"Rakes have a song in their hearts, and their smiles give it away... be recklessly happy."
So goes a life directive set by the fictional character that the plush lounge bar, Rake's, at the five-star hotel Andaz in Shoreditch, is named after.
The new sushi and Champagne menu available there certainly does inspire feelings of recklessness and happiness - after all, it's scientifically proven the French fizz goes straight to your head, and makes you feel tipsy - fast.
In the plush setting of Rake’s Parlour, seated side by side on a cobalt chaise longue, my date and I shared a bottle.
There's an impressive list of 21 choices, starting at £70 for a Veuve Clicquot and going up to £300 for the Ruinart Magnum.
Meanwhile, the top quality sushi is handmade to order in the hotel's very own Japanese restaurant Miyako.
Japanese restaurant Miyako at the Andaz hotel in Liverpool Street (Image: Miyako)
Its head chef, Kosei Sakamoto, has created a simple menu which focuses on fresh, authentic dishes, and works with suppliers to source ethically sourced fish.
Items are priced individually from £3.50 for a single piece of sushi or sashimi, while a platter like the Miyako special - which includes nine nigiri, a maki and a uramaki roll - comes in at £26.50.
A Miyako sushi plate (Image: Miyako)
Rake's Parlour is laid back and yet stylishly luxurious.
Relaxing in its cavernous surroundings, adorned with lashings of red velvet and gold gilded mirrors against a background of funky, ambient music, we couldn't think of a better spot to go all out and enjoy the decadent duo.
The mid-17th century word 'rake' denoted a fashionable or wealthy man of immoral or promiscuous habits.
But the modern day version of a rake that the hotel imagines its clientele might emulate - as detailed on its website - is "of any gender, probably wealthy, and definitely fashionable - in their own way".
"Unembarrassed, unabashed, they are never afraid to tell you what they think, or show you how it's done," they add.
After a couple of glasses of Champagne and as inhibitions give way it becomes natural to live life on those terms - and the night was certainly one to remember.
The Champagne and sushi menu makes a perfect choice for a catch up or post work with friends, a celebratory occasion, or for the ultimate romantic date.
See bit.ly/3tE0lxm for more details.
Andaz, 40 Liverpool Street, London, EC2M 7QN.
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