I was so delighted to learn that the Mondrian brand has opened a new flagship hotel in East London, giving the building which previously housed the fabulous The Curtain (and which sadly closed during the pandemic) a new lease of life. Around the corner from my previous workplace, The Curtain was my go to spot for organising client hospitality events as well as meeting friends, so am excited to pop across when am next in the city to see what leading interior design firm Goddard Little has created as part of its new identity. Full blogpost to follow. For more information on this fabulous new addition to the Shoreditch scene visit the website.
If you have been following my blog for some time, you will know I have a long-standing affection for the Corinthia Hotel in London, from when we shot our first fashion shoot for an accessory label I launched with my ex-husband, to celebrating many family special occasions in one of the gorgeous hotel restaurants.
And as we all (wearily) come out out of lockdown, we are in much need for a soul-recharge, and insta-worthy openings like Kerridge’s Garden Grill at Corinthia are just what the doctor ordered. A holiday abroad might not be on the cards this year, but enjoying what is on offer and supporting our pandemic-beleaguered hospitality industry is something we can all willingly play our part. Kerridges Garden Grill sits in a never-before seen space surrounding the glass dome atop Corinthia London’s Baccarat chandelier. With a menu which plays on Chef Tom Kerridge’s reputation for serving his own take on the UK’s most celebrated dishes, and Laurent Perrier Champagne as champagne of choice, I will definitely be booking a table now before reservations are at full capacity!
Open daily for a limited period from 12 April-15 May 2021. For more information and to make a reservation see here
As many of you will know from my Instagram posts, one of my favourite spots in London is Hotel Cafe Royal in Piccadilly and I have featured the hotel and its dining options which are available for non-guests a few times now on the blog, including their incredible afternoon tea experience in the spectacular Oscar Wilde Room. So I was thrilled to learn that they had launched a new Sunday brunch menu at the end of last year.
With the wet and windy weekends we have been experiencing in the UK not to mention the doom and gloom following Brexit, what could be better than to seek refuge in an interior design dream with delicious food and drink and in the company of good friends. Designed by Italian architect and designer Piero Lissoni with hues of brown, grey and bronze, Laurent Restaurant is on the first floor of Hotel Café Royal. The main dining room and bar overlooks the elegant sweep of Regent Street, with additional seating around the sensational Murano glass chandelier which takes centre stage in the hotel’s grand lobby.
Executive Chef Laurent Tourondel has brought New York to London with a fantastic brunch menu featuring dishes such as his incredible Truffle Popovers Benedict which are a twist on the classic Eggs Benedict using a truffle hollandaise sauce and lots of cheese. It is supremely rich in flavour, but worth visiting the restaurant just to try this dish as was absolutely exquisite.
Also on the menu, you will find classics such as avocado and salmon as well as country style pancakes. And of course there is the option to choose the bottomless brunch menu with includes one main dish with either unlimited Bloody Marys (£45), or VeuveClicquot (£65). To note the bottomless option is for two hours only, but that is plenty of time to enjoy the live jazz music and escape hectic city life for a few hours of much needed relaxation or catch up with friends.
The hotel describes itself as a ‘London luxury address like no other’, and this in my opinion is no overstatement. For over 150 years, Hotel Café Royal has been the ‘vibrant living room of London, the place to convene, converse and celebrate’ for famous visitors like Oscar Wilde, Muhammad Ali, Winston Churchill and David Bowie (indeed several of the spaces in the hotel are now named after these illustrious folks). The new Sunday brunch menu has further enhanced the hotel’s offering, and am even more of an ardent fan of this very special spot in London. I am looking forward to my next visit already!
I absolutely love discovering new hotels, and was recently invited to a corporate breakfast seminar at L’oscar hotel near Holborn tube in London. Now I admit it wasn’t a hotel which had passed across my radar, and hotel conference rooms in the past have not really blown me away, but as soon as I walked into the lavish reception area at l’oscar I was impressed.
Our seminar was set in the splendid Library, and afterwards I was kindly given a tour by the Head Concierge and was fascinated to hear the story of how a previously dilapidated English heritage building had been lovingly restored in all its Baroque glory into this gorgeous 39 bedroom boutique hotel with exquisite and unique spaces for private dining as well as business meetings and seminars.
Built more than a hundred years ago, the building was the former London headquarters of the Baptist Church. Architect Arthur Keen mixed ‘Wrenaissance’ style with Arts & Crafts influences, working with some of the best artists and craftsmen of the time to create much of the exterior and interior design: ornately plastered ceilings, carved fireplaces, oak panelling, and finely worked plaques.
Sadly, the building’s fifth floor was damaged by a bomb in World War II and over the years the church’s congregation dwindled. It closed in the 1960s as a place of worship and was taken over by London Transport until 2012 when it was bought by the Triangle Hotel Group and under the creative direction of L’oscar CEO Duncan Shakeshaft its revival began with many of its features beautifully restored by master craftsman from across the world.
