Boutique hotel and private members club Aethos is opening its doors for the first time in the UK, taking residence within the heart of Shoreditch.
Photography courtesy of Astet, showcasing the entrance to Aethos London with interiors designed by Astet Studio
Words by Roddy Clarke
Centred on connection, creativity and community, global members club Aethos has built up a vast audience of admirers across Europe and is now turning its attention to London, opening the doors to its first UK venue this coming week in the vibrant urban landscape of Shoreditch. Taking residence in a building that was originally conceived as the Nobu Hotel Shoreditch in 2017, the interiors of venue have been designed by Barcelona-based multidisciplinary design practice Astet.
Intended for curious minds and culture lovers who want to experience cities in a personal way while finding moments of connection, Aethos is looking to bring a new approach to the premise of exclusive members clubs, an offering London is certainly no stranger to. In bringing audiences from all over the world and drawing on its experience in other locations such as Sardinia, Mallorca and Milan, it looks to offer a cultural exchange that feels ‘less velvet rope and more open invitation’.
Photography courtesy of Astet, Astet have overseen the interior design of each space including the restaurant which includes natural textures and warm tones inspired by the heritage and urban landscape of Shoreditch
Alongside the design-led facilities that include 164 guest rooms, a boutique spa, a high-performance training studio and a unique Japanese dining concept, members can also take part in a host of exclusive experiences, immersing them directly within the buzz and energy of Shoreditch. From art tours to city farm field trips and intimate Omakase dinners with top chefs, each experience will reflect the energy of the neighbourhood, a key mission of the team behind the brand. ‘The best kind of hospitality doesn’t just serve people, it brings them together,’ says Benjamin Habbel, its Co-Founder and CEO. ‘We’re creating a space that feels alive, local and deeply personal.’
Photography courtesy of Astet, alongside 164 guest rooms, Aethos London offers spaces such as this library, a boutique spa and high-performance training studio
When planning the interior renovation of the existing hotel, architects Ala Zreigat and Oscar Engroba, the creative duo behind Astet, say they drew stimulus from the urban landscape and industrial heritage of Shoreditch. Enhancing its connection to the local area, the space is embedded with layers of storytelling thanks to considered material selection and craft-led details created in partnership with local makers and artisans.
‘Our aim was to reinterpret the boldness of the original building, through a design that feels both human and narrative driven,’ explains Zreigat. ‘Shoreditch is a neighbourhood where heritage meets rebellion, where rawness and refinement coexist, and we wanted the hotel to embody that duality.’ With the combination of terracotta, brushed metals and natural wood finishes enhancing the immersive experience of the hotel interior, the team say every detail and transition was chosen to create an atmosphere deeply rooted in its context yet emotionally engaging. ‘The result is a place of connection,’ Zreigat continues, ‘rewriting the narrative of luxury as something slower, more mindful and attuned to its surroundings.’
Photography courtesy of Astet showcasing the curated interior spaces that include handcrafted furniture and design features created in partnership with local artisans and makers
Overseeing every aspect of the design across the expansive venue and all its facilties, Astet has created a cohesive ambiance while allowing each area to have its own visual identity. Recurring materials feature throughout while a well-considered lighting scheme enhances a sense of continuity. Going beyond its interiors, the brand is also bringing a playful touch to the streets, inviting Londoners into its world through an interactive billboard campaign. Each day, a cryptic message will appear on Shoreditch High Street, inviting passers-by to decode a puzzle that leads them to a hidden Aethos moment in the area.
Photography courtesy of Astet, a small retail space will also allow visitors to Shoreditch to engage with the brand and experience the beauty of the interior spaces conceived by Astet
Hoping to present an experience that feels a little different, especially as these daily prompts unlock new encounters for the Shoreditch community from dinner parties to exclusive pop-ups and collaborations, could this hail a new era for the sector that feels more open and inclusive? In driving connection to the local area and leading with a community-led approach, we look forward to seeing the development of Aethos here in London, especially in a world that needs connection more than ever. Let’s hope it provides a space for strangers to meet, bonds to form and lifelong memories to be made.
Aethos opens its doors on September 29th, 2025, with full member spaces to be completed by the end of 2025.
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