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pure-ablution · 2 months ago

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City guide: London?

London is the nearest major city to me for much of the year, and I’m there an awful lot for all kinds of meetings and appointments. I’ve made a point of trying to step away from the basic clubs and restaurants popular amongst the usual set in the capital, and instead finding a few different places that I think are genuinely worth their while, even if they’re not the places to see and be seen. This is my own little personal directory of my top 3 (not ranked in any kind of order) for each major category—prices range, but the experiences remain top-notch, in my book.

Restaurants and bars:

German Gymnasium

1 King’s Boulevard, N1C 4BU

This lovely German restaurant is right next door to St Pancras station, and I can’t count the number of times I’ve stepped off the Eurostar and sunk into a seat at the bar here. It’s a big place, so there’s no worrying about getting a table, but it still manages to feel private and not too open despite its being housed in a former gymnasium. The staff are very attentive, and the food is both excellent and plentiful—this isn’t nouvelle cuisine in any description! Be prepared for very hearty German dishes which, although perhaps not as authentic as one might find in Germany itself, are delicious and hearty.

Le Beaujolais

25 Litchfield Street, WC2H 9NJ

This is a gorgeous, cosy little bistro and one of my favourite places in London for late-night catch-ups with old friends. Its wine list is quite extensive (ask politely behind the bar for the hidden gem list!) and the sharing platters on offer are a refreshing change from French haute cuisine in the capital, instead serving much more rustic and traditional dishes. A luxurious experience this is not, but it’s very fun, and I always meet some new and interesting people every time I pay Le Beaujolais a visit.

Gordon’s Wine Bar

47 Villiers Street, WC2N 6NE

Gordon’s is the oldest wine bar in London, and I don’t think the décor has much changed since it first opened! There’s always a queue in the evenings, so I recommend booking ahead, but once you’re inside, it’s a lovely experience. The little plates of cheese and bread to go with the wines are always very fresh and tasty, and, of course, the wines themselves are amazing. This isn’t a place only for wine buffs, I see a lot of people on dates whenever I visit, but the staff and many of the patrons are extremely knowledgeable, and you can always have a great conversation with a fellow aficionado if you look out for one.

Museums and libraries:

Victoria & Albert Museum

Cromwell Road, SW7 2RL

This is my absolute favourite of the big London museums, and probably one of my favourite museums in the whole world. I love the V&A. It’s a gorgeous space, the permanent collections form a fascinating journey through the history of decorative arts and design, and the temporary exhibitions are always incredible. It’s the world’s biggest museum of applied arts, and houses 5,000 years’ worth of textiles, jewellery, furniture, prints, and much, much more. I could spend weeks at any given time in the V&A, I just adore it.

The London Library

14 St James’s Square, SW1Y 4LG

I like to have the name of a pretty, quiet little library for each city in the back of my mind, just in case I have a little work to do or a few hours to kill, and the London Library fills that slot for me in London. It’s not as extensive as the British Library, nor as beautiful as some of the university libraries in the capital, but it’s exactly what I like, in a very convenient location for me. I pay an annual membership fee, and it’s worth it to me for the peace and quiet, the excellent staff, the open access policy, and the surprisingly extensive collection of books housed here. It’s a real hidden gem and one that I’m very grateful for.

The Wallace Collection

Hertford House, Manchester Square, W1U 3BN

I love a house museum, and I think that the Wallace Collection is an incredible example by which others ought to follow. It’s a large collection of fine and decorative arts, originally built by Sir Richard Wallace alongside the Marquesses of Hertford, in whose London townhouse the collection is held. The Wallace Collection houses one of the most important collections of 18th-century French decorative arts in the world, and puts on some extremely interesting temporary exhibitions programmes—even just browsing their exhibit archives is enough to inspire me!

Beauty and wellness:

Pied de Poule

67 Mortimer Street, W1W 7SE

One of the nice things about London is the comparatively vast selection of Slavic beauty salons and providers available, and Pied-de-Poule is my favourite spot to call upon if I’m in dire need of an instantaneous makeover. I trust the beauticians here with my hair, makeup, and nails, and—in true Eastern European fashion—they’re capable of deploying their staff to carry out multiple services simultaneously, which saves me a huge amount of time in a city that moves fast. Pied-de-Poule is a chain franchise with branches in Ukraine and Poland, and although I wouldn’t pick them over other options back home, they provide a very respectable service and I’m very happy to use and recommend them in London.

