Inside Tips for a City Break to London
Hotspots of the metropolis.
September 15, 2019
Although London is also known as a fashion, architecture and finance hotspot, there are a few secret spots that are MUST VISITS. London is one of the most diverse cities with a rich history. Divided into the vibrant and distinctive areas and the commercial and tourist hub of Central London, each borough has its own nooks and crannies. There is always something to see and do in this global metropolis. With some of the world's best arts, entertainment, shopping and culinary markets, it's impossible to get bored here.
Exceptional hotels in London
You have landed in the metropolis of London? While you're here, why not treat yourself to an overnight stay in one of the city's best hotels - pampering included!
Blakes Hotel London
The Blake's Hotel was made by the famous Designer Anouska Hempel designed and developed. It is currently one of the world's leading luxury boutique hotels in London. Lovingly converted from a series of Victorian townhouses, Blakes Hotel was created as a unique lifestyle hotel. Located in London's elegant Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea, it is renowned for its inspiring design, finesse and impeccable service. Each and every room in the hotel has been individually designed by Anouska Hempel and constructed with attention to detail. This results in a harmonious blend of colour and texture: black and mustard yellow, rich cardinal red, lavender and vanilla, and a space that is white on white, offering style and elegance to the discerning traveller.
Corinthia Hotel London
As one of London's most exclusive and luxurious hotels, the Corinthia Hotel London just steps from Trafalgar Square, Westminster and the famous Covent Garden. Here, cultural heritage meets exquisite, refined design. The rooms, suites and penthouses await your stay with understated luxury and attention to detail. Finally, two world-class restaurants and the exclusive, award-winning spa "ESPA Life at Corinthia Spa" make the Corinthia Hotel London a luxurious city hotel for discerning travellers who don't want to miss out on anything. Upscale British home cooking and reborn classics await at Kerridge's Bar & Grill, the 1st London restaurant to be awarded 1 Michelin star. Afternoon tea is served in the sumptuous Baccarat Chandelier. Cocktail fans and spirits lovers are welcome in the Bassoon Bar. At The Northall restaurant, guests can enjoy upscale cuisine prepared with quality seasonal ingredients by Chef André Garrett.
The Mandrake Hotel London
The Mandrake Hotel is an award-winning venue that exceeds all expectations and offers a meeting place for global nomads. The hotel's own restaurant "YOPO" serves a daily changing menu that combines modern European dishes with a touch of South American cuisine. The kitchen uses only the highest quality produce, selected seasonally. For those who wish to dine more intimately, a private dining room is available behind the main restaurant.
L'Oscar London
A luxury boutique hotel in the heart of London's Holborn district: L'oscar is a turn of the century architectural gem, now lavishly restored by Jacques Garcia and L'oscar International, the world's leading decorator. The hotel is uniquely elegant and located in the heart of London's Southampton Row, just a stone's throw from the city centre, Soho and the West End. Architect Arthur Keen blended Renaissance style with Arts & Crafts influences and worked with some of the finest artists and craftsmen to create much of the exterior and interior design: ornately plastered ceilings, carved fireplaces, oak panelling and finely crafted plaques.
Hotel The Connaught
The restaurants of the Hotel The Connaught are worth a visit. In the past they could already shine with the star chefs Michel Bourdin and Angela Hartnett and are currently under the direction of the French celebrity chef Hélène Darroze. So if you're looking for a true British luxury experience, The Connaught with its intimate and intricate rooms is the place to be! The glamorous yet cosy bars "Coburg" and "Connaught" serve cocktails and fine wines. For pampering and relaxation after an extensive shopping or sightseeing day, the in-house "Aman Spa" provides.
Restaurants, bars and culinary hotspots in London
For party animals, night owls and foodies who love the city atmosphere, a dinner at Novikov or Sketch.London, in the middle of the majestic Mayfair district, is a must. If you're lucky, you'll bump into famous stars who've just arrived from Hollywood. More upscale cuisine can be found at Galvin at Windows, Le Caprice and L'Atelier, the restaurant of the famous French Michelin-starred chef Joel Robuchon.
