#Knightsbridge Food Scene

[nanyangblossom]

Explore the best Chinese restaurants in Knightsbridge, where traditional flavors meet modern innovation. Savor exquisite dishes and enjoy an unforgettable dining experience in London's finest eateries."

[nora-berkeley]

LONDON AWARDS 2024 AFTER PARTY:

Location: The Berkeley Estate, Guildford. (ignore the Christmas theme, but just so you can get an idea of the place they're spending the night.) Hosts: Nora Berkeley. Date: Friday 22nd March, 2024. (roleplaying will start now.) Dress Code: Formal. Dress to impress. Short dresses are now fine.

EVENT SUMMARY:

And now it's time for the after party. If you weren't smart enough to send your attire ahead of time, better make sure you grab it before the fleet of cars leaves without you. You've got forty five minutes before anybody who's anybody is whisked away from Central London, and off to the expansive Berkeley Estate nestled in the ever idyllic Guildford. Don't worry, nobody needs to worry about disturbing the neighbours. The 120+ rooms means that everybody is more than welcome to stay the night. Some might have to share rooms, or shack up on an antique sofa worth more than their existence, but that's part of the fun...no? There will be plenty of food on offer upon arrival to line stomachs before the real party begins, and breakfast will be provided to all those who survive the night. There will be several bars scattered across the property, including the conservatory and pool room. Said pool will be open and welcoming visitors, so if you feel like taking a dip? Get wild... (Not that any of you need a excuse to take your clothes off, obviously.) Each of the formal dining rooms will be transformed into mini-night clubs, all hosting its own genre specific DJ, as well as a handful of tables for bottle service. Just because one room doesn't suit you, doesn't mean another won't. Find your vibe. If you prefer to take things at a slower pace, the impressive wine cellar will offer some respite; a string quartet, a huge selection of cigars to choose from, and a calmer atmosphere in which to mull over the night's events. The conservatory will also be spared the blaring music, and instead play host to a pop-up bar and casino courtesy of Damon Rutherford and The Empire Hotel.

ATTENDANCE & IMPORTANT NOTES:

Everyone can attend this event, regardless of their affiliation or whether they attended the ceremony itself. That said, if you feel you character wouldn’t participate, then there’s no pressure to. Take note that there will canonically be a lot of important members of London’s social scene present, so the party will be pretty jam-packed with the city’s self-proclaimed finest and most famous. This will be considered a monumental social event this year, so people will be looking to go wild and make the most of it. TWI will be paying attention. It is not a private event.

PERKS FOR THE AWARD WINNERS:

For all of those who walked away from the ceremony with an award in their hands, your fortunes do not end with a golden statue. Thank God because that ain’t real gold fam. You will be entitled to some complementary treats as an added bonus, courtesy of Damon Rutherford. These cannot be exchanged, nor gifted to non-winners. Winners are permitted to bring a guest when they redeem their weekend at The Empire.

All winners will enjoy free drinks for the entirety of the evening. This will include bottle service so the peasants can feel special. They will also be guaranteed a private bedroom at the estate for themselves and a guest.

All winners will be offered access to a hotel suite at The Empire Hotel in Westminster for a future weekend of their choosing. Winners for Best Couple and Should-Be couple will get presidential suites. Enjoy them.

Winner of both Man of the Year and Woman of the Year will win an all expenses paid trip, transfers included, to Porto Velho. A private jet will take them and a guest of their choosing whenever they wish to redeem the prize.

Winner of Best Dressed Man and Best Dressed Woman (awards that will be announced at the after party, rather than the ceremony itself) will both win £15k of credit to spend at Harrods in Knightsbridge.

Winners of the Best Dates award (also announced at the after party) will win an all inclusive spa day at the hotel, at a time of their choosing.

[voyagevista12]

Embrace the Magic: It's Time to Explore Beautiful London! 🇬🇧✨

Are you ready to stroll down historic cobblestone streets, savor the charm of iconic landmarks, and immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of London's culture? The time to travel to this enchanting city has arrived!

Discovering Timeless Elegance: London, a city that effortlessly marries history with modernity, welcomes you to a world where every corner tells a story. From the regal Buckingham Palace to the cutting-edge architecture of the Shard, London offers a visual feast for every traveler.

Cultural Odyssey: Dive into the cultural kaleidoscope with a visit to world-class museums like the British Museum and the Tate Modern. Explore the West End for a dose of theatrical brilliance, and wander through vibrant markets like Borough Market for a taste of local flavors.

Parks and Gardens Oasis: Escape the urban hustle in London's lush parks. Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens provide serene retreats, offering the perfect backdrop for a leisurely afternoon or a riverside stroll along the Thames.

Culinary Delights: London's culinary scene is a gastronomic adventure waiting to unfold. Indulge in traditional fish and chips, savor diverse international cuisines, and explore the trendy food markets that showcase the city's culinary diversity.

Shopping Extravaganza: From luxury boutiques in Knightsbridge to eclectic markets in Camden, London is a shopper's paradise. Unleash your inner fashionista on Oxford Street or seek unique finds in the vintage shops of Shoreditch.

A Thameside Sunset: As the day winds down, head to the South Bank for a breathtaking view of the sunset over the River Thames. The London Eye provides a panoramic experience, and the riverside pubs offer a cozy spot to reflect on your day of exploration.

Seize the Moment: Now is the time to pack your bags, book your flights, and immerse yourself in the allure of beautiful London. Every street is an invitation, every landmark a chapter in your travel story. It's time to make memories, embrace the magic, and let the adventure unfold in this extraordinary city! 🧳🌆

Unlock your next adventure with our travel solutions – where seamless journeys meet unbeatable deals! 🌍✈️ Book cheap Flights and Hotels with us and let the savings pave the way for unforgettable experiences. Your dream getaway is just a click away! 🧳💸

[dickens-daily]

SCENES

CHAPTER I—THE STREETS—MORNING

The appearance presented by the streets of London an hour before sunrise, on a summer’s morning, is most striking even to the few whose unfortunate pursuits of pleasure, or scarcely less unfortunate pursuits of business, cause them to be well acquainted with the scene. There is an air of cold, solitary desolation about the noiseless streets which we are accustomed to see thronged at other times by a busy, eager crowd, and over the quiet, closely-shut buildings, which throughout the day are swarming with life and bustle, that is very impressive.

