London Calling, for Sure
Whether it is for Valentine's Day, a change of scene, a shopping trip or a foodie tour – London keeps reinventing itself time after time, and is always worth a visit. At the last count, no less than 80 Michelin stars sparkled above the metropolis on the Thames. Go for care-free fine dining and elegant yet casual boutique hotels – it is the thing to do.
10 Tips for a Smashing Weekend:
Tip no. 1: Ham Yard Hotel – London's Coolest Design Hotel
The Ham Yard Hotel, opened in summer 2014, is the latest addition to the portfolio of Tim and Kit Kemp. The U-shaped hotel is accessed via an urban village square that features five fully grown oak trees, and a bronze sculpture by Tony Cragg. All rooms are done in a bright and colourful “contemporary English style” that carries the handwriting of British designer and co-proprietor Kit Kemp. A particular eye catcher is the enormous wall clock in the lobby, composed of 135 small timepieces whose rotating hands align every minute to tell the time.
Tip no. 2: The Knightsbridge Hotel – the Perfect Temporary Home for Fashionistas
Knightsbridge is definitely one of London's priciest areas. An early Victorian townhouse in a coveted residential neighbourhood has been transformed into an elegant boutique hotel. Harrods is just around the corner, as are many famous designers on Sloane Street. So it's “shop till you drop” – into your divinely comfortable bed at The Knightsbridge Hotel.
Tip no. 3: Bulgari Hotel London – a Boutique Hotel with its very Own Identity
The 5-star Bulgari boutique hotel in Knightsbridge brilliantly pays homage to the silversmith origins of the Rome-based jewellery business of Bulgari. The spa area counts among the finest found anywhere in London's hospitality sector. Having done a few laps in the 25-metre pool, you may recline in one of the poolside cabanas to get your bearings back after a tough day. It is a favoured spot that those who occupy it are loath to relinquish.
Tip no. 4: Pollen Street Social – Showpiece of Modern British Cuisine
Jason Atherton's interpretation of the modern British cuisine has met with universal acclaim. He was the first Englishman who completed his training at the legendary elBulli under Ferran Adrià. In 2011, he started his own restaurant. Today, Jason Atherton oversees an impressive gastronomy empire of his own, with restaurants in London, Dubai, Hong Kong, Shanghai, Singapore, Sydney and New York. Among these, the most exciting place to dine is his flagship restaurant in London, the Pollen Street Social in Mayfair, for this is where he himself does the cooking.
Tip no. 5: The Ledbury – Truly Masterful Cooking in Notting Hill!
The Ledbury counts among the most creative culinary addresses in London. Brett Graham's best-of-class restaurant is located in the eponymous residential street in London's Notting Hill district. Australian-born Brett Graham has been awarded two Michelin stars since 2010 for his modern French cuisine. His oeuvres are product-centred, light, subtly flavoured, and imaginative.
Tip no. 6: Chiltern Firehouse – Hot Hype
The Chiltern Firehouse is different from any other hotel restaurant in London: more exciting, more extravagant and with plenty of sex appeal. This is why you will find the place bustling with celebrities. Top models, actors and actresses, eccentric artists and young jet setters are positively spellbound by the Chiltern Firehouse. Anyone surprised? The mastermind behind the project is none other than the influential New York hotelier André Balazs.
Tip no. 7: Sexy Fish – New, Glitzy and Provocative
© Mark Brumell, Sexy Fish in London
How sexy can a fish get? Sexy Fish is the latest caper of the Caprice Group. Opened in October 2015, this seafood restaurant in Mayfair will stun you with its glamorous interior decoration, open-plan kitchen, large bar, and sculptures by Damien Hirst and Frank Gehry. Passing outside is a veritable parade of Rolls Royces, Bentleys and Ferraris – diners showing off. On the inside, you will find beautiful people sipping their cocktails, handling sushi and pan-Asian fish dishes with chopsticks, and eyes roaming ceaselessly lest they miss a celeb passing through. The cuisine is amazingly good, and the wait staff decidedly attentive. You are well advised to book your table far in advance. Ask for the table beneath the crocodile.
Tip no. 8: Afternoon Tea at The Connaught – the Stuff of Legends
It's an absolute treat to sit in the brightly day-lit “Espelette” room at The Connaught Hotel, and to enjoy the sophisticated finger sandwiches filled with foie gras or salmon with wasabi. The fluffy scones fresh from the oven are served with jams made by Christine Ferber, the queen of jams. The macarons as well as the miniature Bûche de Noël have been designed by Michelin star winning chef Hélène Darroze. The finest afternoon tea in town!
Tip no. 9: Tom’s Kitchen – Your Brunch Hotspot in Chelsea
Tom Aikens serves a high-end bistro cuisine at four different sites in London. We are particularly enthralled with Tom’s Kitchen in Chelsea and his brunch-time fare. Outstanding Eggs Benedict, and celestial Brioche French toast with caramelised apples.
Tip no. 10: The Wolseley – Trendy Grand Café with Flair
An accomplished mix of train shed, brasserie and grand café. The Wolseley is packed no matter what time you call – be it breakfast, lunch or afternoon tea – so don't bother unless you made reservations. Quite in line with the impeccable ambience, the wait staff is discretely solicitous. Very British indeed.
Ready for more? We have compiled 313 hotel and restaurant tips for you on pillowandpepper.com – each one of them tested in person, on location.
We hope you have lots of fun planning your next trip!