ARTS HOTEL LONDON
Green Rooms 13-27 Station Road Wood Green London N22 6UW FOR FURTHER INFORMATION info@greenrooms.london +44 (0)208 8885317 www.greenrooms.london @GreenRoomsHotel
GREEN ROOMS IS A PIONEERING AND UNIQUE ARTS HOTEL SITUATED IN WOOD GREEN, LONDON. IT OPENED TO THE PUBLIC IN MAY 2016. IT IS THE FIRST ARTS-LED INDEPENDENT SOCIAL ENTERPRISE HOTEL IN THE UK.
IT IS A CREATIVE CENTRE AND AN INTEGRAL PART OF THE ARTS AND LOCAL COMMUNITIES. THROUGH RELATIONSHIPS WITH SOME OF LONDON’S LEADING CULTURAL INSTITUTIONS — INCLUDING NEW DIORAMA THEATRE, THE BRITISH COUNCIL AND GRADUATE FASHION WEEK – GREEN ROOMS ENCOURAGES ITS DIVERSE AND CURIOUS GUESTS TO ENGAGE IN AN EXCITING PROGRAMME OF EXHIBITIONS, EVENTS AND PERFORMANCES.
IT IS A GAME-CHANGER, ADDRESSING LONDON’S AFFORDABLE HOTEL CRISIS WHILE SUPPORTING THE ARTS. THE EFFECT OF GREEN ROOMS IS RIPPLING OUT ACROSS LONDON.
GREEN ROOMS HAS BEEN PRINCIPALLY DESIGNED FOR ARTISTS + CURIOUS TRAVELLERS VISITING AND WORKING IN LONDON. IT OFFERS AFFORDABLE ACCOMMODATION IN A BEAUTIFUL SETTING THAT INSPIRES CREATIVITY. PRICES START FROM JUST £19 PER NIGHT.
GREEN ROOMS IS A PLACE TO STAY, A PLACE TO WORK AND A PLACE TO PLAY. IT IS A PLACE FOR PRACTICE, REHEARSAL AND COLLABORATION. IT IS A WHOLLY NEW HOTEL CONCEPT.
THE NORTH MET BUILDING
GREEN ROOMS is in a striking late Art Deco building that was originally constructed in 1935 for The North Metropolitan Power and Electricity Company. Set across four floors, the hotel is on Station Road opposite Wood Green Underground Station, which is on the Piccadilly Line. GREEN ROOMS is just 12 minutes from King’s Cross and St Pancras International stations and 20 minutes from the West End. The interior has been lovingly restored by renowned London architects SODA. The lobby and room furnishings are a mixture
of authentic vintage and contemporary British craft furniture.
ACCOMMODATION
STANDARD DOUBLE ROOMS
STUDIO APARTMENTS
There are 12 standard doubles set across the first and second floors. Each features a double bed, original wood flooring and stylish furniture. The rooms are served by shared bathroom facilities.
There are two split-level studio apartments on the ground floor behind the main lobby. They are ideal for extended stays, families travelling with children or parties of max. 4 adults. Studio One has one double bed and two single beds and an en-suite bathroom with a wheel-in shower and grab rails. Studio Two is equipped with a kitchenette and seating area, one double bed, a sofa bed and its own private bathroom.
CORNER DOUBLE/TWIN ROOMS Considerably larger than the standard doubles, each features a king size double bed/two single beds, original wood flooring, vintage craft furniture, ample storage space plus additional work/relax space. The rooms are served by shared bathroom facilities.
EN-SUITE DOUBLE ROOMS Similar in size and appearance to the corner rooms but with private ensuite bathrooms.
DORMITORY ROOMS The two dormitories at GREEN ROOMS are located on the ground floor behind the main lobby. They sleep 12 and 14 respectively and are ideal for large block bookings, or individuals happy to engage with and meet other guests. Shared male and female bathroom facilities serve the dormitories and there is an adjoining private lounge for guests to congregate and relax in, with direct access to the outdoor areas.
BOOK DIRECT WITH US ON WWW.GREENROOMS.LONDON Special discounted rates are available across all room types for guests working in the arts and creative industries. Email info@greenrooms.london to find out if you qualify.
COMMUNAL AREAS
There are three communal spaces at GREEN ROOMS: the ground floor lobby, bar and restaurant area, the Residents’ Lounge and the third floor Gallery and bar.
