London
Guide

Dinner began in the late 90s with Heston Blumenthal’s fascination with historic gastronomy. The savoury ice creams of the late 1800s, the theatre of the Tudor dining experiences and the dishes of Alice’s adventures in Wonderland all resonated with his unique approach to cooking. Avid collector of a few Michelin stars Heston Blumenthal created Dinner’s thrilling concept and menu with the help of food historians and the team at Hampton Court Palace. The fusion of the historic and the contemporary is the result of this passionate work.   

The ‘Chefs Table’ is an extraordinary dining experience, because at this table you will get an intimate insight right into the activity and all the energy of the kitchen. The kitchen works with a unique pulley system, which rotates the spit over an open fire. The head chef himself will serve you personally and on top you will get your own dedicated sommelier.  

But the looks will be stunning at a regular table as well: Ivory-painted walls, wall sconces in the shape of antique jelly moulds as well as a view at Hyde Park, as the former hunting ground of King Henry VIII makes the historical journey complete. 

Beautifully crafted dishes made with love and dedication from delicious artisanal food. This fine dining restaurant is highly distinguished: 3 Michelin stars, 5 AA rosettes, a 10/10 in the Good Food Guide and an accolade as the Best Restaurant at the GQ Food and Drink Awards! No wonder head Chef Clare Smyth has received the World’s Best Female Chef Award by the World’s 50 Best Restaurants. No words could describe their work well enough. Guess you will have to try it yourself!

The menu in the Restaurant Story invokes memory and brings narrative to each plate. The predominately British seasonal food is arranged by Chef Patron Tom Sellers. His Head Chef and Head Sommelier have worked at the Ritz and won a few awards themselves. Therefore the food and drinks are perfectly matched, selected and crafted with the deepest of passion for indulgence.

Looking for something else? What about Turkish cuisine in Soho? Natural wines from small and independent European producers blend perfectly with complex and aromatic flavours in Yeni’s dishes. Saltmarsh lamb with Anatolian wine: Doesn’t that sound incredible?

Not only is the Savoy’s American Bar the oldest surviving cocktail bar in Britain (offering American-style drinks since 1893), but also was awarded as the World’s Best Bar at World’s 50 Best. The concept is based on a unique and innovative cocktail menu paying homage to all the legendary musicians, which have performed in the bar.

The latest menu called Formae is inspired by the shapes of The Connaught’s décor – designed by David Collins with English and Irish Cubist art of the 1920s. Ago Perrone, Giorgio Bargiani and Maura Milia evolve the bar’s concept year for year. No wonder they ended up becoming the vindicated winner of The World’s Best Bar 2020 awarded from World’s 50 Best Bars. Cocktails, staff and design adding up to the ultimate concoction.

Multi award-winning Ryan Chetiyawardana better known as Mr. Lyan and his team created the Lyaness right in the Sea Containers house with a breath-taking view over the Thames. Lyaness does not focus on what’s in the glass entirely. Designed by Jacu Strauss and the Lore Design Team, the space is meant to bring people together. Sharing the new experiences of savouring the innovative Lyaness drinks. Their menu is sectioned around ingredients – turning the unusual and alien into delicious forms. There’s lots to discover in the Lyaness!

This award-winning bar on Portobello Road comes with a Tiki twist. Their motto and slogan: “We Rum this City.” It goes without saying that especially rum lovers should try this Caribbean venue out. Thanks to the staff the atmosphere is always full of happiness and warmth. For me, a visit feels just like a little vacation in the Caribbean.

A hidden gem in London’s bar scene: The Merchant House of Bow Lane is located next to London’s world-famous St. Paul’s Cathedral. This award-winning bar has one of the largest spirit collections in the world. Over 600 whiskies, 400 rums and 400 gins are waiting to be discovered. Luckily the renowned staff guides you happily through this plethora of flavours and stories.

This highly exquisite hotel from the early 19th century offers you to stay as a welcomed guest right in the heart of Mayfair. The luxury rooms and suits have been wonderfully refurbished by renowned Designers (Guy Oliver and David Collins). The result is a well-made blend of contemporary comfort and classical elements side by side.

Inmidst of Marleybone, this Georgian townhouse offers a unique stay in its very British accommodations. Try a traditional ‘Afternoon Tea’ with lots of delicious baked goods or savour marvellous drinks in the stunning cocktail lounge.

Bringing together the best of both, the past and the present, the London EDITION has created the ultimate luxury hotel experience. The award-winning ‘Berners Tavern’ is full of culinary delicacies from Michelin-starred chef Jason Atherton. In the ‘Punch Room’ you can enjoy craft cocktails in honour to London’s 19th-century private clubs. Last but not least, there is the ‘Lobby Bar’ with the famous steel orb reflecting the bar scenery full of eclectic art. The London EDITION certainly knows how to impress their guests and leave a long-lasting memory of satisfaction.

What makes this hotel so special is the heated rooftop pool, which is open all year, but the Shoreditch House is more than that. A central, square bar surrounded by sofas and booths that all add up to a convenient atmosphere. A quite cosy atmosphere is also given at the sitting room full of art books, board games and daily papers. Around the corner you can also take a seat in the screening room. For eating and drinking you have three options: While the fifth floor offers contemporary British food and favourites across the world, the poolside rooftop restaurant offers Californian and Mediterranean specialties. The third option is the Italian-influenced Back Deck. You cannot make the wrong choice!

Brown’s is unmistakably and quintessentially British. A warm and welcoming service will accompany you to your luxurious room or suite. There’s a lot to savour in this hotel: the British Afternoon Tea in ‘The Drawing Room’, fine cuisine at ‘Charlie’s at Brown’s’ and after dark – cocktails at the chic Donovan Bar!   

Or rather relaxation at the Spa at Brown’s? Decisions, decisions, decisions are to be made.

What makes this hotel so special is the heated rooftop pool, which is open all year, but the Shoreditch House is more than that. A central, square bar surrounded by sofas and booths that all add up to a convenient atmosphere. A quite cosy atmosphere is also given at the sitting room full of art books, board games and daily papers. Around the corner you can also take a seat in the screening room. For eating and drinking you have three options: While the fifth floor offers contemporary British food and favourites across the world, the poolside rooftop restaurant offers Californian and Mediterranean specialties. The third option is the Italian-influenced Back Deck. You cannot make the wrong choice!

In pursuit of the perfect pairing, there is no way around the renowned Sautter Cigars. In over 50 years they became a magnet for cigar aficionados all over the world. Not only do they offer lots of aged and vintage Cuban cigars, but also fancy cigar accessories and lifestyle products. Just browsing through this exquisite shop is a wonderful experience itself.

Furthermore, I recommend strolling around Hyde Park or alongside the beautiful Thames. You should also look for current markets and events. London is always good for a surprise! And if you’re looking for some inspiration, have a visit in the Science Museum, the National Gallery or the Tate Gallery of Modern Art. 

Thinking about London right now I immediately have itchy feet. I should plan my next trip to London soon!