Charming former brewery with plenty of history
Located in Square Mile, London's financial district
A casual gastropub and a stylish restaurant
Near public transportation and The Barbican Centre for performing arts
Modern, stylish rooms with black tile bathrooms
Free Wi-Fi
Wellness area with sauna, stream room, and small fitness center
Slightly maze-like hallways
Lower category rooms are small
Not many tourist sights within walking distance
The Montcalm at the Brewery is a stunning five-pearl hotel located at the northern edge of London's Square Mile, just across the street from the famous Barbican Centre for performing arts. The hotel is housed in a historically protected building that was once a brewery. The 236 modern rooms have purple and green decor, and the extensive features include a fine dining restaurant, a casual, quirky gastropub, and a wellness area. Its financial district location is a bit far from most tourist sights, making it better suited for business travelers.
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Scene
Contemporary style with hints of its brewery past
The Montcalm at the Brewery is housed in a former brewery (a good one at that), and the hotel has been designed around much of the historic architecture. In the main lobby, for instance, guests can still see the brewery's vaulted brick ceilings and iron supports. Rooms and public spaces are decorated with modern art and furniture, adding sophistication to the surroundings. Black granite and champagne marble can be seen adorning the bathrooms and public spaces as well, making a striking contrast.
Location
In the Square Mile, London's financial sector
The hotel is located on the northern edge of the Square Mile neighborhood, just across the street from the Barbican Centre (with its galleries, cinemas, and concert halls). The Square Mile is London's financial district, so there are also plenty of corporate offices nearby. Most attractions are a bit of a trek on foot, but a few popular sights, including St. Paul's Cathedral, London Bridge, and the trendy area of Shoreditch, are within a 25-minute walk. The Montcalm at the Brewery is also situated close to the Barbican and Moorgate tube stations, with transit links to nearly every spot in the city (including Heathrow Airport).
Rooms
Stylish, modern rooms and black bathrooms with rainfall showerheads
Rooms at the Montcalm have modern decor in shades of purple and green, and some have cool historical touches such as vaulted brick ceilings. Amenities include iPod docks, coffee/tea facilities, tech-friendly high-def TV's, and minibars. Striking bathrooms have black and metallic silver tile, as well as rainfall showerheads and fancy toiletries. In many suites, bathrooms are peek-a-boo style, separated from the main room by a large piece of translucent glass. Some of the lower-level rooms are a bit on the small side, so it may be worth upgrading.
Features
A gastropub, a stylish restaurant, and a wellness area (but no full spa)
The Montcalm at the Brewery has several dining options, including The Jugged Hare, a well-frequented gastropub on the ground floor sporting a wide selection of drinks and food. The Chiswell Street Dining Rooms, located on the opposite ground floor end of the hotel, feels like an elegant modern drawing room, featuring green and green decor, leather tub chairs, banquettes, and a fireplace; it's popular for business power lunches, afternoon tea, and pre- and post-theater dinners (due to the proximity to the Barbican Centre). The hotel also has several meeting rooms and a large event space where weddings can be held. The wellness area includes a small but modern fitness center, a sauna, and a steam room.
