Grit, with a side of luxury

I moved to London 10 years ago from the North of England and have always lived in the East End. Why? Because of The Libertines’ iconic Brick Lane image, a poster of which I had Sellotaped onto my bedroom wall at uni (yes, cringe). But in the decade since I moved, I've watched Shoreditch branch out from the bagels and skinny jeans it was once famed for in the early 2000s. Now, it blends them with a different form of luxury you can't find anywhere else in the city. More contemporary than central London, and less stuffy than the west of the city, east London offers an avant-garde form of sophistication — one that comes clad in niche Scandi streetwear as opposed to an archetypal three-piece business suit.

East London, however, changes faster than a millennial bread trend (FYI, sourdough is out; focaccia is in). One week, the place to be is a barber’s, the next it’s a pop-up art gallery. And while change is exciting, it can be hard to know what's worth your time when it comes to experiencing the luxury treasures of the capital’s most creative destination.

Together with The Platinum Card® from American Express, I’m presenting the destinations that are worthy of adding to your Instagram feed, because nothing is worse than wasting a trip to the Big Smoke by spending all your time in soulless carpeted pubs.

The idea of a London pool usually conjures up images of chaotic lidos, but the Mondrian brings Miami party vibes, thanks to a sublime rooftop pool, which offers guests who book direct stunning views of the city, plus — perhaps more importantly — bar service (I highly recommend the Frozen Spicy Margarita).

The fun continues below, with rooms and suites featuring Marshall amp radios, bespoke artwork by Studio Graphite, Lavazza espresso machines and free-standing bathtubs. On the floors below, expect a range of food and entertainment options, including a state-of-the-art gym, two restaurants (Christina’s, which specialises in Japanese katsu sandos, and BiBo, who are experts in Spanish cuisine and tapas), a screening room and private-members club, The Curtain, which offers special working spaces, lounges and bars.

Platinum Cardmembers will receive several incredible benefits when booking hotels in American Express’s Fine Hotels+Resorts® collection. From early check-ins and guaranteed 4pm late checkouts to room upgrades (when available) and complimentary breakfast during your stay, these perks will make travelling a joy.

The space is more like a museum than a shop. Furry walls, graffiti murals, private styling suites and carefully curated artwork combined with cutting-edge tech adorn this must-visit retail destination, which also regularly hosts brand takeovers and events.

Platinum Cardmembers will receive Membership Rewards® points for every £1 spent when shopping. These points can then be turned into perks (think long-haul flights or gift cards for the likes of Selfridges and Harrods). American Express also gives you 30,000 Membership Rewards points when you spend £4,000 on purchases in your first three months as a new Platinum Cardmember.

Opposite Liverpool Street station you’ll find New Street Warehouse, a premium collection of fine-dining restaurants and bars that specialise in seafood, wine and, my personal favourite, Lake District-sourced ribeye steak (long live the North! *Raises fist in air*) from the moodily lit New Street Grill.

If mac’n’cheese is a childish side then I don’t want to grow up, because this place does the best macaroni in the city — and it’s the only decadent accompaniment you need for your excessive slab of protein. If you must order something green for appearances, the tenderstem broccoli tossed in chilli and garlic will more than suffice.

As a new Platinum Cardmember you can enjoy special reserved tables at restaurants in American Express's Global Dining Collection, which can be found in major destinations all over the world — from West Hollywood’s Cecconi's to Hakkasan Dubai.

You could spend an entire day in TT Liquor, an unassuming cocktail bar hidden away on Kingsland Road. This unique drinking establishment, set across three levels, is so much more than a cocktail bar — those in the know will tell you it’s essentially Mary Poppins’ handbag with an alcohol licence.

Start off in its expansive shop, which stocks everything from premium Japanese whiskies and timeless American bourbons to specialist Spanish gins and local craft beers. You’re then presented with a choice: head upstairs for an artisan slice from Good Fired Pizza on the newly opened rooftop, or downstairs to a crypt-style basement bar serving classy concoctions (try the Old Fashioned, you won’t regret it) and charcuterie against a background of live soul music every Wednesday evening.

Elsewhere in the building, you’ll find a cinema screening classic movies alongside equally classic drinks (it recently showed Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels with a serving of The King Of Soho gin), as well as a room that hosts cocktail-making classes for those who want to learn how to create their own rather than just sup ’em.

Book your visit to east London with your Platinum Card and enjoy access to a 24/7 travel and lifestyle concierge, who can help you organise your itinerary or sort out any last-minute travel changes during your entire stay. Getting about couldn't be easier either, as Cardmembers receive a £10 monthly statement credit to use on Addison Lee cars.

Plan your perfect staycation. For more information and to apply for The Platinum Card, please click here. Annual fee £575. Terms and Conditions apply.

If you’d prefer a Card without any rewards, other features or a Cardmembership fee, an alternative is available — the Basic Card

For full terms and conditions of The Platinum Card, please visit americanexpress.co.uk/platinum

New Cardmember offer is only available if you have not held a personal Membership Rewards enrolled American Express Card within the previous 24 months. If you have held a personal Membership Rewards enrolled American Express Card within the previous 24 months, you will be entitled to all other Card benefits, excluding the welcome offer. The 30,000 Membership Rewards bonus points will be awarded onto your Account once you have been approved and you spent and charged £4,000 within the first three months of Cardmembership. Cardmembership begins from Card approval.

Terms and Conditions apply to all Membership Rewards points earnings and redemptions. Full Terms and Conditions can be found at americanexpress.com/uk/mr-terms

American Express Services Europe Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.