Jinny Beauty

71 Kingston Road, KT3 3PB

It’s not quite in London proper, but it’s definitely worth the trek out to New Malden to visit Jinny Beauty if you’re in search of a good facial. This Korean salon has been providing locals with glowing glass skin for over 20 years, and I love that I can go straight to Jinny and trust that I’ll receive an incredible massage combined with top-of-the-range equipment, including Hydrafacials, oxygen therapy, and ultrasonic treatments. If you’re looking for a proper, full-spectrum Korean aesthetic spa in England, Jinny is the best place for it, in my opinion, and the girls there are incredibly friendly, skilled, and knowledgeable about what they do.

New Docklands Steam Baths

30a Stephenson Street, E16 4SA

This place has recently had a bit of a makeover, but it’s still far from glamorous, so I’ll let you search up interior photos for yourself and just give you the exterior for now. New Docklands isn’t for people who are looking for a luxurious sauna experience, it’s in a grotty area, and intended for expats and immigrants who are desperate for a good steam, and that’s what it does well. The steam is great, the clientele is a mixed—but always entertaining—bag, and I’d say that this is something similar to the Russian Baths in NYC, only without the cult status. The staff are helpful, the facilities are very clean, and I’d recommend sticking to the women-only sessions on Wednesdays and leaving your fancy things at home.

Shopping:

Liberty

Regent Street, W1B 5AH

I’m not all that bothered about Harrods or Selfridge’s, but I’m a huge, huge fan of Liberty. It’s just a little bit more quirky compared to other department stores, and I always find something unusual wandering around the gorgeous mock-Tudor building. Liberty is the artistic choice, I think, and I love that it supports and champions emerging brands, artists, and designers, instead of sticking to the tried-and-tested. Their own range of fabrics, of course, are stunningly beautiful, and the staff exceptionally helpful without being overly attentive to the point of bothersome—something that often grates on me in other shops.

Sign Of The Times

5 Elystan Street, SW3 3NT

Sign of the Times began as a celebrity consignment store, and it still specialises in vintage designer and luxury brands. It’s generally my first stop if I’m struggling to find a specific piece from an old collection. The shop itself is very curated, and I’ve often found a lovely piece I didn’t even know existed just popping in during a free five minutes. Lorraine, the owner, is incredibly knowledgeable about fashion history, and she’s been able to advise me better than anyone else when it comes to more niche brands, items, and provenance. You pay for the experience and expertise, of course, but if you’re a collector or serious fashion enthusiast, then I recommend Sign of the Times wholeheartedly.

Sunbury Antiques Market

Kempton Park, TW16 5AQ

I’m not a big fan of the independent antiques scene in London, especially the markets, and I’d always recommend looking elsewhere to scratch your flea market itch—but Sunbury is pretty good, and the closest you’re probably going to get within Greater London. It’s a big, big market, and you’ll need to come prepared to scrape your knees kneeling on the floor, sift through piles of dust and rubbish, and haggle like your life depends on it, but I’ve always come away feeling triumphant at the end of it all. I recommend arriving early, before 8am if possible, having a clear idea of what you’re looking for (and what price you’re willing to pay), and wearing tough jeans and sneakers you don’t mind getting a bit filthy.

#ask-beauty #city guide #london

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crazyblondelife · 2 years ago

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The Ultimate New York City Guide for Uptown and Midtown (Part 1)

When visiting New York it’s tempting to pick your favorite spots or popular places around the city but you may find yourself bouncing all over town rather than taking advantage of what is in the neighbors you are staying in or planning to spend your day. Below is an extensive guide to all things Uptown and Midtown including where to stay, eat, shop, and experience!

Uptown

Stay

If you plan to stay uptown, you can’t beat these luxury hotels. All are different but offer an exceptional luxury experience that is unmatched.

