A Capital Experience

London is widely recognised as the cultural capital of Europe and to some perhaps even the world.

Home to many of the globe’s finest cultural and historical icons, its central attractions bring millions of visitors to the city every year.

Whether it’s Big Ben, The Houses of Parliament, St Paul’s Cathedral, The London Eye or Madame Tussauds, there is something for everyone and more than enough to occupy a long weekend.

However, while the sights and sounds might be common knowledge to many and the shopping highlights of Knightsbridge and Harrods or Oxford Street and Selfridges are also familiar, what is often less well-known are the better clubs, restaurants and hotels which make up this busy, eclectic city.

Anyone wishing to stay in the heart of London will no doubt be drawn to the likes of The Hilton, The Dorchester or The Mandarin but those who want a little more intimacy without a compromise on quality or service would be well advised to check out The Soho Hotel and its sister establishment The Haymarket Hotel.

Both are part of the Firmdale group, a company founded by husband and wife innovators Kit and Tim Kemp in 1985, with all the designs in each hotel created by Kit herself.

The Soho Hotel offers guests 91 individually designed bedrooms, suites and apartments, each built around a unique theme and situated in the heart of London’s entertainment neighbourhood. Close to some of the best restaurants and clubs, cafes and exciting theatre and nightlife, this is a place that suits the needs of anyone looking for the perfect retreat and the marriage of luxury and convenience.

I was impressed by the wonderful attention to detail and sumptuously decorated rooms. Each has floor to ceiling windows and is equipped with high speed wireless internet access, flat screen LCD TVs and DVD/CD Players.

Furthermore, the headline suites boast private terraces and views of London’s skyline.

There are also 4 private apartments for rent but anyone interested is advised to book well in advance because their popularity with customers sees them occupied for most of the year.

For a dining experience, The Refuel Restaurant offers quality food in a lively, environment with atmosphere and quirkiness combining to excellent effect.

Another wonderful feature not to be missed, the Screening Rooms – private cinemas within the hotel which host regular film events and hold 100 and 45 guests respectively.

The sister hotel at the Haymarket is the latest addition to the range with no less than Vanity Fair suggesting that it offered “A whole new definition to glamour”.

Situated on the corner of Haymarket and Suffolk Place, in the heart of London’s theatre district, it is next door to the famous Haymarket Theatre Royal and surrounded by some of the capital’s best restaurants and clubs.

Boasting the same sumptuous interiors and high attention to detail, the Haymarket Hotel provides perfect access to Trafalgar Square, The National Gallery and Regent Street.

The hotel has 50 rooms and suites as well as an exclusive townhouse, each designed along the theme of contemporary England.

The Brumus restaurant offers guests the opportunity to sample fine dining in a bright and lavish environment.

If you are looking for somewhere different to stay this year I would highly recommend these beautiful hotels.

For further information check out their website at www.firmdale.com

London has some of the finest and most diverse bars in the country and whatever your personal tastes, there is sure to be one for you.

The first place I found of note is The Ice Bar - located in the heart of Mayfair - which provides visitors something a little different on their night out.

Known the world over, the Absolut Icebar London is the first permanent bar made entirely of ice and offers visitors the chance to experience extreme temperatures – even in the height of summer – of minus 5 degrees.

Everything– walls, bars, tables and even personal glasses – is made out of the purest ice.

Because of the temperature, guests can only stay in the club for a 40 minute time period and everyone is given a designer thermal cape with hood to keep them warm during their visit.

Every six months the bar is redesigned so each visit is likely to be a new experience.

Just be aware that there is a long waiting list – especially around weekends – so book in advance if you plan to visit. It is sure to be a worthwhile excursion.

Further information can be found at their website - www.belowzerolondon.com

If your tastes are for the more conservative and geared towards jazz music then there is probably no better known establishment in the world than the legendary Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Club in Soho, along Frith Street.

Refurbished in 2008, the club has played host to some of the greatest names in jazz but the ethos to entertain has always remained the same.

The restaurant offers a full three course dining experience, although the menu is limited and tables need to be booked in advance.

What it does very well is host live acts and you will nearly always find the place heaving with customers. It all lends to the atmosphere and certainly won’t be a night you’re likely to forget!

If dance rather than jazz music is more your scene then why not pay a visit to the renowned Crystal nightclub. Situated close to Oxford Circus and refurbished at huge expense courtesy of Prince William’s friend Jacobi Anstruther-Gough Calthorpe. (The lighting scheme alone was said to have cost in excess of £2 million) the venue is regularly associated with the rich and famous in London’s club scene.

Entrance is limited and there is always a queue but once you do get inside everyone is treated on an equal footing. Since the club operates a policy of no VIP areas, you could quite easily find yourself rubbing shoulders with any manner of celebrities so keep your eyes open.

Drinks are priced at the top end and vintage Crystal Champagne clocks in at a wallet busting £33,000 a bottle

The Clermont Club has long been associated with the elite of London’s social set. Part of a Grade A listed building, the kitchens serve sumptuous dishes.

Having been fortunate to sample some of the food lucky members and non-members alike can look forward to, I can certainly assure anyone planning to pay the place a visit that they will not be disappointed.

Sticking with fine dining, no visit to London would be complete without sampling the delights of one of the capital’s best Italian restaurants.

Run and owned by another Michelin Award Winner, Giorgio Locatelli’s Locanda Locatelli just off Marble Arch a culinary feast awaits and it is well worth a visit, not just for the excellent food, but also to sample a wine list and service that is almost second to none.

For more information check out the website at www.locandalocatelli.com but as with most places in this article, be sure to book in advance because last minute tables are a rarity at Locanda Locatelli.

George R Vaughan

Posted Fri, 11/04/2011 - 17:47 by George Vaughan