Old Street is a business district northeast of London’s centre, sitting between the City and the more bohemian areas of Shoreditch and Hoxton, and offering great access to both these worlds. Hotels near Old Street can make a great base for exploring this intense side of London, which oscillates wildly between powerful business dealings and major artistic thought. Nearby attractions include all the art galleries, thriving nightlife, and unusual bars and restaurants of Hoxton, as well as the vibrant multicultural hub of Brick Lane and its famous market.
One of the closest and best Old Street hotels is the Hoxton Hotel, a classy four star establishment which comes closer than most to finding a balance between bohemia and comfort. This spacious and beautifully-designed hotel is home to the excellent American-style restaurant The Hoxton Grill. The rooms have a pleasing focus on small details, examples including a healthy Pret breakfast delivered straight to your room, one hour of free calls a day on your room’s phone, and magic mirrors that don’t steam up. The website offers an extremely limited run of rooms that can be booked for £1 a night if you’re quick on your toes.
Old Street also has the indistinct distinction of being home to Europe’s largest Express By Holiday Inn, which is also the closest hotel to the station. This hotel is comfortable and clean (at least on the inside), but won’t exactly set your imagination alight. Nevertheless, it makes a decent base from which to explore the area.
For a real economy option, the Guildhall School of Music and Dance hires out its ageing college halls Sundial Court during the holiday season. Bathrooms are shared and accommodation is basic, but it’s difficult to get a cheaper room in the centre.
Old Street station is in Zone 1 on the Bank branch of the Northern Line.
Old Street station is a National Rail and London Underground station situated at the junction of Old Street and City Road in the borough of Islington just north of the City of London. The station was first opened in 1901 as part of the City & South London Railway, with the Northern City Line platforms being added in 1904. Today, Old Street tube station lies on the Northern Lane between Angel and Moorgate and on the Northern City Line between London Moorgate and Essex Road. The station is in Travelcard Zone 1.
Old Street tube station is, as mentioned above, in the borough of Islington, London. Whilst it is slightly away from the very centre of the city, there is still much to see and do in the area, particularly for art lovers.
First of all, located close by is the Rich Mix centre which, as it's name suggests, offers a mix of things to do, including a three screen cinema and a large exhibition space which can be used for anything from an art show to a DJ set.
Less than ten minute's walk from the station is a whole host of exciting modern art galleries. These include names such as the White Cube Hoxton Square, the Leonard Street gallery, which specialises in promoting young artists. Also in the area are The Agency and the Brick Lane gallery, the latter showcasing exciting and eclectic contemporary British and international art.
Also nearby is a unique attraction that might appeal to a few, which is the cemetery at Bunhill Fields. In the cemetery are the bodies of nonconformists, and also bodies of some famous personages including visionary poet William Blake, author Daniel Defoe and Christian writer and preacher John Bunyan. The secluded and extremely peaceful nature of the place makes it an oasis in the city and worth a visit if you are looking for some quiet amongst the hurly burly bustle of London.
Finally, the Bishopsgate Institute is located relatively close to the station, and puts on not just concerts but also things such as topical debates and literary events.
There are many, many dining options close to Old Street tube station, with a great range of cuisines and prices.
Lovers of Oriental food are spoiled for choice near Old Street, with a large number of restaurants including the Miso Noodle Bar, Pham Sushi and the Vietnamese eatery Au Lac. There are also other restaurants worthy of mention, including the Hoxton Grill and Rare, the latter serving quality British dishes.
Bars and watering holes are also very much in evidence in the area, with everything from "the local" to more late night bars and clubs.
Pubs worthy of mention include the patriotically titled The Britannia and The Bull's Head, and there are cool bars too, with The Dragon Bar and The Legion being two of note.
There are also nightclubs in the area for those who want to carry on into the small hours, with the Platinum Club a good example, offering floors of differing entertainment through the night.
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