The Rookery

The hotel’s name refers to the fact that this was once one of London’s worst slum areas. Thankfully things have changed dramatically since then, and the Rookery’s three converted Georgian terraced houses ooze a luxurious, slightly quirky character, with fine antique furniture, crooked floors, wood-panelled walls and old rugs, along with restored antique bathroom fittings and indulgent roll-top baths. There are only 33 rooms and the four-poster beds suit romantic weekends, but the homely if theatrical style makes the hotel popular with business travellers too. Rooms are named after people who lived or worked in the area (Sir Walter de Manny, a knight; Clarice of Cokke Lane, a prostitute) the latter would probably turn in her bed if she came back and saw how the area has gentrified. All rooms have free wi-fi, TV and DVD player, and iPod docking stations. The Conservatory, with its working fireplace and honesty bar, is a perfect space for whiling away late nights, and the patio courtyard is great for breakfast. There’s no in-house restaurant, but then in Clerkenwell you don’t really need one. It’s the sister hotel of Hazlitt in Soho, and children are welcome.