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, blending British charm with contemporary sophistication. Inspired by the iconic bowler hat – affectionately known as a “Derby” – the hotel’s name nods to a symbol long associated with British style and the City’s banking heritage.
Perfectly placed on Great Tower Street, The Derby enjoys seamless connections across the capital, with London’s most iconic landmarks – including the Tower of London and St Paul’s Cathedral – just moments away. With 234 thoughtfully designed rooms, including 13 signature suites offering sweeping views across the City skyline, the hotel offers a refined sanctuary for both business and leisure travellers.
Marking its historic address – 5–10 Great Tower Street – The Derby introduces a daily ‘Golden Hour’ at 5:10 p.m., inviting guests to pause and enjoy a cocktail of the day in a relaxed, sociable setting. As a subtle nod to the building’s former life as a bank, guests are welcomed by the Treasury Wall beside reception – a bespoke installation inspired by the area’s financial heritage, with select 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, Sergeant of the larder to Henry VII and Henry VIII, believed to be buried in the neighbouring 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 calm beside 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 artisans, inspired by Sir Robert Tate – former Lord 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 boardrooms accommodating 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 an event space for up to 70, 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. Set in the heart of the Square Mile, the hotel draws on the area’s heritage while offering a contemporary, design-led stay, whether guests are visiting for work, culture or a weekend exploring the city.”
William Hunter, general manager, The Derby London City, said, “We wanted The Derby to feel rooted in its neighbourhood, with thoughtful details and moments that reflect the history of this part of London. From the views across the City skyline to Rycrofte’s overlooking St Dunstan in the East, it’s designed to feel welcoming and relaxed – a place where guests can slow down 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 preferred Hilton channels have access to instant benefits, including a flexible payment slider that allows members to choose nearly any combination of Points and money to book a stay, an exclusive member discount and free standard Wi-Fi. Members also enjoy popular digital tools available exclusively through the industry-leading Hilton Honors mobile app. Members can check in, choose their room, and access it using a Digital Key, and with the Hilton Honors Event Planner program, event planners can also earn Bonus Points for qualifying events.
