‘LONDON is a roost for every bird’, rapped some witty wordsmith once upon a time.
Well, as a footie fan looking for some Middle Eastern food, a wander around an art gallery and a night dancing to some German techno, this old bird’s roost for an eclectic birthday weekend with pals in the big smoke would need to be unique.
The Citadines Apart’hotel Islington in the north of the city is just that.
Housed in the same building that was once a colossal Royal Mail sorting office, these modern digs certainly deliver a unique stay.
With a host of room options from studio to two-bedroomed deluxe apartments you will find something to suit your needs, whether travelling solo, with partner, pals or family.
It sure got my stamp of approval.
Location is everything and the Citadines is tucked away in a stylish enclave just a few yards from Islington’s buzzing Upper Street — an area that’s home to anything you might want for a great night out.
Ours started with checking off that Middle Eastern meal at Ottolenghi’s.
The famed chef’s Islington venue is just two minutes’ walk from Citadines and offers a vibrant, communal eating experience with shared tables, chic vibes and a delicious vegetarian slant to their modest menu.
Before heading ‘out-out’ after our dinner, we were able to pop back to the Apart’hotel for a quick freshen-up and a glass of fizz. This is where the Citadines comes into its own — as a home from home.
It functions like a hotel in every way a traveller requires, offering a speedy check-in with super friendly staff, a modern fitness centre, excellent WiFi and a comfy lounge with free hot drinks 24/7. But then this roost flexes.
While rooms have great air conditioning, two huge flat-screen TVs, a stylish bathroom with walk-in shower, hair dryer, and free toiletries as you’d expect from any decent hotel, they also house a proper kitchen and dedicated dining area.
With fridge freezer, induction hobs, dishwasher, microwave, and all necessary cook and tableware you are able to prepare anything from a midnight snack to a full-on banquet.
This former sorting office has everything, well, sorted.
Chilled bubbles enjoyed, it was time to head east to Troxy, a grade II listed art deco former cinema built in the 1930s. Now operating as a venue, the historic nature of the building added to the live music.
The band, Meute, is your standard eleven-piece techno marching band from Germany — I know, I know, these bands seem to be everywhere these days — creating non-electronic beats with traditional marching band instruments. Wunderbars!
After a magic night dancing and some post-gig drinks we wearily wound our way back to north London for some well earned rest. The Citadines’ super-king size beds are luxurious in comfort — the type of bed you dream about dreaming in.
GO: LONDON
STUDIO apartments, sleeping two, at the 4H Citadines Islington London start from £170 a night.
Rates drop to £111 with the ASR rewards loyalty scheme.
See discoverasr.com for more information or to book.
Despite the cooking capability in our deluxe apartment, it was to the hotel’s breakfast buffet that we ventured in the morning, refreshed from a sensational slumber. No meagre offering here either, with cooked and continental choices I indulged my inner-child with a bowl of Coco Pops before fresh smoked salmon and eggs.
Stomachs full and caffeine levels topped up it was time to explore.
We didn’t get very far.
Immediately outside the Citadines in the stylish pedestrianised shopping street was an artisanal food market held regularly on Saturday mornings.
The fridge freezer back in our apartment came in handy to house some amazing cheeses, breads and charcuterie for later that day.
And that sums up the glory of Citadines. It provides the comforts of home in a buzzing area of London that can satisfy the laziest of traveller, while offering the freedom of a hotel to come and go as you please. Best of both worlds.
After a day of art galleries and a footie match we found ourselves happily back ‘home’ tucking into those cheeses and some more wine, knowing that next time we had a posting to London, we’d be winging our way back to this first-class roost.
