Few places in Shoreditch blend style, sustainability, and soul quite like Hart Shoreditch. At the helm is Lina Zakzeckyte, whose approach to leadership is rooted in care, creativity, and community. Whether collaborating with local artists or championing sustainable practices, Lina is shaping a space that feels alive and intentional. We caught up with her to talk about the hotel’s evolution, the team’s longevity, and why Hart is more than just a place to stay.
Six years in, what has been your proudest achievement as General Manager?
Honestly, it’s the people. Watching our team grow together, support each other, and bring so much heart into the space, we’ve built something real here. Many of the team have been with us since day one and seeing their journeys here at Hart and watching them grow is what I’m most proud of.
How has the hotel’s mission evolved since it first opened?
We opened before the pandemic, so naturally we had to adapt quickly. But at its core, our mission has always been about creating something genuine, offering a place where people feel welcome and inspired, not just another stay. Over time, we’ve grown into that even more. We’ve become bolder in our choices, more local in our thinking, and more thoughtful in how we show up.
You’ve said Hart isn’t just a hotel, but a living, breathing space. What keeps that heartbeat going strong?
It’s the energy – from the people, the neighbourhood, the ever-changing city around us. From locals coming to work in the lobby or visitors to Shoreditch popping in for a coffee, to guests enjoying a lunch or dinner at UBA or a DJ night at the bar, all of it brings life to the space. We evolve with the stories around us.
And that heartbeat stays strong because we’re creating our own history – not by chasing fame, but by lifting up the talent right on our doorstep. We support East London’s emerging artisans and artists, the not-yet-knowns, the soon-to-be-heards. From small beginnings to big moments, Hart is quietly becoming a home for what’s next.
Hart Shoreditch is known for its artisan collaborations. How do you select the artists you work with?
We look for people who reflect the values that make up the hotel and our team, people who really feel like Hart. Our local East London neighbourhood is full of them, and we take an intuitive approach when it comes to selection. Sometimes it starts with a simple conversation or introduction and other times we come across something that sparks an idea. It is really important to us that we work with and support local creatives and build long-lasting relationships with them, so that every collaboration adds another layer to our story. Over the years, we’ve nurtured relationships with London Design Festival, Shoreditch Design Triangle, James Daw, Will Martin, Samantha Jameson, 2LG Studio, Rosie Reed Gold, and more. We really want the hotel to reflect the energy of Shoreditch, and these artisan collaborations are such a great way of doing this.
Sustainability is clearly at the core of Hart Shoreditch. How do you balance sustainability with luxury?
For us, real luxury today means living well and responsibly. We’re not about excess; we’re about quality and intention. Whether it’s the materials we use, the way we reduce waste, or the local partners we support, we want to do things that feel good and do good, and which most ultimately add meaning to the guest experience. As an example, we partnered with local ceramic artist Will Martin to create handmade water carafes using London clay and added water stations to guest floors, to replace plastic water bottles in all hotel rooms. We’ve also been working with the wonderful Andrea Cheong to host her Mindful Monday Mending Clubs at Hart, the perfect way to combine sustainable practices with a luxury environment.
How has the Shoreditch community shaped Hart—and vice versa?
Shoreditch has always been a little wild, a little creative, and it’s an area that is always evolving. That energy keeps us on our toes in the best way, and has meant that we’ve learned so much just by being here. In return, we try to be a good neighbour. We open our doors to local artists, small businesses, and community projects. It’s about showing up and being part of something bigger.
What are your favourite places in the area?
One of my favourite places in East London is Spitalfields Market, the perfect place to explore local craftsmanship, independent designers, and the historic roots of the old silk weavers’ quarter. Victoria Park is another favourite, especially on weekends when the food stalls pop up – it’s perfect for a relaxed stroll and a bite to eat. On Sundays, I always try to make it to the Columbia Road Flower Market. The atmosphere is electric, with live music, colourful blooms spilling onto the street, and lots of charming little pop-up shops. Brick Lane is also a must visit, with its vibrant mix of street art, vintage treasures, iconic curry houses, and quirky boutiques. I also love visiting the Hackney Museum, a hidden gem that tells powerful stories about the communities and people who’ve helped shape East London into what it is today.
The team’s loyalty and longevity really stand out. What’s your secret to staff happiness and retention?
I think it comes down to care. We really see each other here, and we always ensure that we are making space for people to grow, to be themselves, to try new things. It’s not about hierarchy; it’s about trust and kindness. We celebrate all the wins, big and small, and we genuinely enjoy working together, which creates a kind of energy that is hard to fake.
And beyond that – everyone here is a creator. Our team isn’t just made up of employees or executors; every person helps shape what the brand is, and how real the culture feels. From the way we welcome guests to the ideas we bring to the table, each individual is part of the story. That sense of shared ownership makes all the difference.
With UBA and your Hoxton-inspired bar, food clearly plays a key role. How does dining connect with the hotel’s creative identity?
Food is such a powerful way to connect with a place, with people, and with memory. At UBA, we’ve built something fun, bold, and a little unexpected which really reflects the nature of Shoreditch and the hotel itself. The design, the music, the flavours – they all tell a story and create a unique guest experience that we hope leaves people wanting to come back for more. The bar is really the hub of the hotel, a space where guests, visitors, and locals can come together throughout the day for any occasion. From a co-working and coffee spot during the day to a lively place for after work and evening drinks accompanied by DJ sets, the bar really brings people together.
What’s next for Hart Shoreditch?
We’ve got so much more to give. We’re digging even deeper into local collaborations, sustainability, and ways to make people feel even more at home. There’s new energy coming in, and we’re embracing it all. This year, we are particularly excited to be working with the brilliant Rosie Reed Gold for London Design Festival on her exhibition ‘Stage Left, Letter Pressed’. Lots more information to come so watch this space!
And if you want to keep up with our ever-shifting rhythm – what we call Relate Forever – you can always explore what’s happening right now at hartshoreditch.com/whats-on, or check in with us on TikTok and Instagram. We’re always evolving, and you’re always invited.