GROUND FLOOR The main entrance and open plan ground floor of the hotel is a buzzy, welcoming and engaging space. In the centre of the room is the reception desk and bar which serves great coffees, beer on draft, an exciting cocktail menu and a selection of light bites. To the left of the reception desk and bar is a lounge and exhibition space. Measuring 20 x 9m, it can easily accommodate 120 people for a standing event. To the right of the reception desk and bar is the restaurant space. The restaurant at GREEN ROOMS is an incubator project running rent-free rotational residencies for emerging restaurateurs. It is a supportive training ground where they can develop their brands over six to 12 month periods. Running between 50 and 75 covers, the restaurant is open daily for lunch and dinner services. Restaurateurs interested in taking up a residency should contact the GREEN ROOMS management team at info@greenrooms.london
The Residents’ Lounge is a smaller but no less light and airy space at the back of the ground floor. It is suitable for smaller events. Measuring 7m x 4m, it can be used for photo shoots or as a boardroom and training room for up to 20 delegates. Groups staying in the dormitories are welcome to use it as their own private lounge, subject to availability.
THIRD FLOOR A stunning multi-use gallery and workspace by day and a bustling bar by night. The roomy third floor has high ceilings, polished wood flooring, a beautiful original central skylight and can accommodate up to 120 people for a standing event. Measuring 12 x 9m, it can be hired for rehearsals, exhibitions, screenings. meetings, away days and other private events.
26
ALEXANDRA PALACE
WOOD GREEN
FINSBURY PARK
20
HAMPSTEAD HEATH
FINSBURY PARK
HAMPSTEAD HIGHBURY & ISLINGTON
05 34
Regents Canal
REGENTS PARK
KINGS CROSS
30
31
28 17 HYDE PARK
01
27 35
02
COVENT GARDEN
23
03
LIVE STR
33
HYDE PARK CORNER
BATTERSEA PARK
PE
OUR LONDON 10 09
08
10 stops from Wood Green to Covent Garden — no changes
STRATFORD
DALSTON
13 14
06
16
OLYMPIC PARK
15 VICTORIA PARK
21
32
07 BETHNAL GREEN
04
19
25
ERPOOL REET
24
22
18
ECKHAM RYE
11
12
01 Sir John Soane’s Museum 02 The Barbican 03 “The City” 04 Severs House 05 The Alexandra Road Estate 06 Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park 07 Blue House by Fat 08 Seven Sisters Station 09 Five Miles 10 The Cause 11 Bussey Building 12 Franks 13 The Karaoke Hole 14 Chick N Sours 15 Mildred’s 16 Tonkotsu 17 Er Mei 18 Street Feast–Hawker House 19 Tayyabs 20 Hampstead Pergola Gardens 21 Broadway Market 22 London’s Docklands 23 Embankment 24 St Katherine’s Dock 25 Spitalfields Market 26 Charity Shops 27 Long Acre/7 Dials/Floral Streel 28 Dover St Market 29 Westfield 30 New Diorama Theatre 31 Soho Theatre 32 The Glory 33 Vault Festival 34 The Dublin Castle 35 Pizza Express Live
CANARY WHARF
GREENWICH PARK GREENWICH
DEDICATED FOLLOWERS OF FASHION
Here are some exciting and more unusual shopping destinations to explore…
SPITALFIELDS MARKET, E1 6EW (25) This contemporary East London bazaar boasts market stalls, boutiques, beauty brands and some big vintage stores nearby, plus Boxpark down the road is a group of ever-changing pop ups and concept stores housed inside a shipping container.
CHARITY SHOPS, N22 6DS (26) There are about 10 charity shops within walking distance from Green Rooms, full of second-hand gems and surprise items. Walk right out of the hotel and head right down the High Road - you’ll find they are dotted along the street. If you keep going eventually you reach Haringey’s Green Lanes with good Turkish restaurants.
LONG ACRE / 7 DIALS / FLORAL STREEL, WC2E 9JL (27) While London’s most touristy shopping street Oxford Street is two miles of living hell, find the same brands around Long Acre and Floral Street — plus a curated selection of cult favourites like Away, Ace & Tate, and Deciem.
