceiling and potted herbs double as centrepieces on each table. The layout is open and casual, though the rattan-backed booths are a good shout if you want a bit more privacy.

Dinner takes a Mediterranean-inspired approach with a modest but well-rounded menu. Starters like falafel and arancini with Sriracha mayo stood out, while mains range from lighter poke bowls to more substantial options like a 5-oz beef burger, roasted salmon, and ribeye steak. As a vegetarian, I found the options a little limited (there was just a risotto and a pasta dish listed as mains). A veggie burger or plant-based meat alternative would have added a welcome variety. That said, the kitchen is flexible. Poke bowls can be made vegetarian on request, and the staff genuinely go out of their way to accommodate dietary needs.

There's a small selection of sides and desserts, but we went for the ice cream selection and would happily return for the pistachio scoop alone. Wilderness Kitchen is a great option for relaxed dining if you're staying at the hotel, but the menu might not be strong enough to draw diners from further afield.

In the morning, the restaurant serves breakfast, which includes a buffet with continental and hot options and three types of juice.

On the hot side, expect all the usuals: mushrooms, eggs, bacon, sausages, hash browns, and a selection of bread you can slice and toast yourself. Pastries range from golden croissants to indulgent custard-filled Danish, and there's also jam, spreads, and, of course, Nutella. Fruit choices include watermelon, pineapple, and apples, which are pleasant, though not expensive. There are also a few cereal choices, plus dried fruits and nuts.

In addition to the buffet, guests can order a hot dish for an extra £6, including a customisable omelette, avocado toast, and Instagram-worthy pancakes topped with fresh berries.

Rating: 5/5

Clerkenwell is a surprisingly peaceful spot, especially given its proximity to some of London's busiest neighbourhoods. Even on a Saturday, the streets were quiet and the roads calm, ideal for a relaxing stay. We enjoyed a quiet cocktail hour and slept soundly. But that's not to say there isn't plenty to do nearby.

It's also really well connected. Barbican tube station is just a few minutes away, and Farringdon, one of London's major transport hubs, is about a 10-minute walk.

The Barbican Centre is just up the road and well worth a visit. You can catch an exhibition, explore the city's second-largest conservatory, or watch a film at the cinema.

If you're in the mood for shopping, Spitalfields and its historic market are around a 30-minute walk away. Brick Lane is nearby too, with its famous bagel shops, eclectic vintage stores and striking street art. And if you're up for a bit of sightseeing, St Paul's Cathedral is only a 17-minute stroll from the hotel's doorstep.

Rating: 4/5

Double rooms start from £239 per night, including breakfast, though prices can fluctuate depending on your dates and how far in advance you book. Find rooms and book directly on the Hotel Indigo Clerkenwell website. You can also compare deals and prices for a stay at Hotel Indigo Clerkenwell with Booking.com or Hotels.com.

Hotel Indigo London Clerkenwell
2 Clerkenwell Rd
London EC1M 5PQ

Telephone: 020 4603 7700

Website: ihg.com/hotelindigo

Hotel Indigo London Clerkenwell is ideal if you want to be in central London without the noise or crowds. Tucked away in a quieter corner of the city, it still offers excellent transport links, making the rest of London easily accessible.

Wilderness Kitchen is a handy spot for a casual lunch or dinner, though it's not quite a restaurant destination on its own just yet. That said, the breakfast went beyond the standard fare. The Hat and Feathers pub next door adds a cosy local feel, while Sabini, the hotel's stylish cocktail bar, really is a hidden gem. It's perfect for a quiet drink and has a well-crafted menu that's worth exploring.

The hotel is fresh, modern and spotless, and the team are genuinely friendly and clearly proud to be part of this new opening.

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