The Mark

At the top of the list is the Mark. Known as one of the most luxurious hotels in New York, staying at the Mark is an experience you won’t forget. Decorated top-to-bottom by French designer Jacques Grange, the interior is elegant and fun, with bold marble floors and vivid art. Located in the heart of the Upper East Side and just steps from Madison Avenue shopping and museums, the hotel is in the perfect location to explore Uptown Manhattan. The Mark also offers many amenities, including The Mark Restaurant, established by the acclaimed Jean-Georges Vongerichten, the esteemed Frédéric Fekkai salon, and the ’60s-inspired Mark Bar where you can sip your favorite cocktail. They also offer Laudrée macarons at turndown service, a wonderful treat at the end of the night.

Below images from themarkhotel.com

Lowell

Located just steps from central park and Madison Avenue shops, the Lowell is a luxury hotel located in a residential neighborhood on the Upper East Side. Established in 1927, The Lowell, a boutique hotel, reflects the timeless elegance of upper Manhattan with great attention to detail and excellent service to its guests. Wood-burning fireplaces, beautiful terraces with sweeping views of the city and warm rooms that feel like a luxury NYC apartment, make this an excellent stay for a romantic getaway in the city.

Below images from lowellhotel.com

The Carlyle

The Carlyle is a luxury stay that emulates the spirit, sparkle, elegance, and nostalgia of old New York City. Surrounded by museums, upscale shops, and fine dining, the Carlyle is a beautiful place to stay! Opening its doors in 1930, the Carlyle has maintained its glamour and prestige throughout the years creating an inviting and elevated environment. Designed by Dorthy Draper the interior is lux and traditional but with a modern flare. They are also known for the Bemelmans Bar, a beautiful spot to grab a cocktail before you head out to dinner or even a nightcap as you head in for the night. Guests such as George Clooney and Sofia Coppola have been known to stay at Carlyle which should help paint the picture of excellence this hotel exhibits.

Below images from rosewoodhotels.com

Eat

Elio’s

A bustling Italian restaurant in the heart of the Upper East Side is a great spot for a hearty meal and a true New York experience. A place where the room is always crowded, the clientele is posh, and the food is consistent, you’ll find delicious pasta, a bustling environment and unmatched people watching.

Images below from eliosrestaurant.com, Elio’s Instagram, nymag.com

Daniel

Once rated the top restaurant in the world, with 2 Micheline stars, the tasting menu will cost you over $200 a person but the experience is well worth it. The food is excellent and the interior is stunning, Daniel is the perfect spot for a special occasion!

Images below from danielnyc.com

JoJo

Jojo is acclaimed chef Jean-Georges’s first NY restaurant. This beautiful space was recently renovated in a 2 story townhouse on the upper east side and is a wonderful place for a special meal while visiting the city. Not only is the food delicious, the space is bright and beautiful!

Images below from jojorestaurantnyc.com

August

August is a charming dining experience serving classic comfort food in Midtown Manhattan. With a cool and sophisticated interior, deliciously simple food and cocktails that change often, this is a great dinner spot if you are looking for a casual, warm and filling meal after a full day of sightseeing and shopping.

Images below from augustny.com

Ralph’s Coffee

Owned by the Ralph Lauren Group, Ralph’s Coffee is a fun place to stop in for your morning latte. With a couple of locations throughout the city and the city, including their adorable coffee carts, they serve delicious coffee and pastries in a beautiful environment.

Images below from www.ralphlauren.com, Raiph’s Coffee Instagram

Sarabeth’s

Sarabeth’s started as a tiny bakery-kitchen in 1981 where Sarabeth Levine prepared and sold homemade jams and baked goods. As its popularity grew, the store expanded and began to serve breakfast and lunch, alongside the original backed goods. Sarabeth’s quickly became a New York City landmark and now has four locations across Manhattan. Sarabeth’s is a great spot for a delicious brunch or a cozy dinner of classic American fare.

Images below from ny.eater.com

H&H bagels

When in NY you must eat at least 1 bagel. This iconic NY bagel shop has been seen on nearly every iconic NYC set TV show or movie, including Seinfeld and Sex and the City. At H&H you’ll find a crusty, chewy, perfect and classic New York bagel.