With lavish interiors created by French designer Jacques Garcia, of Hotel Costes in Paris and La Mamounia in Marrakech fame, there is a real sense of decadence and luxury, but also heritage and culture. Respecting the Grade II historical building, partitions in bedrooms cannot touch the ceilings and many of the original features have been lovingly restored.
All rooms and suites are decorated with commissioned arts & crafts period artwork, but of course provide access to modern technology such as flat screen TV and complimentary non-alcoholic mini bar and daily newspaper.
Attention to detail is breathtaking with Lalique style birds used as light fittings, Roja Dove perfume providing a L’oscar signature smell and stunning hollow stem crystal champagne coups made in Poland. However I was also impressed to learn that there were many elements which had been recycled including the doors leading into the bar which CEO Mr Shakeshaft had found in a metal scrapyard in France, the restaurant napkins rings which were bought at Kempton Park antiques market and former church collection trays refurbished to be used to present clients with their bills.
Dining options are just as beautiful with the main restaurant, sparkling L’oscar, an all-day brasserie next to the main lobby, inspired by the famous Venetian Café Florian, lined with with mirrors and gilded panels. There is also a private events space for sit down and standing receptions set under the resplendent original church dome with an intimate bar, The Baptist Bar, open to the public and with live entertainment on Thursdays and Fridays, set on the level below.
With Valentine’s Day approaching, I can’t think of a more romantic setting to have dinner or escape for a mini-break. And for those of us who are still dealing with the sadness, that we are no longer part of Europe, L’oscar provides a little bit of Parisian chic in the capital.
Situated on the terrace of one of its luxury private residences, the pop up bar which is open Thursday to Saturday evenings until September, overlooks some of London’s most impressive sights, from the Tower of London to the Shard. As well as a vast drinks menu, Asian inspired light bites will be available including a selection of sushi rolls and colourful summer salads.
I loved every minute of my visit with some friends for pre-dinner cocktails. From walking into the luxurious suite with a beautiful bar adorned with flowers, to admiring the breathtaking views and enjoying the amazingly warm and welcoming service. It’s sure to be one of London’s hotspots for locals and visitors alike this summer.
For more information or to book a table contact: +44 (0)203 297 3799 or diningreservations.tri@fourseasons.com
I have always been a fan of the Hotel Café Royal for afternoon tea and drinks, but found it strange that their main restaurant Ten was situated on the ground floor surrounded by passing traffic of people en route to the Green Bar or guests checking in, so was very intrigued to visit their new restaurant, Laurent at Café Royal, on the first floor following the hotel’s £5 million refurbishment.
With an interior designed by Piero Lissoni, Laurent is contemporary yet nods to the hotel’s rich heritage retaining grandeur and elegance and is headed by French chef extraordinaire Laurent Tourondel, and offers an international menu including both steak and sushi all prepared to perfection. I was interested to learn that Chef Tourondel actually worked weekend shifts at Hotel Café Royal when he started out as a young chef, so its absolutely fitting he returns at the helm thirty years later for his first European restaurant opening.
With an open “parilla grill” kitchen and sushi bar, you can choose between the small sexy dining room with its glittering bar facing Regent Street or the intimate balcony tables overlooking the fabulous Italian Murano chandelier taking centre stage in the refurbished hotel lobby.
I have eaten at Laurent a few times now and absolutely love the giant cheesy Yorkshire pudding which is served instead of bread, the in-house cured gin-salmon California rolls and (melt in the mouth) USA Creek Stone Farm beef fillet steak with salt and vinegar chips. And the desserts are simply exquisite.
London has an incredible repertoire of high-end eateries to choose from, but I have to say Laurent will be featuring high up on my list for both business and personal dining for the foreseeable future. Glamorous interiors, incredibly delicious food and warm knowledgeable staff are an unbeatable combination. I simply cannot wait to return! For more information or to reserve a table visit the website.
I was thrilled to finally get chance to try the afternoon tea at Hotel Café Royal in the run up to Christmas. Having discovered the Hotel last year when scouting for venues for a corporate event, I fell in love the with the opulent Oscar Wilde room and have been trying to find time ever since to do afternoon tea.
When I learned that they had launched a collaboration with one of my favourite brands, French perfumier and candle maker Diptyque, I decided I had to treat my sister and mum (and myself) to their Festive Afternoon Tea.
Awarded the title of “Best Traditional Afternoon Tea 2017”, the Hotel Cafe Royal afternoon certainly ticked all the boxes: gorgeous setting and delicious food. The gilded Oscar Wilde Bar where afternoon tea is served is named after one of the room’s most famous patrons and apparently it was in this very room where Mr Wilde fell in love with Lord Alfred Douglas. Dating back to 1865 and formerly known as the Grill Room before the hotel’s renovation in 2013, the room has been beautifully restored to its original ornate Louis XVI detailing.
