Hotel review: The Shipquay

I travelled in September and stayed in Waterloo room, a premium double which costs £100 B&B.

The Shipquay Boutique Hotel overview

One of the newer boutique hotels on the block, The Shipquay has already made a great name. A stone’s throw from the must-see sights of Derry-Londonderry such as the city walls and famed Guildhall, staying at the Shipquay also means you are walking distance to the local fun and friendly shopping, social and arts scene.

I was very grateful to the receptionist for her fantastic suggestions of where to visit and pubs to drink in; a locals’ advice never goes amiss, and the staff could not have been friendlier. If you wanted to stay in the hotels’ bar their ‘Lock & Quay’ bar has a great atmosphere to sip on a cocktail, craft beer or whatever you fancy.

Décor and vibe

The heritage of the imposing townhouse period building dates back to 1895 when it was built for the Provincial Bank of Ireland. As you approach the white painted flawless building which is clearly architecturally old, it has a fresh and modern feel which carries on inside. The reception adorned with modish ceiling lights, lattice woodwork patterned walls and cool grey stone floor is refreshingly welcoming and sets the tone for the rest of the hotel.

Services and facilities

• Room service

Rooms

Whilst a listed building all 21 rooms are far from stuffy, they are bright and modern with a palette of white and grey. The views overlooking the busy Shipquay Street boasting some of the best shops, pubs and restaurants in the area, mean you can be part of the bustling scene whilst in the oasis of your comfortable and contemporary room.

The beds are exceptionally comfortable and the grey soft furnished headboards and subtle patterned wallpaper as the bed’s backdrop add a cosy warmth.

Food and drink

The food offering like the décor evokes contemporary with a twist. Expect local ingredients to star, for example Donegal seafood risotto start and never-fails-to-impress Irish Hereford prime beef steaks for a main, with plenty of healthy and vegan options such as a nourishing superfood salad or falafel fitters with smoked tahini sauce and a spinach, kale and walnut pesto.

The wine list is extensive and well priced. They are known for their bottomless brunch offerings and pre-theatre fixed menus. The breakfast menu is decent with freshly squeezed orange juice on offer and when I stayed the staff were giving guests a glass of bubbly if desired. I was delighted to see the renowned Clonakilty Black pudding was available as well as fresh fruit salad for a bit of balance!

More information

For more information and bookings, visit the hotel website at shipquayhotel.com