The Former Magistrates Court Turned Stylish West End Stay

The Courthouse Hotel London sits on Great Marlborough Street, right in the heart of Soho, opposite Liberty’s and moments from Carnaby Street.  Its location gives it instant appeal, but the building’s past gives it depth.

Once the Great Marlborough Street Magistrates Court, it was the backdrop for some of Britain’s most famous cases: John Lennon appeared here in 1970 over the sale of explicit lithographs; Mick Jagger defended himself against cannabis allegations; Keith Richards was fined for possession of drugs and unlicensed firearms; and Oscar Wilde’s Queensbury case began within these walls. The hotel has preserved that history with care, allowing its past to colour its present.

Walking in, you still feel the echo of its former life. I remember visiting many years ago when it was still a functioning court.  The smell, the hush, the sense of drama. Much of that atmosphere remains. Original Robert Adams fireplaces grace some of the suites, and iron bars still separate the lobby lounge from the bar, a subtle nod to the building’s judicial heritage. The décor blends deep colours, polished surfaces and preserved architectural features, creating a mood that is both sophisticated and slightly theatrical.

There are 116 rooms, including suites and a penthouse, each shaped around the building’s listed structure. I stayed in a Deluxe King room on the first floor, which came with a comfortable sofa and desk, a welcome touch for business travellers. The palette leaned dark, with brown, blue and gold tones that felt moody rather than bright. The bathroom was stocked with Skin Essentials, though my robe had certainly seen better days. A quick call to reception fixed that instantly, replaced with a soft, fluffy one that made all the difference.

One of the hotel’s most distinctive features is its private cinema, one of the largest in central London. Seating 100 people in mauve leather chairs with armrests and fold‑out tables, the room is dressed in rich aubergine carpet and suede walls for a plush, cocooned feel. It’s equipped with a professional digital projection system and Dolby 7.1 surround sound, making it ideal for screenings, launches, presentations and private events.

The bar remains a highlight, with three private tables set inside the original holding cells — thick doors, heavy walls and all — creating one of the most atmospheric drinking spots in Soho. The restaurant, Silk, occupies the old Number One Court, where the judge’s bench, witness stand and dock remain in place, giving dinner an extraordinary sense of theatre.

Upstairs, a private roof terrace offers views across the London skyline and directly over Liberty’s iconic façade. The Lumi Spa is calm and contemporary, offering treatments, an indoor pool and a welcome retreat from Soho’s energy. For business travellers, the hotel also offers five MICE spaces, making it a practical choice for meetings and events.

Then there’s the location, one of the strongest reasons to stay. You’re minutes from the West End, with theatres, restaurants and late‑night Soho energy right on your doorstep. For anyone combining business with a night at the theatre, or simply wanting to be in the thick of London’s cultural heart, the Courthouse Hotel couldn’t be more convenient.

This hotel is a rare blend of heritage and hospitality, a place where London’s cultural history meets modern comfort. It’s atmospheric, memorable and full of stories, and staying here feels like stepping into a piece of Soho’s past while enjoying every convenience of the present.