As a Londoner, like most I’ve became trapped in a routine bubble of bars and restaurants in my own local playground, venturing out once in a blue moon. When changed in 2020, it made me think about the gems in London I don’t take advantage of. I was looking to escape East in search for the vintage clothing and art markets of Shoreditch, the rooftop bars of the City and the sleek hotels dotted in-between ready for me to take a one night break. Read on to find out about our night at Andaz London.
I booked a winter visit with my partner to the Andaz London, the first hotel we had rested our heads in since a trip to Paris at the beginning of 2020. My body was craving those hotel crisp white sheets. I had missed the excitement of packing an overnight bag.
As a hotel buff, I was keen to see how Andaz had adapted since reopening, and what a luxury hotel could do to take my mind off things. As you would expect, health and safety was paramount as we walked through the main doors at the hotel. Clear guidance on distancing and hygiene measures were in place to keep myself and the hotel team members safe. As we reached the check in desk I was reminded of the true meaning of luxury: authentic service. Though we couldn’t see her smile behind the mask, we were greeted by a genuinely warm energy, swiftly checked in and offered a glass of wine.
Andaz London markets itself as a lifestyle hotel, which means guests who stay here want to make the most of their surroundings and enjoy the City and creative Shoreditch nestled around them. A gorgeous autumn day in London called for a walk around, passing St Paul’s, the Tower of London and the Barbican, re-familiarising myself with why I love this city. The blend of cultures, matched with a love of food and creativity.
The landscape of the City is a jarring match of historic buildings and shiny new structures, which sums up London perfectly; old and new coming together. At the Andaz, its Grade II listed Victorian building houses a fun and young approach to food and drink, with a pop of contemporary interiors. The hotel was built in 1884 as the Great Eastern hotel with some of the original features retained for the backdrop of the art-clad Andaz which stands today. Hidden deep inside the hotel, we take a wander around the Masonic Temple was built in 1912 with guild zodiac ceiling, marbled walls and pipe organ.
Our Andaz Suite is sleek with modern furnishings. The Victorian shell makes for very high ceilings flooding the room with light, perfect for the ‘gram. The suite has an artistic vibe and a complimentary mini-bar featuring local snacks and soft-drinks restocked daily. A huge TV in the living room, with easy to use AirPlay 2, makes for a perfect movie night using your own entertainment streaming services. Put your feet up after a soak in the porcelain white tiled bathroom.
With a choice of three restaurants at the hotel ranging from Japanese to traditional British, there are plenty of dining options to choose from, each with their own distinctive character and unique offering. We headed down to the buzzy Rake’s Café Bar for a burger and cocktails, instinct tells me this would also make for a good brunch spot, before jumping in the huge comfy bed back in our suite.
After months of bland cereals during lockdown, we took advantage of an indulgent breakfast in bed. Pancakes and waffles piled with seasonal fruits, yummy granola to share and fresh green juices were a treat.
The Andaz London couldn’t be more convenient, on the doorstep of Liverpool Street and in the hub of East London’s action, making a great fit for a one night away in the City.
To discover more, visit: andazlondonliverpoolstreet.com
All imagery courtesy of The Andaz London.
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