The last drunken man, who shall find his way home before sunlight, has just staggered heavily along, roaring out the burden of the drinking song of the previous night: the last houseless vagrant whom penury and police have left in the streets, has coiled up his chilly limbs in some paved comer, to dream of food and warmth. The drunken, the dissipated, and the wretched have disappeared; the more sober and orderly part of the population have not yet awakened to the labours of the day, and the stillness of death is over the streets; its very hue seems to be imparted to them, cold and lifeless as they look in the grey, sombre light of daybreak. The coach-stands in the larger thoroughfares are deserted: the night-houses are closed; and the chosen promenades of profligate misery are empty.

An occasional policeman may alone be seen at the street corners, listlessly gazing on the deserted prospect before him; and now and then a rakish-looking cat runs stealthily across the road and descends his own area with as much caution and slyness—bounding first on the water-butt, then on the dust-hole, and then alighting on the flag-stones—as if he were conscious that his character depended on his gallantry of the preceding night escaping public observation. A partially opened bedroom-window here and there, bespeaks the heat of the weather, and the uneasy slumbers of its occupant; and the dim scanty flicker of the rushlight, through the window-blind, denotes the chamber of watching or sickness. With these few exceptions, the streets present no signs of life, nor the houses of habitation.

An hour wears away; the spires of the churches and roofs of the principal buildings are faintly tinged with the light of the rising sun; and the streets, by almost imperceptible degrees, begin to resume their bustle and animation. Market-carts roll slowly along: the sleepy waggoner impatiently urging on his tired horses, or vainly endeavouring to awaken the boy, who, luxuriously stretched on the top of the fruit-baskets, forgets, in happy oblivion, his long-cherished curiosity to behold the wonders of London.

Rough, sleepy-looking animals of strange appearance, something between ostlers and hackney-coachmen, begin to take down the shutters of early public-houses; and little deal tables, with the ordinary preparations for a street breakfast, make their appearance at the customary stations. Numbers of men and women (principally the latter), carrying upon their heads heavy baskets of fruit, toil down the park side of Piccadilly, on their way to Covent-garden, and, following each other in rapid succession, form a long straggling line from thence to the turn of the road at Knightsbridge.

Here and there, a bricklayer’s labourer, with the day’s dinner tied up in a handkerchief, walks briskly to his work, and occasionally a little knot of three or four schoolboys on a stolen bathing expedition rattle merrily over the pavement, their boisterous mirth contrasting forcibly with the demeanour of the little sweep, who, having knocked and rung till his arm aches, and being interdicted by a merciful legislature from endangering his lungs by calling out, sits patiently down on the door-step, until the housemaid may happen to awake.

Covent-garden market, and the avenues leading to it, are thronged with carts of all sorts, sizes, and descriptions, from the heavy lumbering waggon, with its four stout horses, to the jingling costermonger’s cart, with its consumptive donkey. The pavement is already strewed with decayed cabbage-leaves, broken hay-bands, and all the indescribable litter of a vegetable market; men are shouting, carts backing, horses neighing, boys fighting, basket-women talking, piemen expatiating on the excellence of their pastry, and donkeys braying. These and a hundred other sounds form a compound discordant enough to a Londoner’s ears, and remarkably disagreeable to those of country gentlemen who are sleeping at the Hummums for the first time.

Another hour passes away, and the day begins in good earnest. The servant of all work, who, under the plea of sleeping very soundly, has utterly disregarded ‘Missis’s’ ringing for half an hour previously, is warned by Master (whom Missis has sent up in his drapery to the landing-place for that purpose), that it’s half-past six, whereupon she awakes all of a sudden, with well-feigned astonishment, and goes down-stairs very sulkily, wishing, while she strikes a light, that the principle of spontaneous combustion would extend itself to coals and kitchen range. When the fire is lighted, she opens the street-door to take in the milk, when, by the most singular coincidence in the world, she discovers that the servant next door has just taken in her milk too, and that Mr. Todd’s young man over the way, is, by an equally extraordinary chance, taking down his master��s shutters. The inevitable consequence is, that she just steps, milk-jug in hand, as far as next door, just to say ‘good morning’ to Betsy Clark, and that Mr. Todd’s young man just steps over the way to say ‘good morning’ to both of ’em; and as the aforesaid Mr. Todd’s young man is almost as good-looking and fascinating as the baker himself, the conversation quickly becomes very interesting, and probably would become more so, if Betsy Clark’s Missis, who always will be a-followin’ her about, didn’t give an angry tap at her bedroom window, on which Mr. Todd’s young man tries to whistle coolly, as he goes back to his shop much faster than he came from it; and the two girls run back to their respective places, and shut their street-doors with surprising softness, each of them poking their heads out of the front parlour window, a minute afterwards, however, ostensibly with the view of looking at the mail which just then passes by, but really for the purpose of catching another glimpse of Mr. Todd’s young man, who being fond of mails, but more of females, takes a short look at the mails, and a long look at the girls, much to the satisfaction of all parties concerned.

The mail itself goes on to the coach-office in due course, and the passengers who are going out by the early coach, stare with astonishment at the passengers who are coming in by the early coach, who look blue and dismal, and are evidently under the influence of that odd feeling produced by travelling, which makes the events of yesterday morning seem as if they had happened at least six months ago, and induces people to wonder with considerable gravity whether the friends and relations they took leave of a fortnight before, have altered much since they have left them. The coach-office is all alive, and the coaches which are just going out, are surrounded by the usual crowd of Jews and nondescripts, who seem to consider, Heaven knows why, that it is quite impossible any man can mount a coach without requiring at least sixpenny-worth of oranges, a penknife, a pocket-book, a last year’s annual, a pencil-case, a piece of sponge, and a small series of caricatures.

