Famous guests including Beyonce Knowles and Lady Gaga helped put the Andaz Liverpool Street hotel in central London firmly on the map. And now the architectural masterpiece – made up of a red brick Victorian exterior juxtaposed with a sleek and trendy modern interior – is also developing itself as a wedding hotspot.
For the bride and groom who want a chic, hotel wedding, a trip to the Andaz will be top on their venue-scouting list.
The hotel's hidden Masonic Temple can be used for a cocktail reception or post-dinner dancing
Upon arrival, you may be forgiven for thinking you're in New York, with the Guggenheim-inspired circular rotunda in the lobby. It's easy to forget that the plush hotel is situated minutes away from one of London's busiest railway stations, given the cool and composed atmosphere in the welcome lounge.
This is what the Andaz is about – the surprises, found in a building that was originally opened as the Great Eastern hotel back in 1884. When HELLO! Online visited, the biggest wow moment came in the form of the distinctive Masonic Temple, which brides and grooms can use for their wedding breakfast, cocktail reception or post-dinner dancing.
The newlyweds can enjoy their first dance under the stars at the 1901 Restaurant and Wine Bar
The Grade 1-listed marble temple was only discovered by the hotel after a fake wall was knocked down, and while the Freemasons no longer hold meetings there, couples can host an intimate sit-down dinner for up to 30 people, or have the ultimate dance-off for up to 70 guests.
For a bigger wedding party, the Grade 2-listed 1901 Restaurant and Wine Bar, adjacent to the temple is a good option. It can be hired for up to 120 guests, and is housed in what was once the original majestic ballroom.
Another place to celebrate is in the Bishopsgate room, which features chandeliers and majestic fireplaces
The original stained glass dome at the centre of the restaurant is a beautiful detail, and after dinner, the room can be transformed into a dance floor for a first dance under the stars.
The hotel recently launched its Candelit Evening series at 1901, where guests can dine among 350 glowing candles, every last Wednesday of the month.
Chefs prepare the wedding meal in an open-plan kitchen at the Andaz Studio restaurant
While the restaurant and the Masonic Temple do not hold marriage licenses, the Andaz offers other venues to formally say "I do".
The Fenchurch room is one option. With natural daylight, high Victorian ceilings and romantic ornate detailing, the Fenchurch can host wedding and civil partnership ceremonies for up to 80 guests.
Another place to tie the knot is in the Bishopsgate room – with its chandeliers and majestic fireplaces - which also lends itself as a sumptuous setting for up to 120 guests. The bride can also make use of the adjoining Chancery room to get ready.
The bride may want to check in the night before and stay in a suite
Couples are always looking for ways to surprise their guests, and the more adventurous couple may want to opt for the interactive dining experience at the Andaz Studio.
Chefs will prepare the meal in an open-plan kitchen in front of the newlyweds and up to 48 seated guests. If the wedding party can take their eyes off the food they'll be able to admire the modern art and portraits dotted along the walls of the studio.
The newly designed street art-themed rooms give a nod to nearby Shoreditch
Newlyweds wanting to make a weekend out of their nuptials can host a post-celebration brunch at the hotel's Eastway restaurant. The New York style brasserie serves traditional breakfast classics alongside some more creative combinations, but guests will probably be making a bee-line for the DIY Bloody Mary bar, where they can nurse themselves back to health and make their own cocktails from a range of ingredients.
Each couple is assigned a personal wedding manager at the Andaz Liverpool Street
The hotel also offers the services of a personal wedding manager who will advise on which of the options are the right fit and oversee details from the food to the flowers.
The bride may want to check in to the hotel the night before the wedding, and take advantage of a suite or a street art-themed room, giving a nod to the nearby trendy area of Shoreditch and Brick Lane. Block rooms can also be reserved for guests.
For more information on an Andaz wedding, see london.liverpoolstreet.andaz.hyatt.co.uk/en/hotel/weddings.html and speak to a personal wedding manager.
