Archive For The “London” Category
We in London will recognise SW7 as a postcode. The area is 4km west of the City of Westminster, and contains South Kensington and Knightsbridge, two of the smartest parts of the capital. The Melia London Kensington Hotel and its SW7 restaurant are a welcome addition. SW7 is a bright and contemporary restaurant. Blond wood…
Melia White House London Hotel is a shining example of 1930s Deco architecture. It was opened in 1936 as apartments, and one can still see original architectural features both inside and out. The metal window frames and the white façade are typical of this design style which gave a nod to the sleek ocean liners…
Melia London Kensington Hotel was the first hotel in this International chain in which I had stayed. It’s a Spanish group and there is a nod to that in its restaurant cuisine, and also in the fact that most of the staff seem to be bilingual. That’s a rather unique draw for those guests from…
This is undoubtedly one of the most noteworthy hotels in London. St Ermin’s welcomes guests with iconic architecture and unique ambiance (read more about the hotel here). It has other advantages too: The Caxton Grill (read my review here) and its associated bar. That is a convivial space with not only drinks but a lot…
Well, perhaps this is lucky timing for a review of a restaurant called POTUS! President Trump has been visiting London and POTUS Bar and Restaurant at Crowne Plaza London – Albert Embankment is just a stone’s throw from the new American Embassy. Perhaps Mr Trump will pop in to sample some solid American fare before…
This new and smart hotel is part of the polished Crowne Plaza group and it sits next to the Thames on the historic Albert Embankment. That location might sound, to the untutored, like a mound of earth or what those who hail from across the pond call a levee. Albert Embankment was created by the…
No, this isn’t the first time I have visited one of my favourite hotels, but it was the first time I had spent the night. So, how can it be one of this writer’s favourites? I have visited One Aldwych on numerous occasions. I’ve covered Dinner and a Movie, Indigo Restaurant for Brunch, the superb…
One Aldwych has, over many years, ticked numerous culinary boxes (read my reviews here). The hotel’s location makes it an ideal spot for both business and leisure, for families and lone workers. Back in 1907, this building housed the offices of The Morning Post. It has theatres on its doorstep and Covent Garden is a…
St Ermin’s is a time-capsule of accessible refinement, a showcase of craftsmanship, and an oasis of comfort. Its location is convenient, being just around the corner from St James’s Park Underground station, but it’s this hotel’s history and elegance that will assure many happy returns. This four-star deluxe hotel in London’s St James’s Park has…
The Petersham is a 4-Star stunner with the best views of the River Thames, which winds below past idyllic pastures. The hotel is on Nightingale Lane which once had a Nightingale Cottage. In 1863, the cottage was acquired by the Richmond Hill Hotel Company. They employed John Giles as the architect to build something remarkable…
We are truly blessed with marvellous hotels in London. They are diverse, and one can always find something to appeal, no matter what one’s taste. If you are looking for 5-star luxury, an excellent location, and a selection of fine dining experiences, then perhaps Grosvenor House has your name on it and there is Anna’s…
Who doesn’t enjoy a good afternoon tea? It’s a delicious British institution and comforting. We know exactly what to expect – a 3-tier stand with sandwiches on the lowest deck, a few scones in the mid-section and an array of sweet treats on the top. It’s traditional, and marvellous when done well. But one might…
Georgian House Hotel is Five-star in every regard (read my review here). It’s a cosy boutique bed-and-breakfast with the addition of a delicious and worthy afternoon tea in their Pimlico Pantry. Upcycled Afternoon Tea! The new Upcycled Afternoon Tea is prompted by the best of motives, but it also ticks all the boxes for those…
London is blessed with a wealth of hotels and B&Bs. Yes, we have a great many but they are of variable quality, so it’s always wonderful to find a little hospitality gem. The Georgian House Hotel near Victoria is just that. Built in 1851, by the present owner’s great great grandfather William Chinnery Mitchell, the…
Located near Covent Garden in the heart of London’s West End, Eneko at One Aldwych is one of this writer’s favourite eateries. It is a delightfully stylish restaurant and wine bar from the acclaimed Basque Chef Eneko Atxa. This basement space takes advantage of a 2-storey ceiling at one end which offers diners in that…
I live only a short bus ride, or an even shorter train ride, from Kingston. I am there very often for retail therapy at the Bentalls Centre, and a frequent visitor to the large Chinese, Japanese and Korean supermarket. I enjoy the historic daily fruit and vegetable market. But I have never thought of Kingston…
There is a new stylish hotel in Kingston and it’s a Hilton. But why Kingston Upon Thames? Well, it’s a good location for a decent hotel for business or pleasure, in an area which seems to have something of a lack of such accommodation. But why would you want to go to Kingston, anyway? Kingston…
London attracts tourists and it has done for generations. The city is still an international financial hub; London has a vibrant creative arts scene and an energetic restaurant industry. But where can one stay to be within easy reach of both work and play in this cosmopolitan and magnetic corner of Europe? Finsbury Square is…
One Aldwych is a smart and celebrated hotel and, as its name suggests, occupies the front near-side corner of that sweeping crescent called Aldwych. Eneko is its latest restaurant, taking the basement place of Axis, which I had always enjoyed. Eneko opened in London last year. It’s a sibling of one of the Basque region’s…
The name ‘lobby bar’ might give the impression that this is something of an after-thought. Perhaps a venue through which to pass. A prequel to the main event. That couldn’t be further from the truth. It now has a trolley! One Aldwych and its Lobby Bar occupy one of the most important Edwardian buildings in…