London
It’s been longer than I care to admit since I had visited London, and to be honest, I was both nervous and excited for this walk down memory lane. However, some of my newer discoveries in this city, left me with memories of a trip I shall not forget. In a city where the new and modern meets the old and historic, I found these gems worth every penny and every moment.
To Get English Tea: The Montague on the Gardens : It’s impossible to come to the UK and not be offered tea during your stay, but if your’e going to do ‘tea’ you might as well go the whole way, and get a full afternoon tea at a traditional English spot. The Montague on the Gardens in Bloomsbury, is a truly charming hotel, with a tea room and patio garden where once can order a selection of high-teas, with all the works, from champagne to cucumber sandwiches and scrumptious little pastries. They even have a tea of children, with alternative options such as peanut butter and jelly sandwiches and home made cookies. At this hotel, the atmosphere, the service and the price are just right.
To Stay: The Devonshire Club: This private members club combines the allure of a West End private members’ club with the chic-cool of East End style. Nestled in a quiet pedestrian square away from the hustle and bustle of the city and just two minutes walk from Liverpool Street, the main building has its own boutique hotel with 68 bedrooms and suites. Spread over 5 floors at the heart of the club is a stunning 120 seat brasserie with a huge marbled seafood counter.
A Champagne bar leads into a wonderful Garden Room and the club has its own secret garden. On the first floor is the Library, the elegant Causerie, drawing room and Cocktail Bar, rich in atmosphere. Service is first class, but nothing feels stuffy. Rooms are airy, spacious and filled with light, yet the club feels comfortable and luxurious, with wood, marble and rich deep color to bring it the kind of warmth that makes staying here, taking a meeting or just having a cocktail – easy, enjoyable, and well worth the visit.
To Dine: The Ivy Soho Brasserie : A spin off from The Ivy of London, this newly opened brasserie was a hit from day one, serving high quality food at a more casual location with a moderate price. In the heart of the quickly developing Soho area, it serves as a buzzing spot to grab lunch, a drink or simply catch up with friends. Dishes such as their Roast Salmon Fillet (served with asparagus spears, baby watercress and soft herb sauce on the side) pair well with salads such as the Roasted Butternut Squash (served with grains Buckwheat, chickpea, pumpkin seeds and pomegranate with crumbled feta, harissa yoghurt and coriander dressing.) Accompanied by a chilled glass of wine and some great company, it’s a spot worth stopping by whilst in town.