Escapes

Checking into Andaz London

Contemporary luxury and culinary excellence in East London

There are a huge number of hotels to choose from in London. Where do you even begin? From the stunning townhouses in West London to the slick high rises in central London. To me, an area of significant culture has always been East London, Shoreditch and the City.

Just outside of Liverpool Street tube station, you will find one of the very best hotels in London. A symbol of Five Star luxury, Andaz London. Part of the Boundless Collection by Hyatt, Andaz London is a five-star luxury lifestyle hotel that has been welcoming guests through its doors since 2007. Global in scale, local in perspective – the hotel immerses guests in the everchanging, vibrant and creative culture of East London, which transforms them into a local from the moment they begin their journey at the hotel.

On check in you marvel at the design of the lobby, which partners also as an eclectic living space and vibey bar. When I’m checking into the hotel, it’s tipple hour, an hour whereby guests and visitors can enjoy a glass of wine or bubbly whilst checking in!

Check in was smooth and efficient and before I knew it I was whisked off to my bedroom. I loved how traditional and elegant the hallways were. It was a real contrast to the graphic and vibrant common areas, which I thought was an interesting juxtaposition.

My room was large and spacious, with spanning wardrobes and an indulgent deep tub. The bed itself was cloud-like soft and the room was equipped with everything I needed and more – including a yoga mat which was a nice touch for pre-bed relaxation.

Before I start thinking of sleep, I’ll tell you about the fantastic dining experience at Eastway Brasserie. I freshened up and headed down for dinner. I was dining solo, and my waiter was kind and chatty, but not overbearing. He made recommendations and didn’t reprimand me if choosing alternative options.

To start, it wasn’t on the menu, but I asked if a Dirty Martini was possible. It was served with a flourish with three olives – perfect. There were a nice range of starters to choose from including Fresh Burrata, Wild Mushroom Arancini and Caesar Salad. I went for the Crispy Calamari with daikon slaw and Sichuan salt chilli jam which had a pleasant kick and texture.

For main dishes, think Corn-Fed Chicken Breast, Tuna Loin and there was a beautiful Five Spice Duck Leg. I’d heard wonderful things about the steaks here, so instead decided to go for the Dedham Vale Ribeye Steak with a side of sautéed vegetables. The steak was perfectly cooked and complemented with a rich peppercorn sauce,

As well as Eastway, there are several other dining options. Miyako is an intimate and authentic Japanese restaurant, offering diners a traditional menu of sushi, sashimi and teriyaki, alongside a range of sake and Japanese beers. Lady Abercorn’s Pub & Kitche is a contemporary pub full of intrigue, serving both classic and innovative gastronomy, along with a large selection of beers, wine and spirits. 1901 Wine Lounge is the perfect place for wine tastings and Afternoon Tea, offering a selection of sweet and savoury delicacies honouring the East End’s history and flavours. Rake’s Café and Bar is a hidden gem offers guests an escape from the hustle and bustle of the outside world: a place from which to work or play accompanied by an artisan coffee or a specially crafted signature cocktail.

The ideal spot to host events, Andaz London also has a wide range of venue options, including a Masonic Temple! Perhaps one of London’s best kept secrets, the Masonic Temple is housed in the depths of the hotel and available for private hire. Concealed by heavy, studded doors and accessed via a winding staircase and a spacious mahogany-panelled anteroom, this is the City’s only original Freemason’s meeting lodge built in 1912.

When considering a stay in the city, Andaz London has everything you need for a comfortable stay with all the luxury that can be expected from a Five Star property.

Find out more > www.hyatt.com/andaz/