Luxury Knows No Bounds in Prestigious London
Samuel Johnson famously said; “when a man is tired of London, he is tired of life; for there is in London all that life can afford.” Today London is still a Metropolitan hub that oozes sophistication, charm and luxury. Although tourists congest the streets at times, there is always a way around town without doing as the tourists do. Here’s an insiders guide on how to live the luxe life like a local in London, while staying in a luxury vacation rental of your own.
If you’re feeling peckish and want to kill two birds with one stone, enjoy a meal with a view in either the Shard, which offers an abundance of restaurant options, all complete with stunning views and luxury. Or, if jetlag has your sleep schedule all messed up, enjoy decadence at Duck & Waffle, which is conveniently open until 4am. Duck & Waffle, situated on the fortieth floor of the Heron Tower, offers European and British influenced food that will make your mouth water. The Greenhouse in Mayfair is a perfect mix of classy elegance and humble intimacy. The two-Michelin star restaurant delivers high-quality food, served with beauty and charm, but jam packed with flavor likely to send your taste buds on a culinary adventure.
Often times, the first critique I hear is: the food in England is rubbish; however, there is a never ending supply of succulent, rich and delicious eats. You’ll want to take part in the local tradition, and have more than just three meals a day. It’s essential to have a proper cup of tea when you visit London, but just because it’s popular doesn’t mean all tea is to be treated equally. One of the best places to enjoy a traditional afternoon tea is Fortnum and Mason. Having sold tea for over three hundred years, Fortnum and Mason is quintessential tradition. Enjoy a tower of nibbles with the finest selection of tea in the Diamond Jubilee Tea Salon before you head downstairs to browse their food halls. If you tire of the old, though, then check out Sketch instead, where Afternoon tea is reinvented as a molecular gastronomy miracle. Eclectic Sketch is a reinvention of a restaurant, there is no lack of unique character inside. The Gallery, drenched in pink and decorated with quirky art, is picture worthy. With endless tea and food, you can’t go wrong with an unwinding afternoon here. As an added bonus, the toilets are unlike any you’ve ever seen before.
If it’s one thing the English know how to do well, it’s to drink and have a good time. The pubs, clubs and bars are endless-leaving you with a multitude of choice. If you’re looking to really experience the nightlife of London, then start your night at the classic and prestigious cocktail bar, Artesian Bar in The Langham hotel. With luxurious décor and well-skilled, knowledgeable mixologists there is no room for disappointment. And as it’s the winner of the World’s Best Bar for the third year, it epitomizes luxe London. Then continue your heady night out in London by heading to Soho and Mayfair for all the plushest clubs. Imagine an entertainment hall of crushed velvet, with ruched theatrical drapes and chinzy chandeliers, and you will be picturing the world-famous Café de Paris. A knowingly louche venue with an intimate a refined ambience. Predominantly a weekend club, this iconic Piccadilly treasure hosts risqué entertainers, caberet and live music, as well as the crème de la crème of burlesque. Recline decadently on lush red beds in the private rooms, while the retro main space and its balconies have enticed revelers for its turn of the century mystique since Café de Paris opened in 1924. Café de Paris is famed for its star appeal, from real royalty in its early days to Prince and P Diddy now.
Come to London for luxury unlike anything you have ever experienced. The city is rich with culture to fill your days, and filled with a lively ambience at night. With and unparalleled mix of history and modern pursuits, London welcomes any traveller with open arms. Sit back and watch the crowds from your own luxury accommodations, and look out the city’s twinkling lights. It will be a vacation to remember.
The London Eye next to the River Thames.
Start by seeing London in all its glory from above, by taking a ride on the London Eye. It is a beautiful architectural marvel in its own right, but it is also on everyone else’s ‘must see’ list too. Escape the crowds by booking a sunset or evening time in advance, you can even rent out your own private pod for a party. Another way to see the city from above, is to book a free visit at the new Sky Garden on Fenchurch Street. You won’t be overcrowded when taking in the scenery from the luxurious observation deck or the open-air terrace. The three-storey 360˚ glass dome allows for optimum viewing of the entire city.
The London skyline.
The grand Buckingham Palace in London.
Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament.
London at night.