Qbic, a fledgeling chain of reasonably priced, youthful hotels, has just opened up a branch in London after a successful start in Amsterdam, and we’re happy to welcome the forward-thinking firm to the Brick Lane neighbourhood. Added to a high level of facilities for the money, one of the main selling points of Qbic hotels is the attention to design, which centres on the bedroom units known as Cubis. Made off-site and assembled at the hotel, the attractive and neatly self-contained modules are made up of a bed with a TV optimally positioned at the foot, and a shower unit behind promising enough pressure to remove a tattoo.
The other major areas at Qbic London have been designed by Blacksheep, based around the rooms of a domestic home – kitchen, living room, library etc. (come on you plebs, don’t tell me your house hasn’t got a library) – with a very modern, spry spirit. The agency has also produced some bespoke design items, such as iPad integrated side tables, and signage with a view to incorporating them in the branding of Qbic’s future hotels. It’s nice to see local Whitechapel and Shoreditch small businesses used to supply the hotel where possible, which fosters a sense of community involvement.
