'It doesn't even feel like we're in London!' my friend exclaimed, as I showed her around the jungle-like innards of The Mandrake Hotel in Fitzrovia. If you've never set foot in this salubrious lair then I encourage you to, especially if you're looking for a bit of escapism in these testing times! I ventured to the tucked-away spot on a Monday afternoon, a few weeks after it reopened. Before I could enter the building my temperature had to be checked and luckily I passed the test. On walking down the pitch-black entranceway and down the inky corridor, it's like meandering into another wor...
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If you're looking for a bit of escapism in the city with an adventurous twist, make your way to Mr Fogg's Residence in the heart of Mayfair. This eclectic and tucked away bar which notably features a hot air balloon and a penny-farthing hanging above the bar, has reopened much to our delight following closure due to the darned corona and it has a number of safety measures in place so you can concentrate on delicious drinks instead of worrying about hygiene. Firstly, temperature checks are performed on arrival with a little gun. Apparently I was 'hot' while my drinking companion was 'cool'. ...
Read more →'It will help banish your cellulite, firm your butt and tighten your tummy.' I wasn't sure what a Russian Body Sculpting Massage consisted of, but already I was liking the sound of it. My friendly masseuse from Lithuania, who trained at a beauty therapy school which aligns with Russian practices, continued filling me on the massage. She added, that it might be painful and feel uncomfortable when she roughly pummeled my skin to help break down the fat cells but I shouldn't be alarmed. Feeling a little apprehensive but calmed by the slick atmosphere of the recently-opened Monnáy studio in ...
Read more →Descendant chocolate pancakes in bed for breakfast, a deep bubble bath and leafy views outside not to mention perfectly chilled martinis… had I died and gone to heaven? Fortunately, I was still in the land of the living I discovered after giving myself a pinch, and instead I was enjoying the confines of the dreamy Franklin London hotel. Tucked away on a quiet backstreet in Knightsbridge this is now high up on my list of top boutique hotels in the capital. This is a jewel box of a place, with slick interiors courtesy of Anouska Hempel and faultless service at the heart of the operation. T...
Read more →Take your tastebuds on a trip to the south of France courtesy of one of the city's top boutique hotels Blakes London. Nestled in the heart of Kensington and tucked away on a quiet street, this spot has entertained everyone from Kate Moss to Gwyneth Paltrow over the past four decades. It boasts low-key theatrical flair courtesy of interior designer Anouska Hempel, with lashings of black and gold to seduce you into staying for one more martini than you should. The hotel's latest offering - a food menu and overnight package inspired by a taste of Provence - is another reason to pop on by. I...
Read more →You always know when you’ve found a good place when you’re reluctant to write about it, in fear of giving the secret away. But letting you in on a hidden gem... add the Aman to your Venice must-see list. This hotel, restaurant and spa is opulent and discreet. A slice of heaven on earth. The complex is housed within a grand 16th century palazzo, which is still owned by the family and leased to the Aman. The original features are intact, with dreamlike frescos, playful plasterwork and magical murano glass chandeliers. Careful care has been taken to blend the old with the new and the Aman’...
Read more →In less than an hour I'd landed into Gatwick, railed into London, settled into my hotel room and was indulging in a brief respite in my robe. I'd checked into The Nadler Victoria on a Thursday evening after flying back from Venice and it was proving to be the perfect little post-airport stop. The chic 73-room hotel is located a hop and a skip from the main train station, where the Gatwick Express pulls into, and it's on the doorstep of Buckingham Palace if the royals are your thing. I'd been given a king double room on the second floor, room 204. After navigating the very dark corridors ...
Read more →If you're looking to add a real dash of flare and flavour to your night, then COYA Mayfair promises to satisfy your cravings. The Peruvian-inspired restaurant and pisco lounge is a sultry lair where your tastebuds are sent on a journey to the sunny wilds of South America. I checked into the place on a Friday night and the dining room steadily packed out to create a buzzing yet refined atmosphere. Taking a pew on a table next to a window, a friendly waitress came to run us through the menu and explained that dishes were best shared and that if we weren't drinking wine there were lots of cock...
Read more →Sat in Le Pont de la Tour on a Friday night, I was suddenly drifting to a memory of dining at the River Cafe in New York. From the classic sophisticated decor, to the classic style of service and polished menu, this place reminds lots of the revered Manhattan spot. We’d settled into a window seat looking out on to the Thames, with the place embalmed in the warm glow of candle light. Topping off the convivial atmosphere was the gentle chatter of happy diners and jazz music tootling away. 'We could be a Woody Allen movie,' I thought. From start to finish, the service was on point, with th...
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