Andaz London Liverpool Street Launches 1901 Wine Lounge
Luxury, five-star boutique hotel, the Andaz London Liverpool Street is expanding its bar and restaurant offering with the launch of the 1901 Wine Lounge. This new East London space features an eclectic and adventurous selection of wines available by the glass and bottle from a host of established vineyards and lesser known producers.
Designed for both connoisseurs and casual drinkers, the Lounge has an impressive list of over 160 wines and is focused on making excellent vintages accessible to all, with an intrepid selection of 18 wines available by the glass. Guests will be able to experience more exclusive offerings and explore the produce of unchartered regions, such as the Spanish ‘Sacred Shores’ of Ribeira Sacra and Alto Adige in Northern Italy.
The menu also includes a strong Austrian line-up which embraces different grape varieties, including Grüner Veltliner, a white grape from the region of Wagram. Another Austrian wine, Rote Kuvee, contains a blend of both Blaufränkisch and Zweigelt red grape varieties grown on the renowned Eisenberg vineyards, along with a small amount of international companions such as Syrah, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon to give this wine the final edge. An exciting example of a small production winery featured on the list is the vintage Sangiovese, an Italian red from Casale Chianti, a 16th century Florentine villa and vineyard in Tuscany.
The team at the Lounge are made up of passionate wine aficionados that are on hand to advise, and are fuelled by the belief that wine drinking is intended to be fun for all and not an exclusive experience for the few.
Small plates and sharing platters will feature on an ever-changing food menu, with each dish created to pair perfectly with the Lounge’s wine list. Devised by Head Chef Sam Dunleavy, this season’s offering includes Slow Cooked Beef Bourguignon Croquettes, Cured Loch Fyne Salmon with Crispy Salmon Crackling and Dedham Vale Venison Sliders.
Locally sourced cheese boards, from neighbouring cheesemongers Androuet at Old Spitalfields Market, will also feature on the food menu as well as charcuterie boards. For those who need a little help when it comes to pairing, a selection of wines by the glass have been matched to perfection with individual artisan cheeses, such as creamy, soft brie paired with an elegantly smooth Vin De Pays De Mediterranée from the Rhône Valley of France.
Located in the heart of the City and the creative Shoreditch scene, the 1901 Wine Lounge has a relaxed, inviting interior with a warm colour palette and industrial finishes. Part of the Hyatt portfolio, Andaz London Liverpool Street is global in scale while local in perspective.
The designers for the project were ara Design International and the main contractor on the project was Pentagon who executed the fit out.
Harry Gregory from ara Design said: “We were asked to create something that could work for the fashionable East End – slightly cutting edge, something that could compete with the edgy wine bars and eateries in the area. So nothing too hotel-like but at the same time, it is a Hyatt property, so to a certain extent, it had to meet customer brand expectations and at the same time provide a “wow factor.”
Befitting its atmospheric surroundings within the historic property and acknowledging the building’s architectural heritage, the new space is a stylish cocoon with a mix of high backed
armchairs and comfy club style chairs and stools. A central island bar counter with high stools provides an ideal space for individual and group wine tastings and elaborate displays, adding to the laid-back, casual feel.
Harry added: “We have two super large, specially designed chandeliers with a brushed bronze finish, one of which is centred above the island bar. They add drama and character to the area and provide wonderful features and talking points. Apart from adding interest to the dramatic lighting of the space, they provide a contemporary touch and provide a nice foil to the exotic Victorian architecture of the building’s interior. When we lifted up the carpet we discovered an old mosaic floor so we have exposed that, refinished it and it is there in all of its glory so it is back for everyone to see.”
As mentioned the island bar provides a great gathering point and with the barman standing to one side of it rather than behind it, this adds to the relaxed and casual atmosphere.
1901 Wine Lounge Manager, Adam Varga, believes that the new venture will allow guests to explore and experiment with wine: “By ensuring wine is accessible and allowing our customers to make informed decisions about what to drink, we hope to give guests an enjoyable and illuminating experience.”
The hotel has 267 spacious and modern guest rooms, including 15 suites. Andaz London Liverpool Street operates seven restaurants and bars, each with their own distinctive character and unique offering.
Harry concluded: “This project has been very important to us. It is great to be working with Hyatt and their creative team. It’s nice to be doing something in London, almost on our doorstep and I’m sure we’ll be regular visitors to the new bar!”
1901 Wine Lounge opened in May 2016 and is open from Monday-Friday, 8am until late.
UHS
UHS are the forerunner in the hospitality furnishing industry. The company continually inspires, creates, and finds imaginative and beautiful furniture solutions for restaurants, bars, and hotels.
UHS’ main offices are in Oxfordshire and Rome, plus the company has a global presence which has resulted in UHS creating the finest, specific craftsmanship and design of furniture for the hospitality sector. Recently, UHS supplied 1901 Wine lounge project.
Dan Gillmore, of UHS Group, said:
“UHS supplied a range of products to the 1901 Wine Lounge adding to its opulent decor and style. An excellent project designed by ARA Design this lounge is the perfect setting for a fine wine set in the Andaz Hotel.”
