I found this newly opened hostel while conducting a Google search for "cheap London hostels." Not only was it cheap, but it was novel, and upon inspecting its website, I realised this place looks really cool.

Booking online via the site directly is not so easy; if you have a Maestro card, you have to ring up because they only accept Visa or Mastercard on the website. You can also book through travelstay.com but they add a fee. It was easy enough on the phone, and my bed was secured.

One thing I should warn people is that it is mixed sex dorms on offer. However, if you're a family, travelling with children under 16, it is compulsory for you to book an entire dorm (which ranges from 4 beds to 16). I had never been in a mixed dorm before so I went for a 6 bed, at a cost of £25 a night.

It turned out to be only me and a man in there but I felt safe enough. I bought a padlock at reception to secure my possessions in the lockers under the bunks. The rooms are simple enough but also clean and safe, and comfortable.

Although it is centrally located; near Kings Cross, even though I had only moved out of London 5 months ago after living there 22 years, I found it very hard to find, to be honest. So definitely remember to print out a map (I didn't!)

There are 2 old court rooms still intact which as a history buff (and rock and roll fan; the Clash were tried here), I loved. One is a TV room and the other is an internet cafe (I think it's £1 for 30 mins but I took my laptop). There is no Wifi either, but I had my internet dongle so was fine. I loved sitting in the Judges chair and reading the old signs on the wall; eg banning photography, so of course I took a photo of it...

Breakfast was a let down. I am allergic to wheat and dairy and they only offer cereal and bread. No fruit, no fruit juice, no soya milk. So I went without. YHA are cheaper to stay at and have full cooked breakfasts as well as juice, so I was disappointed here.
There is a communal area you can prepare your own so next time I will bring some supplies.

Yes, there will be a next time....I plan to stay again in a private room which used to be a cell...how cool is that!!