Locke‘s latest London location, Kingsland Locke, will launch in the heart of Dalston this May.
Located in one of London’s most eclectic neighbourhoods, Kingsland Locke will house 124 of Locke’s signature studio apartments, as well as an on-site microbrewery and gin distillery, all-day restaurant, complimentary co-working space, workout studio and coffee shop. The lower ground floor of Kingsland Locke boasts a large, naturally-lit atrium space that will transition from a relaxing atmosphere by day, to a lively restaurant and bar come nightfall.
“Kingsland Locke marks our fourth property to open in London and is a particularly exciting launch for us all,” says Stephen McCall, CEO of edyn. “This launch, as with other Locke openings, has been all about championing the local Dalston area and seeking partners and collaborators that call the area home – from the architects to artists. With Kingsland Locke, we are aiming to celebrate Dalston’s unique creative landscape, and in doing so, create an environment in which both travellers and locals feel at home.”
Kingsland Locke will be home to KRAFT Dalston, an exciting new food and drink venture formed between German Kraft Brewery, Jim and Tonic Distillery and Le Bab. KRAFT Dalston will boast a gin distillery and microbrewery on site at Kingsland Locke, reducing the outlet’s CO2 footprint by 75% by eliminating any unnecessary packaging and deliveries to the site.
After establishing locations in Soho and Covent Garden, Le Bab will expand East for the first time; returning to London’s kebab heartland, which first inspired its modern take on the traditional kebab. Shaman will also be located on the ground floor, serving third-wave coffee and grab-and-go items to guests and passersby.
Continuing Locke’s refreshing design approach, the interiors of Kingsland Locke have been conceived by East London- based studio, Red Deer, which has taken design inspiration from the vibrant colours and scenes of the surrounding Dalston neighbourhood. The hallways at Kingsland Locke boast vibrant peachy pinks, set against rough raw renders, whilst joinery pieces such as the reception desk and waiter stations mimic the vernacular of the market stalls by using metal framing against a mélange of colourful tiling.
In contrast, rooms have been designed with a more muted palette, using raw textures and subtle tones to encourage rest and relaxation. Synonymous with the wider Locke brand, all studios will feature fully-equipped kitchens complete with high spec appliances, as well as custom-made green velvet sofas and living space. Another Locke staple found in the hotel’s communal spaces is the heavy planting and greenery throughout.
“We are really excited to have partnered with Locke for their first venture into East London,” says Lucas Che Tizard, Founding Director – Red Deer Architects. “For the design of Kingsland Locke we took inspiration from the hotel’s surroundings to help ground it within the local community, as well as creating a connection between the hotel guest and the space they inhabit.”
