London is fast-becoming a dog-friendly haven for pooch parents like myself, and the quirky Shoreditch nhow London Hotel is most definitely leading the way. Hailing dogs and cats as their VIPs (Very Important Pets), nhow London have created a blend of pawfection – delicious cocktails for the humans, countless treats for the cuties, and quirky London-inspired designs for all eyes to enjoy.

I had the pleasure of staying at nhow London with my little black and white Cavachon, Scruffy, and my partner in mid-August. We lived our best lives in the Penthouse Suite, with city views, a huge bed, and lots of space for Scruffy to run around with her nhow toy. With or without a VIP, I would highly recommend staying here.

The Location

nhow London is located in the perfect place for leisure wanderers, and business travellers having meetings across Clerkenwell, Angel and Old Street (all of which a 10 minute walk away). For two days and one night, we lived the high life of a Shoreditch resident, walking via the canal to Angel, exploring Old Spitalfields Market, wandering through Clerkenwell, and embracing the fact that we were never that far away from our hotel.

I also got my nails done in the Nailology a few minutes from nhow London Hotel, which I would highly recommend.

The Room

We stayed in the Penthouse on the very top floor – an triangle-shaped expansive open plan space of luxury, with a light curtain separating the living area from the relaxing space. The living area housed a really comfy sofa, a dining table, a desk and a little kitchen space for the mini fridge, kettle and Nespresso machine. The relaxing space was a combination of a very large bed and a deep bath, with a toilet and rainfall shower opposite behind frosted doors.

The real perk for me was the little seating space in the tip of the living area, with two wall-to-ceiling windows showing city views. We sat there watching the world go by in two really fun wicker-backed seats, with a very happy dog sprawled out on the fluffy green carpet. Speaking of my VIP, Scruffy was spoilt with a large plush bed, treats and a toy that she carried around with her everywhere.

A short description of the hotel design would be “eclectic and quirky”, but I don’t feel that does it the justice it deserves. nhow London has clearly invested in building an artistic haven, tasking renowned architect James Soane with designing a “London Reloaded” theme – soaking up the contrasts of the city’s oldest traditions and technological future.

You’ll spot the Big Ben rocket fairly soon after entering the hotel. But it’s the little details that really shows the wild creativity that went into this hotel design. I loved the contrast of the delicate floral mural on the wall next to the bath, and the punk-inspired image of our former Queen Liz with a moustache as you enter the Penthouse. And the Notting Hill inspired doors along the dark theatrical corridor.

The Experience

Our experience can really be encapsulated in a short phrase: we had so much fun. The hotel’s vibrant clashing colours, punk-inspired art, and London-loving quirks, shut out the normalities of the outside world. Venturing down the corridor to our hotel room for the first time felt like an immersive theatrical experience. And I loved it even more when Scruffy immediately took to running around the room with her toy.

Though, tiny word of advice: do make sure you put the card in the card holder. The lights might turn on without it, but the water doesn’t (oops). The staff were really quick to respond when I couldn’t work out why we had no water, but I do hope this advice saves someone else from making the mistake...

Breakfast was a buffet full of many, many joyful treats – highlights include waffles, pastries, fruits and pancakes for the sweet options, and full english, cold meats, seeds and salad bits for the savoury. You can also have a custom-made omelette. I should also note that I have a cow’s milk allergy and a wheat intolerance. And I was utterly joyful at seeing gluten free bread, scones and carrot cake, and the team made me a fried egg as the scrambled egg had milk in it.

The experience was made even better by Myra and Karim, two front of house staff who took great care in making us feel welcome. Karim’s cocktails are a must-try.

Accessibility

nhow London offers accessible rooms and facilities, as well as ramp access, wheelchair access, and wheelchair accessible elevators. There is also accessible parking.

Four highly recommended activities if you’re staying at NHow London

• Walk via the canal – minutes from the hotel – to Chapel Market, via the Duke of Cambridge, and stop at Hicce Heart to try a Frosé

• Try out SUP and kayaking at Islington Boat Club (note: I didn’t personally try this, but it looked really fun!)

• Explore Old Spitalfields Market. It’s a wonderland. My partner loved the chai from Chai Guys, and I can’t stop thinking about the homemade lemonade from Pink Grapefruit. There are lovely stallholders with lots of little trinkets, though there are a few that only take cash so make sure you have some change!

• If you’re staying on Saturday 26th August (a.k.a. International Dog Day), make the most of nhow London’s complimentary dog afternoon tea – this includes homemade cupcakes with cream cheese icing, frozen peanut butter bites, treats and a puppucino. Paw-rents get a tea/coffee and a muffin too.

Book your stay – with or without your VIP – over on the nhow website.

Reviewed by Pippa Moyle

Disclaimer: I was gifted my stay in exchange for an honest review. All photos were taken by me – except the thumbnail and first picture in the top gallery of the Penthouse, which was beautifully taken by nhow London.