Written by Menswear Style in Travel on the 6th December 2016

Locke is a design led aparthotel for those who want to stay outside the status quo and experience the unique and authentic. Designed for travellers for whom a bed and shower in a shoebox isn’t enough, Locke immerses you in its neighbourhood’s culture through spaces that connect you to a community of like-minded locals and travellers. Leman Locke, the future-facing concept which blends the world of lifestyle hotels and serviced apartments, recently opened its doors in the creative tech hub of East London across the road from MenswearStyle HQ. Located in Aldgate on the eastern edge of the square mile, these stylish digs appeals to travellers who want to experience the unique and authentic wherever they are no matter the length of their stay.

Neither a trendy boutique hotel or stylish serviced apartment and yet the both of, it’s on the doorstep of hipster hotspots of Spitafields and Brick Lane and is the closest hotel to what has recently been recognised as London’s creative culinary epicentre. Each of Locke’s 168 apartments has been meticulously designed to include everything you want - regardless of whether you’re staying for the night or a year.

The Room 

The apartments, including 105 spacious studios and 63 chic one-bedroom suites – each with a bedroom and fully fitted kitchen and living area – are almost double the size of a typical hotel room at upwards of 29 sqm. The intelligent use of space revolves around the living area rather than the bed on the understanding that your room isn’t just a place of sleep but a space to live, share, connect and belong. We instantly got the feeling that we’d love to live in one of these apartments. The interior design and small details - such as the Hemsley and Hemsley cookbook, Nutri Bullet, Kinsey Apothecary products and mohair blanket – are what make this place homely. Everything in the room is for sale too. There’s a catalogue at reception whereby you can order things from the room. Our room had a skyline view which looked out towards the Gherkin and the Walkie Talkie – it’s a great feeling being in the middle of the exciting city and looking down on the bright lights at night.

Treves & Hyde 

On the ground and first floor, Treves & Hyde by Hyde Restaurants, designed to serve as a neighbourhood oasis, evolves throughout the day from healthy breakfasts through to late night cocktails. There’s an impressive menu of cocktails and craft beers to choose from and when we stayed Hyde was luckily serving free tapas to punters. The cool modern interior design seen within the rooms continues here at Hyde especially with a striking spiral staircase leading up to the 1st floor restaurant, however the space is rather small and fills up rather fast each evening.

Locke Gym 

Let's face it, most hotel gyms suck. A couple of treadmills and a row machine isn’t a gym - it's called a shoebox with a few machines. The Locke Gym is small but comprehensive. Their gym has been designed by fitness aficionados that know their Sumo Deadlift from their Triple Band Hip Thrust. Whether you’re looking to burn off calories, improve your health, gain muscle mass, or you're dedicated to Cross Fit, this Gym has been designed to meet your needs. There’s also a wellness programme which includes Yoga classes that are complementary to guests.

A new edition to Saco Apartments, Locke London Aparthotel on Leman Street has opened in the City. Here's our review after staying.