Eat, Play, Sleep In These New London Hotspots
Raffles, London. Photography: John Atimaritis
London is surely one of the most exciting places on the planet. With the highly anticipated opening of 2 spectacularly stunning and ultra luxurious hotels – its fabulous quotient has gone up even more.
The Peninsula London Debuts In Belgravia
Grand Terrace Suite, Peninsula. Photography: Will Pryce
The brand new Peninsula London debuted in Belgravia on scenic Hyde Park Corner, September 12, 2023, designed with the finest British craftsmanship and artistry. At a cost of $1.4 billion this exemplar of stylish splendor is filled with natural light and expansive views thanks to feng shui master Lui Chun.
Brooklands Bar, Peninsula. Photography: Will Pryce
The posh hotel, a favorite of the fashionable set, features 190 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 and 2 Michelin starred Brooklands fine dining by Claude Bosi in a collection of spaces inspired by classic British aviation and motorsports. Also on the eighth floor, Brooklands Bar overlooks the London skyline.
Peninsula Lobby. Photography: Will Pryce
The light filled lobby with an all day restaurant dazzles with de Gournay murals, soaring columns and glittering chandeliers. Plush rooms and suites exude understated opulence and are spacious, done in soft neutral hues with bespoke furnishings, textiles, original art, mahogany-paneled dressing rooms, marble bathrooms and sleep alluring bedrooms with cocooning duvets, softest Quagliotti 1933 linen sheets, and supremely comfortable beds. The palatial Peninsula suite at 5,059 sq ft has its own elevator, terrace, gym and private screening room.
The Peninsula Suite. Photography: Will Price
Brooklands - Evening. Photography: Maxine Albert
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 at its best.
Brooklands, The Peninsula. Photography: Maxine Albert
Everything from the tastiest Cornish Squid and Artichoke, luscious Lake District Lamb, Mint and Pastrami, English Mora Farm Beetroot, Stracciatella and Black Cardamom to the joy inducing Alphonso Mango, Marigold with Kaffir Lime along with a selection of British Cheese -all paired with fine wine – was exquisite and transported me to Foodie Paradise. Each dish was a masterpiece that danced on my palate. What a night to remember!
Raffles Premieres At The OWO
Raffles, London. Photography: John Atimaritis
Raffles premiered in the heart of Whitehall at the OWO on September 29, 2023 after a $1.7 billion renovation created this stunning synthesis of luxury and British historical heritage. The legendary Old War Office has been spectacularly restored by hundreds of artisans and re-imagined as a resplendent hotel with elegant classic and heritage rooms.
Haldane Suite, Raffles. Photography: John Atimaritis
Interiors done in rich textiles with hand-laid mosaic floors, marble bathrooms and historic fireplaces feature corridors carpeted in patterned red and white, with leather-trimmed scarlet window drapes echoing the outfits of the Household Cavalry.
Gorgeous Marble Staircase, Raffles. Photography: John Atimaritis
The grand hotel includes 120 posh rooms and suites, 85 Residences, dining venues by 3 Michelin starred chef Mauro Colagreco, Guerlain Spa and Pillar Wellbeing along with 2 atmospheric bars including the Guard’s Bar and Lounge as well as the subterranean Spy Bar in a former interrogation room used by M16 agents. TE Lawrence aka Lawrence of Arabia walked these hallowed corridors, Ian Fleming was inspired for his James Bond series here, the D-Day landings were partially planned here and the stunning Heritage suites are former offices of influential political and military leaders such as Winston Churchill. From the eye popping marble staircase wrapped around a striking two-story chandelier to the sumptuously restored oak paneling, Raffles is a bastion of imperial splendor.
Mauro Colagreco, Raffles. Photography: John Atimaritis
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. The impressive culinary journey includes notes with photos and detailed descriptions of the vegetables including their healing and regenerative properties, a poem about Bread by Pablo Neruda, both a vegetable and cheese trolley and divine wine pairings.
Fennel With Poached Scallops, Mauro Colagreco. Photography: Maxine Albert
In addition to the splendid presentation, I dined on delectable fennel with poached scallops, red bell pepper with cod, pilpil sauce, salt marsh lamb and aubergine mole and addictive strawberries, dulce seaweed ice cream, white chocolate, yuzu. Master chef Mauro’s more relaxed dining restaurant is Saison.
Vegetable Trolley, Mauro Colagreco. Photography: Maxine Albert
Enchanting London
I love strolling the city’s charming streets abuzz with stylish Londoners and taking in the renowned architecture. Upscale Mayfair, bordering Hyde Park with its elegant Georgian townhouses, famous Savile Row tailors, Bond Street boutiques, and hip art galleries lining Cork Street -, always delights. 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.
London. Photography: Maxine Albert
The Afternoon Tea Bus, the Bustronome perfectly combines an afternoon tea experience with visits to sixteen famous London landmarks. These include The Tower Bridge, Big Ben, the London Eye Ferris Wheel with breathtaking views of the River Thames, Buckingham Palace, the Tower of London with the Royal Jewels; and magnificent Westminster Abbey.
London. Photography: Maxine Albert
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.
Elton John Collection, Fragile Beauty. Photography: Maxine Albert
Elton John Collection, Fragile Beauty: Photography: Maxine Albert
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 compelling theater, with many reviewers pointing to the similarities of Trump’s rise to power. 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:
A Face In The Crowd, Young Vic. Photography: Maxine Albert
Indigo, the signature restaurant in 5-star hotel ‘One Aldwych’ in London’s theater district, Covent Garden – offers an impressive pre-theater menu using the freshest local, seasonal ingredients with every dish gluten and dairy-free.
Stay: A Nature Inspired Sanctuary in London
The Nest At The Treehouse Hotel, London
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. 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. And the popular trendy lush plant filled Nest - rooftop bar and lounge offers spectacular 360-degree city views.
For More Information: VisitBritain.