DOVER ST MARKET, SW1 4DG (28) It’s not a market, and it’s not on Dover Street — Confusing! This place has every boundary-pushing contemporary designers that matters, from Jil Sander to Erdem, all brought to you by Comme Des Garcons.
WESTFIELD — STRATFORD (29) This supersized shopping centre has everything under one roof - Great for a rainy day and there’s a wide selection of food + a cinema.
Images courtesy of Ponystep magazine
Shopping is a main reason why people visit London — from British retail giants such as Topshop, TK Maxx, Marks & Spencer, to celebrated British designers like Vivienne Westwood and Burberry.
BREAK A LEG!
No London trip is complete without a night at the musicals and London’s West End is bursting with brilliant shows. But also try these great smaller show venues… NEW DIORAMA, NW1 3BF (30) This 80 seater theatre near Regent’s Park supports early and mid-career theatre makers who exhibit huge potential, their national and International transfer track-record is phenomenal. SOHO THEATRE, W1D 3NE (31)
Images courtesy of Ginza — goginza.com
This lively venue is the beating pulse of London’s comedy and alternative show scene, a hotbed of fast-risers, big acts go here to try out new work, and they get the best international guests too. The bar is fab for celebrity spotting. THE GLORY, E2 8AS (32)
THE DUBLIN CASTLE, NW1 7AN (34)
This party pub and LGBT|+ show venue is owned by two drag queen landlords Jonny Woo & John Sizzle. All are welcome in this vibrant, arty bar with a weekend nightclub, lifedrawing and other special events.
This live music pub in Camden has gigs most nights — original punk bands mixed with newer sounds, the crowd are talkative and friendly indie veterans — look out for fading rock stars!
VAULT FESTIVAL, SE1 7AD (33)
PIZZA EXPRESS LIVE, W1D 3RW (35)
(Late January through to March) Underneath the arches of Waterloo’s train platforms lies The Vaults, a graffiti-splattered underground world of cutting edge brand new comedy and theatre, with a bustling, buzzing bar. Tip: From Waterloo it’s easy to walk to the river / Southbank.
This special branch of London’s ubiquitous pizza chain is a surprisingly good jazz diner downstairs, with a rich variety of acts and highly accomplished musicians.
EAT ME, DRINK ME
Londoners love eating out and with so much on offer it’s a very seductive pastime. For the latest places, see Grace Dent’s reviews for ‘The Guardian’ website. Here are some of our favourite eateries:
CHICK N SOURS, E8 4AA (14) Think “Posh KFC” served Korean style. Fear not, vegetarians will adore the Szechuan aubergine. Nearby bar Shep’s is good for oysters and Pamela’s is always fun for cocktails. Carry on up the street for Dalston nightlife. (Other fancy fried chicken joints to try include Casa do Frango in Southwark and Clutch in Bethnal Green)
MILDRED’S, E8 3GU (15) A veggie favourite that goes way back, Mildred was doing vegan before it was cool. Find branches in Kings Cross, Soho, Camden and Dalston.
TONKOTSU, E8 1HR (16) The best ramen in London, with a cult-like following, Noodles are made in-house, their chicken karaage bites are a dream and try the miso ice cream.
ER MEI, WC2H 7PG (17) China Town in Soho is famous for its Chinese restaurants but how to choose? Away from the touristy buffets, Er Mei on Lisle Street is a fantastic hotbed of proper spicy Sczecuan dishes. For a late night Chinese go to Old Blue 97 — open till the early hours.
STREET FEAST — HAWKER HOUSE — SE16 7PJ (18) London’s street food scene has exploded in ten years. Save time and money without compromising on taste. Street Feast are a collective of the best food vendors, with great bars too, hipster, chic hangouts and resident DJs. Look out for Prawnography Mother Clucker, and Born & Raised pizza! Great for socialising with work clients — all the food keeps conversation aglow!
TAYYAB’S, E1 1JU (19) While Brick Lane is a fantastic street for curries (and a fun experience to walk down), this curry house tucked away 5-10 mins from Brick Lane, near Whitechapel, is hands down the best. And it’s “BYOB” — bring your own booze (drinks) Also, Genesis, a fabulous arthouse cinema, is nearby for a cocktail after.