Half an hour more, and the sun darts his bright rays cheerfully down the still half-empty streets, and shines with sufficient force to rouse the dismal laziness of the apprentice, who pauses every other minute from his task of sweeping out the shop and watering the pavement in front of it, to tell another apprentice similarly employed, how hot it will be to-day, or to stand with his right hand shading his eyes, and his left resting on the broom, gazing at the ‘Wonder,’ or the ‘Tally-ho,’ or the ‘Nimrod,’ or some other fast coach, till it is out of sight, when he re-enters the shop, envying the passengers on the outside of the fast coach, and thinking of the old red brick house ‘down in the country,’ where he went to school: the miseries of the milk and water, and thick bread and scrapings, fading into nothing before the pleasant recollection of the green field the boys used to play in, and the green pond he was caned for presuming to fall into, and other schoolboy associations.

Cabs, with trunks and band-boxes between the drivers’ legs and outside the apron, rattle briskly up and down the streets on their way to the coach-offices or steam-packet wharfs; and the cab-drivers and hackney-coachmen who are on the stand polish up the ornamental part of their dingy vehicles—the former wondering how people can prefer ‘them wild beast cariwans of homnibuses, to a riglar cab with a fast trotter,’ and the latter admiring how people can trust their necks into one of ‘them crazy cabs, when they can have a ’spectable ’ackney cotche with a pair of ’orses as von’t run away with no vun;’ a consolation unquestionably founded on fact, seeing that a hackney-coach horse never was known to run at all, ‘except,’ as the smart cabman in front of the rank observes, ‘except one, and he run back’ards.’

The shops are now completely opened, and apprentices and shopmen are busily engaged in cleaning and decking the windows for the day. The bakers’ shops in town are filled with servants and children waiting for the drawing of the first batch of rolls—an operation which was performed a full hour ago in the suburbs: for the early clerk population of Somers and Camden towns, Islington, and Pentonville, are fast pouring into the city, or directing their steps towards Chancery-lane and the Inns of Court. Middle-aged men, whose salaries have by no means increased in the same proportion as their families, plod steadily along, apparently with no object in view but the counting-house; knowing by sight almost everybody they meet or overtake, for they have seen them every morning (Sunday excepted) during the last twenty years, but speaking to no one. If they do happen to overtake a personal acquaintance, they just exchange a hurried salutation, and keep walking on either by his side, or in front of him, as his rate of walking may chance to be. As to stopping to shake hands, or to take the friend’s arm, they seem to think that as it is not included in their salary, they have no right to do it. Small office lads in large hats, who are made men before they are boys, hurry along in pairs, with their first coat carefully brushed, and the white trousers of last Sunday plentifully besmeared with dust and ink. It evidently requires a considerable mental struggle to avoid investing part of the day’s dinner-money in the purchase of the stale tarts so temptingly exposed in dusty tins at the pastry-cooks’ doors; but a consciousness of their own importance and the receipt of seven shillings a-week, with the prospect of an early rise to eight, comes to their aid, and they accordingly put their hats a little more on one side, and look under the bonnets of all the milliners’ and stay-makers’ apprentices they meet—poor girls!—the hardest worked, the worst paid, and too often, the worst used class of the community.

Eleven o’clock, and a new set of people fill the streets. The goods in the shop-windows are invitingly arranged; the shopmen in their white neckerchiefs and spruce coats, look as it they couldn’t clean a window if their lives depended on it; the carts have disappeared from Covent-garden; the waggoners have returned, and the costermongers repaired to their ordinary ‘beats’ in the suburbs; clerks are at their offices, and gigs, cabs, omnibuses, and saddle-horses, are conveying their masters to the same destination. The streets are thronged with a vast concourse of people, gay and shabby, rich and poor, idle and industrious; and we come to the heat, bustle, and activity of Noon.

_____

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[influencermagazineuk]

Best Shopping Destinations in London

London, a vibrant tapestry woven from history, culture, and innovation, is a magnet for globetrotters worldwide. But beyond its iconic landmarks and world-renowned museums, London offers a haven for shopaholics, boasting an eclectic mix of shopping districts catering to every taste and budget. Oxford Street: A Retail Powerhouse Oxford Street No exploration of London's shopping scene can begin without mentioning Oxford Street, Europe's longest shopping street. This bustling mile-long stretch is a retail behemoth, housing flagship stores of renowned international brands like Zara, H&M, and Topshop. Department stores like Selfridges and John Lewis offer a luxurious shopping experience, while smaller independent boutiques add a touch of individuality to the mix. Oxford Street caters to budget-conscious fashionistas and luxury shoppers alike, making it a one-stop shop for all things fashion. Regent Street: Where Heritage Meets High-End Regent Street Just a short stroll from Oxford Street lies Regent Street, another major shopping artery renowned for its architectural grandeur. Here, heritage buildings seamlessly blend with contemporary flagship stores, creating a unique shopping ambience. Regent Street is a haven for luxury brands like Burberry, Cartier, and Tiffany & Co., offering a touch of sophistication to your shopping spree. Don't miss Hamleys, the world's oldest toy shop, a wonderland for children and adults alike. Bond Street: A Haven for Luxury For those seeking an indulgence in the world of luxury fashion, Bond Street is the ultimate destination. This prestigious street is synonymous with haute couture, housing iconic fashion houses like Chanel, Louis Vuitton, and Prada. Exquisite jewelry stores like Tiffany & Co. and Cartier add to the opulent atmosphere. Bond Street is not just about shopping; it's an experience, a chance to witness the pinnacle of fashion and design. Covent Garden: A Treasure Trove of Boutiques Nestled in the heart of London's theatre district, Covent Garden offers a delightful shopping experience. This pedestrianised area boasts a charming covered market selling crafts, jewellery, and souvenirs. Independent boutiques line the streets, showcasing a curated selection of fashion, homeware, and lifestyle products. Street performers and musicians add to the lively atmosphere, making Covent Garden a feast for the senses. Knightsbridge: A Blend of Luxury and Tradition Knightsbridge is a haven for luxury shopping with a touch of tradition. Harrods, the iconic department store, is a must-visit, offering an unparalleled selection of designer goods, gourmet food, and homeware. Knightsbridge is also home to Sloane Street, a prestigious shopping destination known for designer boutiques like Alexander McQueen and Stella McCartney. Antiques enthusiasts will find treasures at renowned auction houses like Sotheby's. Soho: Where Edgy Meets Chic Soho is a haven for those seeking a unique and trendy shopping experience. This vibrant district boasts a network of narrow streets lined with independent boutiques showcasing emerging designers, vintage clothing stores, and quirky homeware shops. Carnaby Street, a pedestrianized haven, is known for its alternative fashion scene, while Berwick Street offers a plethora of record stores catering to music lovers. Soho is a place to discover hidden gems and express your individuality through fashion. Westfield: A One-Stop Shopping Mecca London boasts two Westfield shopping centres – Westfield Stratford City in East London and Westfield White City in the west. These vast shopping centres offer a one-stop shopping experience, housing over 250 stores under one roof. From high-street favourites like Marks & Spencer and Debenhams to designer brands like Gucci and Louis Vuitton, Westfields cater to a wide range of budgets and tastes. Additionally, these centres feature a diverse selection of restaurants and leisure activities, making them ideal for a full day of shopping and entertainment. Beyond the High Street: Exploring London's Markets London's vibrant markets offer a treasure trove of unique finds and a glimpse into the city's rich history. Portobello Road Market in Notting Hill is a haven for antique hunters, while Camden Market boasts an eclectic mix of stalls selling everything from vintage clothing to international street food. Borough Market, a haven for foodies, offers fresh local produce, artisan breads, and international delicacies. Columbia Road Flower Market is a riot of colours and a photographer's paradise. Exploring London's markets is an adventure in itself, a chance to discover hidden gems and support local artisans. Whether you're a high-end fashion aficionado or a budget-conscious bargain hunter, London's diverse shopping districts cater to every taste and style. So, lace up your walking shoes, grab your bags and enjoy the fun! Read the full article

