Walk out of Liverpool Street station, and you’re basically standing on the doorstep of a red-brick beast. Honestly, if you didn't know better, you’d think the Andaz London Liverpool Street was just another stuffy, old-school Victorian railway hotel. You’d be wrong. It’s got this weird, brilliant energy where the pin-striped suits of the City meet the spray-painted madness of Shoreditch. It’s expensive, yeah, but it’s also kind of the only place in London where you can eat world-class sushi, sleep in a room designed by Sir Terence Conran, and visit a secret Masonic Temple without ever leaving the building.
Most people just walk past it. They see the "Great Eastern Hotel" signage carved into the stone and assume it’s a relic. But inside? It’s a whole different world.
The Secret Temple and the "Bedlam" History
Before we talk about the thread count or the breakfast, we have to talk about the basement. And the ghosts. Sort of.
Basically, this entire site used to be the Bethlehem Royal Hospital. You probably know it as "Bedlam"—the world’s first psychiatric institution. By the time the hotel was built in 1884 by the Great Eastern Railway, the hospital was long gone, but the history is literally baked into the foundations.
✨ Don't miss: Things to do in Hanover PA: Why This Snack Capital is More Than Just Pretzels
Then there's the Masonic Temple. This is the stuff of actual legends. During a massive £65 million renovation in the late 90s, workers knocked down a wall and found a hidden door. Behind it? A Grecian Masonic Temple built in 1912. It’s dripping in twelve different types of Italian marble. There’s a massive gold zodiac sign on the blue domed ceiling. It’s spectacular. Lady Gaga’s done shoots there. Alice Cooper has hung out in those mahogany chairs. If you’re staying at Andaz London Liverpool Street, you have to ask the staff for a peek. They don’t always let people in, but if it’s not booked for a private dinner, it’s the coolest room in the City.
The Rooms: Shoreditch Vibes in a City Shell
If you're expecting floral wallpaper and heavy drapes, you’re in for a shock. The 267 rooms are minimalist but punchy. Think white walls, weirdly shaped furniture, and pops of bright red or blue. It’s very "East London cool."
One thing you’ve gotta love: the minibar is actually free. Well, the non-alcoholic stuff is. You get juices, crisps, and water without having to worry about a £9 charge for a KitKat. It’s a small thing, but it makes you feel like the hotel actually likes you.
🔗 Read more: Hotels Near University of Texas Arlington: What Most People Get Wrong
The beds are those massive, coddling mattresses that make it nearly impossible to wake up for your 9:00 AM meeting. Most rooms also come with Yukata robes and T-London toiletries. If you really want to splash out, the Conran Suite is the one. It’s got a replica of the coffee table Sir Terence Conran designed for his own house.
Where to Eat (Because You Have Five Options)
You don't really need to leave the hotel to eat well. Seriously.
- Miyako: This is a tiny, authentic Japanese spot right on the corner of the building. Chef Sakamoto has been doing this for over 20 years. The sashimi is incredible. It’s intimate and doesn't feel like a "hotel restaurant" at all.
- Rake’s Café Bar: This is where the locals go. It’s a café by day and a DJ-fueled cocktail bar by night. If you’re there on a Saturday, the "Brunch Paradiso" is a whole vibe—bottomless drinks and loud music. It’s chaotic in a good way.
- Eastway Brasserie: This is the workhorse of the hotel. It’s got an open kitchen and giant windows looking out onto the street. But the real reason to come here is the breakfast.
- Lady Abercorn’s Pub & Kitchen: It’s a gastropub named after a sassy legendary landlady. It’s quirky, serves solid craft beer, and feels like a proper East End local.
- 1901 Wine Lounge: This is the more refined side. It’s set in the old ballroom area with a stunning stained-glass dome that survived both World Wars. Great for a quiet glass of wine.
The breakfast at Eastway is, frankly, ridiculous. We’re talking about massive wheels of Montgomery cheddar, piles of H. Forman & Son smoked salmon, and honeycomb dripping into bowls. It’s £28 if it’s not in your room rate, and honestly? It’s worth it. You could eat enough there to skip lunch and dinner.
💡 You might also like: 10 day forecast myrtle beach south carolina: Why Winter Beach Trips Hit Different
Logistics: Getting Around
Location-wise, you literally cannot beat this. You are at the entrance of Liverpool Street Station. You’ve got the Elizabeth Line, the Central Line, and the Overground. You can get to Heathrow in about 40 minutes without changing trains.
Spitalfields Market is an 8-minute walk. Brick Lane is 10 minutes away. You’re basically on the border of the ultra-corporate City and the ultra-hipster East.
Actionable Tips for Your Stay
If you’re planning to book or you’re already heading there, do these things to get the most out of it:
- Ask for a "Gallery View" room: Some rooms look into the internal atrium. It’s quiet, but some people find it a bit dark. If you want to see the London skyline, ask for an exterior-facing room on the 5th or 6th floor.
- The Masonic Temple Tour: Don’t just hope you see it. Email the concierge ahead of time or ask at the front desk specifically if there’s a gap in the booking schedule for a quick tour. It’s the hotel’s "best kept secret" for a reason.
- The 10% Discount: If you’re attending certain local events or have specific tickets (like for the Open House Festival), the hotel often offers 10% off at their bars and restaurants. Check the website before you order that second round of cocktails at Rake's.
- Gym and Steam: The health club is 24-hour. If you’re jet-lagged, the steam room is a lifesaver.
Andaz London Liverpool Street isn't just a place to sleep. It’s a weird, beautiful mix of London’s dark history and its shiny, modern future. Whether you’re there for a business trip or a weekend of eating your way through Shoreditch, it’s one of the few luxury hotels that actually feels like it belongs in the neighborhood.
To make the most of your trip, check the "Brunch Paradiso" schedule at Rake's ahead of time, as it fills up weeks in advance, and always verify the Elizabeth Line operating hours if you're relying on it for an early flight.