Images below from amny.com

Drink

Bemelmans Bar

Located in the Carlyle Hotel and named for its masterpiece murals by Ludwig Bemelmans, Bemelmans Bar draws socialites, politicians, and movie stars with its extensive drink menu, and live piano music every night.

Images below from cntraveler.com, rosewoodhotels.com, nytimes.com

Shop

Fivestory

Wander through five stories of beautiful rooms in a transformed townhouse filled with luxe clothing for men and women, shoes, bags, and more from top designers.

Image below from wwd.com

Intermix

This highly curated high-end boutique has grown to be a large in-person and online shopping destination offering some of the most high-end brands. Their flagship store is located on Madison Avenue and is the place to grab the perfect pair of denim, luxury basics or a special piece for any occasion.

Ladurée

Ladurée was first opened in Paris in 1862 by Louis Ernest Ladurée, a French miller that turned a simple pastry shop into one of the first tea rooms in the city. In 1930 the tea room was expanded and the macaron we know today was introduced. Ladurèe now has locations in most major cities across the United States and Europe and is known for delicious macarons in a mint green box. No matter the city, Ladurée is the perfect place to stop in for a cup of tea or coffee, a pastry, and of course some macarons.

Images below from yorkavenueblog.com

Experience

Guggenheim Museum

The Guggenheim Museum is an internationally renowned art museum Designed by Frank Lloyd Wright in 1939. Founded on a collection of early modern masterpieces, visitors can experience special exhibitions of modern and contemporary art and the permanent collection of works from the 20th century and beyond. Even if you don’t have time to view an exhibit, visit the exterior of the Guggenheim, the building is a work of art in itself.

Image from guggenheim.org

New York Public Library

As NYC rapidly flourished during the 19th century, the wealthy agreed that if NY was to be one of the world’s great cities, it ought to have a great library. Governor Samuel J. Tilden, a very affluent man, requested upon his death that the bulk of his fortune, about $2.4 million should be used to establish and maintain a free library and reading room in New York City. There were two other libraries at the time but neither was what Tilden had envisioned and both were experiencing financial hardship, so the resources were combined and The New York Public Library was formed. 16 years after the plan was set into place the library opened in the spring of 1911. It is said that between 30,000 and 50,000 people visited the building on the first day it was open. The beautiful main branch is still open today along with 91 other branches. The main building on 42nd Street is a beautiful place to visit with its large lion statues welcoming you in and its stunning architecture inside and out!

Images from smithsonianmag.com , afar.com, vanityfair.com

Central Park

An iconic New York City landmark, Central Park is 843 acres of green space spanning over 50 blocks in the middle of the city! It is filled with walking trails, a pond, the Central Park Boat House, a zoo, a concert venue in the summer months and so much more! The park is a great place to visit any time of year for a beautiful walk or any number of activities. It’s especially great with kids!

Images from architecturaldigest.com

New York City Ballet

If the busyness of Times Square and Broadway is not your scene, but you still want to spend a fabulous evening in the city, the NYC Ballet is a wonderful option! The David H. Koch Theater, home of the NYC ballet since the 60s is a grand and beautiful space and the NYC Ballet is among some of the best dancers in the world.

Imaged below from nycballet.com, timeout.com, untappedcities.com

Cooper Hewitt

Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum is housed in the Andrew Carnegie Mansion on the Upper East Side. The museum has one of the most diverse and expansive design collections in existence with more than 215,000 design objects that span more than 30 centuries. The work includes ancient textiles, works on paper, iconic design objects, and cutting-edge technologies. Not only are the works in the museum magnificent and wonderful, but the architecture of the building is also equally as beautiful and worth the trip! The Cooper Hewitt is my favorite museum in New York!

Midtown

Stay

St. Regis

With locations around the globe, the New York St Regis feels like a gem in the city. The gilded lobby welcomes you, the service is excellent with concierge and a butler on every floor and the rooms are so luxurious you won’t want to leave! Just steps from 5th Avenue shopping, the MoMA, Rockefeller Center, and Central Park, St. Regis is the perfect place to stay in Midtown.