The luxurious surroundings were the perfect setting to enjoy our Festive Tea, which included delicious sandwiches with Roast Norfolk Bronze turkey with chestnut stuffing and cranberry sauce and seasonal jams for the scones and of course pastries inspired by iconic diptyque scents such as Jasmine (pistachio cake and jasmine tea). The afternoon tea service was also accompanied by a live pianist and a choice of 30 tea blends and infusions.
And to remember our magical afternoon, we received a beautiful Diptyqye gift set to take away, which included my all-time favourite candle scent, Baies, which is a blend of Bulgarian rose and blackcurrant leaves and mini eau de toilette perfume samples.
The Festive Afternoon Tea is priced at £55 per person, or £65 paired with a glass of Laurent-Perrier NV. The “diptyque Festive Afternoon Tea” with a diptyque gift set is £70, or £80 paired with a glass of Champagne. The sittings are from 11.30am until 7.30pm daily. The Festive Tea runs until 3 January 2018, but I believe that the collaboration with Diptyque will continue all next year, so get yourself booked in and prepare for a real treat! For reservations visit Hotel Café Royal.
As more and more couples take their honeymoon a few months after their wedding day – arise the popularity of the mini-moon! And where better than the capital itself, packed with designer shops, theatres, galleries and amazing restaurants to try. There are countless fabulous hotels to stay in but here are my top three – each offering something unique and special.
Pure luxury – the one and only Corinthia
The Corinthia has a special place in my heart – its one of my favourite places in London for family celebrations, and last year we were thrilled to shoot our 2014 collection there.
This breathtaking 5 star hotel, the flagship for the Corinthia brand, combines traditional grandeur with modern freshness, and is ideally located near the Embankment, a short walk from many of the city’s major attractions, with two fantastic restaurants, Italian inspired Massimo and the Northall, plus the most gorgeous and intimate cocktail bar, Bassoon, featuring live music.
The hotel’s sumptuously appointed rooms, averaging 45m², are among the largest in their category in London’s luxury hotel market and the hotel also boasts a spectacular collection of exclusive two-storey penthouse hotel suites. Rooms start at £355 plus VAT.
The Corinthia also houses award-winning ESPA Life which I was lucky enough to try recently – and can definitely verify it has the wow-factor! Set over four floors, with vitality pool, amphitheatre sauna, ice fountain, marble heated lounges and the most gorgeous private sleep pods – you are guaranteed the ultimate in relaxation.
In short, what a perfect hotel to kick start your married life in luxury and style. Visit Corinthia London’s website for more information.
Hip & Cool – Sanderson
I recently discovered Sanderson when I had a meeting in their fabulous bar, aptly named the Long Bar.
The unassuming exterior hides a fabulous surprise with an art lovers dream of a reception featuring the iconic Dali-esque plump red lips sofa and other surreal delights. There is also a gorgeous courtyard where I saw people partaking in their famous Mad Hatters Afternoon Tea.
Sanderson is part of the Morgans Hotel Group which is widely credited as the creator of the first “boutique” hotel and a continuing leader of the hotel industry’s boutique sector. Sanderson’s 150 guest rooms have recently had a fabulous refurb and the new rooms have a sense of the modern, while paying tribute to the baroque era with elaborate wood oak carvings and hand-blocked scenic wallpaper. Room start at £239 plus VAT.
The hotel’s on-site Malaysian restaurant, Suka, the Purple Bar and African inspired reception room are also destinations in their own right. Sanderson has the perfect mix of beautiful boutique hotel coupled with a cool and quirky vibe. See Sanderson for more information.
Uber stylish and modern – ME Hotel London
I first discovered this stunning hotel at an event I organised in its Rooftop Radio bar. With panoramic views over London the bar has fast become one of London’s hotspots – but I was pleasantly surprised on a later tour of the hotel how much more the ME Hotel has to offer. First – The Atrium, a reception area like no other I have ever seen – almost futuristic. Arriving guests pass through the ground floor Marconi lounge, and ascend to the dedicated hotel lobby and champagne bar on the first floor housed within a nine-storey high pyramidal space, clad entirely in white marble with impressive light shows bringing the space to life.
And the guest rooms follow the trend – cutting edge and simply stylish. The hotel has 157 rooms, including 30 rooms with private balconies, 16 suites and a duplex ME Suite with rates starting at £340 plus VAT.
ME London is also home to one of the most fantastic steak restaurants – the world famous STK brand – the modern steakhouse and chic lounge all rolled into one. Steak is obviously the main attraction here, but don’t miss out on signature items including Parmesan Truffle Fries – beyond delicious! More information can be found at ME London.
All three hotels are perfectly situated in London’s west end, but with luxury on tap and so much to do in each one, would you even want to leave!
The White Diaries
