Uncovers a secret masonic temple, an orgy and other surprises at an East London hotel
FIONNOULA BOURKE
WE’RE standing outside a giant wooden door, dented and worn with time, with huge animal head knockers. Anticipation, confusion, and a little trepidation trickle through our party, manifested in the odd chuckle and whisper as we wait.
Minutes earlier, we had been drinking champagne and cocktails in a resplendent private bar in the avant garde lobby of the five star Andaz Hotel at Liverpool Street, safe and secure, surrounded by luxurious velvet curtains, cosy carpets and cushioned turquiose sofas.
We had been invited to an immersive dining experience inspired by 18th century satirist William Hogarth’s infamous Rake’s Progress. We are shown copies of the famous paintings charting the decline and fall of young Tom who deserts his girlfriend for the bright lights of the City of London.
But he soon ends up hanging out with the Devil, and landing himself in the hospital horror of Bedlam, which actually stood on the very same location as the Andaz.
Behind the giant wooden door, we are told, lies a secret masonic temple which had lain undiscovered until designer Terence Conran came to give the hotel a make-over. The giant wooden door finally creaks open, and we all laugh with relief and expectation as we are led into the marble chamber.
There are two throne-like seats – one at each end of the room – with church-like pews lining mahogany walls, and marble busts and statues. We are ushered down the stairs to the middle of the chamber where our table awaits. No wonder Lady Gaga chose to film parts of her Poker Face video here.
I guess at this point I had better explain how the orgy fits in. Our dinner menu features eight courses, each of a cocktail and a plate of food, and each named after one of the eight paintings of Rake’s Progress. The orgy is Hogarth’s third illustration in the piece.
At the Andaz, it’s the inspiration behind one of their most popular cocktails – a bittersweet creation featuring a trio of vermouths, fernet brana, cava and ginger ale. Be warned, it packs a punch – but it wasn’t the only mind-bending feature at dinner.
Our hosts presented us with aprons to wear before we sat down. They came in handy during the first course – a finely sliced baked carrot served alongside piping bags filled with various sauces. We were invited to create our own dishes and Instagram the results!
If this all sounds scary, then rest assured the Rake’s Café Bar at Andaz,
part of Hyatt hotel group, offers a more traditional approach to luxury wining and dining.
Hogarth isn’t the only character who has helped shape this part of London, steeped in history and full of alluring Victorian architecture.
You can almost feel Charles Dickens’ characters walking by you in some of the streets around Spittalfields. But no sign of Jack the Ripper, thank goodness.
Earlier in the day we were taken on a fascinating street art tour featuring work of modern day satirists including Banksy. Stunning murals, both legal and illegal, feature work of artists from around the world, including French masters Gregos and Zabou.