A Playful Ode to East London: Inside the Design of Mondrian Shoreditch by Goddard Littlefair
When Mondrian anticipated returning to London in 2021, it chose Shoreditch as its home—a location synonymous with creativity, counterculture, and community. To channel the spirited energy of East London, award-winning design studio Goddard Littlefair was appointed to reimagine the interiors of what would become Mondrian Shoreditch London. The result? A sophisticated, layered, and locally inspired destination rooted in storytelling and sensory immersion.
Led by Jo Littlefair and Martin Goddard, the studio transformed the property—formerly The Curtain Hotel—into a multi-sensory design experience. It delivered a comprehensive interior concept that includes the reception and lobby, a double-height ground-floor café bar, a rooftop restaurant and pool terrace, the UK’s first BiBo restaurant by Michelin-starred chef Dani García, and a guestroom refresh steeped in playful theatricality.
A Narrative of Local Culture and Folklore
True to the Mondrian brand’s ethos of artistic flair and bold individuality, the interiors honour Shoreditch's creative spirit and storied past. Drawing on the cultural fabric of the East End, Goddard Littlefair delved deep into local history and literature for inspiration. One standout influence? The traditional English nursery rhyme Oranges and Lemons, which references many churches in the surrounding area.
“We discovered that the well-known rhyme centred around the churches in this East London neighbourhood, with the site of the hotel at its heart,” explains Jo Littlefair. “The longer version of the rhyme paints a picture of 16th and 17th-century city life—an ideal entry point for a narrative-rich design.”
These references manifest in subtle yet arresting ways. From lighting design to layered material choices, guests are gently guided through a space that plays with memory, meaning, and metaphor. Upon arrival, guests encounter a sculptural neon artwork, gilded glass panels by Studio Peascod evoking a rising copper sun, and a mirror room with Kusama-like infinity reflections—an Instagram-ready moment that doubles as a commentary on our compulsion to document experiences.
Christina’s & The Rooftop: East London Allure, Day to Night
At ground level, Christina’s Shoreditch, the hotel’s double-height café bar, serves as a dynamic all-day venue. Copper tones, cascading pendant lights inspired by Victorian gas lanterns, and a sprawling mural by artist Fred Coppin set the scene. Daylight filters through tall glazing to reveal curved joinery, greenery, and warm natural textures, creating an atmosphere that flows effortlessly from coffee to cocktails.
The rooftop restaurant and pool deck continue this narrative of escapism, offering an elevated view over the surrounding skyline. Internally, a fireplace and intimate seating create moments of calm, while outside, loungers beckon guests to unwind beneath the London sky. Together, these spaces mirror the duality of Shoreditch itself—creative and considered by day, bold and effervescent by night.
BiBo: Theatrical Dining by Dani García
On the lower ground floor, BiBo London introduces chef Dani García’s celebrated Spanish concept to the UK for the first time. Goddard Littlefair, alongside its food and beverage division Epicurean, created a lively, urban space infused with Andalusian charm and an unmistakable sense of fun.
Light oak flooring, clay-rendered walls, and soft reflective surfaces balance tactile warmth with polished sophistication. Rose-coloured handmade tiles and Bordeaux-red arches nod to the BiBo brand palette, while a school of ceramic fish by Scabetti swims overhead, referencing García’s passion for travel. Polished copper detailing and oversized rattan pendants punctuate the space, culminating in a central bar canopy inspired by a hot air balloon—a whimsical thread connecting BiBo restaurants worldwide.
Whether seated at the tapas counter, dining in the Spanish courtyard under a retractable glass roof, or enjoying a cocktail at the copper-clad island bar, guests are enveloped in a sense of theatre, intimacy, and discovery.
All photography: Mel Yates
Guestrooms: A Fresh Canvas of Texture and Tone
In the guestrooms, Goddard Littlefair embraced a fresh, contemporary palette. Whitewashed brick walls, painterly rugs, and bespoke headboards create a serene backdrop, while sculptural pendant lights and modern artwork nod to the hotel’s creative narrative. Subtle luxury is conveyed through texture—tactile leathers, crisp linens, and hand-finished details—all brought together in a harmonious balance of comfort and expression.
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A New Chapter Begins
Since its striking debut, Mondrian Shoreditch London has become a noteworthy design destination, capturing the imagination of guests and the wider creative community alike. As of 2024, the hotel enters a new chapter, having been rebranded under the Virgin Hotels umbrella. While the name has changed, the soul of the building—its expressive interiors and East London spirit—remains very much alive.
