Places··3 min read
Two East London Hotspots: SUSHISAMBA and Shoreditch
From sushi with a skyline view on the edge of Shoreditch to warehouse dining rooms full of long tables, two east London hotspots that earn the trip.
East London has a way of tempting us across town. This time we went in search of two east London hotspots that capture different sides of the area's appetite: one perched high above the City with a view to match, and one rooted in the converted warehouses and long communal tables that have become Shoreditch's signature.
They could hardly be more different, yet together they show why the east end of the capital is such a rewarding place to eat, drink and look around.
SUSHISAMBA: sushi with a view on the edge of Shoreditch
SUSHISAMBA London sits on the 38th and 39th floors of the tower at 110 Bishopsgate, originally known as Heron Tower, a short walk from Liverpool Street station. Strictly speaking it is in the City rather than Shoreditch, but it is close enough that many people think of it as a Shoreditch sushi destination, and the views over east London are a big part of the draw.
The ride up is half the fun: glass lifts run up the outside of the building, so the city drops away beneath you as you rise. At the top, the menu blends Japanese, Brazilian and Peruvian influences, which is the concept behind the SUSHISAMBA name. Expect sushi and raw dishes alongside grilled plates and bright, citrus-led flavours.
Some restaurants are about the plate, some about the room; the best east London hotspots manage to be about both.
Tips for visiting
- Book ahead. It is popular for celebrations, so reserve well in advance if you have a date in mind.
- Time it for the light. Arriving around sunset gives you daylight views and the city lights coming on.
- Check current details. Menus and arrangements change over time, so look at the restaurant's own information before you go.
Shoreditch's warehouse dining rooms
Our second hotspot is less a single address than a style. Wander the streets of Shoreditch and you will find restaurants set inside former warehouses, print works and workshops, with exposed brick, steel beams, long wooden tables and clusters of pendant lights, very like the room in our photo.
These spaces work because they are honest about their bones. Rather than disguising an industrial building, the designers celebrate it, then soften it with timber, warm lighting and plenty of people. Communal tables encourage a lively, sociable atmosphere, and the scale of the rooms gives even a busy night a sense of space.
Bringing east London style home
You do not need a warehouse to borrow some of that look. A few ideas we keep coming back to:
- Go long at the table. A simple, long wooden dining table with benches feels instantly convivial.
- Hang pendants in a row. Three or more matching pendant lights over a table create rhythm and a pool of warm light.
- Expose what you can. Brick, timber and metal look wonderful when they are left visible and cleaned up rather than covered.
- Balance the hard with the soft. Add linen, cushions and plants so the space feels welcoming rather than cold.
For more on the lighting side, our post on Bocci lighting at Heal's is full of inspiration, and our tour of open shelving in kitchens borrows some of the same industrial honesty.
Making a day of it in east London
Pair the two: spend an afternoon exploring Shoreditch's independent shops and galleries, then head up to Bishopsgate for dinner with a view. It makes a memorable outing for a birthday or for visiting friends who want to see a different side of London. If you are more of a south-west Londoner at heart, compare notes with our favourite London restaurants and see which side of the city wins your vote.
Looking back
We first wrote about these spots in early 2014. The building at 110 Bishopsgate has since been renamed Salesforce Tower, though many still call it Heron Tower, and Shoreditch's restaurant scene changes constantly, so check the latest before planning your evening.
Questions readers ask
Where is SUSHISAMBA London?
SUSHISAMBA London is on the 38th and 39th floors of 110 Bishopsgate, the tower formerly known as Heron Tower and now called Salesforce Tower, near Liverpool Street station on the edge of Shoreditch.
Is SUSHISAMBA in Shoreditch?
Strictly it is in the City of London, but it is only a short walk from Shoreditch and is often thought of as a Shoreditch sushi destination.
What style of food does SUSHISAMBA serve?
Its menu blends Japanese, Brazilian and Peruvian influences, with sushi and raw dishes alongside grilled plates.