Sketch Restaurant London
A place that is divided into different restaurant sections and must be on your list if you are on a trip to London. Depending on whether you fancy star cuisine ("Sketch Lecture Room & Library") or international scene gastronomy, you will find the right thing for every taste. The design varies from room to room, as do the drinks and dishes. The service staff is always open to guests' wishes and charmingly takes care of the well-being of each table. If you can't make it to Sketch for dinner, the Afternoon Tea in the "Sketch The Gallery" with petit four and champagne a MUST for all shopping queens and city travellers who want to take a break in the afternoon. After all, afternoon tea is what Sketch The Gallery is known for. Some guests come here as early as noon and enjoy the offerings throughout the afternoon. The dining room at Sketch The Gallery is one of the most playful places where art cavorts. The walls are decorated with some 200 original prints and drawings by award-winner David Shrigley.
Hakkasan Restaurant London
Fancy, luxurious and a bit mystical: the Hakkasan. Whether in Mayfair (just a few minutes from Novikov's restaurant) or Hanway Place in the Fitzrovia district, Hakkasan stands for upscale Asian cuisine of a quality that is hard to find anywhere else. The sommelier, who is trained in Japanese sake, will recommend the right drop to go with your food.
CIRCUS London
A restaurant visit of a special kind. - After pushing open a heavy iron door in a side alley near Covent Garden and walking down a long corridor, you find yourself right at the reception of the CIRCUS. An unusual restaurant experience, but one that you immediately take to your heart. While you enjoy international cuisine, circus acrobats dance directly on the tabletop at the next table. - Something you have never seen before!
NOVIKOV Mayfair
The Kardashians, Linkin Park and Maria Carey have already been here. At the entrance you are warmly welcomed and can choose between cocktail bar, lounge, "Italian or Asian part of the restaurant". No matter which section of the fancy Novikov one decides, it always offers a restaurant visit of the special kind.
There are plenty of ways to relax and to be pampered at the Asian part of the Novikov there is a market stall with crushed ice integrated into the restaurant right next to the tables, on which seafood, fruit, vegetables and fish are placed. The service staff at your table will guide you through this paradise. You can order individual dishes or products and even choose the cooking method. Steamed wild-caught fish with grilled avocado and a handful of cherry tomatoes? No problem for the Novikov! But the market is just one of this restaurant's specials. In addition to the fresh selections, the menu features Peking Duck, sushi, and desserts such as iced mochis. A heaven for all culinary Angels! For those who would rather settle for a drop of red wine from Tuscany and fresh, Italian pasta, a truly Italian dream awaits on the mezzanine level of the building. Here the Novikov philosophy with Italian cuisine continued and lived on!
Shopping in London
London offers a wide range of different shopping opportunities. Whether outdoors or rather in the department store, whether arts and crafts or renowned designer labels; the metropolis makes every heart beat faster. It's best to plan where to go before you arrive.
Fashion and luxury products
Besides Covent Garden and Oxford Street with the famous Selfridges store, the district of Knightsbridge with its countless high-end shops is almost perfect for an extensive shopping trip of a different kind. Dive into the world of "Harrods" and marvel at the diversity of a single department store in one location. Here you will find everything your heart desires from designer handbags to caviar. You long for luxury but exclusive shopping atmosphere? For those who prefer to shop in peace and tranquility, I recommend the beautiful British neighborhood of Chelsea. Here you hardly meet crowds and can stroll through the beautiful alleys, marvel at one or the other private villa.
Delicacies and culinary delights
Foodies and culinary enthusiasts should definitely stop by Whole Foods Market on Kensington High Street. - A supermarket with a difference. The first floor has gastronomy, while the ground floor and basement have products from all over the world: Wagyu Beef, caviar, an exclusive cheese room with interantional varieties, advice, food specialising in allergens, and teas and coffees as far as the eye can see. Don't worry, spirits, as well as wine and beer from around the world (!) have their own corner too. For those who want to escape the supermarket hustle and bustle, one or two London outdoor markets are recommended.
Down to earth and traditional markets in London
The northern district of London called Camden offers a more down-to-earth but lovely strolling. Easy to reach by underground, you are in the station of the same name directly in the so-called Camden Town. For those who are looking for handicraft and handmade art, this is an Eldorado. At Old Spitalfields Market in the Spitalfields district and the Portobello Road Market in the Notting Hill district, you'll find a colourful mix of antiques, art, food and handmade goods.
Picture credits: The Mandrake Hotel, L'Oscar London, Hotel The Connaught London, Corinthia Hotel London, Blakes Hotel London, Old Spitalfield Market, Sketch.Restaurant, Hakkasan Restaurants.
