Travel: Luxurious London

 

Whether you’re planning a weeklong trip to London or visiting for a day or two on business, we can help you find a little indulgence in our capital city.

Here’s a guide to some of the best – and most exclusive – places to eat, drink and play in London.

Eating:

 

London is home to a diverse range of places to eat, so there’s no need to settle for a less than amazing meal, whatever type of cuisine you fancy.

Here are our top picks:

British – Hix in Soho is a fantastic place to eat and drink.  You’ll enjoy the raucous atmosphere as you sample from their extensive cocktail menu.  It’s not quiet and intimate for couples, but it is the perfect location for a fun-filled evening with a group of pals.

Indian – Located on Regent Street, the funky Veeraswamy Indian restaurant really ticks all the boxes.  The food is pricey, but the attention to detail put into the food is second to none.

French – Les Deux Salons can be found in the West End of London.  Go for the pre-theatre deal for some tasty French brasserie fare at a very reasonable price, and then take in a show for the evening.

Something different – Head over to Morito for some of the best tapas, or visit to The Modern Pantry for some stylish and elegant cooking.  Very recommended!

Drinking:

 

Cocktails and London are synonymous, if you’re visiting the city you simply have to pay a visit to Sky Lounge, Sketch and/or Mahiki.  All three are very famous places to drink and they attract soars of VIP guests and celebrities.

Fancy something a little different?  Head over to House of Wolf, a brand new bar themed around a kooky concept, located in Islington. House of Wolf features two contrasting bars: The upstairs is apothecary-themed, complete with staff in white coats who experiment with flavours and drink constructions.  Downstairs you’ll find a more relaxed, traditional pub atmosphere.  Oh did we mention there’s a secret drinking/seating area too?

Also notable:  Buddha Bar, Knightsbridge; Caopte y Tores, South West London; Happiness Forgets, North London; Ruba Bar, near London Bridge.

Playing:

Shopping:  Shopping is obviously one of the top reasons for visiting London, with its designer boutiques and fabulous shopping malls.  Sadly, these often attract the hustle and bustle of tourist crowds, which isn’t everybody’s cup of tea.  If you can, try to avoid Oxford Street at peak times. It’s the city’s most famous high street and shopping area.  Check out the celebrity-studded areas like Chelsea or Kensington for a spot of designer indulgence instead.

Top tip:  Many of the top end boutiques and department stores will be able to offer VIP treatment and a personal shopper should you call ahead.

Traveling:  We know there’s no way you’d be seen dead on the tube, so make your way around the city by hiring a car.  Claremont come highly recommended, they’re expensive, but worth the money when you’re cruising around the city in a Maybach 62 or a Rolls Royce Phantom.

Gambling:  If you can’t score an invite to London’s private Clermont Club, head over to the slightly-less-exclusive Palm Beach in Mayfair.  If you’re staying at The Mayfair hotel, you have a private entrance between the casino and the hotel lobby.   But nobody likes leaving empty-handed, so make sure you brush up on your gaming skills first.  Enjoy a little intercasino blackjack online before your visit, for example, or hold a poker game with your friends as a warm up.

Afternoon tea:  Take afternoon tea at the Lanesborough and sit back, admiring Buckingham Palace from the comfort of a plush seat with a glass of champagne in hand, as the crowds flurry around outside in the cold.  Bliss!

Images:

http://www.lanesborough.com/

 

http://www.flickr.com/photos/aigle_dore/4334550052/sizes/s/in/photostream/