Since Shoreditch rose up to become the ultimate trendy place to be seen several years ago, it’s been hogging the spotlight ever since. Although many cry that the area is passé, we’d have to argue differently. Strolling through there on a Friday night all the evidence points to the fact that Shoredicth is still the most exciting, eclectic place to be in London, with top restaurants, countless bars and great hotels there’s no better place to be on the weekend. We spent 24 hours in Shoredicth and here are our recommendations on where to eat, sleep and drink the night away…
Sleeping…at The Tune Hotel
Firstly check into The Tune Hotel, Liverpool Street. This innovative string of hotels is sweeping the nation with their brand new brilliant concept for a hotel stay. The Tune Liverpool Street is the perfect little rest stop for a night. After a night spent partying on the Shoreditch bar scene, you’ll need a place to rest your weary head and take the weight off your well-partied heels. With the increasing need for somewhere central to stay that won’t blow your entire budget, Tune Hotels have filled a very snug gap in the market. Most people visiting East London will be spending the minimum amount of time in the hotel room, instead enjoying the street food scene and never-sleeping bars that fill the area. The Tune Hotels have tapped into this need and are providing rooms at reasonable rates for just that. But they do not sacrifice comfort so rest assured you’ll enjoy a good nights sleep on their fluffy pillows, a top power shower and a spacious room. In terms of extras, the room comes with just the essentials but you’ll be able to purchase anything you need from towels to hairdryers. The rooms are spacious and comfortable and there is 24-hour security so you can sleep easy at this modern and conveniently central hotel.
www.tunehotels.com
Dining…at Andina
Peruvian dining options seem to be flooding the city, with Londoners flocking to try their famed ceviche, quinoa-based dishes and beautifully marinated meat skewers. From the man behind Ceviche in Soho, Andina is another roaring success. Serving traditional Peruvian cuisine, in the heart of Shoreditch, the restaurant is almost always fully booked. They reserve a few tables for walk-ins but to avoid disappointment book in advance. And don’t forget to order a Pisco Sour with your dinner, Peru’s traditional cocktail!
www.andinalondon.com
Drinking…at the Looking Glass Cocktail Club
The Looking Glass is a speakeasy just off the main drag in Shoreditch, which serves creative and quirky cocktails. Walk through the front door and you’ll find a trendy little cocktail bar but what may not be immediately obvious is the opportunity to walk through the Looking Glass; the giant mirror on the far wall, opens at request to reveal a much bigger speakeasy bar, housing plush sofas, exposed brick walls and a host of bartenders creating cocktails you’ve probably never heard of but should definitely try. Typical Shoreditch, but in a good way!
www.lookingglasslondon.co.uk
Brunching…at Ozone Coffee
I was introduced to kiwi-owned Ozone Coffee just after it opened and immediately fell in love with their home-roasted coffee beans and their eclectic brunch menu. Since re-visiting, I can see it’s grown a loyal East London following, with each of the booths full with lounging diners, socializing, reading the papers and knocking back their exceptional flat whites. Their kedgeree is worth writing home about and you can also buy their coffee beans to take away. It’s the perfect spot to nurse your hangover and perhaps get ready for day two in Shoreditch…
www.ozonecoffee.co.uk
