08 NOV 2017: A city of contrasts, London is simultaneously the cradle of pomp, pageantry and history while also taking centre stage as the birthplace of all things ground breaking and cutting-edge. Along with the iconic red double-decker buses and architectural landmarks such as Buckingham Palace, Big Ben and the Tower of London you’ll find sleek skyscrapers with names such as the Gherkin and Shard puncturing the skyline. Once the capital of fish and chips and pub grub, London is now arguably the gastronomic capital of the world. “Fashionistas,” theatre aficionados, history and culture buffs will all find their just rewards in Great Britain’s remarkable capital.
THE “YOU ONLY LIVE ONCE” SPLURGE LIST
Me London
Located in the dynamic West End, the ME London Melia hotel has a cool vibe from the moment you enter the atrium lobby. For clients with an appreciation for contemporary art and design, fine cuisine and world music, ME is for you. Everything is black or white or shimmering in this former BBC Marconi Radio building redesigned by Sir Norman Foster’s architectural firm. Hip music plays while you are offered a glass of Prosecco at reception. I checked into my “chic suite” where the bellman gave me a lesson on how to work the hi-tech lighting and temperature control panel. I enjoyed a “Bali” shower, deep tub, yummy toiletries and generous comfortable spaces to sleep, work and relax.
I ate dinner at STK where modern steakhouse meets sexy cocktail lounge under theatrical lighting. The food was outstanding, starting with a lump crab salad, warm bread with chive oil and blue cheese “icing.” The prime steak was cooked to perfection and the side of truffled fries was decadent. Even more so was the dessert called Junk Chalice—a humongous glass bowl filled with vanilla, caramel and pecan ice cream, boozy whipped cream, popcorn, marshmallows hot caramel sauce, candyfloss and a gooey brownie. I kid you not. STK is a happening place to been seen, however, it’s not a place to be heard, especially after 10 p.m. when the DJ cranks up the music.
“Turn the Radio up,” could be the mantra of ME’s Radio rooftop bar where the volume levels are also stratospheric. Rated the best rooftop bar in London in 2016, this airy perch offers fantastic views of the London skyline and River Thames served up with creative cocktails and tapas. In keeping with the cool factor, guests may borrow or buy a pair of Aussie-made Sunday Somewhere shades. www.melia.com
Market Grazing
Borough Market, beside London Bridge, has been around since 1014. Join food writer Celia Brooks for a three-hour Gastro Tour of the market (£75). You will sample an array of treats, including rare breed meats, fine cheeses, super food juices, fresh scallops, olives and antipasti, homemade Turkish meze and more. Two tutored wine tastings are also included. www.boroughmarket.org.uk
Cocktail Crawl
Eating London’s Twilight Soho Food Tour (£94) is a moveable feast that proves that Londoners know how to party. Back in the 1600s this West End area of London was a green woodland where the wealthy came to hunt. In fact, Bethany, our enthusiastic guide, informed us that “Soho” was a hunting cry—perhaps the equivalent of “Tally ho, I’ve shot a hare!”
The Soho area has reincarnated itself many times over the centuries from home to jazz, theatre and rock and roll’s legends, including the Rolling Stones, to gin palaces and brothels. Today it’s home to some outstanding international foodie finds as discovered during our small group’s cocktail crawl. We met a 4:00 p.m. at the Palace Theatre. First stop was Bodega Negra for tacos and margaritas. At the London Gin Club we enjoyed a G&T and beef pie. Cured Spanish hams and cheese were on offer at Enrique Tomas. At Pix Bar we tried Basque tapas called pintxos with sweet white wine. Up many flights of narrow stairs at Opium, we drank a Champagne cocktail out of a teapot and tucked into dim sum dumplings in one of many den-like dimly lit rooms. Our final stop was Basement Sate where we downed our final nightcap and a hazelnut praline pastry. Eating London offers other food tours including a pub walk in the docklands and a curry crawl in Brick Lane. www.eatinglondontours.co.uk
Royal Style
With her marriage to Prince William in 2011, Kate Middleton became Duchess of Cambridge and one of the most famous women in the world with a style that many “fashionistas” try to emulate.
The Duchess’s wardrobe staples tend to come from British brands. Kings Road is one of her favourite haunts. Before she married, Kate worked as an accessories buyer at Jigsaw.