Images below from marriott.com, kiwicollection.com

The Warwick

Opening in 1926, the Warwick has been an iconic NYC hotel ever since. The hotel inevitably became a Manhattan icon when it was featured in the background of the famous photograph titled Lunch Atop A Skyscraper. The hotel has hosted celebrities through the years and continues to host stars to this day. Regular guests of historical note include Elvis Presley, the Beatles whilst performing at the Ed Sullivan Show, and Cary Grant, a long-term resident. Located on 54th Street between 5th and 6th Ave, the Warwick is a perfectly placed hotel for great shopping and sightseeing. With an understated elegance and cozy feel, this is an excellent midtown stay.

The Ritz Carlton

The Ritz Carlton is a luxury staple across the globe and The Ritz at Central Park New York is no exception. The rooms have recently been redesigned to be contemporary, townhouse-inspired quarters that are luxurious and comfortable. The Ritz also offers a spa, fitness center and Movement Studio that has on-demand classes. With genuine care and comfort for their guests, the Ritz offers a luxury stay surrounded by high-end shopping, delicious restaurants and museums including the Whitney.

Images below from ritzcarlton.com

The Whitby Hotel

The Whitby is a beautiful and uniquely decorated luxury hotel that celebrates art and design. With just 86 bedrooms and suites across 16 floors, the Whitby Hotel is a smaller more boutique experience. The rooms were designed by Kit Kemp, an award-winning contemporary English designer, and each room has its own bold color scheme, unique design, and floor-to-ceiling windows. Situated in the heart of upper midtown on West 56th Street at 5th Avenue, The Whitby Hotel is just two blocks from Central Park and on the doorstep of some of New York's leading restaurants, galleries, and museums.

Images below from firmdalehotels.com

Eat

Il Gattopardo

Il Gattopardo is housed in a Rockefeller Townhouse that was built in 1897 on the so-called “Millionaire’s Row”. The Rockefeller Townhouses are named after their famous owner, John D. Rockefeller who called them home for nearly forty years. In 2001 Il Gattopardo opened its doors and to this day serves traditional Southern Italian comfort food. Their loyal upscale New Yorker clientele is a geat sign that this is a delicious neighborhood spot.

Images below from ilgattopardonyc.com

The Polo Bar

Owned and designed by Ralph Lauren, the Polo Bar opened in 2015 after his success with restaurants in Chicago and Paris. Today The Polo Bar is a sought-after place to dine, serving American classics such as chopped salad, crabcakes, and the famous polo bar burger. It’s hard to get in but worth going if you are able! The restaurant is cozy and fun and you just might spot a celebrity. Make reservations well in advance!

Images below from opentable.com

Jupiter

Serving up delicious pasta and wine, is there anything better? This is a great place to dine in Midtown if you are headed to a show after or staying nearby!

Images below from jupiterrestaurant.nyc

Le Rock

Owned by the same group as Frenchette in Soho, the Rock is an excellent place to have lunch or dinner in Rockefeller Center. If you are staying in midtown and looking for a nearby place to go, this is a great spot! It’s a beautiful space to dine in and they have breakfast lunch and dinner 5 days a week.

Images below from elledecor.com, theinfatuation.com

Cosme

Located a little outside of midtown in the Flatiron district, Cosme is an elevated Mexican restaurant that is possibly one of the best meals I have had. The interior is dark and moody, contemporary and sleek, and the food is fresh and simple but absolutely delicious! Highly recommend a meal and Cosme! I highly recommend this restaurant!

Images below from ny.eater.com, phaidon.com

Le Grande Boucherie

With locations across the city, La Grand Boucherie is a beautiful French restaurant group serving every meal of the day. This is a great spot to pop in for a meal before leaving the city or weekend brunch before a busy day! With an expansive menu and delicious cocktails and wine, there is something for everyone!

