The Church Street Hotel

A mad splash of Mexican modernism in south London, bringing a welcome street vibe to the capital's hotel scene

It’s not often you bump into Frida Kahlo in Camberwell. But there she is, gazing down from a wall in our gloriously margarita-green room at the Church Street Hotel. Camberwell is in south London - we feel like we're in Guadalajara. Actually, the bright, intricate tiles in our bathroom are from there, and all about are other Mexican treasures, from beaded crosses to señorita dolls to Day of the Dead dancing skeletons. Spanish brothers Jose and Mel have taken a rundown guesthouse and turned it into a boho city casita, where walls are the colour of a tequila sunrise and the friendly Mauritian receptionist sits behind a church altar. A beige boutique hotel in Kensington this ain’t.

But that's the Church Street charm - it’s arty, funky and fun, just like the neighbourhood. You can be in central London in 20 minutes if you want, but stick around and check out the local galleries, markets and pubs, then feast on tapas at the wonderful restaurant. DJs from the nearby Brixton club scene stay here and music types always know what's got a groove.

Highs

• Vibrant Mex-chic design, scattered with colourful icons and stained glass paintings
• Brightly hued, freshly kept bedrooms, properly triple-glazed to keep out traffic noise
• Sophisticated touches like a 24-hour honesty bar, free tea and coffee, a decent DVD selection and grown-up books by the beds
• The edgy location gives a feel of real 'Sarf' London (but with excellent bus connections to the sights and centre)
• The hotel's divine tapas joint, Angels & Gypsies, is a local institution, serving rustic Spanish food using seasonal British ingredients

Lows

• Situated on a busy south London street, it might not be ideal for those who don't like to lose sight of Harrods
• No large lobby or lounge; the breakfast room has one leather sofa and a few chairs, and the eclectic reception area is small
• It's not a dangerous neighbourhood, but if you manage to convince a black cab to drop you here, the driver will no doubt tell you it is!