[maasbesttiffinservice]

What Is the Most Popular Indian Food in the UK?

There are about 12,000 Indian restaurants in the UK, and they’re one of the country’s most popular cuisines. This is because of the long-standing connection between the United Kingdom and India; the British Empire had a significant presence in India, which led to Anglo-Indian cuisine, blending Indian with English influence. Maas Best provides the best tiffin service in the UK.

Chicken tikka masala is England’s most popular Indian dish. It is a bowl of roasted chunks of chicken in a spicy sauce. The recipe varies greatly, so you may find it very different from one restaurant to the next. Another popular dish is balti. This type of stir-fry can include chicken, lamb or vegetables cooked in a spicy sauce.You can get Punjabi Tiffin Service in the Slough, UK.

Other popular dishes in the United Kingdom are samosas, biryani and thali. Samosas are fried pastry snacks filled with meat, potatoes, cheese or vegetables. They are usually served with a side of dip or chutney. Biryani is a rice dish flavoured with spices and typically served with meat or vegetables. A thali is a traditional meal with several dishes served on a plate.

Fish and chips are also a favourite among British people. This dish is not a traditional Indian food, but it has been modified to suit British tastes. It is made by coating a piece of fish in a spiced batter and then frying it. It is typically served with a tangy dipping sauce or chutney. Maas Best provides the Indian Food Delivery Service in the UK.

Why Is Indian Food So Big in London?

From traditional curries to street foods and fusion dishes, Indian food is a huge part of the London dining scene. It reflects centuries of trade, colonization and cultural exchange, and it’s one of Britain’s most beloved cuisines.

Going out for Indian food is often referred to simply as having a curry, contributing over PS5 billion to the country’s economy yearly. Are you looking for a Vegetarian Tiffin Service Near Me? Maasbest can help you.

The UK is home to some of the world’s best Indian restaurants, from Michelin-starred spots in Mayfair and Knightsbridge to small, family-run places that showcase the authentic taste of India.

Chefs like Karam Sethi and Gymkhana founder Rashid Ahmed have taken the concept of casual Indian dining to a whole new level, serving up upscale dishes with global influences while maintaining a strong sense of tradition. Are you looking for Gujarati Tiffin Service Near Me in the Slough, UK?

Other places like Jikoni, which started as a scrap of a cafe in a shipping container in Brixton and now has three swanky locations in central London, pull their inspiration from verdant southern India.

The restaurant offers affordable, delicious dishes, including vegetarian thalis, tiger prawns, and lentil pancakes doused in various spices, along with a post-meal Kenyan-style chai served with buttery paan madeleines. Are you looking for Tiffin Service Near Me in the UK? Maasbest provides the Indian Tiffin Service in the UK.

Dishoom, always on lists of the city’s best Indian restaurants, rides a wave of nostalgia for the UK’s vintage curry houses. The chain’s restaurants are homages to this cooking style, and their menus feature dishes such as kheema pau (ground lamb curry with boiled potatoes) and buttery chicken tikka masala alongside naan bread and raita.

Punjab in Covent Garden is another nostalgic favourite — the oldest North Indian restaurant in the UK, it’s been run by the same family for four generations and serves blow-your-head-off lamb madras and acharri gosht. Many people provide online tiffin delivery.

[bestbitcoinslots]

Unveiling the Eclectic London Nightlife

London, the vibrant capital of England, is a city that never sleeps. From its iconic landmarks to its bustling streets, London offers a captivating nightlife that attracts visitors from all corners of the globe. As the sun sets, the city transforms into a hub of activity, with a diverse range of options for night owls to explore. In this article, we delve into the dynamic world of London's nightlife, shedding light on the captivating night markets, fashion scene, entertainment, casinos, and recreational activities that make the city an unrivaled nocturnal playground.

Night Markets: Where Culture and Gastronomy Collide

London's night markets are a true reflection of the city's multicultural identity, offering a feast for the senses. The Camden Market, situated in the trendy Camden Town, is a must-visit for its vibrant atmosphere and eclectic mix of food stalls, vintage clothing, and unique arts and crafts. Immerse yourself in the flavors of the world as you sample dishes from various cuisines, ranging from Thai street food to mouthwatering Mexican tacos. Another noteworthy market is the Southbank Centre Food Market, located by the Thames River. Here, you can indulge in a diverse array of culinary delights while enjoying the stunning riverside views.

