Zanzibar Locke, Dublin

TRIED AND TESTED APARTMENT

- Hannah Brandler

BACKGROUND Open since June 2021, this marked the first outpost outside of the UK for the design-focused aparthotel brand Locke, which is part of the Edyn group. The aparthotel occupies four Georgian townhouses on the site of a former nightclub, to which it owes its name.

WHERE IS IT? On Ormond Quay Lower facing the River Liffey and the pedestrianised Ha'penny Bridge. It's a stone's throw from the Temple Bar area.

WHAT'S IT LIKE? The hotel has a Georgian brick façade that's typical of the quay, with large windows that look into the café and restaurant. The entrance is via a large gate on the right-hand side, which takes you into a covered walkway.

The building has been restored and developed by Dublin-based interior design studio O'Donnell O'Neil Design and C+W O'Brien Architects, and preserves the original character of the building exposed brick walls and beautiful arched windows - while also introducing contemporary artwork, custom-made furniture and greenery. There are nods to Ireland throughout - bright key cards, by Dublin-based illustrator Claire Prouvost, include the phrase glac do shaunmhmeas (take it easy.) The ground floor is home to a leafy conservatory-style reception, which includes lounge-style seating, a café and co-working space, restaurant Baraza and an open-air courtyard.