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From Brunch to Cocktails: A Day at Rake’s Café Bar

Nestled inside the elegant 5-star Andaz Liverpool Street Hotel, Rake’s Café Bar is more than just a stop for a quick coffee—it’s a celebration of creativity, comfort, and a little escape from London’s hustle. With its eclectic interior, expertly crafted cocktails, and irresistible bites, Rake’s is where city life slows down—a café by day and bar by night.

Rake’s Café and Bar is inspired by the infamous tale of Tom Rakewell, the reckless protagonist of William Hogarth’s iconic series, “A Rake’s Progress.” Just as Tom’s life was filled with indulgence and intrigue, the space captures that same sense of decadence, offering a vibrant atmosphere where every visit feels like part of an unfolding story.

The Ambiance: Where Comfort Meets Style
Stylish and Eclectic Design: The interior of Rake’s combines a quirky mix of vintage and modern elements. Think plush, mismatched chairs, wooden tables, and soft lighting that creates an intimate atmosphere.
The Perfect Hideaway: Located just a short stroll from Liverpool Street Station, Rake’s provides a peaceful retreat from the busy streets outside. Whether you’re grabbing a morning coffee, enjoying a leisurely lunch, or unwinding with after-work drinks, its atmosphere offers versatility.
Designed by Russell Sage Studio, Rake’s boasts three distinct areas. You’ll find the garden-inspired front room, the cosy parlour, and a hidden secret room—all offering a contemporary twist on a bygone era.

Drinks & Cocktails: Sipping in Style
Rake’s Café Bar is celebrated for its signature cocktails and impeccable mixology.
- The Sarah Young Mocktail is a refreshing blend of Everleaf Mountain, hibiscus, and cranberry—a drink that’s vibrant and full of life.
- Nick Shadow is another highlight, featuring Everleaf Forest. This mocktail brings together the earthy undertones of Everleaf with the sweetness of pineapple and a hint of ginger’s warmth.
- Silly Tom showcases bright citrus flavours enhanced by aromatic rosemary—perfect for those in search of something refreshing yet refined.


The Food: Brunch in style
Delicious All-Day Menu: Whether you’re in the mood for a hearty brunch or a light snack, Rake’s has something for everyone. Their menu includes options from freshly made salads, sandwiches and burgers to sharing platters for the table.
Weekend Brunch: Their weekend scandal brunches are popular, offering indulgent options like avocado toast or eggs Benedict paired with bottomless mimosas or Proseccos.

During my visit on a lively Saturday afternoon, the bar was buzzing with a DJ spinning upbeat tracks, groups of people gathered for brunch, drinks, and coffee.

What We Ordered
Our brunch experience was nothing short of delightful, starting with:
- Smashed avocado toast with poached eggs, smoked salmon, and chilli salsa.
- Raised vanilla waffles with seasonal berries, rose fennel syrup, and a dollop of lemon crème fraîche.
- Crispy buttermilk chicken burger with tomato, chipotle mayonnaise, and fries.
- Rake’s Benedict: Cured ham, poached egg, fresh truffle, caviar, and hollandaise on muffins.
To end our meal, we treated ourselves to:
- Rose & pistachio Basque cheesecake.
- A trio of chocolate desserts.


Standout Dishes
Ah, the Rake’s Benedict. A symphony on a plate. The hollandaise clings to the perfectly poached egg, a masterclass in sauce-making that leaves lesser attempts quivering with inferiority. And then, the fresh truffles—luxurious, earthy, the sort of indulgence that reminds your food can still surprise.
As for the crispy buttermilk chicken, it arrives with a crackle, the panko coating shattering pleasingly under the fork to reveal tender, marinated flesh. It’s fried food at its best: satisfying, yet not drowning in oil.
The desserts? Light as a whisper, just the right balance to end your meal. They don’t demand your attention but pair beautifully with a good cup of tea or coffee, allowing the conversation to flow without the distraction of over-sweet indulgence.
The drinks are nothing short of spectacular, expertly crafted to perfection by talented bartenders who turn every cocktail into a masterpiece.

Events at Rake’s
Throughout the year, Rake’s hosts a range of special events. Their upcoming Unholy Cabaret on the 31st promises a night of entertainment like no other.
Practical Information
- Location:
Rake’s Café Bar, Andaz London Liverpool Street,
40 Liverpool Street,
London, EC2M 7QN. - Reservations:
Visit their website to make a booking.
Conclusion
Whether it’s a chic spot for after-work drinks, a weekend brunch with friends, or a hidden gem to escape the city’s bustle, Rake’s Café Bar delivers on all fronts. With its cosy atmosphere, standout cocktails, and varied menu, every visit feels like a new chapter in an ever-evolving story.
Disclaimer: I was invited to review the menu