Once upon a time, this building was a warehouse for exotic animals, set in the heart of gritty East London. Over a century later, it has a new lease of life as a boutique collection of apartments, complete with a heavy dose of Shoreditch style. Step through the front door of this loft and you'll find a bright space with huge Victorian windows, wooden floors and exposed brick walls, echoing the building's industrial past. There's a blend of contemporary and vintage furniture along with several thoughtful touches, from the collection of board games to the tasty box of chocolates ready for your arrival. Guests also have access to the rooftop garden, a real treat in the inner city, which makes the ideal spot to sip your morning coffee in the fresh air. The surrounding neighbourhood is bursting with restaurants and bars where you can let your hair down, along with an array of independent boutiques full of artisan goodies. And, if you want to tick off your central London sightseeing list, a local bus can bring you into the city centre within half an hour.

Home truths:
*Only booked guests can enter the apartment
*You'll need to keep the noise down after 11pm to avoid disturbing the neighbours
*There is a laptop-friendly space at the table where you can work remotely
*Your host can set up a fold-out bed in the living room to accommodate an extra guest – speak to them in advance if you would like to arrange this, as it will require a fee.
* The fold-out bed isn't suitable for those with a tall stature - we'd recommend it more for children