Reserve on our site
—up to 10% less
than on Booking.com
Check rooms and rates
From93US$ /night
Check-in
18Jan2026Select date
Check-out
19Jan2026Select date
Rooms and Guests2 Guests, 1 Room
Key details

About the Castle Hotel

Central Street, Clerkenwell, London, United Kingdom, EC1V 8DS
-
Close to the Museum of London
Great
8.7
6.5
/10
3.3
/5

Thistle Barbican Shoreditch, London - A Confident East London Base

In the dynamic tapestry of East London, the Thistle Barbican Shoreditch has carved out a distinct niche. It's a hotel that understands the modern traveler's needs, offering a reliable and comfortable stay with a keen eye on convenience and connectivity. This establishment has consistently provided a solid foundation for exploring the city's creative pulse.

Location

Positioned with an astute understanding of what makes London tick, the Thistle Barbican Shoreditch places guests on the doorstep of the capital's artistic hubs and burgeoning business centers. It's a mere stone's throw from the Barbican Centre, placing cultural institutions and architectural marvels within easy reach. Proximity to Old Street station, and convenient access to major transport links like Kings Cross and Liverpool Street Station, ensures the wider city, including the Eurostar at St Pancras International, is readily accessible. For those inclined to delve into the local scene, the vibrant neighborhoods of Hoxton and the well-known hotspot of Shoreditch are practically on its doorstep, offering an immediate immersion into East London's creative energy.

Style and Character

Having started life in the 1950s as a single building intended to serve a considerable tobacco complex, the Thistle Barbican Shoreditch carries a subtle air of its industrial past, now reinterpreted through a contemporary lens. The hotel maintains a functional, modern aesthetic, prioritising comfort and practicality. While it may not possess the antique charm of older establishments, it offers a clean, unfussy environment that appeals to those seeking efficiency and ease.

Service and Facilities

The Thistle Barbican Shoreditch offers a dependable level of service, with staff dedicated to ensuring a smooth stay. For guests seeking relaxation, the Otium Health & Leisure Club provides an oasis of calm amidst the urban energy, offering a chance to unwind. The hotel also provides a number of event spaces, capable of hosting everything from intimate seminars to more significant banquets, demonstrating its versatility for both leisure and business.

Rooms

The accommodation at Thistle Barbican Shoreditch is designed with practicality and comfort in mind. The hotel offers a range of room types, including spacious rooms configured with three single beds, ideal for families or small groups, and double rooms that provide enhanced comforts and a little more elbow room than standard offerings. Each room comes equipped with a flat-screen LCD TV with Freeview, ensuring entertainment options are readily available. Guests will also find complimentary toiletries, and the convenience of fast, free unlimited WiFi throughout. Thoughtful touches like a personal mini-bar with complimentary mineral water and a Nespresso machine elevate the in-room experience, allowing guests to unwind with a hot beverage or a refreshing drink. Executive king rooms, in particular, are noted for their comfort, making them a strong choice for families.

Food and Drink

Dining at the Thistle Barbican Shoreditch centres around the 120 Central Brasserie, which presents an à la carte menu featuring classic British and European fare. The approach to cuisine here is described as sophisticated yet approachable, offering comforting dishes prepared with a discerning touch. For those seeking a more casual experience, there's also the option of buffet dining. The hotel aims to provide satisfying meals that complement the overall experience, catering to diverse palates without undue complication.

Value for Money

The Thistle Barbican Shoreditch generally positions itself as a solid mid-range option, delivering a comfortable and convenient London experience without the premium price tag of more luxurious establishments. The inclusion of free, fast WiFi, Nespresso machines in rooms, and access to leisure facilities contributes positively to its perceived value. It appeals particularly to those who prioritise location and essential amenities for a practical city break.

Accessibility

While specific details on accessibility features are limited in the provided information, the hotel's modern construction suggests an awareness of contemporary standards. Further inquiry would be recommended for guests with specific accessibility requirements.

Family-Friendly

The provision of family rooms, equipped with three single beds and flat-screen TVs, indicates a consideration for family stays. The spaciousness of these rooms, along with the complimentary toiletries and entertainment options, makes them a suitable choice for those traveling with children. The hotel's location also offers easy access to various attractions that can appeal to younger visitors, though specific child-oriented services are not detailed.

“This property sits comfortably near London's artistic Shoreditch, a location that should be a draw for those seeking culture. Spacious rooms and family-friendly amenities suggest a focus on comfort, though some past-their-prime rooms were mentioned. If you are looking for a budget-conscious stay, be sure to confirm that your room has been updated.”
Hotel logo
James DavidEditor-in-Chief at Castle-hotel
View all

Choose your room

Castle hotels provide room choices such as doubles, family chambers, and grand suites—often with breakfast, free cancellations, and exclusive offers
Deluxe Double Room
2 persons
21 m² 
1 Double bed
Heating
Bathtub
Junior Suite
2 persons
34 m² 
1 Double bed
Coffee machine
Heating
Standard Single Room
1 person
17 m² 
1 Single bed
Heating
Bathtub
Standard Twin Room
2 persons
19 m² 
1 Single bed
Heating
Bathtub
Click button to see more rooms
Show all rooms
Show all roomsLess

Price and Room Availability Calendar

See current availability and rates for your selected dates

Facilities

Each castle hotel provides features designed for both comfort and memorable moments

