I’m hanging out at the fabulous Hoxton Hotel, in London, EC1 after our Money Gym Membership Bootcamp “Fast Start” day, which is rapidly becoming my London home from home.
I can’t tell you how good (and how incredibly reasonable) this hotel is. I keep meeting people of all ages and nationalities in the lift who are grinning ear to ear and saying “this is a great hotel isn’t it?”.
I love a nice boutique hotel, don’t you?
It actually feels like a little unique village in the City – you really never feel like you need to leave, once you wheel your wearie lappie through the welcoming lobby. The buzz of conversation of the trendy crowd of all ages (from teens to 70’s), mini shop, the amazing welcome from the reception staff, the real fires, the paper eagles, the amazing music…love it.
Up to the great rooms – perfectly formed with everything you need including spare pillows and towels, proper coffee bags, waiter’s friend bottle opener, self-proclaimed “Boring Sign No #5”, the little fridge with proper milk, mirrors where you need them, a glass shower with drencher and alternative shower if you don’t want to get your hair wet
“Well, it would be rude NOT to!!” said my 13 year old Pheobe said on first glance at the drencher, heading right in there……
And free wireless internet throughout the hotel, anyone?.
The Hoxton has the most comfy beds – soft but firm – and gorgeous bed linen which feels somehow feels more divine than any other, plus the brilliant and funky restaurant ruled with a rod of iron by Richard Moul (more about him later), to the live DJ in the bar who plays old rare groove on Fridays, funky disco house on Saturdays and jazz and all that laid back hip hop groove on Sundays.
What’s the significance of the Paper, Stone, Scissors pillows then?
And I’m loving the cashpoint machine and Evening Standard dispenser (free natch!).
They even do “stay for £1” offers on the internet (see below for the website details).
Around the corner from Jamies “Fifteen” and the apparently amazing “Hoxton Apprentice” – where not just the chefs, but the whole staff are ex-homeless people.
What can I say about the Hoxton Hotel staff?
O man, the staff………..they are just SO GOOD.
(Even better than the Mediterranean Risotto (with feta, sun dried tomatoes and olives) I had tonight and the Pan Fried Sea Bass with Sweetcorn Chowder & rocket and parmesan salad, last night….pheweee)
The warm welcome at reception, the brilliant front of house people in the restaurant, the really hot but friendly bar staff through to my personal favourite, the Italian head waiter Mauro, who is so good he inspires his staff to try and beat him in terms of excellent service….they are all having such fun and it’s just awesome to watch. They are “on stage” and they know it, and they perform like its the first night every night.
We have only been there three times since June, and when Mauro spotted me in the bar, he headed over from his busy restaurant and gave me a big hug…..how can he have remembered me when you think how many people they see a week?
The bigger question is…….How can a place get it so right?
I needed to know because I was blown away on our first visit, and I’m endlessly fascinated about why businesses survive, thrive or fail…….so I did some digging….and I didn’t have to dig far.
I’ve discovered the secret weapon of The Hoxton Bar & Grille……and his name is Richard Moul.
He looks about 12 (and I’m not kidding!), he is everwhere at once, his eyes are everywhere he is not, and he not only nutures that bar and restaurant like it is the love of his life, but he delivers food to the table too, when they are pushed, with joy and grace and an amazing smile.
I asked Richard about his staff hiring policy, and training schedule.
“I hire for personality and attitude and then train them up”.
Simple but devastatingly effective.
And very E-Myth.
I have to interview this man for my podcast as he’s got the most incredible story. And he’s a whisky expert too.
The Hoxton Hotel – you rock. Again. And I’ll be back – very soon!