The Gyle Hotel

This trio of Victorian townhouses right next to Coal Drops Yard looks elegant and yet unassuming from the street. But on entering the grand black doors, you’ll be greeted by a wonderfully eccentric mix of themes. Scottish tartans and terrier-cushions finish king-sized beds, and a steampunk bar that’s finished with a grassy ceiling and touched by a supernatural playfulness takes advantage of a legend that says the Gyle sits on a space-time rift. This enchanting, storied escapism continues through every nook and cranny of the hotel — ending with 33 sumptuous rooms, each beautiful with solid oak floors and luxuriant beddings, but none so much so as the feature king that comes with an indulgent sunken tub in the bathroom.

As a new hotel, the Gyle has plenty of modern features that are, by their nature, more convenient than those some of the more traditional hotels can offer. RFID room access means you access your room with nothing more than a touch of your smartphone, the key sent during a pre-registration the day before you arrive for blissful convenience. Face masks and sanitisers are available for guests who don’t have them, and only residents are allowed in the hotel.

Social distancing is observed throughout the Gyle’s otherworldly public spaces, and the service team, from the friendly front of house to the exuberant mixologists in the TOAST Lounge are required to wear masks. Complimentary teas and coffees are served all day in the lounge to guests, and in the evenings the delightful bar serves charcuterie platters alongside a good selection of wines and 70 whiskies.

Guests looking for something more substantial for dinner should try lively Coal Drop’s Yard for some of north London’s most chic new restaurants and bars.