General

  • Non-smoking rooms
  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Parking
  • Safe deposit box
  • 24-hour reception
  • Rooms/ Facilities for disabled
  • Wheelchair access
  • 24-hour security
  • Air conditioning in public areas
  • Luggage storage
  • Smoke detectors

Sports & Fitness

  • Exercise gym

Guest Parking

  • Electric kettle

Services

  • 24-hour room service
  • Wake up service

Dining

  • Restaurant
  • Bar/ Lounge area
  • Coffee/Tea in lobby

Business

  • Meeting room

Children

  • Cots

Spa & Leisure

  • Indoor swimming pool
  • Spa & wellness centre
  • Sauna

Room features

  • Wi-Fi in rooms
  • Air conditioning
  • Heating
  • Mini-bar
  • Sitting area
  • Tea and coffee facilities
  • Ironing facilities

Bathroom

  • Bath/ Shower
  • Hair dryer
  • Free toiletries

Self-catering

  • Electric kettle

Media

  • Flat-screen TV
  • Direct dial telephone
  • AM/FM alarm clock

Room decor

  • Carpeted floor
Show more

Location

Central Street, Clerkenwell, London, United Kingdom, EC1V 8DS
Map view
Central Street, Clerkenwell, London, United Kingdom, EC1V 8DS
Nearby
Gallery
Victoria Miro
540 m
Restaurants
Kennedys OF Goswell Road
350 m
184-186 Goswell Road
Mcdonald's Restaurant
430 m
241 City Road
The Phoenix Chinese Takeaway
290 m
5 Lever Street
Fast Break
480 m
113 Old Street
Aquila Cafe
350 m
214 City Road
Goswell Road Coffee
390 m
160-164 Goswell Road
Shepherdess Cafe
410 m
221 City Road
The Old Ivy House
390 m
166 Goswell Road
Central Cafe
470 m
113 Old Street Islington
Explore London
Explore the Vibrancy of Clerkenwell
Top Attractions
Activities
Dining
Entertainment
St Paul's Cathedral
St Paul's Cathedral
25 minutes' walk
Iconic cathedral known for its stunning dome and rich history. Guided tours available to explore its architecture and artwork.
Museum of London
Museum of London
16 minutes' walk
A fascinating collection of London artifacts spanning centuries. Free admission and engaging exhibitions make it a must-visit.
Tate Modern
Tate Modern
25 minutes' walk
Contemporary art museum housed in a former power station. Free entry with rotating exhibitions from top modern artists.
Barbican Centre
Barbican Centre
13 minutes' walk
A multi-arts venue featuring cinema, theatre, and art exhibitions. Regular performances attract diverse audiences.
Thames River Cruise
10 minutes' drive
Sightseeing boat tours along the Thames. A great way to view London's landmarks from a unique perspective.
Yoga at Clerkenwell Green
15 minutes' walk
Relaxing outdoor yoga sessions in a serene setting. Classes available for various skill levels. Perfect for stress relief.
Kennedys of Goswell Road
5 minutes' walk
Quaint cafe offering hearty British breakfasts and fresh lunch options. Known for its friendly atmosphere and local ingredients.
The Phoenix Chinese Takeaway
The Phoenix Chinese Takeaway
4 minutes' walk
Casual spot for delicious Chinese takeout. Signature dishes include sweet and sour pork and dumplings, all ready for quick pickup.
The Old Red Lion Theatre
15 minutes' walk
Intimate venue showcasing a variety of performances from drama to comedy. Check their schedule for upcoming shows and events.
The Comedy Store
10 minutes' drive
Famous comedy club hosting top-tier stand-up acts. Reservations recommended for popular performances; great for a night of laughs.
Local transport options
City Centre
London5 min  ·  3.1 km
Airports
London City Airport (LCY)19 min  ·  12.5 km
London Heathrow Airport (LHR)48 min  ·  31.9 km
Train
Old Street Station9 min  ·  700 m
London Liverpool Street18 min  ·  1.5 km
Underground
Old Street9 min  ·  700 m
Bus
Bus stop12 min  ·  1.0 km
Interested in unlocking castle hotel early-bird prices?
Unlock limited castle hotel offers today!
Check Rates
Property information and rules
Check-in
from 15:00-23:00
Check-out
from 05:00-11:00
Guest Parking
No parking available.
Internet
Wireless internet is available in the entire hotel for free.
Pets
Pets are not allowed.
Languages
English, Spanish, Italian, Dutch, Hungarian, Romanian, Polish, Greek, Korean, Persian, Tagalog / Filipino
Year renovated:
2007
Number of floors:
6
Number of rooms:
463

Next best alternative

Consider them for your next trip.
Check-in
18Jan2026Select date
Check-out
19Jan2026Select date
Rooms and Guests2 Guests, 1 Room
Need more options?
Check Top hotels near Thistle Barbican Shoreditch
Travelodge London Central City Road Nearby photo
Mobile-only price

Travelodge London Central City Road

544m from property
USD 57USD 51
per night
Citadines Barbican London Exterior photo
Mobile-only price

Citadines Barbican London

8.6
Great2417 reviews
605m from property
USD 161USD 144
per night
Andaz London Liverpool Street, By Hyatt Exterior photo
Mobile-only price

Andaz London Liverpool Street, By Hyatt

8.6
Great671 reviews
1488m from property
USD 212USD 190
per night