Hotel Review: The Zetter Townhouse Clerkenwell, London

You won't rub shoulders with tourists in this trendy local part of London, on the hinterland between the shops and theatres of the West End and the hipster bars and restaurants of Shoreditch. Farringdon station is a five-minute walk away, and Sadlers Wells Theatre is ten minutes away. Acclaimed restaurant Moro is a short walk away, on pedestrianised Exmouth market, and the jewellery shops of Hatton Garden are a short stroll away.

By car: the hotel is 4 hours 20 mins from Manchester, 2 hours 45 mins from Birmingham and 1 hour 30 mins from Cambridge.

By train: Farringdon station is seven minutes' walk away with connections to Brighton and Bedford. Liverpool Street is a 15-minute taxi ride away. Book trains to London.

Set behind a smart Georgian facade, this is maximalism at its most maximal. You enter into a crowded living room of sumptuous sofas and chairs that are camouflaged against hand-painted walls and a cacophony of oil paintings, pottery, antiques, taxidermy and shelves of leather-bound books. You'll either love it or hate it.

Check-in is at a dresser in the ground-floor living room, but although there's no actual reception area, staff are on hand 24 hours. Service is warm and friendly, and laundry and dry cleaning is provided at a cost. The enthusiastic bar staff will wax lyrical about the cocktails.

• Bar
• Lounge
• Air conditioning
• Free Wi-Fi

The rooms continue with the period theme but are a little more pared-back from the exuberance of the lounge; with antique wooden beds, damask drapes at the windows and large marble baths. Marshall speakers provide Bluetooth connectivity, and minibars are stocked with bottles from the East London Liquor Company.

Room types: Deluxe Double, Deluxe King, Junior Suite, The Apartment

Key amenities: ensuite bathroom with toiletries, desk, TV, free Wi-Fi

Food is limited to tasty bites in the lounge to accompany the inventive cocktails, which are really the star of the show. Try the Pina Colada Royale, made from coconut and pineapple infused rum mixed with champagne. Breakfast is brought across in the morning from the Zetter Hotel opposite.

Wilhemina's Lounge: drinks, cocktails, small plates. Open Tues-Weds 7.30am-11.30pm, Thurs-Fri 7.30am-midnight, Sat 8am-8pm, Sun 8am-6pm. Dishes from £7.50.

Afternoon tea: served weekends 12-4pm. From £39.50pp.