IN THE SUMMERTIME…
London is beautiful come summertime and naturally tourists love exploring Regent’s Park and Hyde Park — quintessential English parks with “Mary Poppins” / “Oliver Twist” vibes. But also try these sunlit adventures:
HAMPSTEAD PERGOLA GARDENS, NW3 7EX (20) Hampstead Heath holds a lifetime of walks and wonders, but this pillared walkway is magical, built by soapselling millionaire Lord Leverhulme. Walk there from Hampstead village which is itself packed with gorgeous “to-die-for” homes in this superwealthy neighbourhood.
BROADWAY MARKET, E8 4PH (21)
Images courtesy of Ginza — goginza.com
London’s hipster heartland is brimming with independent book shops, a farmer’s market and vintage nick nacks. Step onto the canal network for a gorgeous urban walk including historical gas ring stations, or why not hire bikes?
LONDON’S DOCKLANDS, E14 8EG (22) Explore The Limehouse Basin and have a pint in ‘The Grapes’, a pub owned by legendary actor Sir Ian McKellan. Or travel further afield to Canning Town where you can ride a cable car over the Thames. The docklands harbour all sorts of fascinating buildings including Millennium Mills, a filming location used by both Morrissey and Derek Jarman. Canary Wharf is good for more skyscraper oggling too.
EMBANKMENT, WC2N 6NS (23) The Embankment is the North edge of the Thames river, an alternative to the more touristy Southbank, the embankment boasts striking statues and impressive memorials as well as views over the Thames.
ST KATHERINE’S DOCK, E1W 1LA (24) This marina is where London’s glitziest super yachts are tucked away, easy walking distance from the Tower of London and Tower Bridge, it’s a lovely peaceful spot for lunch with several al fresco options, and riverside walks.
AN ARCHITECT’S DREAM
RELEASE YOUR INNER URBAN EXPLORER! #URBEX
SIR JOHN SOANE’S MUSEUM, WC2A 3BP (01) Step into the world of a distinguished Victorian architect’s house, with over 30,000 architectural drawings and onetime home of debauched parties! Check their website for architectural talks.
THE BARBICAN, EC2Y 8DS (02) Described by The Queen as one of the world’s modern wonders, this magnificent post-war fortress estate is sublime. The towers are private flats but you could always try your luck on Tinder.
“THE CITY”, EC3A 8EP (03) This is the local name for the original city, the “square mile”, now mostly a financial district but with a significant cluster of skyscrapers. The NatWest Tower, now called Tower 42, was the first and forms the bank’s three chevron logo when viewed from above.
DENNIS SEVERS HOUSE, E1 6BX (04) Another fantastic time capsule preserving the atmospheric home of a Huguenot family, 18th century silkweavers who made a fortune. Their ‘Silent Night’ Christmas events are lovely too!
THE ALEXANDRA ROAD ESTATE, NW8 0DU (05) Neave Brown’s magnum opus was grossly unpopular when built and he never worked in Britain again, but 40 years later this striking concrete ziggurat won the RIBA. Walking distance from the Abbey Road “Beatles Crossing”.
QUEEN ELIZABETH OLYMPIC PARK, STRATFORD, E20 2S (06) The site of London’s famous 2012 Olympics boasts some beauties and some beasts!. Turner Prize winner Anish Kapoor’s vibrant, chaotic, slide tower sits alongside Zaha Hadid’s gorgeous sapphic aquatic centre. Nearby Westfield Shopping Centre is good for an “everything under one roof” blitz, while Hackney Wick has some cool bars along the canal.
BLUE HOUSE BY FAT, E2 9AQ (07) The ultimate expression of a livework unit, The Guardian dubbed it a “decorative shed by architecture’s biggest pranksters”, architects, however, adore it, a mini postmodern masterpiece.
SEVEN SISTERS STATION, N15 5LD Not far from Green Rooms is architecture firm Assemble’s 2017 reworking of Seven Sisters tube entrance, featuring 1,000 handmade tiles - our architect friend Dominik said it’s supercool, so maybe you’ll like it too.
Image courtesy of Ginza — goginza.com
London is a global leader in architecture — the city is a playground for the world’s biggest minds to build their fantasies. The first four destinations on this list are quite near to each other, making a perfect day out. The final two are for geeks only.
