Restaurant Review: art’otel Hoxton’s thriving art scene

PA Life visited art’otel Hoxton’s signature restaurant, The Brush Grand Cafe, nestled in the heart of Hoxton’s thriving art scene. This bold hotel has been given a funky aesthetic by the renowned artist D*Face, whose subversive works fill every corner, from the walls to the halls. The café exudes a sleek, luxurious ambiance, with a dimly lit atmosphere, that is bathed in warm yellow light. Think modern all-day brasserie meets creative playground, complete with an urban cocktail bar, art gallery and a screening room.

The restaurant is located about 15 minutes from London Liverpool Street and just 5 minutes from Old Street Station, past the lively heart of Shoreditch. Upon arrival, you are greeted by the towering grand building and ushered into a sultry atmosphere. The ambiance is incredibly appealing at night, creating a luxurious feel. Surrounded by pop art, the space blurs the line between imagination and reality.

The art’otel Hoxton Restaurant, The Brush Grand Cafe is an all-day dining destination. The Brush Grand Cafe seamlessly transitions from a lively daytime hub to a sultry setting by night — perfect for any special occasion. The café’s seasonally inspired menu offers a contemporary twist on classic dishes, alongside innovative new signatures. We kicked off our experience with a cocktail recommendation, the Cocoa Royal. This concoction was a blend of Raspberry Pinot with Telmont Brut Reserve Champagne. A treat that set the tone for the evening ahead.

What was our meal at The Brush Grand Cafe like?

For our evening at this chic East London gem, we indulged in a three-course meal. Our starters were priced at around £13 each and mains ranging from £19 to £30, depending on your choice. The hotel is very well priced for the area, and venue. As well as its location in one of London’s most sought-after districts. I opted for the Atlantic Prawn Cocktail, served with creamy avocado and a delicate Marie Rose sauce. It was a sublime balance of lightness and indulgence – airy yet rich. It was the perfect fresh prelude to a more substantial main course.

After our starters, we were excited for our mains. The service was also impressively swift. Our mains arrived just five minutes after we’d finished our starters, keeping the momentum of the evening going. I opted for the South Coast Mussels, served in a creamy sauce that was rich yet smooth, absolutely cooked to perfection. Mussels can be hit or miss for me, but this sauce was undoubtedly the best I’ve ever had—creamy without being overwhelming. My mother chose the butternut squash curry, which she described as equally creamy. Without the heaviness of oil which is often found in red curries. Both dishes were incredibly fresh and thoughtfully balanced.

As we moved on to desserts, we were pleasantly surprised by the generous portions — a treat for our appetites. The desserts were not only satisfying in size but also reasonably priced, considering the quality and indulgence they offered. It was the perfect end to a delightful meal, making it an ideal spot for a coffee and cake rendezvous.

I had the chocolate Gâteau with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. This was incredibly fudgy and thick, layered with a buttercream kind of icing. This hit the spot, and my mum had the Crème Brûlée, which was perfectly crisp on top and rich and creamy on the base.

More about Art’otel

It is fair to say that The Brush Grand Cafe, at art’otel Hoxton really did impress us, seamlessly blending luxury with pop art. Creating a funky and striking atmosphere. art’otel Hoxton welcomes visitors to the capital, creating fresh perspectives on the unexpected. The hotel creates a memorable experience, through their live music each night and DJ Brunch on the weekend. The whole hotel caters for everyone’s needs, serving only the best experience.

Check out PA Life’s Instagram page for a full showcase video, giving you a taste of the atmosphere yourself.

Check out PA Life’s Instagram page for a full showcase video, giving you a taste of the atmosphere yourself. Beyond the restaurant and bar, The Brush is a one-stop destination for food, art and culture lovers. A 60-seat private auditorium plays host to film screenings, artist talks and immersive dining experiences. The adjacent rotating art gallery ensures there’s always something new to discover. Whether you’re here for a morning espresso, a long lunch, an evening negroni, or a film night with a menu to match, The Brush East London Grand Café is where food, drink, and culture collide.

PA Life also hosted a FAM Trip with art’otel Hoxton, in the city’s thriving art scene, check out this experience here.