London is full of hotels that try way too hard to be "industrial" by slapping some Edison bulbs on a concrete wall. But then there’s The Montcalm at the Brewery London City. It’s different. This place doesn't need to fake its history because it’s literally built into the bones of the old Whitbread Brewery, which dates back to the 1700s.
It’s weirdly quiet here.
Even though you’re right in the heart of the City—London’s frantic financial district—the thick brick walls of this Grade II listed building act like a giant mute button. Honestly, if you've ever stayed at one of those glass-and-steel boxes near Liverpool Street, you know how soul-crushing they can feel. This isn't that. It’s got a sort of moody, masculine elegance that feels more like a private club than a massive chain hotel.
What You’re Actually Getting Into at the Brewery
People get confused about the name. Is it a brewery? Is it a hotel? It’s both, sort of. The building is part of the larger Chiswell Street Dining Rooms and The Jugged Hare complex. You aren't just staying in a room; you’re staying in a piece of Georgian architecture that used to pump out thousands of barrels of porter for the neighborhood.
The rooms vary wildly.
Because it’s a heritage building, no two rooms are exactly the same size. You might get a sprawling suite with high ceilings or a cozy "snug" that feels like a high-end cabin. One thing that’s pretty consistent, though, is the tech. They give you a smartphone (the "Handy" device) to use during your stay for free local calls and data. It sounds like a gimmick, but when you're trying to navigate the maze of the Barbican nearby without burning through your roaming data, it’s a lifesaver.
The Design Language
The vibe is very "heritage meets high-tech." Think heavy drapes, rich wood, and leather headboards, but then you look at the bedside table and there’s a touch-screen panel that controls the lights, the temperature, and even the "do not disturb" sign. It’s a bit of a learning curve. I’ve seen people spend five minutes trying to figure out how to turn off a reading lamp.
The bathrooms are usually the highlight. Most have these massive rainfall showerheads and Elemis toiletries that actually smell like a spa rather than cheap hotel soap. If you’re lucky enough to book a room with a freestanding tub, take it.
💡 You might also like: North Shore Shrimp Trucks: Why Some Are Worth the Hour Drive and Others Aren't
The Food Situation (It’s Not Just Room Service)
Most people staying at The Montcalm at the Brewery London City make the mistake of ordering a club sandwich to their room and calling it a night. Don't do that. You are literally attached to The Jugged Hare.
This isn't your average gastropub.
It’s one of the best places in London for game meat. They have a rotisserie that’s constantly turning, and the menu changes based on what’s actually in season. If it’s autumn, you’re eating grouse or venison. If it’s not, maybe some spit-roasted chicken. The wine list is surprisingly deep, too.
Then there’s the Chiswell Street Dining Rooms. It’s a bit more formal, very white-tablecloth, very "City power lunch." It’s great for a breakfast that isn't just a sad buffet. They do a proper full English that will keep you full until dinner.
- The Jugged Hare: Go here for the atmosphere. It’s loud, it’s wood-paneled, and the beer is excellent.
- Chiswell Street Dining Rooms: Go here if you need to impress a client or just want a quiet morning coffee.
- The Gourmet Bar: Good for a quick cocktail before you head out to Shoreditch.
The Location: Why The City Isn't Just for Bankers
There’s a misconception that the City of London (the "Square Mile") is a ghost town on the weekends. It used to be. Now? Not so much.
Staying at the Montcalm puts you in this weird, perfect pocket between the suits of Moorgate and the hipsters of Shoreditch. You can walk to the Barbican Centre in about five minutes. If you’ve never been, the Barbican is this brutalist concrete masterpiece that houses a cinema, a theater, and a massive conservatory filled with tropical plants. It’s polarizing. You’ll either love the architecture or think it looks like a high-security prison.
You’re also a ten-minute walk from Old Spitalfields Market.
📖 Related: Minneapolis Institute of Art: What Most People Get Wrong
On a Sunday, that walk is worth it just for the food stalls. But the real benefit of this location is the transport. You’ve got the Elizabeth Line now at Liverpool Street and Moorgate. That changed everything. You can get from the hotel to Heathrow in about 45 minutes without breaking a sweat.
Is It Actually Worth the Price Tag?
Let’s be real. The Montcalm isn't cheap. You’re paying for the "Montcalm" brand, which positions itself as a 5-star experience.
Sometimes, the service can feel a bit stiff. It’s that old-school London hospitality where they’re very polite but maybe a little formal for some people’s tastes. If you’re looking for a "cool" hotel where the staff wears t-shirts and knows the best underground techno clubs, this isn't it. This is where you stay when you want to feel like an adult.
One thing to watch out for: the "Wellness Centre."
It’s small. If you’re expecting a massive Olympic-sized pool and a sprawling gym, you’ll be disappointed. It’s more of a "get the job done" kind of space. There’s a sauna and a steam room, which are great after a long flight, but it’s not a destination spa. If the spa is your priority, you might want to look at their sister property, The Montcalm Royal London House, which is just down the road at Finsbury Square and has a much larger wet area and a rooftop bar with a better view.
A Note on the "Brewery" Aspect
The hotel is physically connected to The Brewery, which is one of London’s premier event spaces. This is a double-edged sword. If there’s a massive tech conference or a fancy awards gala going on, the lobby can get crowded. You might find yourself sharing an elevator with someone in a tuxedo while you’re in your gym gear.
On the flip side, it gives the place an energy that most City hotels lack. There’s always something happening.
👉 See also: Michigan and Wacker Chicago: What Most People Get Wrong
What Most People Miss
There’s a small courtyard area that most guests never bother to find. In the summer, it’s a total haven.
Also, ask about the history. The staff usually have some great stories about the tunnels that used to run under the brewery. It’s those little details—the original vaulted ceilings in some of the lower rooms, the ironwork, the way the light hits the brickwork in the afternoon—that make it feel special.
It’s a hotel for people who like London’s grime and glory but want to sleep on 400-thread-count sheets.
Practical Steps for Your Stay
If you’re planning to book The Montcalm at the Brewery London City, don't just click the first "standard room" you see.
- Check the Event Calendar: Look at The Brewery’s website before you book. If there’s a 1,000-person event, the area will be buzzing, which might be a plus or a minus for you.
- Request a High Floor: If you want total silence, ask for a room on the upper levels away from Chiswell Street. The street isn't super loud, but the delivery trucks for the restaurants start early.
- Join the Loyalty Program: Even if you only stay once, the "Montcalm Rewards" often gets you free Wi-Fi upgrades or a slightly later checkout. It’s worth the two minutes it takes to sign up.
- Explore the Barbican: Seriously. Don't just stay in the hotel. The Barbican's high-level walkways (the "highwalks") allow you to traverse the area without ever touching the ground. It’s the best way to see the architecture.
- Eat at the Bar: If you're solo, the bar at The Jugged Hare is way better than sitting alone in the dining room. The bartenders are pros and the full menu is usually available there.
The real draw here isn't just a bed. It's the fact that you're sleeping in a building that helped fuel the Industrial Revolution. It’s the smell of old wood and the feeling of heavy brick. It’s a very specific slice of London that manages to feel expensive without being flashy.
Most hotels in this price bracket are trying to be the future. The Montcalm at the Brewery is perfectly happy being the past, just with better plumbing and faster Wi-Fi. It’s a solid choice if you want to be near the action but feel like you’re miles away from it the moment you close your heavy, wooden door.