Spotlight on Hart Shoreditch Hotel London

We’re so privileged to have a whole host of unique businesses in the heart of the Old Street District, making it the lively and unique destination that we all love. This August, we were delighted to meet up with another business to discuss their role in the community in Old Street and what makes them unique! This month, we were thrilled to catch up with Lina Zakzeckyte, General Manager of Hart Shoreditch Hotel London.

What’s your role at Hart Shoreditch and how did you come to be part of the team?

I’m General Manager of the hotel. I had previously worked in the area for 5 years before coming onboard with this new lifestyle hotel, so I already knew and loved the area and understood what makes Shoreditch different and how we should embrace our local community.

How would you describe Hart Shoreditch to someone who hasn’t stayed before?

Affordable luxury is a great way to describe the hotel. We want people to feel at home when they stay with us, so although you’re surrounded by beautifully designed and stylish interiors, it’s a very warm, relaxed, welcoming feel. You feel comfortable and at ease in our hotel.

What makes Hart Shoreditch different?

Well aside from our team! Hart Shoreditch draws heavily on the area’s rich industrial and craftmanship heritage, so there are lots of subtle nods throughout the hotel to this, and nothing else like us in the area. A lot of people ask about the name and it pays tribute to the cabinetmakers who occupied the building in the 1800s!  We have a giant bobbin sculpture outside our entrance and this is a nod to the silk weavers of the area in the past.

Can you tell us a little bit about your team and the atmosphere in the hotel?

We work hard to provide a laid back atmosphere at the hotel, so it’s like being at your best friend’s house… you can be yourself whatever your mood, and know that you are welcome and will be looked after! The team are warm and friendly and approachable.

What do you love about the area? How would you recommend someone spends a weekend in Shoreditch/the Old Street area?

There is so much to do in the area which appeals to all ages and cultures, which is why we love being amongst it all!  It is such a creative area with so much East London history. Walking by the canal to shopping in Spitalfields market to visiting Columbia Road for the flower market on a Sunday… there is something for everyone.  Obviously no visit to East London would be complete without a pit stop for a bite to eat in Brick Lane. 

What’s your favourite local hidden gem? 

It has to be Nusa Kitchen on Old Street, their soups are just insanely delicious.  Order the Thai Style crushed chilli chicken soup, you won’t be disappointed!  Shoreditch is also one of the best places in London to see incredible, world-class street art so another of my favourite things to do locally is a street art tour – and you can do it for free!

The pandemic has undoubtedly had a huge impact on businesses in our area. How did you navigate it? How does the way you operate now differ to how you operated before the pandemic?

It has meant diversifying our skills and being more committed than ever.  Our team undoubtedly has more responsibility, especially ensuring high standards within health and safety, as that is paramount to our guests as well as our own team.  The hotel is part of the Hilton CleanStay programme, offering industry leading hygiene practices.  

What advice would you give to businesses, particularly in the hospitality sector, during these uncertain times?

Remaining positive and having a strong team that is supportive of one another.  

Have you felt supported by the Old Street District community? By the Old Street District Partnership?

We are new to the partnership, so are looking forward to being supported by the community as well as supporting our neighbours and local businesses. 

Describe Hart Shoreditch in 3 words.

Friendly, craftsmanship, home-from-home