The Zetter Hotel, Clerkenwell, London

You're in the heart of creative Clerkenwell, on the corner of a quiet leafy square. You're primely-placed to explore the eateries of pedestrianised Exmouth Market. Nose-to-tail restaurant St John is a five-minute walk away.

Farringdon station is not far from the hotel, with connections to Brighton and Bedford.

By car: under 4 hourd 30 minutes from Manchester, 2 hours 45 minutes from Birmingham and 1 hour 30 minutes from Cambridge. Paid parking available nearby.

By train: Farringdon station is a 7-minute walk. Liverpool Street is a 15-minute taxi ride. Book trains to London.

There's a colourful, contemporary boutique feel from the minute you walk through the doors. The bijou reception area leads to a playfully-painted mural that covers the wall by the lifts, and the desk is wood-panelled and curved with occasional neon stripes. The bar area has plush velvet seats, and the restaurant has floor-to-ceiling windows.

The service is friendly and efficient - helped by the option to check in online before arrival and to check out digitally on departure. There's no swimming pool or gym, but you can rent bikes to explore the local area - and staff are happy to help.

• Restaurant
• Bar
• Terrace
• Free Wi-Fi

Rooms are simple yet stylish. Some are small, yet all have statement furniture or design features - such as a botanical print wall panel or corduroy bean bag. Rooms aren't equipped with tea and coffee-making facilities, but these can be found in a shared kitchenette on each floor. Opt for a room with a roof terrace and enjoy a soak in the outdoor bath tub.

Room types: Club, Deluxe, The Rooftops

Key amenities: ensuite bathroom with toiletries, luxury bathrobes and slippers, TV, free Wi-Fi

The Zetter restaurant serves a modern British menu of seasonal produce. Breakfasts are all made to order with exciting options such as halloumi, apricot harissa, avocado and poached eggs. We loved the pressed apple with elderberry sorbet and hazelnut crumb, while other interesting dishes include the starter of roast quail with parsnip puree, golden beetroot and nasturtium and the venison with butternut squash, potato puree, parmesan crust and truffle for mains.

Zetter restaurant: modern British dining. Open Mon-Fri for dinner, weekends for breakfast, brunch, lunch and dinner. Mains from £13.50.