Montcalm East, Autograph Collection, has opened in Shoreditch. Situated in one of London’s most energetic and vibrant areas, the 288- guestroom hotel occupies a prime position between Shoreditch and the City, just a short stroll from Old Street. Designed as a hub to foster creativity, the hotel reflects the vibrancy and imagination of the area by providing a space for people to meet, generate new ideas and become co-creators of their experience. A new breed of hotel, Montcalm East, Autograph Collection, aims to be part of the neighbourhood by actively supporting it.
At the heart of Montcalm East, Autograph Collection, will be Moor + Mead, a restaurant and bar from noted East London team Barworks, who are best-known for Mare Street Market and The Exmouth Arms. The restaurant will be the ultimate neighbourhood joint, serving a relaxed, classic menu. The all-day dining concept at Moor + Mead is matched by interiors designed to create a place for people to meet, eat and work at any time of the day. Future plans for the local restaurant include supplier and guest Chef pop-ups and one-off dishes.
The hotel’s iconic futuristic façade on City Road is inspired by Tate Modern artist Bridget Riley and her 1980s geometric optical art, along with the Moorfields Eye Hospital opposite the site.
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Visual surprises continue inside the hotel where Shoreditch-based studio Blacksheep have created a modern community space that gives a new lens on the use of public areas in hospitality
through interactive experiences. RGB colours, optical lighting and projections are a clever nod to the hotel’s connection with photography. The 288 bright guestrooms will feature a modern, stylish design, sleek furnishings, and modern artworks, and many boast floor-to-ceiling windows for impressive city views.
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Montcalm East, Autograph Collection, has worked with art consultant Anne Trouillet Rogers of CULTURE A to curate an art experience that draws upon the creative energies of the surrounding area, including a partnership with the Department of Photography at Ravensbourne University London that features a photographer-in-residence initiative. The collaboration sees the hotel transform into a photography studio where university students and alumni can exhibit their work. Here, artists will create, and guests can interact, watch and learn in real life. A series of art exhibitions within the hotel kicks off with ‘Building a better future’, featuring works by Ravensbourne students exploring and rethinking social, cultural, and economical norms. Throughout the hotel, CULTURE A has commissioned a dynamic selection of local artists as well as worked with critically acclaimed Pop Art specialists Proud Galleries, who will present a series of portraits capturing iconic people, moments and trends defining the culture of the area.
Polaroid will provide old-school point-and-shoot cameras at the hotel’s own Photo Lab; a dedicated space where guests can become the creators by taking and developing their own work. An inspiring programme of events including photography talks and workshops from the partners will offer further interactive and creative nourishment.
Honouring the art of print, the hotel has partnered with magazine fanatics MagCulture to create an ‘instant culture’ programme, which delivers a range of hard-to-find fashion, art and photography titles direct to room. Hoxton Mini Press have provided a collection of books for the hotel library and, along with MagCulture, will be part of a culture-led series of events.
Opening Rates at Montcalm East, Autograph Collection, are from £199 on a B&B basis, including VAT.