Christopher Parr, is the Editor and Chief Content Creator for…
Step inside the Secret Masonic Temple at Andaz London. This stunning Secret Temple was recently discovered at the London boutique hotel.
Andaz London on Liverpool Street unearthed this secret Freemason Temple. Hidden behind a wall for decades, this secret masonic lodge was only rediscovered during renovations. Opened as the Great Eastern Hotel in 1884 and one of London’s original railway hotels, the Andaz is housed in a stunning brick Victorian building designed by the architects of London’s famed Houses of Parliament.
The windowless room is known as a “Grecian Temple,” an opulent combination of Italian marble and checked floors. After descending the temple’s spiral staircase, the Neoclassic space includes a stunning blue dome ceiling with gold zodiac detail, regal thrones and an organ.
Built by architect Charles Barry, Jr., in what was then the Great Eastern Hotel, this is probably one of the most grandiose Masonic temples in London. Jack the Ripper was active nearby and was a Freemason, so scholars conclude that he gathered in this enchanting and private location.
Beautifully restored and maintained by Andaz London, now a part of the Hyatt family, the Masonic Temple is now available for private events, yoga classes and human sacrifices (we’re kidding about that last part).
The London property even had Lady Gaga come by for a photoshoot with Vogue Italia, and Paloma Faith shot her music video for ‘I Just Can’t Rely on You’ in the Secret Temple.
Christopher Parr, is the Editor and Chief Content Creator for Pursuitist, and a contributing writer to USA Today, Business Insider — and the on-air host of Travel Tuesday on Live at 4 CBS. He is an award-winning luxury marketing veteran, writer, a frequent speaker at luxury and interactive marketing conferences and a pioneer in web publishing. Named a "Top 10 Luxury Travel Blogger” by USA Today, Parr has also been selected as the official winner in Luxury Lifestyle Awards’ list of the “Top 50 Best Luxury Influencers and Bloggers in the World.”