London’s South Bank has always flirted with reinvention. Once the city’s industrial underbelly, this stretch along the Thames is now home to world-class galleries, open-air markets, and some of the capital’s most buzzed-about eateries. At the heart of this urban revival sits The Hoxton, Southwark— a hotel that doesn’t just nod to the neighbourhood’s gritty past but embraces it with both arms, then dresses it up in plush velvet and warm wood accents.
From the outside, The Hoxton’s low-slung brick facade is subtle, almost stealthy. But step through the doors, and you’re pulled into a different London—one where retro leather chairs mingle with terrazzo-topped tables, and sunlight filters through warehouse-style windows onto shelves stacked with design books and playful objets d’art. This is more than a hotel lobby. It’s a co-working space, a café, a living room, and, by sundown, a vibey cocktail bar.
The Hoxton has always been known for its ability to create social spaces that feel genuinely local, and the Southwark outpost may be its most accomplished expression of that ethos. Opened in 2019 in a former office block, the property brings a refined yet relaxed aesthetic to this buzzing riverside borough.
There are 192 rooms across five categories — from the endearingly named “Shoebox” to the roomy “Biggy” — and while size varies, the attention to detail doesn’t. Think: raw concrete ceilings softened by velvet headboards, timber panelling paired with brass fixtures, and curated artwork that offers a nod to local artists and British pop culture.
The vibe is undeniably cool but never tries too hard. The mini-fridges are “rip-off free” — stocked with milk and water, with a downstairs Hox Shop offering snacks at supermarket prices. It’s a small touch, but one that speaks volumes. This is hospitality with a sense of humour and heart
Food is central to the Hoxton experience, and Southwark is no exception. Downstairs at Albie, the all-day lobby restaurant, the menu is a Mediterranean-leaning spread of burrata, grilled fish, and house pastas. It’s casual, bright, and perfect for a lazy brunch or early evening spritz. But the real showstopper? Seabird, the rooftop restaurant with panoramic views that sweep across the London skyline. Up here, palm fronds rustle in the breeze, and the menu leans Iberian — think charred octopus, tomato-drenched pan con tomate, and the city’s largest oyster list. Whether you’re there for golden hour cocktails or a late-night feast under the stars, Seabird delivers both style and substance in equal measure.
If you’re in town for culture, you’ve struck gold. The Hoxton, Southwark is just a ten-minute stroll from Tate Modern, Shakespeare’s Globe, and Borough Market. The South Bank’s riverside walk — stretching from the London Eye to Tower Bridge — is right on your doorstep, offering postcard views and people-watching galore.
In a city as sprawling and storied as London, finding a base that offers both personality and practicality is no small feat. The Hoxton, Southwark nails the balance — equal parts design-forward and delightfully down-to-earth. It’s the kind of place where you might check in for a weekend and end up lingering just a bit longer, whether it’s for the view from Seabird’s terrace or the calm of your industrial-chic room after a whirlwind day in the capital.
In short? The Hoxton, Southwark doesn’t just give you a place to stay — it gives you a sense of place. And in a city like this, that’s everything.
Book your stay now at thehoxton.com.
