The Derby London City opens, bringing curated British character to the heart of the Square Mile | News
The Derby London City, Curio Collection by Hilton has officially opened in the heart of London’s Square Mile, combining British charm with contemporary sophistication. Inspired by the iconic bowler hat – affectionately called a “Derby” – the hotel’s name nods to a symbol long associated with British style and the city’s banking heritage.
Perfectly located on Great Tower Street, The Derby offers seamless links across the capital, with London’s most iconic landmarks – including the Tower of London and St Paul’s Cathedral – just a stone’s throw away. With 234 carefully designed rooms, including 13 signature suites with stunning views over the city skyline, the hotel offers a sophisticated retreat for both business and leisure travelers.
To celebrate its historic address – 5–10 Great Tower Street – The Derby is introducing a ‘Golden Hour’ daily at 5.10pm, inviting guests to pause and enjoy a cocktail of the day in a relaxed, convivial environment. In a subtle nod to the building’s former life as a bank, guests are welcomed by the Treasury Wall next to the reception desk – a bespoke installation inspired by the area’s financial heritage, with selected compartments occasionally revealing playful surprises for those checking in.
At the heart of the hotel is Rycrofte’s Restaurant, Coffeehouse and Bar, inspired by Sir John Rycrofte, pantry sergeant to Henry VII and Henry VIII, believed to be buried in the adjacent church garden. Overlooking the ruins of St. Dunstan in the East Church Garden, the space reinterprets classic British dishes with a modern twist, offering a rare sense of tranquility next to one of the city’s most atmospheric green spaces.
Guests are also invited to explore Mercer’s Market, a monthly showcase celebrating local artists and craftsmen, inspired by Sir Robert Tate – former Mayor of London and a Freeman of the Mercers’ Company – and the area’s long tradition of trade and craftsmanship.
Additional amenities include a 24-hour gym and two meeting rooms for 10 and 20 guests, suitable for meetings or private dining. For larger gatherings, the hotel also offers a private dining room for up to 30 guests and a function room for up to 70 people, both overlooking St Dunstan in the East Church Garden.
Stephan Croix, vice president, brand management, EMEA, Hilton, said: “The Derby London City is a great example of what guests love about Curio Collection by Hilton: individual hotels with their own sense of place and story. Located in the heart of the Square Mile, the hotel draws on the heritage of the area while offering a contemporary, design-led stay, whether guests are visiting for work, culture or a weekend exploring the city.”
William Hunter, managing director of The Derby London City, said: “We wanted The Derby to feel rooted in the neighbourhood, with thoughtful details and moments that reflect the history of this part of London. From the views over the city skyline to Rycrofte’s overlooking St. Dunstan to the east, it is designed to feel welcoming and relaxed – a place where guests can unwind and experience a different side of the city.”
The Derby London City, Curio Collection by Hilton, is part of Hilton Honors, the award-winning guest loyalty program for Hilton’s 27 world-class hotel brands. Hilton Honors members who book directly through Hilton’s preferred channels have access to immediate benefits, including a flexible payment slider that allows members to choose virtually any combination of points and money to book a stay, an exclusive member discount and free standard Wi-Fi. Members can also enjoy popular digital tools available exclusively through the industry-leading Hilton Honors mobile app. Members can check in, choose and access their room using a digital key, and the Hilton Honors Event Planner program also allows event planners to earn bonus points for qualifying events.
