The Culpeper, set over four floors in a converted 1884 boozer and named after local 17th-century herbalist Nicholas Culpeper, surprises and delights unexpectedly, certainly exceeding expectation.

A pub, restaurant, hotel and rooftop garden (with bar and bbq) separated over four floors, The Culpeper has created an irresistible environment within the chaos of the city. This mixture acts as a haven for guests when they need it, and where they can also join a buzzing social environment mixing with locals and other guests alike.

Champ Editor-in-Chief Monique Kawecki explores the London gem still yet to be discovered by even Londoners…

THE BRILLIANT LOCATION

A stroll from the bustle of Brick Lane and Spitalfields Market, and a 3 minute walk away from Liverpool Street, the location couldn’t be more unique. It’s certainly a point of difference for the multi-functional building, highlighting the unique experiences there are on offer. For travellers who like to explore a city through walking, it’s ideal. From Aldgate you can even walk to London Bridge, the Thames, Borough Market and in the opposite direction, the ever-changing area of Shoreditch and Clerkenwell, reaching even the Barbican.

GROUND FLOOR

Starting on the ground floor, The Culpeper’s staff greet guests warmly, with the energy of the social space setting a rightful tone. Part pub, restaurant and cocktail bar – it’s certainly the place to be on Friday and Saturday’s with the bar closing at 2am (quite the rarity these days). Serving a proper English roast on Sunday’s, it couldn’t get any more British.

FIRST FLOOR

On the first floor, full table service is offered amongst charming rustic interiors. The tall ceiling and large windows allow natural light to just pour in. The menu changes weekly, but is always sourced from The Culpeper’s trusted suppliers such as the Ginger Pig for meats or the Androuet in Spitalfields for cheeses. Natural wines and craft beers accompany the fresh and innovative menu, with dishes such as the Cod, Leeks, Crushed Potatoes, Clams, Beurre Blanc & Sorrel or the Braised Venison, Chocolate, Smoked Celeriac Puree; Apple & Celery that are hard to resist. Jersey oysters at 6 for £10 are a steal.

SECOND FLOOR

Exposed brick and copper fittings add charm to the rustic style of the entire establishment, and this aesthetic continues through to the five hotel rooms on the second floor. Each individual in their own way, rooms are consistently fitted with coffee machines, complimentary large bottles of still and sparkling water, and each bathroom contains re-fillable bathroom amenities (this is what all hotels should be doing). Rooms are cosy too: extra wool blankets lay next to the bed, sheepskin rugs lines the floor, and the beds couldn’t be comfier.

ROOFTOP GARDEN

Further up, the rooftop provides impressive views of London, where the Heron Tower and Norman Foster’s The Gherkin can be admired in all their glory. Not only a pleasure to visit, the rooftop is also practical: this is where vegetables are cultivated and later served in the first floor restaurant or wood-fired grill on the rooftop. The large dining table on this floor seats 10-12, and the menu here is limited to grilled dishes (which are superb – the grilled octopus a hands-down crowd-pleaser).

Also on the rooftop, The Culpeper team arrange workshops such as ‘Botanical Cocktails’, and invite guests to explore natural ingredients. The most recent workshop ‘Saving The Season’ encouraged and taught guests how to keep the fresh flavours of summer going all year: by drying, pickling and preserving their garden produce. With curated evenings such as ‘Rooftop Astronomy’ being held this November and December, The Culpeper’s unique range of events has no competition in London. You’ll be hard-pressed to find another restaurant or bar doing this in London’s city centre.

THE VERDICT

Incredible value, for a very unique experience. It’s important to book early, at rates starting from £120 it’s an incredibly great deal, and that’s including the 20% VAT charge, free WIFI and breakfast. In addition, they offer a complimentary drink upon arrival and 10% off on food and drinks for guests – could their hospitality be any better?

We can’t recommend The Culpeper highly enough for travellers or Londoners alike. It’s more than worth the price for a vacation or staycation to remember.

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The Culpeper

40 Commercial Street,
London, E1 6LP

Visited and reviewed by Champ Editor-in-Chief Monique Kawecki

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