Home meets hotel
All images courtesy of Locke Living
by Ellis Cochrane
Following the successful June 2021 launch of the 160-apartment Zanzibar Locke in Dublin’s Temple Bar by the Ha’penny Bridge, Beckett Locke in the heart of the Docklands marks the hybrid hospitality brand’s second property in the Irish capital.
Tucked behind the 3Arena, the 241-studio Beckett Locke aparthotel also features a neighbourhood co-working space, artisan coffee shop, restaurant and intimate cocktail bar, as well as meeting and event space for up to 100 people.
The interiors of Beckett Locke take their cue from Dublin’s maritime history and the deep industrial heritage of the Docklands area. Black steel, exposed concrete and rust-coloured soft furnishings evoke and enhance the local narrative.
The layout of the social spaces is also inspired by a traditional Docklands market hall, all set around a central glass atrium and consisting of various co-working areas and the selection of eating and drinking spots.
When asked why a second Dublin location was a priority for the brand, Eric Jafari, Chief Development Officer and Creative Director at Locke’s parent company edyn, states;
“Dublin has always been an important city for us, and we’re fortunate to have two distinctive locations, in two very different areas of Dublin. Our first opening in the capital, Zanzibar Locke, is located in the heart of Temple Bar in a former nightclub, which has been sensitively restored to celebrate the building’s Georgian heritage and nod to Dublin’s rich culture and history. Meanwhile Beckett Locke is located in the new, and rapidly expanding Docklands area—as such, it offers an entirely different experience and vantage point of the city.”
Locke’s trademark ‘home-meets-hotel’ or apart-hotel concept has proven popular among guests seeking accommodation for a night or a more longterm stay.
“The flexibility of Locke’s home-meets-hotel format appeals to a broad range of travellers that are united through their passions and interests as opposed to demographics. Our typical guest is culturally curious, socially connected and enjoys discovering new things—whether they’re staying for business or pleasure, for a night, a month or longer,” Eric confirms.
While many traditional hotel rooms consist mainly of a bedroom and adjoining bathroom, following the pandemic, the way in which we travel and spend time while travelling has changed and Locke’s hybrid structure matches this more closely.
Each Locke apartment includes a fully-fitted kitchen; adaptable living areas where guests can dine or work; ample storage; and the comfort and space of home.
“With the increase in demand for extended stays, our alternative to the traditional hotel has never felt more relevant. After successfully opening six new Locke locations across London, Munich, Dublin and Cambridge in 2021, it has been hugely rewarding to see Locke evolve from a new arrival to a major player in the hospitality space during the pandemic.”
Beckett Locke will also host an evolving cultural activation programme that will see local creatives, brands and businesses invited to host talks, workshops and events.
“Locke is about championing the neighbourhoods and communities in which they are situated, and the aim is to establish Beckett Locke as a cultural destination where guests and locals alike can learn something new,” Eric affirms.
Locke will be expanding further into Europe in 2022 with two new German openings, WunderLocke in Munich and Locke at East Side Gallery in Berlin.
These properties will “push the boundaries for us, from their scale, design, and unique local partnerships, but we are looking forward to establishing Locke in cities throughout Europe in the coming years.”