MARIO FLANAGAN'S INSIDER GUIDE TO SHOREDITCH & LIVERPOOL STREET
The GM of Andaz London Takes Us On a Culinary Tour Around the Luxury Five-Star Hotel
As GM of the glossy, five-star Andaz London hotel in Liverpool Street, Mario Flanagan knows a thing or 500 about good food and drink.
The luxury destination is home to five restaurants and bars, including Lady Abercorn’s Pub & Kitchen; or the chic and cosy 1901 Wine Lounge; the AA Rosette-holding Eastway Brasserie for grill classics; Miyako for authentic Japanese and Rake’s Café Bar for creative pre-office breakfasts and quirky, signature cocktails after-work.
Mario has worked in luxury hospitality since the late Nineties, in South Africa, Birmingham and now London. And he has proven his alchemy by beating pre-pandemic records at Andaz.
The hotel sits in the heart of East London with Shoreditch buzzing around it, so we asked Mario to guide us through the best food and drink experiences on its doorstep.
Coffee
Black Sheep Coffee
This a high quality coffee shop, just across the street from the hotel. It serves the best coffee in the neighbourhood besides Rake's Café Bar, with great pastries and friendly staff.
Black Street Coffee, 1A New Street, EC2M 4TP, London
Breakfast
Beigel Bake
Beigel Bake is a local legend, famous for their authentic Jewish recipes. Their salt beef bagel is iconic, but they also do fantastic breakfast sandwiches.
Beigel Bake, 159 Brick Ln, London E1 6SB
Lunch
Enoteca Da Luca
Enoteca Da Luca does the best Pork Belly in the city. This hidden gem has a great vibe, and they specialise in traditional Italian dishes that might otherwise go overlooked. A perfect place to discover new flavours or rediscover old favourites.
Enoteca Da Luca, Western Courtyard, Devonshire Square, London EC2M 4AE
Dinner
SUSHISAMBA
Sushi Samba is gorgeous, with great Japanese, Brazilian and Peruvian-fusion food, and an incredible view from the 38th and 39th floors of Heron Tower. I would recommend it for a date night.
SUSHISAMBA, Heron Tower, Bishopsgate, London EC2N 4AY
Evening Drinks
Nightjar
This underground, speakeasy-style bar plays soft, live jazz music, which I thoroughly enjoy alongside mastercraft cocktails, and is great for a night out. I love having a few drinks with friends and just taking in the atmosphere.
Nightjar, 129 City Rd, London EC1V 1JB
Insider Tip
The Masonic Temple
The Masonic Temple at Andaz London is a secret that people are just discovering. Rich with history and intrigue, the Temple is an experience in itself. It dates back to 1912 and is considered one of the greatest masonic temples of its time, as its magnificent marble, zodiac gold ceiling, and original masonic thrones testify.
The Masonic Temple, 40 Liverpool St, London EC2M 7QN
Mario Flanagan is General Manager at Andaz London, 40 Liverpool St, London EC2M 7QN