Fashion Scene: Where Style Meets Innovation

London has long been hailed as a global fashion capital, renowned for its cutting-edge designs and diverse fashion scene. The city is home to world-class designers, emerging talent, and vibrant street fashion. In neighborhoods like Mayfair and Knightsbridge, you can explore luxury boutiques and flagship stores that showcase the latest collections from renowned fashion houses. Carnaby Street in Soho is a hub for independent and emerging designers, where you can discover unique pieces and avant-garde creations. Additionally, London Fashion Week, held biannually, attracts industry insiders and fashion enthusiasts from around the world, cementing the city's status as a fashion-forward destination.

Entertainment Extravaganza: From West End to Alternative Delights

The options at London casino entertainment are as diverse as the city itself, catering to all tastes and preferences. The West End, often referred to as London's Theaterland, is renowned for its world-class theater productions. Catch a mesmerizing musical, a thought-provoking play, or a captivating ballet performance in one of the historic theaters scattered throughout the district. For alternative entertainment, explore the vibrant nightlife of East London, where you can discover underground theaters, immersive experiences, and experimental performances in venues like the Arcola Theatre and the Hackney Empire.

Casinos: Glamour and Excitement All Night Long

London boasts a selection of glamorous casinos where you can try your luck and experience the thrill of high-stakes gaming. The Hippodrome Casino, situated in Leicester Square, is an iconic establishment known for its grandeur and luxurious ambiance. With its extensive range of table games and slot machines, the Hippodrome Casino offers an unforgettable gaming experience. Other notable London casino includes the Empire Casino in Leicester Square and the prestigious Les Ambassadeurs Club in Mayfair, catering to those seeking a touch of exclusivity and sophistication.

Recreational Activities: Embracing the City's Nighttime Charms

London offers a multitude of recreational activities that come alive after the sun sets. Embark on a twilight cruise along the River Thames and marvel at the illuminated cityscape, including iconic landmarks like the Tower Bridge and the Houses of Parliament. Take a leisurely stroll through the beautifully lit streets of Covent Garden, where you can discover street performers, boutique shops, and charming cafes. For an adrenaline rush, visit the Lee Valley VeloPark in Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, where you can experience the thrill of cycling on the velodrome or take on the mountain bike trails under the night sky.

Conclusion:

London's nightlife is a captivating blend of culture, style, entertainment, and excitement. Whether you're exploring the lively night markets, immersing yourself in the city's fashion scene, enjoying a world-class theater performance, testing your luck at glamorous casinos, or engaging in thrilling recreational activities, London offers an unrivaled nocturnal experience. The city embraces its night owls with open arms, providing endless possibilities for exploration and entertainment. So, as the sun sets over the Thames, prepare to be enchanted by the vibrant and diverse nightlife that London has to offer.

[blackswaneuroparedux]

Anonymous asked: Don’t you miss London in any way since you are British? Wouldn’t you love to come back especially after Brexit? Do you think London has changed for the worse that its not worth living there anymore?

Yes, I do miss London. I do want to go back....but not yet. I’m enjoying living and working in Paris. Brexit doesn’t affect me as I also have a Norwegian passport and I qualify for carte de séjour (a sort of residential work permit).

It was the wit Stephen Fry who said “The English language is like London: proudly barbaric yet deeply civilised, too, common yet royal, vulgar yet processional, sacred yet profane.” He captures the essence of London it’s so diverse that anyone can fit in. That is its strength and its weakness compared to other maga cosmopolitan cities like New York in the West or Shanghai in the East as its only rival.

But to my mind London has  more - arguably the same as New York but definitely more than Shanghai - in terms of energy and vibrancy with a very unique English topping of eccentricity. Something you would never find in Paris for instance where things are quite socially stodgy and snobbish. The dinner parties I attend in London are far more down to earth and vibrant as well as eccentric and very fun compared to the ritualised boerdom of super pretentious dinner parties of the Parisian crowds I get roped in - a caveat, most but not all.

London to me is like city state much in the spirit of a medieval Florence. It has no moorings to the rest of the country or the nation. It’s a bubble. or I should say bubbles within a giant bubble. There a diversity of communities each rubbing up against each other. Mostly for the good but some times not so good. Despite urban problems that affict growing mega capitals London for me still remains a wonderful place to live. 

When people ask me about if I enjoyed living in London I have to ask which London? We all live in our concentric social circles in London and people as much as place help define our sense of belonging and happiness. I don’t look at London in an abstract way in terms of favourite places but in terms of the bonds of friendships made and sustained from childhood onwards. 

Samuel Johnson said “When a man is tired of London, he is tired of life; for there is in London all that life can afford.” In my case, it’s because I wanted to expand my life experiences that I left London. I get bored easily and I have restless feet. I left London because it became too small for me. Or rather the world I inhabited became too socially claustrophobic for my tastes. I needed to get out and seek adventure and challenges elsewhere at least for the next chapter of my life.

I do love London and I often go back there for work reasons as well as personal ones when I can. I am a member of a few gentlemen clubs (many allow women in now) and its old genteel atmosphere centres me and paradoxically helps me to see London in slow motion even as London around me is fast moving and changing. I also don’t miss key events that I can only experience in London like the ballet and the theatre which is unrivalled in the world. And of course there are some events on the social season calendar which I can’t miss because of family obligations.

Every city has its unique charms but only a few touch the heart and soul. London - or at least the London of my childhood - is one of them. But for how much longer I don’t know.

London seems to be galloping towards a new and uncertain identity, one that puts ‘stuff’ before substance, and more importantly, money before class (as in good taste). Brexit’s impact on London doesn’t bother me in the slightest as London will adapt as it always does. It will muddle through which has always been the English way to solving any problem: just muddle through.

Still, it’s the little things I notice rather than the obvious macro ones. It niggles me and prey on my mind long after I witness the offence.

So let me give you an example of what I mean.

I did a hard day’s shopping in Knightsbridge and was waiting to meet a dear old friend from boarding school to play catch up. She’s always bringing me up to speed on the gossip in our circles and most of it goes in one ear and out of the other as I’m bored by it but interested and polite enough to listen if only to feel happiness and relief that I actually do live away in Paris.

