Last Updated on April 30, 2026 by dancinginhighheelsft
Nestled in the heart of East London’s vibrant creative district, Virgin Hotels London-Shoreditch is a bold and design-led addition to the capital’s hotel scene. Located on Curtain Road in the ever-evolving Shoreditch neighbourhood, the property marks the brand’s first London outpost and joins a growing global portfolio from Virgin Hotels.
The building itself has lived several lives — formerly the private members’ club The Curtain, and later Mondrian Shoreditch London — before reopening under the Virgin Hotels name in August 2024, with a phased refurbishment continuing into 2025.
Check availability and current rates at Virgin Hotels London-Shoreditch
The Room
The 120-room hotel, including 14 suites, draws subtle inspiration from 1970s design. We stayed in a spacious Deluxe Chamber One Bedroom Suite, thoughtfully laid out with a separate living area, bespoke artwork by Studio Graphite, and floor-to-ceiling windows that flood the space with natural light. The sleeping area features a plush king-sized bed and custom timber wardrobes, while the marble bathroom — complete with a roll-top bathtub and steam shower — adds a welcome sense of indulgence.
In-room details strike a balance between style and practicality, with a Lavazza espresso machine, Marshall speaker, curated minibar, and a smart TV that doubles as a digital concierge, allowing guests to order room service and request amenities with ease.
A standout feature is the hotel’s genuinely dog-friendly approach. Pets are welcomed free of charge, with thoughtful touches including a dog bed, bowls, and a welcome pack with treats and toys — small details that make a noticeable difference. Dogs are required to be kept on a lead in public areas.
The Food
For drinks, Hidden Grooves — the hotel’s intimate hi-fi listening bar — is a clear highlight. Designed to evoke a 1970s living room, the space blends vintage furnishings with a carefully curated vinyl collection, nodding to the heritage of Virgin Records. Inspired by Japanese listening bars, the experience centres around music-led cocktails and a relaxed, atmospheric setting. The bar is also dog-friendly, which made it all the more enjoyable to visit with Charlotte — and it was an especially thoughtful touch to find a handwritten welcome card waiting for us, addressed to both Charlotte and me — a small detail that felt genuinely personal.
The cocktail menu is playful and inventive. Standouts included Medusa’s Kiss, a herbaceous twist on a gimlet; Black Groove, a rich espresso martini variation; and Gabriel’s Cloud, a theatrical take on a daiquiri. While there were minor inconsistencies in execution, the creativity behind each drink is evident — and with time, this is a bar that feels set to refine into something truly special.
From the small plates menu, highlights included seasonal crudités with green goddess dressing, Korean fried cauliflower, and beef sliders — all well-suited to sharing.
Breakfast the following morning arrived via in-room dining in under 30 minutes — efficient, well-presented, and ideal for a slower start to the day.
Getting There
Location-wise, the hotel is exceptionally well connected. Liverpool Street Station is around a 10-minute walk, offering access to the Central, Elizabeth, Hammersmith & City, and Metropolitan lines, while Shoreditch High Street Station is just six minutes away on the East London (Windrush) line. Numerous bus routes also serve the surrounding area, making it an ideal base for exploring both East London and beyond.
Overall, Virgin Hotels London Shoreditch brings a fresh, design-forward energy to East London’s hotel scene, blending playful interiors with thoughtful touches and a prime Shoreditch location.
With thanks to Virgin Hotels London-Shoreditch for hosting us.
If you’re planning a wider UK stay with your dog, I’ve also rounded up my favourite stays in this guide to the best dog-friendly hotels across the UK.
Check availability and current rates at Virgin Hotels London-Shoreditch
- My stay at Virgin Hotels London-Shoreditch was complimentary; however, all views and photographs are entirely my own. This article may contain affiliate links, meaning I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you.
