September 30

ESCAPE LONDON – Canopy by Hilton Whitechapel: A unique hotel experience in the heart of London’s East End

Posted by Editor on September 30, 2022 in Escape London | Leave a comment

By Keya Rivera

Canopy by Hilton is part of Hilton’s expanding Canopy franchise. Canopy hotels are specifically influenced by local cuisine and culture, providing a more unique experience for guests. Canopy by Hilton at the Whitechapel location is located directly across from the Aldgate underground station, and is within walking distance of Tower Hill and multiple other tourist attractions. The convenient location allows for visitors to have easy access to the city of London, and even offers Canopy bikes for guests to use free of charge.

The convenient location allows for visitors to have easy access to the city of London, and even offers Canopy bikes for guests to use free of charge.

The hotel itself has an eclectic style, with gold detailing and velvet couches greeting you just before the friendly staff do. The employees at this hotel cultivate a welcoming and helpful atmosphere, and will always greet you with a smile. It’s not overcrowded in the lobby, and guests range from business people to families on vacation. The front desk is willing to assist with special accommodations, such as non-smoking or allergy rooms, since this hotel is pet friendly. Whether you need a cocktail or a cab, the hotel staff are ready and able to assist.

The hotel itself has an eclectic style, with gold detailing and velvet couches greeting you just before the friendly staff do.

The rooms are interestingly decorated and inspired by the industrial textile trade that the area is infamous for. The rooms are spacious, hyper clean, and the beds are huge and incredibly comfortable. The bathrooms come with any toiletries you may have forgotten and the front desk is always willing to provide more upon request. You can relax in a large, well-lit room with adjustable air conditioning while watching the flatscreen before heading out on your next adventure.

The rooms are spacious, hyper clean, and the beds are huge and incredibly comfortable.

The hotel collaborates with the Fashion and Textile Museum which is about a 20-minute walk from the hotel. The stroll through the neighborhood will give you a chance to get an idea of what this colorful community has to offer, gastro pubs and and trendy coffee shops line the street leading up to the gallery. The Fashion and Textile Museum is currently exhibiting work from the Royal School of Needlework entitled Crown to Catwalk.

This show presents a range of extraordinary embroidered crafts, some of which were commissioned for the British royal family, as well as contemporary pieces from top designers and students from the royal academy. The stunning attention to detail, and micro-precision of the needlework is as beautiful as it is impressive. If glamor and remarkable craftsmanship are of interest to you, this show is a must see before it closes its doors this weekend.

Besides a prime location, and entertainment, the hotel has a renowned restaurant on location. The Penny Squares name is an embroidery term and a nod to the 17th century Huguenots who sought refuge in London’s East End after fleeing persecution, bringing with them their skill and contribution to London’s textile trade. The Penny Squares menu was conceived by head chef Walid Farag, with the aim to infuse traditional taste with modern British cuisine.

Besides a prime location, and entertainment, the hotel has a renowned restaurant on location.

The restaurant itself is not large, and is almost hidden at the back of the hotel. It’s low lit, with lots of tables and few customers. The food is so elevated that the menu can be intimidating, but flavor is never lacking if you’re willing to try something new and creative. As a person with allergies the menu was limited, however the staff was more than happy to accommodate and make special recommendations.

A standout part of the meal was the fresh quinoa salad topped with pomegranate seeds and charred fennel; which was light, refreshing, and strangely balanced despite how strange the pairing initially seemed to be. The beef too was perfectly cooked, and obviously of the highest quality as the expertly marinated meat melted in one’s mouth. The food was unique, and crafted rather than cooked. Trying Penny Squares is a must for any risk-takers willing to enjoy an incredible experience that is more than just a meal. For families seeking something a little more familiar, the St. Clare Coffee and Bar located in the lobby offers more traditional bar fare like fries, burgers, and shrimp tempura. The Cafe also offers evening samples of local wine, beer, and spirits for visitors.

Canopy by Hilton in White Chapel is a standout hotel that goes above and beyond to provide its guests with a memorable experience. This clean, unique hotel is sure to be embroidered on your heart with its focus on showcasing the community in which it finds itself. This reviewer would definitely stay here again, and happily explore the other canopy hotels to see if they are able to feature the vivacious community they represent.