So there I was waiting for her. She was late as usual. I was sitting in a quintessentially English hotel restaurant in Knightsbridge over Christmas. I watched a young man about the same age as me approach the door. He was dressed in a wool long coat with a velvet collar that looked a little snug, although it was beautiful and had the look of Turnbull and Asser about it.

My heart soared, as he held the door open for an elegantly dressed woman who was on her way out, then approached the restaurant and confirmed he was there and waiting for a guest, a living illustration that manners maketh man.  When he took his coat off it was to reveal what was the uniform of my father’s generation, right down to the waistcoat, bottom button left open, and polished shoes. The suit he was wearing could well have been inherited from his father - probably Savile Row - but the whole was a thing of modest beauty and seemed to fit with the Christmas decorations and season of traditions. This was a well groomed young gentleman who had dressed for the occasion, and the occasion was a treat, an extravagance, something not of the every day.

I ended up at a table diagonally across from him and his companion, probably his wife or partner, excited to be there and also impeccably dressed and I watched as a party of flashy men of indecipherable East European origin arrived five minutes later. They didn’t speak much English and were wearing a selection of very tight floral shirts with white cuffs and collars. Block printed, purple and lime and many other colours unsuitable for December, but there you have it and while my suited object of admiration sat unserved, the party in the middle of the restaurant made up for their lack of fluent English with magnificent finger clicking skills.

You might say this is and always has been the way of the world, the wallets were on the table, money clips clearly visible through the skintight shirts, but one thing was different about this picture, something unpleasant. The restaurant staff fawned on them, and the couple opposite me sat, waiting politely for the two gin and tonics they had ordered.

Meanwhile, gaudy bottles of Ace of Spades Champagne arrived stage centre, possibly the world’s flashiest wine container, gold and shiny and terribly gauche. They were closely followed by four sets of twins, female ones, who sat down at the table amongst the flowery shirts and were each poured a glass of fizz which they silently sipped in minimal clothing.

Meanwhile in the other corner, the unassuming couple who had come in first were still waiting for their drinks, and I watched while the gloss went off their day, and the pall of poor relations settled on them in the corner.

This scene will be familiar to anyone who lives in Central London and it’s sad. The bottom line has always been a vital consideration in the London restaurant scene, there has always been a special table for regular customers, that’s the way of things. Until recently however there has also been that very British recognition that the chap who has saved up all year to take his wife to a special lunch should be treated as if he is also a regular guest and one of equal value at that.

It’s these little acts of tradition and custom that are the life blood of the civic life of a city. Lose this and you slowly erode the pillars of civility.

This obnoxious veneration of money to the exclusion of everything else has reached fever pitch. Restaurants that used to be just that, dining rooms that you could sit and eat lovely food in, providing a bubble away from the day to day stresses that we are all party to, are now restaurants with private clubs upstairs. Meanwhile private clubs that used to be simply  private clubs now have VIP areas – VVIP areas – which is at least a bonus in that you can avoid the more ghastly members as they are all in those bits.

What does this all mean? Does it mean that everything from eating out to where we shop is now Instagrammed or Facebooked, leaving us defined by our purchases and spending habits alone? It is certainly starting to feel like it in London (and worryingly small signs of it Paris too with rich Russians and Arabs buying up most expensive aprtments in the city), where a hundred pounds is the new tenner, and consumption has reached improbable proportions.

Strangely though, no one seems any happier, quite the contrary. Are the new Rich Kids of Instagram really something to aspire to? Is bad taste the new good taste?  Strange times are upon us, when 16 year olds sit in a cordoned off areas of clubs and restaurants flashing their cash and getting on and off jets. I see this first hand as I sometimes get to fly on private jets purely for work reasons at the largesse of my corporate clients. I always thought the Euro trash aristocrats girls at my Swiss boarding school were entitled airheads but the present nouveau riche incarnation don’t even have a sense of ironic self awareness or taste.

Human beings love a boundary, well they have for the whole history of mankind to date, anyway. If in one generation we get rid of all the traditional social conventions, from buying our own homes, saving, working hard, not buying whatever we want whenever we want it, where will we be?  Perhaps instant gratification will lead us all to a new kind of life, a new place where we all live for experiences instead of taking out a mortgage, where nothing we do is our fault and no consequences to our actions.

I have always loved the quote ‘Don’t give up on what you want for what you want now’ and believe that delaying gratification is the defining characteristic of mature adulthood.

Perhaps values, traditions, less is more and simple kindness will make a comeback. In the meantime, restaurants will empty of customers like the well mannered gentleman on the corner table, and I will continue to feel uncomfortable that we are losing something vital not just in London but increasingly elsewhere in great European cities I travel to.

Thanks for your question.

[psychopersonified]

Three Little Words

Post Are we ever going to talk about this? and Where was the wooing? (AO3)

Highly recommended to read the series first to get emotionally invested in their story arc. This short piece will feel a lot more satisfying once you know their backstory. But you can still read this as a stand alone. 

Mallory cottons on and worries, Bond tries bubble tea (sorry, I couldn't resist), very important words that haven't been said are said...

Tags: Sharing food, some groping, newly established relationship, humour, fluff with feeling, tiny mention of PTSD, minor hurt/comfort.

-------------

London, Air Street - Hawksmoor

They arrived together, Mallory was sure of it. He knows because he saw them leave their Vauxhall HQ together. What was even more unexpected was that 007 was in the passenger seat of Q’s red Hyundai at the time. Rumours abound about those two; but M had chosen to ignore them up to now for the sake of his own sanity. Sorting fact from fiction would take up all his time. Even Q’s new car was subject to gossip - some preposterous story about it being a gift from 007. 

However, now partway through the evening of Agent 008’s retirement party at a seafood and steak restaurant on Air Street - Mallory can’t ignore the rumours any longer.

Moneypenny had organised the event, booking out the entire floor of the glamorous art deco restaurant. Dark wood panelling matched with emerald green upholstery and decorated with gold accents, it oozed perfectly understated style. 150 or so people were invited, all part of the MI6 community with more or less direct involvement in the Double-0 Program. So practically everyone knows everyone, making it a safe and comfortable setting to let loose a little. Which might be why M is noticing behaviours that were not usually on display within the SIS building among general population. 