LET’S DANCE
London’s nightlife is a major part of the city’s identity. Punk — New Romantics — Brit Pop — Electro Clash — Grime… London’s trailblazing subcultures have long led the way in pop music. But there are lots of bad clubs too — try to avoid the West End! Top tips: You often need photo ID to enter a club, dress codes are mostly relaxed, tipping bar staff is optional. Here are five cool haunts we love: FIVE MILES, N15 4QA (09) An intimate rave venue with a great micro-brewery (no, really!), serving until 4AM and with interesting programming. Charli XCX, AG Cook and the North London dance scene hang out here. THE CAUSE, N17 9LZ (10) Another major player on the fastemerging North London scene with its caged podium which is home to underground rave “Adonis” on the first Saturday of each month.
Image courtesy of Keaton Chau
Tip: Both these venues are in Tottenham Hale — Simply catch a tube to Finsbury Park then change onto the Victoria Line. The petrol station near Tottenham Hale has a cash machine and 24 hour shop. BUSSEY BUILDING, SE15 4ST (11) If Motown, Disco and urban tunes are your thing then this Peckham institution is a community arts space by day and unmissable partystop by night — buying tickets in advance is a must - Super fun!
FRANK’S, SE15 4ST (12) Around the corner from Bussey Building is this converted car park rooftop bar, great for an Aperol Spritz in summer. Their pink staircase is selfie heaven too. Both of these are in Peckham — Head to Finsbury Park, then slide onto the Victoria Line down to Highbury & Islington. From here you can catch the Overground train network to Peckham Rye. Good places for early drinks in Peckham include ‘Bar Story’ under the rail arches, and ‘Four Quarters’ a vintage video game bar. THE KARAOKE HOLE, E8 2PB (13) Nicknamed “The K Hole” this Dalston dive has bonkers drag queens hosting karaoke every night of the week! Upstairs Voodoo Ray’s Pizza are good too, and they do a half price slice on Mondays! Afterwards party till late at nearby Dalston Superstore, or The Glory is a cool gay disco pub - open late on weekends!
OUR LONDON THE GREEN ROOMS GUIDE TO LONDON GEMS, UNUSUAL ATTRACTIONS AND LOCAL SECRETS.
GREETINGS! In these pages you will find tips, recommendations and ideas from us to help make your London visit super special. Of course there are countless guides to the capital, many claiming to be “Secret” or “Insider” and the internet has a zillion articles, but it’s hard to tell what is hype and what’s actually worth your time. Our completely independent guide to London is packed with stuff we genuinely love, so you can enjoy a real slice of our London and live like a local! We’ve gone beyond the big attractions, focusing on more obscure and unusual offerings that you might not hear about otherwise. Everything mentioned has a number that is logged on our map — to give you a rough idea of where stuff is. Find all of these Green Rooms guides and more on our blog at www.greenrooms.london
Editor: Jack Cullen Contributors: Sylvia Dietz, Dominik Scigala, Justin Burt, Elliot Rose
Director: Nick Hartwright Designed by Tony McGuigan Published by Hatch for Green Rooms
TOP TIP #1 London lies! If you see signs saying “World Famous Fish and Chips” in a “Traditional English Pub” you’re probably in a chain pub trying to impress tourists. Good Fish & Chips in London is quite hard to find! It’s much better in seaside villages. But ‘Poppies’ is a good bet.
TOP TIP #2 Stand to the right! Do not stand on the left of anything. You will die. Londoners walk very fast on the underground and the left hand side of an escalator is for people walking. Also passengers often prefer peace and quiet -so before you talk, see if any one else is talking. If not, then respect the chill time!
TOP TIP #3
TOP TIP #4 Walking can be quicker! Leicester Square and Covent Garden tube stations are 300m apart, yet millions of tourists take this journey on the tube!
TOP TIP #5 There are never toilets! If you are caught short, just walk into a pub with determination or use a Burger King or coffee chain.
Tipping staff isn’t compulsory. It’s quite normal not to tip in London, but it’s still an optional warm gesture. Many restaurants add a service charge.
TOP TIP #6 Tap water is free! Some high end places will make you buy bottled water, but most places will give you tap water for free.
TOP TIP #7 Selfridges is better than Harrods! By all means buy your Gran some Harrods biscuits (on the internet) but take yourself around Selfridges — the bright yellow bag is THE look.
TOP TIP #8 Uber is alive and well! Despite some drama and protest from Black Cab, the cheap taxi app Uber is often the best way to zip from A to B.
OUR LONDON — A GUIDE