A week ago I attended a tour to quite a special building site. Dorsett Hospitality International recently acquired the historic Hornsey Town Hall in Crouch End, North London, and is currently transforming the Grade II* listed building into a new aparthotel set to open in the summer of 2023. You had to have a bit of imagination to see the new architecture completed but nevertheless I enjoyed myself and now I look forward to seeing and experiencing the finished product.
Built in 1935, Hornsey Town Hall is a prime example of Art Deco architecture and has been an important cultural and political hub in North London for almost a century. The building was designed by architect Reginald Uren and is considered a landmark of British modernist architecture.
The acquisition of the Hornsey Town Hall represents a significant milestone for Dorsett Hospitality International as it marks the company’s first venture into the UK market. The company has extensive experience in the hospitality industry, with a portfolio of 54 hotels in Asia, Europe, and the Middle East.
The new aparthotel will comprise 130 serviced apartments, each designed to offer guests a comfortable and stylish living space in the heart of Crouch End. The apartments will range in size from studios to one- and two-bedroom units, catering to a variety of guest needs and preferences.
The design of the aparthotel will pay homage to the building’s Art Deco heritage, with a modern twist that reflects the brand’s contemporary style. The interiors will feature a blend of traditional and modern elements, with an emphasis on clean lines, muted colours, and high-quality materials.
The aparthotel will also offer a range of amenities and facilities designed to enhance guests’ stays. These include a fitness centre, a restaurant and bar, a rooftop terrace, and a range of meeting and event spaces.
Fine dining at Melange restaurant in the heart of Crouch End, North London
The development is located at the heart of Crouch End, adjacent to shops and restaurants on a busy high street, while having good transport link to central London. The area is known for its vibrant arts and culture scene, with numerous independent shops, cafes, and restaurants lining the streets.
The listed building overlooks the Town Hall Square; alongside an Art Centre features co-working spaces with a lounge, cinema, assembly hall, recording studios, two restaurants, two cafes, a rooftop bar, available for a vast range of events hosting, such as live music, lectures, conferences, corporate events and exhibitions.
Crouch End is located at north of Finsbury Park, east of Hampstead Heath and Highgate. Being located in the heart of Crouch End is a main advantage point of HTH. It has the village feel combined with London lifestyle, there is substantial range of local eateries, convenience stores and retail on the doorstep.
The Hornsey Town Hall itself has a rich cultural history, having served as a venue for concerts, exhibitions, and political rallies throughout the 20th century. The building’s Great Hall, in particular, is a stunning example of Art Deco design and will be one of the highlights of the aparthotel.
The repurposing of the Hornsey Town Hall into an aparthotel is also a significant milestone for the local community. The building has been vacant since 2011 and its future has been the subject of much debate and controversy over the years. The decision to turn the building into an aparthotel has been met with mixed reactions, with some local residents expressing concern about the impact on the area’s character and heritage.
However, Dorsett Hospitality International has pledged to work closely with the local community to ensure that the aparthotel is a positive addition to the area. The company has already held several public consultations and has committed to preserving the building’s historical features and integrating the aparthotel into the local community.
The Hornsey Town Hall aparthotel is poised to become a landmark destination in its own right, offering guests a unique and memorable stay in one of London’s most vibrant neighbourhoods. With its blend of heritage and modern design, top-notch amenities, and commitment to community engagement, the aparthotel is sure to make a lasting impact on the local hospitality industry.
Queen’s concert at Hornsey Town Hall in 1971
Queen band formation in 1971
The concert took place in the Assembly Hall of the Town Hall, which was a grand and ornate space with high ceilings and a stage at one end. The audience was made up of around 1,000 fans, most of whom were young and eager to see the rising stars of the rock scene. As the lights dimmed and the opening chords of “Procession” began to play, the crowd erupted in cheers and applause.
The band members – Freddie Mercury, Brian May, John Deacon, and Roger Taylor – took the stage, and the energy in the room was electric. Dressed in flamboyant outfits and sporting wild haircuts, they were a sight to behold. Freddie Mercury in particular commanded attention with his powerful voice and charismatic stage presence.
The setlist for the night was a mix of songs from their debut album and some new material that they had been working on. They played “Father to Son,” “Son and Daughter,” “Keep Yourself Alive,” and “Liar” from their first album, as well as “Great King Rat” and “Ogre Battle” from their forthcoming album, Queen II. They also included a cover of the classic rock song “Jailhouse Rock,” which got the crowd dancing and singing along.
One of the highlights of the show was Freddie Mercury’s performance of “Seven Seas of Rhye,” which was to become one of the band’s biggest hits. As he sang the lyrics, he held the audience in the palm of his hand, his voice soaring over the music. The song ended with an extended guitar solo from Brian May, which showcased his incredible skills as a guitarist.
Another standout moment was when the band played “My Fairy King,” a song that was written by Freddie Mercury and had not yet been released. The song was a showcase for his unique vocal range and songwriting abilities, and the audience was in awe of his talent.
As the concert came to a close, the band played their hit song “Keep Yourself Alive” once more, and the audience sang along with every word. The band members took their final bows and left the stage, but the crowd was not ready to let them go. They cheered and clapped until the band returned for an encore, playing “Liar” one more time to the delight of their fans.
The concert at Hornsey Town Hall was a pivotal moment in Queen’s early career. It was one of their first headline shows, and it helped to solidify their reputation as one of the most exciting and innovative bands on the rock scene. It was a night that their fans would never forget, and it marked the beginning of a legendary career that would last for decades.
The concert hall where Queen played their first London gig will be restored to its former glory with the addition of modern technology
The Queen concert at Hornsey Town Hall in Crouch End, North London was a momentous occasion for both the band and their fans. It showcased their incredible musical talents, their charismatic stage presence, and their boundless energy. It was a night that would go down in history as one of the greatest performances by one of the greatest rock bands of all time.
Transportation:
- London City Airport (40 mins drive)
- London Heathrow Airport (45 mins drive)
- London Luton Airport (47 mins drive)
- London Stansted Airport (53 mins drive)
- London Underground (within 12 mins by bus)
The W7 bus to Finsbury Park is located on the doorstep of the development with buses to Finsbury Park Station (Zone 2), which leave every few minutes and run for 24-hour during the weekend. Finsbury Park Station is serviced by Victoria and Piccadilly lines, with direct access to central London within minutes.
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