Which brings M back to his observation. The pair is ensconced in one of the semi circle booths with Eve, Jenny, Mark and Dr Chen. Bond is seated on the outer edge, an arm slung casually over the back of the booth with the Quartermaster sitting much close than propriety would deem necessary -  practically nestled in the crook of the agent’s arm. They are laughing along and joining in free flowing conversation with the other occupants of their table and generally having a good time. 

No one on the table appears to find the unusually close proximity odd. In fact no one in the entire party seems to have given their behaviour a second glance except for Mallory.

As the evening progressed, M sees more and more that worries him. He’d caught them sharing food, eating right off each other’s plates. Bond cutting bits off his steak and setting the pieces aside for Q to pick off. Even offering Q his red wine, chosen specially to pair with the steak, holding it up to his nose for a sniff. Then instead of getting the server to pour a new glass, he just lets Q drink from his, keeping the glass between them throughout the main course. 

Then there was the seafood pasta, and the utter ridiculousness of it. Q eats half of it and hands it over, cutlery and all for Bond to finish. The agent obliges without hesitation, and couldn’t be bothered to get a fresh set of cutlery.

At one point the young quartermaster places a hand on 007’s thigh to draw his attention. Bond is immediately attentive, pausing to lean close so Q can whisper something privately. Whatever Q says makes him nod and smile. 

M panics internally, perhaps he’s been ignoring the rumours for too long and wonders if it might be too late to do something about it now. Alec making his way round a willing secretarial pool is one thing, but this does not look ‘no strings attached’. However on the plus side, 007 has been a lot more manageable lately. 

Sure, he still had problems with authority and argues incessantly about his orders, then goes off improvising his missions and continues to destroy things that he shouldn’t have… BUT he hasn’t gone dark for a while now - regularly checking in with HQ before he decides to execute a high risk strategy. Not for approval mind you, just to let them know where they might recover his body… which is a step up considering his track record. And he hasn’t absconded in a while, always returning to London immediately once the job is done, without MI6 needing to use the threat of arrest as motivation.

If whatever this is between them is the root of the behavioural change in 007, then taking it away is a sure way of inciting rebellion. Considering their combined skillsets, it would be impudent to underestimate them. However, should the relationship sour, it would cause a whole set of other problems. It puts M in quite a bit of a conundrum. How long has this been going on and why hasn’t Psych highlighted this. 

—

“How are you with driving?” Q asks as he holds up the coat for Bond after retrieving it from the coat check

“Still good,” the agent answers as he slips his arms into the coat. 

“Excellent, because I’m decidedly not.” Q declares, emphasis on the T in the ‘not’. Bond can tell, Q’s a little giggly and handsier than usual. And he’s had to help Q down the stairs from the first floor restaurant. 

“Keys?” Bond asks as he turns around to return the favour, helping Q into his jacket and scarf. 

“Left poc— *yawn*—ket” Q yawns midway though his answer, using his hands to cover his mouth as Bond dips a hand into his trouser pocket from behind to fish for the car keys. 

Once they dispense with the goodbyes to those lingering in the lobby, they head out. Q’s car is parked in an hourly garage a short walk away. 

—

Unknown to the pair, their little interaction was overheard by Mallory and Tanner. 

M turns to Tanner, levelling him with a serious look, “Those two, I want to know what’s going on. How serious is it?”

“Sir?” Tanner hesitates, then smiles tightly, unsure if the next thing he says will get the pair in trouble, “Fairly serious…”

“Why wasn’t I told?” M huffs annoyed, though more at himself than anyone. 

Tanner looks genuinely perplexed, “Sir?… I believe there was a general assumption that you knew? And because you haven’t reprimanded them that you were willing to… look the other way?”

Mallory sighs, “So the rumour about the car is true then?”

“Ah... yes. They’ve also been seen coming and going from HQ together whenever Bond is in London.” 

“Ahh… shit.” M sounds resigned. 

“What are you going to do sir? You’re not going to stop them are you?” Tanner’s looks like someone just kicked his puppy. He wants to add -that would be beyond cruel-. 

“I can’t very well do that anymore can I? Not if it’s that serious. Not if 007 has found his reason to keep himself alive.” Mallory knows first hand what that psychological incentive can do for men and women in their line of work. 

“I want to talk to Dr Epstein next week. If I’m going to allow this, I want to know what I’m getting into and how we can make sure this stays to our advantage.” 

“Yes sir.”  

——————————-

London, Knightsbridge - Saturday 

The garishly colourful interior is the first thing that strikes him as they enter. Pastel primary colours splashed everywhere. Next is the crowd; they are both much older than the average customer with Bond likely being 20yrs senior than most everyone including the staff. 

The menu is a cheery if confusing list of options. The drinks equally colourful, befitting the kindergarten decor. He lets Q place an order on his behalf, because otherwise he wouldn’t even know where to begin.

“What is this place?” Bond asks when Q is done placing their needlessly complicated order. 

“It’s called bubble tea, because of the toppings you can have them add to your drink. I’m told it’s a cultural phenomenon sweeping the student scene.” Q explains.  

“How do you even know about this?”

“Marcus introduced us to it. He has the whole of Q-Branch hooked on this. It’s become a Friday night Cyberwar games staple. Bubble tea, fried chicken and curry,” he updates Bond.

“I see Agent Park has been busy giving all of you diabetes.” Bond remarks rather unkindly.

Agent Marcus Park is the new 008, the latest recruit and by that token the youngest in the current lineup of Double-0s. Dripping with cool, savvy with social media current affairs - he’d quickly ingratiated himself with the boffins in Q-Branch who were mostly around the his age.

In the short time since he’s arrived, Marcus has managed to affect the culture and language in Q-Branch. He’s even developed some idiotic ‘special’ handshake that everyone was keen to get in on - officially making him the coolest agent and everyone’s new favourite. So if Agent Park says bubble tea is cool, then officially, it’s cool. 

All this annoyed Bond more than he cared to admit because it meant Marcus spent more time in Q-Branch than any of the other agents save himself. Aside from his early faux pas of mistakenly using Q’s mug (which 008 has since learned NOT to because no one in Q-Branch liked that), what Bond particularly disliked was Park taking up -his- sofa in the lounge. He can tolerate 008 swanning about the place, but draws the line at the sofa. Every time he sees the upstart stretched across it, he gets an irrational flare of temper.

