Locke to launch Dalston site this May

Aparthotel brand Locke is set to launch its fourth London property, Kingsland Locke, in Dalston this May. In line with the anticipated easing of lockdown restrictions in the UK, the property will be fully open to leisure and business travellers. Kingsland Locke will feature 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 features a large, naturally-lit atrium space that will “transition from a relaxing atmosphere by day, to a lively restaurant and bar come nightfall”. Locke hotels aims to “blend the traditional aparthotel format with the thoughtful design, disruptive food and drink collaborations and programming of a boutique lifestyle hotel. It has previously opened six UK properties in the past four years in London, Manchester and Edinburgh, with further openings planned in Dublin, Berlin, Lisbon, Munich and Copenhagen. Kingsland Locke will be home to KRAFT Dalston, a new food and drink venture formed between German Kraft Brewery, Jim and Tonic Distillery and Le Bab. After establishing locations in Soho and Covent Garden, Le Bab will expand into east London. 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, who have “taken design inspiration from the vibrant colours and scenes of the surrounding Dalston neighbourhood”. The hallways at Kingsland Locke reportedly feature “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. Lucas Che Tizard, founding director at Red Deer Architects said: "We are really excited to have partnered with Locke for their first venture into East London. 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." Stephen McCall, CEO of edyn, said: “Kingsland Locke marks our fourth property to open in London and is a particularly exciting launch for us all. 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.”