The Hoxton Southwark

On Blackfriars Road, a short walk from the Thames, The Hoxton, Southwark puts you close to Shakespeare's Globe, the National Theatre and the galleries of the South Bank. Its 192 rooms take their cue from the tanneries and glassworks that once filled this part of South London. Concrete ceilings and bare brick sit alongside velvet ruby headboards, handmade glassware and large Crittall-style windows that let in plenty of light and city views. Downstairs, the lobby is always busy, and Albie serves proper breakfasts, fresh pasta and good cocktails from morning until late.
The real showstopper is on the 14th floor. Seabird, created with the award-winning team behind New York's Maison Premiere, has a marble raw bar and what is billed as London's longest oyster list, with oysters from France, England, Ireland and Scotland. Book a terrace table at golden hour and you get The Shard, the London Eye and the Houses of Parliament in one sweeping view.
Early risers can also fill in the breakfast bag on the desk and hang it outside the door before bed. Pastry, fresh orange juice and fruit will be waiting by morning.