What was once a 17th-century warehouse owned by the East India Company and used for storing bolts of silk is now a design-led hotel, bang on the border between the City of London and east London -- Spitalfields is round the corner and Liverpool Street within easy walking distance. In an office-focused courtyard -- a big WeWork is opposite -- this ever-changing area is humming with activity (though the offices do look remarkably quiet, like plant-filled film sets). Part of the Sircle Collection, which has outposts in Amsterdam, Prague, Milan, Barcelona and Berlin, this is the UK's first Sir. It's the perfect setting from which to peer into neighbouring workers' windows; some rooms even have window seats made for gazing. At the moment, there's building work going on next door, but it is unlikely to disturb your sleep.

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Score 8/10

There are 81 rooms, 14 of which are suites, and they all have a 1970s flavour, reflecting the history of Devonshire Square, which was redeveloped from being a series of warehouses to a series of offices during that decade. Thoughtful interiors are by the design studio Maison191. The colour palette is big on fashionable rust red, which lines the corridors, where there's also a dizzying Bridget Riley-style carpet. Rooms feature sage or burgundy and cream walls and fabulous woven curtains in strips of brown, black, cream and khaki, referencing the work of the textile designer Anni Albers. From the pleasing curve of the wall-hung bedside tables to smooth-edged bedheads and 400-thread count sheets: this is bliss. Bathrooms are awash with white marble and glossy soldier tiles and feature Zenology toiletries made in Amsterdam. Espresso machines and filtered water come as standard. The suites have minibars with ginger shots, Twix Xtras and ready-made negronis by Lockdown Liquor & Co.

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Score 6/10

The restaurant is due to open early next year but in the meantime guests can order from a small menu in the Lobby Bar, accessed via a mirror-tiled arch from reception. This is a wood-panelled, relaxed zone where the evening atmosphere has not yet arrived. It's quiet, though the cocktails and dishes are good. There's chicken and chips (crispy), croquettes (ditto) and salads. Most of the seating is low, making it a better space for coffee and laptopping or reading than eating. Breakfast is served here, with great coffee by Dalston-based AllPress, a selection of pastries and toast and bowls including a chia coconut pudding.

A programme of events will include live music and art panels -- art exhibits will change every six months. A members' club is to open on the first floor with a gym and yoga studio. The concierge can set up local experiences, including the chance to join a chess club.

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Score 8/10

This is an area rich with history and full of energy: lively Brick Lane and the Truman Brewery, plus Spitalfields Market and Columbia Road flower market are within easy reach. There is also the Gilbert & George Centre, devoted to the raw emotion of their art, and Dennis Severs' House, an ode to 18th-century style. Handsome Leadenhall Market, which roars with the gilet-wearing City set on weekday evenings, is a ten-minute walk away. It's only 20 minutes on foot to the Tower of London and a little further to buzzing Borough Market. Absolutely impossible to be bored.

Price Room-only doubles from £183

Restaurant Mains from £18

Family-friendly Y

Dog-friendly Y

Accessible Y

Jenny Coad was a guest of Sir Devonshire Square, which has room-only doubles from £183 (sirhotels.com)

The new east London hotel that goes big on 1970s style