Images below from boucherieus.com

Drink

King Cole Bar

Located in the St. Regis, the King Cole Bar is a beautiful destination for an evening cocktail. The bar claims to have invented the Bloody Mary in 1934 and has hosted visitors such as Marilyn Monroe, John Lennon, and Salvador Dali. The bar has been a destination ever since! The atmosphere is cozy and luxurious and the cocktails are expertly made. I recommend arriving early, they open at 4 pm a line will start to form well before. If you can get one of the first tables you’ll be able to enjoy a drink without waiting too long! If you find yourself standing in line, you can always grab a table in the lounge.

Image below from foursquare.com

The Campbell

If you visit Grand Central The Campbell in Grand Central Terminal is a wonderful bar to stop in for a drink. Formerly an influential businessman’s private office, it became a bar in 1999 and through a few ownership shifts and aesthetic updates, The Campbell has become a destination. With beautiful original leaded-glass windows, a lofty hand-painted ceiling, and a grand stone fireplace, this cocktail bar is the place to grab a delicious classic cocktail and an afternoon bite!

Image below from thecampbellnyc.com

Shop

There are so many wonderful shops in Midtown, from high end clothing including Gucci and Hermes to H+M and Zara you are sure to find anything you are looking for! Below are a few favorites that are worth stopping in!

Bergdorf Goodman

One of the greatest department stores in NYC, Bergdorf Goodman is the perfect destination for an afternoon of shopping, browsing, and a delicious lunch at BG Restaurant on the 7th floor. If you can, grab a seat at the window and enjoy a glass of champagne with a beautiful view of the city.

Image below from forbes.com, fifthavenue.nyc,

Tiffany and Co.

Tiffany and Co. is having a comeback and if you love beautiful jewelry or the movie Breakfast at Tiffany’s then you may want to visit the Tiffany & Co store flagship store on Fifth Avenue. The store was featured in the 1960s film and you can now enjoy Breakfast at Tiffany’s at the Blue Box Cafe located on the 4th floor of the store. Tiffany remains a highly regarded luxury jewelry store in New York City since its opening in 1940.

Images below from courthousenews.com, lookphotos.com, timeout.com

Experience

Broadway Show

When in New York, if you can see a Broadway show, you absolutely should! There are so many wonderful shows running all the time, you are sure to find something for the whole family, a girl’s weekend, or even a date night. From The Lion King to Hamilton and so much more, Broadway is an experience you won’t forget!

The Metropolitan Museum of Art

Known as the number 1 museum in the US, the Metropolitan Museum of Art is a wonderful way to spend a day in the city. With a tremendous permanent collection as well as some of the most impressive special exhibits, you can spend hours learning and exploring this beautiful Museum. Even if you don’t have the time to visit the collections, viewing the grand building on 5th Avenue is worth the trip!

Images below from facebook.com

Top of the Rock

Top of the Rock is an indoor and outdoor observation deck with spectacular, unobstructed views of the NYC skyline. It’s listed as one of the top things to do in New York City!

Image below from tiqets.com

Rockefeller Center

Know for the location of the giant real Christmas tree that is a tourist attraction throughout the Holiday season, Rockefeller Center is great shopping and sightseeing destination any time of year! The location of Top of the Rock, shopping, skating sightseeing during Christmas and so much more!

Radio City

An iconic music venue in NYC, Radio City Music Hall is a great place to see a concert any time of year of the Rockettes during the holiday season.

Image below from rockefellercenter.com

MoMA

Established in 1929, the Museum of Modern Art is one of the oldest modern art collections in the United States. With works from Van Gogh, Andy Warhol, Salvador Dali, and Picasso, the MoMA is a fantastic museum to visit!

Image below from architecturaldigest.com

Grand Central Station

A historic and world-famous landmark in Midtown Manhattan, Grand Central Station is a functional train station, however, it is much more! With shopping, dining, beautiful architecture, and the iconic constellation painted on the ceiling, Grand Central Station is a destination I always like to visit while in New York. Opened to the public in February 1913, Grand Central Terminal has been been a New York land ever since.

Image below from travelandleisure.com

I hope you’ve enjoyed the first part of my New York City Guide! The second part will cover Soho, Nolita, Brooklyn, etc. Refer to this post when you’re planning a trip to NYC and share if you know someone who would enjoy it!

#city guide #New York City Guide #New York City #restaurants #hotels

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