If your idea of a hotel stay includes mood lighting, monochrome walls, an hour of karaoke in the basement, and Sylvester the Cat staring at you from the wall – then Mama Shelter Shoreditch is calling your name… By Samantha Ready

Tucked just off Hackney Road and comfortably walking distance from both Shoreditch and Bethnal Green, Mama Shelter London is the kind of place that doesn’t just lean into its quirky identity – it throws itself in headfirst. Part Parisian-chic, part South American vibe, part East London cool, this boutique hotel is bursting with art, attitude and cheeky design flourishes that turn a night away into something far more memorable than a generic city stay.

From the moment we stepped through the bold black facade and sleek glass doors into the bold, black-and-white striped lobby, we knew we were in for something different. Check-in was breezy and informal, and within minutes we were riding the lift up to our room – complete with hand-drawn messages on the mirrors and windows (“You’re looking gorgeous” and the daily weather report), bold design touches, and yes, those iconic Sylvester and Tweety masks hanging from the wall lights, just in case your night needed a little surrealist flair.

Rooms here are a clever mix of comfort, creativity and a sustainable edge: a supremely comfy bed, plush textiles, industrial-meets-cartoonish decor, and a smart TV ready to stream, combined with eco-friendly shampoo bars and ring-pulled water bottles. It doesn’t scream luxury, but it absolutely whispers fun.

After freshening up, we headed downstairs for dinner in Mama Shelter London’s buzzing restaurant and bar area, a cavern of low lighting, ceiling artwork and a hodgepodge of both intimate and communal tables where first dates, old friends, digital nomads and hotel guests all effortlessly mix. The menu is casual comfort with a few inspired global twists. We started with the ox cheek croquettes, which arrived hot and golden with a rich, slow-braised centre that was meltingly tender. The Calabrian chilli mayo brought a bold, smoky heat that cut through the richness with flair. The grape-studded focaccia was one of those dishes that sounded unusual but absolutely worked, the juicy grapes bringing a sweetness that sang against the rosemary, sea salt and aged balsamic, and impressively served in its own mini cast iron pan. Our stand-out dish was the crispy teriyaki chicken: bite-sized breast pieces, lightly battered and doused in sweet, sticky teriyaki glaze, then topped with sesame seeds and spring onions, with a fiery little kick from the chilli garlic mayo on the side. Snacky, moreish and gone far too quickly, we’d have happily just devoured these all evening.

For mains, my guest tackled the chicken katsu curry burger, a generously sized, crisp-coated fillet with a golden crunch, layered with tangy pickled cabbage, crisp lettuce, and a slick of home-made sweet chilli sauce. It was comforting and fiery in equal measure, and worthy of its recommendation from Janet, our effervescent server who brought enthusiasm, passion and attentive service in equal measure throughout our entire evening.

My pick, the 8oz 50-day aged sirloin steak tagliata, was served perfectly pink and sliced over a mound of peppery rocket, slow-roasted datterini tomatoes, and slivers of Parmesan, all brought together with a drizzle of balsamic. Crisp skinny fries completed the plate, perfect for stealing between bites.

We finished with the tiramisu, a mountain of pillowy soft indulgence with a whisper of Frangelico running through the creamy layers, and lingered just long enough to indulge in another seriously good cocktail, before heading downstairs to Mama Shelter London’s hidden gem: the karaoke room… For one glorious hour, it was just us, a mic, and our full rock star fantasies. Neon lights blinked, hips swayed, and the echo of ‘Take On Me’ probably still haunts the monochromatically striped stairwell…

Mama Shelter London is playful, a bit bonkers and totally brilliant. It’s not polished or posh, and that’s exactly its charm. Whether you’re staying the night, popping in for a drink, indulging in some seriously good small plates (or their equally great breakfast buffet or weekend brunch) or just showing up for the karaoke and staying for the cocktails and live DJ, Mama Shelter London delivers a Shoreditch experience with heart, humour and a whole lot of tongue-in-cheek personality.

mamashelter.com/london-shoreditch

Nearby Must-Dos

Make the most of your Mama Shelter London stay with these local gems just a stone’s throw away…

Museum of the Home
Just a short stroll from Mama Shelter, the Museum of the Home is a beautifully curated and thought-provoking exploration of how we’ve lived over the centuries. From recreated period rooms to contemporary commentary on housing and identity, including some incredibly thought-provoking photography exhibitions on real Londoners, it’s the perfect mix of nostalgia and social history. Right now, don’t miss the special 40th anniversary EastEnders display, featuring iconic costumes and props from Albert Square’s most dramatic moments – think Mick Carter’s pink dressing gown and some Cat Slater leopard print. Pure soap opera gold.

Banya No.1 Hoxton – The Parenie Ritual
Ready to sweat, sizzle and seriously reset? Just around the corner, Banya No.1 Hoxton offers a traditional Russian bathhouse experience like no other. Book in for the Parenie ritual – a powerful thermal treatment involving leafy venik bundles, steamy heat and a skilled banschik (therapist) who knows exactly how to wake up every cell in your body. A full mind-body cleanse, best followed by the hottest sauna of your life, ice-cold plunge pool dip and a pot of herbal tea. Strange, invigorating and 100% unforgettable.