Clink Hostels

Clink Hostels have two locations in London's King's Cross area. Clink261 is a cosy, boutique hostel and Clink78 is in a renovated 200 year old courthouse. (It's in the old Clerkenwell Magistrates' Court.)

Clink Hostels are pretty trendy and not like other backpacker hostels as they focus on modern facilities and pod beds. They once described themselves as the "Tate Modern of hostels".

This is the converted courthouse location and is a stunning building with great facilities, including the large communal kitchen and the basement Clash Bar which has plenty of entertainment on offer.

Charles Dickens was a court scribe here when it was a Magistrates' Court so there are quotes from his works painted high on the walls adding a more contemporary touch to a heritage building. It is said that from seeing court cases here he was inspired to write Oliver Twist.

There are two court rooms on the ground floor which are used by residents for social time. One is an internet cafe and the other is a TV room but the courtroom furniture is still there so the judge's seat is a popular spot.

The front of the building, lobby and six prison cells are English Heritage Grade II listed. The lobby has a marble floor and a stained glass ceiling, with King George's initials. The six cells can accommodate two people in each with a bunk bed from £50 a night. The cells are not en-suite but they are certainly some of the quirkiest guest rooms in town.

There are dormitories for different group sizes. Staying in a dorm for 12 people gets you the best rate from £10 a night each. The pod beds are on a type of scaffolding frame so you sleep in a row on the top or bottom bunk. While there's a half barrier to stop you seeing the person next to you when lying down, I was concerned your feet could still be tickled by a sleeping stranger in the night. Each bed has a private light and a lockable safe (do bring your own lock).

Dorms for six people are from £20 each per night and, with a private bathroom, would make a good option for families with more than two children, who often have a hard time finding accommodation in a city.

There is 24-hour housekeeping, and bedding is provided and kept at Reception. If you stay in a dorm you need to pay extra to rent a towel but these are included for cell-dwellers. I did note the mattresses are pretty thin but many backpackers travel with their own mattress toppers these days.

The basement Clash Bar took its name from a famous pigeon shooting incident when the band were fined for shooting three pigeons with an air rifle thinking they were ordinary birds but it was discovered they were in fact expensive racing pigeons. The court case happened at this courthouse so the band decided to partly film the video for Rudeboy outside the courthouse.

Clink78: Kings Cross Road, London WC1X 9QG

Ashlee House was one of London's most well-established independent backpacker youth hostels. It has now been refurbished, given a new name and has linked up with Clink78, which is just around the corner. It's more cosy and intimate here and there's a popular fireplace to hang out when sharing travel tales.

Clink261: 261-265 Gray's Inn Road, London WC1X 8QT

Telephone For Both Locations: 020 7183 9400

Email: info@clinkhostels.com

Official Website: www.clinkhostels.com

Clink Hostels are included in the Best Youth Hostels in London.