Head up Sloane Street from the Kings Road and you’ll reach Harvey Nichols. This department store stocks many of the labels that the Duchess wears, including Issa, the London-based label behind the midnight blue dress that she wore when her engagement was announced.
For important occasions, Kate shops at Alexander McQueen where head designer, Sarah Burton created her wedding dress as well as many more of her red carpet outfits. The flagship store is on Bond Street.
A Spot of Tea
What’s more civilized or British than afternoon tea? It is said that tea breaks increased productivity during the industrial revolution. You can indulge in Britain’s national drink all over London.
Traditional afternoon tea (£60) in the Savoy Hotel’s Thames Foyer is not to be missed. You’ll be served a selection of finger sandwiches, scones with Cornish clotted cream, lemon curd and strawberry preserves followed by some exquisite pastries. Choose from the Savoy’s own blend of breakfast or afternoon tea. www.fairmont.com
The Sanctum Soho on Warwick Street has created an afternoon pick-me-up just for the boys. Gent’s Afternoon Tea (£50), the ultimate indulgence for the peckish man, includes oyster and Champagne foam, meaty savouries, scones and clotted cream, brownie, Chantilly cream and strawberries, a tankard of Jack Daniels Gentleman’s Jack and a cigar on the rooftop. www.sanctumsoho.com.
Twinings Tea Shop has been family-run for 300 years on the same site (210 Strand Street) making it the oldest in London. The combination retail outlet and museum welcomes visitors and offers a free cuppa. The serious tea drinker will enjoy a Twinings two-hour Masterclass (£30) where you will learn all about the history of tea, some tea trivia and sniff and slurp your way through six different brews. www.twinings.co.uk
THE “CHEAP THRILLS” SAVE LIST
Culture Vultures
Many of London’s art galleries are free, including the National Gallery, Tate Modern, Victoria and Albert Museum and the National Portrait Gallery.
The theatre scene in London’s West End is second to none. Head to the official TKTS booth in Leicester Square where you’ll find great seats at half the normal price. Another way to bag some bargain tickets is at The Royal Court Theatre in Sloane Square, offering standing tickets every night for ten pence. You have to be quick, as these are first-come-first-served and there are only eight available each night.
Vintage Finds
Some of Britain’s best-dressed stars – including Kate Moss and Florence Welch – are known for their signature vintage style, but it needn’t break the bank. Here’s where to bag a bargain in London.
East London favourite Old Spitalfields Market has a weekly antiques market, and Judy’s Affordable Vintage Fair makes a monthly appearance.
Frock Me! in Chelsea, central London, is one of London’s original fairs known for its vintage gems and celebrity fans, including Kylie Minogue.
Portobello Road Market in west London’s Notting Hill is extremely popular, but the real treasures are found on weekdays.
Bird’s Eye Views with Bubbles
You could spend about £19 to enjoy the stellar view from the Skydeck of the 95-storey Shard, but here’s a better idea. Book a table at Hutong on the 33rd floor and enjoy four-course dim sum lunch with a glass of bubbles for £39.
Another major addition to the city’s skyline is the Coca-Cola London Eye. Climb aboard the world’s tallest “Ferris wheel” and you’ll have 360-degree views of famous landmarks such as Big Ben, the Houses of Parliament and River Thames. For £36 you can add a glass of Pommery Brut Royal Champagne to your 30-minute ride.
The World is Your Oyster
The Visitor Oyster card is a pay-as-you-go smartcard that can be used to pay for all public transport in London. You save 50 percent. For example, a Tube ride in central London costs £2.40 with Oyster or £4.90 with cash. There is also a price cap so you can travel as much as you like and never spend more than £6.60 of credit per day in central London. Buy the Oyster Card at any Tube station.
Let it Rain
Yes, it’s been know to rain on occasion in London. But don’t let a bit of precipitation pre-empt your plans. Established in 1830, James Smith & Sons (53 New Oxford Street) is “where a gentleman buys his umbrella.” In addition to a mind-boggling selection of “brollies,” they also make walking sticks outfitted with corkscrews and flasks. The perfect London souvenir—for both gentlemen and gentlewomen. www.james-smith.co.uk