Being a South London Boy living in Manchester, it’s always nice to get back in the Capital for a weekend or two, especially when my childhood team are playing at Wembly in the FA Cup Semi Final.

Of course, having the Wembly arch lit up in my teams colours just enhanced the weekend no end. This blog however isn’t about football so I’ll leave that there.

On this occasion, I was staying at the ACE hotel in Shoreditch. A trendy hotel which is part of a small chain. Found in a number of American destinations, the brand is artistic, relaxed but above all, they offer an enhanced level of customer service through their friendly, rather than pretentious culture.

On arrival, the check in area looked more like an upmarket nightclubs cloakroom, but with an open area filled with young media types on their macs.

Check in was swift, friendly and you somehow immediately felt like a member of a community, rather than just checking into somewhere for the night.

On arrival I was welcomed by a note welcoming me to the hotel and to top it off, some local Camden Beers.. result.

The rooms themselves more resemble a students room rather that a hotel, obviously without the unwashed stench and litter. A well stocked ‘Mini Bar’ offered beers, water, paracetamol and even a Pot Noodle!!

The wall was decorated with a hand painted Disco Ball and hand written phrases that once again make you feel like your staying in someone’s spare room, rather than a hotel. This funnily makes you feel more relaxed and at ease. I have to say, I loved it!

The novelty however did not end with Pot Noodles..  the bathroom was luxurious in style, the tissue box cover however was made with what I can only assume was recycled denim and just shouted Hip, Trendy and Fun as well as being great with regards to being environmentally friendly… why print out a card  about Towels when you can be humorous and artistic at the same time.

Once the football had been watched at what I can only describe as a Latin Bar opposite (Ahem we are in the finals I might add 😉 ) It was time for some food. As a lover of Spanish Tapas, the decision was to try Tramontana, part of the Brindisa brand.

The decor was typically Spanish Tapas and I loved that you could watch all the food being prepared and cooked fresh as it was ordered.

As mentioned in previous blogs, and mirrored in a  recent blog from The Guardian, a true test of a good Spanish Tapas has top be there Jamon Platters. Thankfully the Iberico here was hand carved, melt in the mouth and packed full of flavor, the perfect accompaniment to a full bodied red

Croquettas where also amazing, perfectly golden and bursting with Cheese and Ham.