East London’s New Utopian Hideaway

Words Vidula KotianDate 17 September 2025

Opening this month, Sir Devonshire Square lands in the heart of Spitalfields with a spirit as eclectic as the neighborhood itself—wedged between a buzzing market to the east and the steel-and-glass towers of the City to the west. Inside, though, it’s all warmth: wistful lounges, plant-filled corners, and a laid-back rhythm that makes you want to linger.

The story begins in 1768, when Devonshire Square was built to store silk and textiles. Centuries later, Maison191, the East London design studio led by Samuel Wright, has reimagined the building with a design narrative he calls, “re-defining a vision of utopia.” Think post-warehouse living, where light and texture transform industrial bones into something softer and more soulful.

Timber louvres now filter dappled light across the glasshouse bar; oversized fireplaces stretch upward in textured plaster, sculpting cosy gathering spots. Planters wrapped in handmade glazed tiles echo the colors of London’s tube stations, bringing a playful wink to the space. “We wanted to create vignettes—framed moments that offer varied experiences within a single space,” Samuel says. Every turn offers something new: a staircase that teases views of the lounge, glass panels that half-hide the bar and lounge, corners that spark curiosity.

The mood is ever-shifting. The library doubles as a hidden bar and performance nook. The lounge flows easily from daytime calm to a late-night party. The bar and lounge evolves from relaxed daytime suppers to DJ-fueled nights, featuring a modern club menu of seasonal, locally sourced sharing plates—grilled à la minute—paired with signature cocktails and a curated wine list.

Upstairs, guest rooms weave the story forward. Curtains in bold woven patterns set the tone, while a palette of tactile fabrics, oak and walnut, and natural textures balance raw with refined. It’s utopian design in the most joyful sense—accessible, playful, and always inviting.