One of the perks of our jobs as Events Professionals is access to new and exciting venues and restaurants. We get the sneak previews and exclusive insights ahead of the curve, and our recent tour of M by Montcalm proved to be an exciting peak into the new technology focussed hotel in Shoreditch.
The Montcalm group currently owns three hotels. Two are more traditional properties ( Marble Arch and Montcalm at the Brewery), and the third is the shiny, new and technology focussed M by Montcalm in Shoreditch. There is set to be a fourth in Finsbury Square by next year; but we are here to talk about M today!
We were met in the lobby with a warm smile by our host for the night and a seamless trip to the concierge to stow our bags. As we walked through the lobby we were struck by the clean lines, quirky lighting and intricate features, such as a swirled, mirror mosaic sculpture above our heads. The building is predominantly a corporate hotel, lined with glass panels to expose the hustle and bustle of London outside; however the injection of teals and burnt orange on the mismatched arm chairs in the lobby instantly creates a warm and welcoming ambience, which is rarely done so stylishly.
A quick glass of champagne at the Tonic and Remedy Bar, owned by Searcy’s and we were lead to the lifts to explore the Conference space on offer. The Conference facilities boast an exclusive area fitted with plush carpet and reception and cloakroom facilities. The space is corporate, yet surprisingly versatile due to substantial screens that can fold out or away depending on your requirements; leaving you with 6 breakout rooms should you need them. As a horse shoe shape, the space could be difficult for larger numbers, but provision of Audio Visual Equipment could combat such an issue. Alternatively, it is a great space to host smaller presentations with access to two smaller breakout rooms, as it was configured for our tour. The modern lighting and minimalistic furniture are all very much in keeping with the technological vibe of the place, enhanced more on our journey through the hotel as we were lead through slate grey corridors with sharp, modern strip lighting slicing through the walls to lead the way to the bedrooms.
With three bedroom sizes on offer, we were shown the Double Deluxe and Club Room to get a feel for the quality of stay that any guest may have. The Double Deluxe is the smaller of the three room types, yet still a substantially sized room. The first thing you notice about these rooms, is the electronic system on the outside, that can be programmed to invite or decline room service, and other requests, yet another nod to the technological quirks of the venue. With electronic keys you enter the rooms to be greeted by a pleasing scent – one of five that can be requested for your stay. This room hosted a fresh, pine scent that welcomed us with a large double bed opposite a grand, high tech television mounted on the wall. The television can be connected to all manner of laptops and electrical appliances to enable business men and women to rehearse presentations, finish up projects, or simply relax on the sumptuous double bed and immerse themselves in something other than work..! The functions of the room such as the blinds, television and lighting are controlled by installed Ipads by the beds, and guests can choose various lighting options such as warm ambers, stark blues or hot reds; a function that may not serve a huge purpose, but is none the less very cool. Cleverly concealed within the black, built in wardrobes is a modern nespresso machine, and a pull out drawer of treats and snacks. Chocolate raisins, chilli crackers and various other treats are stowed in mini jars, nestled amongst posh crisps, boutique sweets and fancy biscuits. Below still in this little treasure chest of treats, is a fully stocked mini bar. There really is no need to leave your bedroom for your stay if you don’t wish to….but then you would really be missing out on a great part of London.
After having experienced the dark and high tech bedrooms for long enough it was dinner time, and our opportunity to discover the culinary delights of Searcy’s Tonic and Remedy was fast approaching. The theme of modern yet welcoming continued, with glass windows and large cushioned arm chairs in teal and burnt orange running through to the restaurant, with interesting exposed bulbs as features and a bar decorated with various herbs and ingredients to tie in with the namesake. The Cocktail list presented various unusual flavour combinations, making use of herbs, spices and flowers to twist classics and offer alternative flavour combinations, but due to the drizzle outside, we opted for a warm, full bodied red to enjoy with our food. The waitresses were attentive and patient as we pondered long and hard over our menus! For starters; sweetcorn popcorn, caesar salad croquettes, octopus and spelt and G&T cured smoked Salmon soon littered the table. The food is presented elegantly, on rustic style plates which are pleasantly juxtaposed with the setting. The Salmon was fresh and clean, with smooth and creamy pureed cucumber tying the elements together. For main courses, we decided to pair our bold red wine with steaks and ox burgers. The meat was tender and flavoursome, served alongside rich and smoky bone marrow, a silky jus and salty rosemary fries. Although really too full to manage much more the team shared a fresh and light dessert of peaches, raspberry sorbet and thyme meringue. The perfect sweet hit to end a gloriously rich and deeply satisfying dinner. Fresh mint tea served in charming iron tea pots and prettily patterned hot chocolates ended the meal as conversation turned to returning out into the night to return home.
For a girl who is usually particularly underwhelmed by corporate hotels, I have to admit that M by Montcalm impressed. It is corporate, there is no doubt about it, but their styling, attention to detail and play on technological features gives it quirk and substance. It’s a playful hotel, supported by warm hospitality and intricate features and just simply delicious food. The hotel is confident in what it is, and does what it does very well. It’s exciting to know they are opening another restaurant on their 17th floor that will also act as an event space. I cannot wait to return and and enable our clients to experience more of what the Montcalm group can offer on top of their already very stylish and exciting venue. Watch this space!
To see more amazing London venues visit our venue page here.
Evolve Events offer a free venue finding service – to find out more visit our Venues page here.