Overview
First Impressions
The Old Ship Inn Hackney sits on a quiet residential street that you’d probably walk past without noticing — which is exactly part of its charm. This unique boutique hotel without official star rating occupies a beautifully restored Victorian corner building, and honestly, the exterior gives you just a hint of the character waiting inside. The moment you step through the door, you realize this isn’t your typical London hotel experience.
Location & Hackney Vibes
You’re in proper East London here, where Hackney still feels authentically local rather than completely gentrified. The Old Ship Inn is actually within walking distance of London Fields and Broadway Market — perfect if you want to experience Saturday morning browsing among locals buying sourdough and vintage finds. Victoria Park is maybe a 10-minute stroll, and you know what, the canal towpath nearby is brilliant for morning runs or evening walks when you need to escape the city buzz.
The Rooms
Each room here feels like someone’s incredibly stylish friend designed it rather than a hotel chain committee. Mine had exposed brick walls, original wooden beams, and this gorgeous roll-top bath that I actually used (which says something). The beds are proper comfortable, and there’s enough space to spread out your stuff without feeling cramped. What I really appreciated were the little touches — locally sourced toiletries, books about East London history, and windows that actually open for fresh air.
Food & Local Scene
The ground floor restaurant serves modern British food that doesn’t try too hard to be fancy but succeeds in being really good. Their Sunday roast is the sort that draws neighbors who aren’t even staying at the hotel, which tells you something. Breakfast is solid — proper coffee, fresh pastries, and they’ll do eggs however you want them. If you venture out, you’re spoiled for choice with some of East London’s best Vietnamese, Turkish, and gastropub options all within a few blocks.
Why Guests Love It
This place works because it feels genuine in a city where so many hotels feel like they could be anywhere. The staff actually know the neighborhood and will point you toward the good curry house or tell you which night to hit the local pub for live music. There’s no pretense here — just a well-run, characterful place that happens to be perfectly positioned for exploring one of London’s most interesting areas. If you want to experience London like someone who actually lives here rather than just visits, the Old Ship Inn gets it right.
Savvy travelers reserve a hotel in London before spring brings blossom-lined parks, pop-up exhibitions, and warm evening strolls.
Guest reviews
"Great location and cozy, clean and stylishly furnished small room with a London vibe."
We really liked our room - it was furnished nicely, the beds were very comfortable and it had the London vibe we love and came to experience. The room was also very quiet, which was a delightful surprise as the pub downstairs is popular. The staff was very helpful and professional.
14 December 2025
"it's definitely worth the money I paid"
It was all fine, as ecxpected for the price.
What could be improved: When I opened the window and the room is tiny so you need some air, there was a lot of noise coming from the pub at the ground floor.
13 December 2025
"Excellent"
Very comfortable
What could be improved: Nothing
12 December 2025
"Superb"
The Old Ship Inn is situated in really central location, with easy access to all local amenities. It's very easy to get around London from here, by tube or uber. The atmosphere and staff are all really lovely, and can't do enough to help. The mulled cider for Christmas was a really nice touch.
What could be improved: Only that we wish we had stayed a bit longer to see more.
11 December 2025
"A great place for a short stay"
The room was clean and snug, the location was great with just a 2 minute walk to the nearest overground station. The staff were very friendly and helpful
8 December 2025
"Great value, quiet and way above expectations!"
This was a great value and an awesome location! Very quiet.
What could be improved: Nothing. It was honestly really good
3 November 2025
"Great little place, with great staff and good location for Empire. Good food and drinks available. Would use again but a"
Great location for the train and the Hackney Empire, in a quiet back street with a great pub, food looked delicious and hotel guests get discount on food and drinks.
Comfy bed and tea and coffee facilities with plenty of bottled water.
Heating was on but we opened the windows which made it more comfortable.
What could be improved: Very narrow, winding staircases to all the 10 rooms. Room was comfortable, double bed and sofa bed in room.
Bathroom door wouldn’t shut, so wouldn’t lock, but we were only there one night and we are family, so not huge problem.
Shower was over bath, but it was in a tight corner so you had to climb into the bath to access it, no hand rails or slip mat, so getting out, for me, was difficult. No shower curtain so the shelf and floor got soaked.
31 October 2025
"Exceptional"
Friendly staff
30 October 2025
"Good value for money in a great pub"
Our stay at The Old Ship Inn was great. Bedroom small but comfortable, nicely decorated, spotlessly clean and equipped with everything we could need. The staff were lovely and we enjoyed dinner in the pub before walking the two minutes to the venue we were going to. We were delighted - this is a real find and we’ll certainly stay again next time we’re in this part of town.
What could be improved: Nothing, it was very good.
29 October 2025
"Small but perfectly formed"
Staff welcome, friendly, accommodating.
Small but perfectly formed single bedroom.
Full length mirror. Bedside reading lamp.
Sparklingly clean en-suite shower room, wardrobe, hairdrier and plentiful hot drinks coffer. Water carafe and bottled water. TV and comfy chair.
Blackout blinds. Free internet.
Bar and food pub available. Guest discounts.
What could be improved: Stairs only to 2nd floor.
28 October 2025
