Russell Square admittedly is a bit of an odd spot on the tube map. Running on the Piccadilly line between Holborn and King’s Cross it’s not somewhere I would necessarily stop. But the arrival of the Kimpton Fitzroy on London’s five-star hotel scene in 2018 changed all that for me. If you haven’t been, a trip to this jewel box of a place is highly recommended. From the outside, the frappe latte-hued Grade II-listed building, right on the leafy surrounds of Russell Square park and around the corner from the tube, makes for a fantastic site. It was originally built in 1898 by renowned archite...
Read more →Sadie Whitelocks 9
One of the best things about London is that there are always hidden gems to discover. Even after living in the city for more than 10 years, I’m often surprised by tucked away streets or venues I never knew existed. One of my latest discoveries is the Prince Akatoki hotel (the name name meaning 'dawn' or 'sunrise'), which is located around the corner from Portman Square and serves as a tranquil retreat blending Japanese and Scandinavian influences. Despite its historic guise from the outside, the cosy property has a cool contemporary feel once you step inside. I checked into the hotel on a...
Read more →There has been an explosion of hotel openings in London over recent times, but one of the tops additions to the capital has to be Nobu Hotel Portman Square. This 254-room property makes you feel like a movie star from the moment you step in, with a friendly doorman greeting you, a lofty lobby area, soft lighting and a calming palette of magnolias intermixed with natural woods. I checked in on a Thursday afternoon alongside a couple of well-dressed chaps from Italy. My room had been upgraded to a suite on the 9th floor and a friendly staff member helped me up with my bags. He informed me th...
Read more →The Standard brand knows how to inject ample amounts of sexy into hotel stays and its London branch takes things up a gear. The 266-room hotel, slap bang by St Pancras International and housed in a striking 1974 brutalist building, boasts several bathtub terrace suites and if you’re looking for a room with a view, these are the ones to book. I checked into the hotel on a Wednesday and as soon as I stepped into the place, I was immediately struck by the warm and inviting atmosphere, with low lighting and a sumptuous cocktail of deep colours running throughout. I was directed to room number 8...
Read more →Plane vs. train... For me, the train wins hands over when it comes to the London-Europe commute. It’s better for the environment, stress-free and perks range from no weight allowance on luggage to easy-to-reach station locations on both sides of the journey. It was the first time I'd been on a Eurostar since the pandemic and I opted to take the non stop journey from Amsterdam to London. Ticket prices seem cheaper than I remember - starting from £60 - and in a bid to ride home in comfort I bumped up to business. Arriving at the Amsterdam Eurostar terminal, which is located at the end of plat...
Read more →If you're looking for a tasting menu to remember, then the secret multi-course feast at Nobu promises to leave a lasting memory. We recently checked into Nobu Marbella, which is a dreamy venue set amid tropical foliage in the ultra-luxe Puente Romano resort. This year, the dining area was extended to cater to more guests and it makes for a spectacular space. The interiors, in true Nobu style, have a minimalist yet cosy feel, with the use of natural woods, foliage and soft lighting. Tables face a terrace area which opens out on to an inner courtyard, which comes a bustling spot come the eve...
Read more →If you're looking for smart, comfortable and discreet noise cancelling headphones, then this new product from JBL hits the right note. The Live Pro+ TWS is all about more music, less noise, delivering an immersive true wireless experience with incredible sound quality. Whether you’re an Obsessional Professional wanting the most from your time in the day, a Workout Warrior who can’t wait to get to the gym, a Busy Bee always socialising with friends, or a Rest & Relax kind of person who enjoys a slower pace to life, these headphones cater to all. Adaptive Noise Cancelling means zero di...
Read more →Ooh la la! Briston is a French brand born out of a very British spirit. If you haven't heard of this watchmaker then, take some time to check out some of the retro-style designs made for both men and women. The sophisticated and eye-catching designs are suited to any occasion, from outdoor adventures to sophisticated dinners. Collections include the 'lady', the 'diver', the 'traveler' and the 'sport'. Fun features include interchangeable straps in a rainbow of different shades, from British green to electric blue. NEW LAUNCH One of the newest collections to join the Briston ...
Read more →If you haven't heard of BearMade, then read on, as this bag company is shaking up the outdoors accessory scene and doing good at the same time. A winning combination we say! BearMade make bags for the conscious community. Their mission is simple: Get people outdoors, talking about mental health and produce British made bags that don't cost the earth. BearMade has launched a collection of seven bags that support an ethical outdoor lifestyle, with a new collection launching tomorrow in a shade of yellow to bring attention to endangered bees. Love it! Ranging from backpacks to fly fishing p...
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