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

Hotel Indigo Clerkenwell blends modern style with the area's storied past: think clockmakers, goldsmiths, and even the odd mobster. Tucked away in a surprisingly tranquil spot, this central London hotel is also home to a hidden gem cocktail bar that’s well worth seeking out.

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.

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

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

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.