What New Hot Spots Make The Ultimate London Getaway
London is better than ever. This exciting cosmopolitan capital offers a flourishing art scene with impressive museums, great theater, happening nightlife, shopping aplenty, world-class gastronomy and top luxury hotels. Stroll the streets abuzz with stylish Londoners
London is better than ever. This exciting cosmopolitan capital offers a flourishing art scene with impressive museums, great theater, happening nightlife, shopping aplenty, world-class gastronomy and top luxury hotels.
Stroll the streets abuzz with stylish Londoners and take in the city’s renowned architecture. The Tower Bridge, Big Ben, the London Eye Ferris Wheel offering breathtaking views of the River Thames, Buckingham Palace, the Tower of London with the Royal Jewels; and magnificent Westminster Abbey – England’s renowned coronation church where the voice of actor Jeremy Irons guides you from tombs of medieval kings to the tombs of Poets Corner – comprise some of the many dazzling historic landmarks.
Don’t miss The Churchill Museum’s actual underground war rooms and recordings of the great orator himself. The esteemed Prime Minister who inspired a nation directed the British war effort from this subterranean warren of map rooms and offices. After the visit, emerge into the daylight and behold beautiful St James Park, where swans on the pond glide beneath the willows.
Meander upscale Mayfair, bordering Hyde Park with its elegant Georgian townhouses, famous Savile Row tailors, Bond Street boutiques, and hip art galleries lining Cork Street. Fashionistas also flock to the stylish shops of Knightsbridge, Oxford and Regent Street with visits to Selfridges and Harrods guaranteed to titillate even the most discerning shopper. And the Afternoon Tea Bus, the Bustronome offers guests a lovely afternoon tea experience while visiting sixteen famous London landmarks. www.bustronome.com/en/london/afternoon-tea
Don’t miss the impressive British Museum and Tate Modern. Fragile Beauty: Photographs from the Sir Elton John and David Furnish Collection at The Victoria and Albert Museum through January 5th, featuring stirring images of celebrities, fashion icons and deeply moving historical events by acclaimed photographers – was a highlight of my visit.
And that famous London Theater we all adore. I saw ‘A Face in the Crowd’ based on the classic 1950’s film, with original music by Elvis Costello, at the Young Vic, running through Nov. 9. It was fantastic and the popular bar/eatery attached to the theater, filled with creative types made it even more fabulous. On VisitBritainShop.com visitors can purchase money and time saving theatre tickets: www.visitbritainshop.com/us/en/theatre-shows
Where to Stay:
If you’re seeking a bucolic, nature inspired oasis in this vibrant metropolis I can’t think of a better place than The Treehouse Hotel, part of SH Hotels & Resorts. Ideally located in Langham Place, just off Regent Street, this charmer features 95 stylish guest rooms including 15 suites; all perched high in the city skyline with big bay windows and glorious views. Nature inspired interiors that include Paddington Bear, brightly colored cuckoo clocks, adorable bird accents, sloth shaped cushions and white tiled rain showers accompanied by delightful weaving tree trunks create a playful, joyous, and rejuvenating ambiance. The trendy lush plant filled Nest – rooftop bar and lounge offers spectacular 360-degree city views.
www.treehousehotels.com
London’s Two Highly Anticipated Ultra-Luxe Hotel Openings:
Raffles at The OWO
Raffles debuted in the heart of Whitehall at The OWO September 29, 2023, featuring 120 posh rooms and suites, 85 residences, dining venues by starred chef Mauro Colagreco, Guerlain Spa and 2 atmospheric bars including the subterranean Spy Bar. Britain’s Old War Office, a legendary building with a storied history, has been spectacularly restored by hundreds of artisans with careful attention to its heritage features and reimagined as a resplendent hotel with elegant classic and heritage sites. From the eye popping marble staircase, wrapped around a striking two- story chandelier, to the mosaic-tiled floors, it’s a bastion of imperial splendor. TE Lawrence aka Lawrence of Arabia walked these hallowed corridors, Ian Fleming was inspired for his James Bond series here and the stunning Heritage suites are former offices of influential political and military leaders such as Winston Churchill.
Dining: Three Michelin starred-chef Mauro Colagreco uses the finest seasonal ingredients, all produced in Great Britain to create a unique, elevated dining experience in his eponymous restaurant. My impressive culinary journey included delectable fennel with poached scallops, red bell pepper with cod, pilpil sauce, salt marsh lamb and aubergine mole, addictive strawberries, dulce seaweed ice cream, white chocolate and yuzu. Master chef Mauro’s more relaxed dining restaurant is Saison. www.raffles.com
Peninsula London in Belgravia
The Peninsula London premiered in Belgravia, on Hyde Park Corner, September 12, 2023, designed with the finest British craftsmanship and artistry. This exemplar of stylish splendor, filled with natural light and expansive views thanks to feng shui master Lui Chun, features 190 ultra luxurious rooms and suites, many with floor to ceiling windows, 25 residences, The Peninsula Spa and Wellness Centre, Canton Blue’s acclaimed Cantonese cuisine, Brooklands Rooftop Bar along with 2 Michelin starred Brooklands fine dining by Claude Bosi. The lobby with an all day restaurant dazzles with de Gournay murals, soaring columns and glittering chandeliers. Plush rooms and suites are spacious, supremely comfortable, done in soft neutral hues with bespoke furnishings, textiles, original art, mahogany-paneled dressing rooms and marble bathrooms. The palatial Peninsula suite has its own terrace, gym and private screening room.
Dining: My evening began with a cocktail at the panoramic rooftop Brooklands Bar at sunset before I started my transporting gastronomic experience at the adjacent restaurant, Brooklands where two-Michelin-starred chef Claude Bosi does his magic showcasing Modern British cuisine. Everything from the tastiest Cornish Squid and Artichoke, Lake District Lamb, Mint and Pastrami, English Mora Farm Beetroot, Stracciatella and Black Cardamom to the Alphonso Mango, Marigold and Kaffir Lime, was exquisite and made – A Night To Remember!
www.peninsula.com.
For more info: www.visitbritain.org