As the Thames catches the last light and Canary Wharf’s towers begin to glow, Locke London Canary Wharf settles into its surroundings with a distinctly different kind of confidence. Spread across 19 waterfront floors, the 279-room hotel looks to the 1960s—not for nostalgia, but for the era’s effortless social energy, when work, leisure, and nightlife seemed to belong to the same glamorous rhythm.
Designed by award-winning studio Holloway Li, the hotel offers a softer interpretation of luxury, one built around comfort, character, and spaces that feel instinctively sociable. The inspiration comes from the cinematic world of *Mad Men*, but the result is far removed from a period recreation. Instead, the designers have distilled the decade’s self-assurance into a contemporary interior where Mid-Century references, tactile materials, generous proportions, and London views create an atmosphere that feels both polished and relaxed.
The concept, described by Holloway Li as “Cinematic Everyday,” is particularly apparent in the hotel’s oversized sofa corners. More than decorative gestures, these inviting spaces encourage guests to linger, work, read, or simply watch the city move beyond the windows. The interiors are designed to adapt throughout the day, allowing a studio or suite to shift naturally from private retreat to workspace and social setting.
That flexibility is central to Locke’s approach to hospitality. Studios and larger suites combine the ease of a residential environment with the refinement expected of a design-led hotel, while many rooms open onto sweeping views of the Thames and London skyline. Throughout the property, carefully selected furnishings and rich materials bring a sense of understated glamour without tipping into formality.
Downstairs, a café and communal spaces give the hotel a lively pulse, while the waterfront location places guests within easy reach of Wood Wharf’s restaurants and bars, Jubilee Park, and the area’s public art trail. The social character will rise even higher in September, when Locke’s first London rooftop restaurant and bar opens, offering panoramic views across the capital.
Locke London Canary Wharf ultimately channels the spirit of the 1960s without becoming trapped in it.
Interior
Holloway Li
Design
custom made, Tacchini, Pierre Frey, Pierre Jeanneret, Holloway Li in collaboration with Modersia
