Bethnal Green’s a cool place. Former playground of the infamous Kray twins, the East London neighbourhood is loaded with cosy pubs, award-winning cocktail bars and a plethora of quirky club nights. So it comes as no surprise that its newest hotel, Mama Shelter, is just as sleek. Offering sophisticated sleeps alongside a stunning bar, lively restaurant and a regular roster of events and performances, I had to see for myself what Mama could bring to the table.
A canopy-style bar takes centre stage, giving off major circus vibes.
The hotel is certainly no shrinking violet. Bold hues, in-your-face decor and an accumulation of fashionably clashing furniture hit me with a visual soccer-punch as soon as I enter. We arrive during the hotel's weekly Sunday Spread as the open-plan restaurant and chill-out space is abuzz with trendy tables of dapper diners pecking on a buffet of beef Wellington, coq au vin, Yorkshire puds, cured meats and more. A man with a tres chic moustache walks past with a little dog under one arm and a colourful cocktail in the other. Enchanté.
The rooms at Mama Shelter are gorgeous. Whilst seriously pared down in comparison to the spectacle below, quirky additions such as an old-school kettle, Bowie-esque side tables touting marble tops and mod-inspired legs, as well as an adorable seating and table area keep the aesthetic on point without being too loud. Tempting as it was to spend an evening in the swish room, the allure of downstairs was beckoning.
One of the suave rooms available at this Bethnal Green cool cat.
In the hub of the ground floor sits a greenhouse-style bar. And so, naturally, our first port of call. Something of a big kids playground, the drinking den screams summer with the help of pastel hues and nostalgic board games dotted around the place. We opt for a grapefruit-infused sharing Mama Needs A G&T(£35) and take in a particularly boozy game of Twister.
Heading back into the main dining area we grab a seat on one of their plush sofas. The a la carte menu is filled with all the usual comfort classics - think pizzas, fish and chips, burgers and pies. A generously proportioned plate of crispy baby squid (£9) sets our meal off on the right foot, with the accompanying chilli mayonnaise providing a welcome addition of spice. However, they were also happy to comply with my request for a pot of garlic mayo. We worked our way through three. As a bread lover, I hate to say it but I’d steer clear from the homemade focaccia (£1.50) - save your stomach from some of their tastier offerings.
Nik-naks, gnomes and trinkets make for some amusing table-side decor.
Onto mains and, as kebab fans, we couldn’t resist trying out the gourmet versions. Having never tackled one sober before this was a novel experience. Arriving on half a flatbread, the lamb kofta (£16) may have looked small in size but proved to be a seriously filling plate. As for sides? You can't beat old faithfuls like sweet potato fries and chips (both £4). Also another great excuse for an extra hit of aioli...
Desserts were a little hit and miss with an underwhelming spiced apple rice pudding (£6) joined by a sickly sweet sticky toffee pudding (£7). Having eaten our way to bursting, we returned to the bar for a spot of light humour at one of their regular comedy nights before heading up for a sumptuous sleep.
The DesignMyNight Digest
Oh Mama, what a stay. This hotel doesn’t just ooze style, it screams it. The a la carte menu is perhaps a little expensive for what you get, but their buffet breakfast the next day raises its game. Heading back, I’d opt for the Sunday Spread (only £25) or a dinner out at one of the amazing restaurants nearby. All in all, if you want a seat at the cool kid's table, Mama Shelter is the place for ypu.
Mama Shelter is located at 437 Hackney Rd, E2 8PP. Their Laugh, Eat, Sleep package is available every Sunday for £119 and will get you a dinner for two, tickets to the comedy show, an overnight stay and breakfast. Looking for more Bethnal Green inspiration? Check out our pick of the best bars here.