Q smiles indulgently at him, aware of the minor quarel between the two agents, “Oh don’t be jealous James. Besides, it’s better than the horrid energy drinks.” Their order comes up then and Q goes to collect it. 

When Q gets back, Bond is presented with a monstrously large Roasted Oolong Milk Tea with tapioca pearl toppings, half sugar and one-third ice. The drink comes with a supersized straw whereby he is expected to siphon out the dubiously coloured pearls resting at the bottom of the cup (why they are called toppings when they sink is question for another time). Bond isn’t a particularly picky eater, he can’t be for survival - so he’s open to trying anything. He’s not impressed, still a too sweet and far too milky for his liking, and he could have done without the weirdly chewy pearls that had a tendency to get stuck in his teeth.

“How’s your tea? Feeling hip with the crowd yet?” Q pokes, waiting for his response.

Bond gives his verdict on the tea then the establishment, “…. but these stools are incredibly uncomfortable. And the height of these tables; ridiculous.  My hip joints are aching.” Bond grouses. Also the excited high pitched chatter of the other patrons, is starting to give him a headache. 

Halfway through, Bond switches drinks - curious about Q’s pale green Honeydew Melon Tea with black herbal jelly, three-quarter sugar and half ice. The drink is interesting, lighter than the tea, but the texture and taste of the soft slightly medicinal jelly takes some getting used to. 

Inexplicably, Bond feels his mood start to slip, “What are they nattering on about?” Bond pinches the bridge of his nose and tilts his head in the direction of the largest and noisiest group. 

Every so often, one of them would explode with shrill laughter that was closer to a hysterical scream than anything resembling normal mirth. It was grating on his nerves in more was than one. God, when did children get so annoying? 

Q shrugs, looking up from an incoming notification on his phone.  He’s not really caught up on pop culture himself. What a pair they made - the basement geek and his curmudgeon. Q returns to his phone and the unusual forwarded notification from the Smart Blood implant. One of the agents is experiencing a spike in heart rate not associated with any physical activity ::Agent 007::.

Bond takes sip of his drink, expression still pinched. Another teen suddenly wails like a banshee about to be murdered before peeling off into laughter. Q is about to show him the readout from the app when in a surprise move, Bond reaches out to take Q’s hands in his. 

The agent shifts seats to sit alongside Q. He then gathers him close, the entire length of their sides, from shoulder to knee pressed together - before burying his nose in Q’s temple and taking a deep breath. Despite Bond’s penchant for peacocking himself, as a couple they’re not one for flagrant public displays of affection, so the unusual move sends Q’s mind ticking with concern.

There is a slight tremor that runs through Bond, muscles twitching, not quite relaxed as it should - a precursor to fight or flight perhaps. It triggers Q’s memory, something in 007’s  psych file as with most of the Double-0s; a mention about higher risk of experiencing PTSD - and it clicks. The screaming teens were enough to send a fright through normal people, how must it feel like for a veteran of violence like Bond.  

Q squeezes back in understanding, “Let’s get out of here shall we? These kids are giving me a headache.” 

“Excellent suggestion,” Bond agrees without hesitation, pulling Q along as he gets up. They retrieve their shopping and drinks, and head out into the open air. 

Once outside, Bond starts to cheer up significantly but nevertheless, he clings to Q with a tight arm around the shoulder. Q reciprocates with an arm around Bond’s waist; letting him know that he’s there and he understands; without coddling the agent or challenging his ego.

Occasionally Bond would slow their pace, the hand clutching Q’s shoulder would shift to stroke the back of his head, pulling Q close to nuzzle his hair - always taking deep slow breaths. They meander around Knightsbridge before Q suggests taking a turn inside The Natural History Museum. By the time their walk takes them there, Bond is for the most part back to normal. 

Q had always loved the natural history museum. The large echoey stone galleries, the ornate architecture and of course the prehistoric displays in their modern glass cases. The hushed space provides Bond with some respite to recover as well. 

They wander around aimlessly for the first twenty minutes - Q steering them down one gallery after another, providing soothing commentary about one display or another and Bond was happy just to tag along stuck to his side. 

But at the first deserted corner they find, Bond unexpectedly jerks him close - sending Q colliding into a wall of muscle. The kiss that follows is deep, emotionally brimming with gratitude and affection. The hand that’s buried in his hair and roaming his back is not salacious but reverential. The kiss lasts an eternity. When they part, they are both breathless - noses and mouths rubbed pink. 

Bond steals several more brief kisses after that before looking Q right in the eye. What he says next, floors Q. In a venerated whisper, James declares with every fibre of his being, “I love you.”

It’s the first time either of them has said it. They’ve made it this far into their dizzying convoluted dance, circling one another with playful oblique references to their relationship without ever once saying these words. They’re living together now for christssake!

Q reaches up to cradle Bond’s face in his hands, thumbs stroking the craggy cheeks and worn crows feet around the eyes. “Likewise…,” Q thinks to leave it at that, but it feels like he’d be shortchanging something so significant. So he pulls Bond in for another deep kiss and mumbles against his mouth, ”I love you, I love you, I love you”. 

Simple. Uncomplicated. Love. 

When they part again, the gallery isn’t deserted anymore. An elderly couple had wandered in and was nearby, viewing the exhibit they were standing adjacent to. Bond bends down to collect their shopping bags. Q smiles apologetically at the couple as he tries to make himself presentable again. 

“No worries dear. I remember how it was like on our honeymoon,” the lady tells him with a wink. 

Honey-what-now?! That catches Q completely off guard. Did  he just miss another milestone? Q nods awkwardly just as Bond tugs on his hand, “Uh… Please excuse us.” 

—

Outside again and the street is awash with light as the sun peeks out from behind a bank of clouds. Bond is back to normal, without a trace of his earlier vulnerability. But he does continue to rest an arm on Q’s shoulder. 

They decide to walk home. Unhurried, just enjoying each other, not a care in the world, even if it was just for the afternoon. Strolling along the streets, window shopping until dinnertime, before popping into a restaurant close to home. 

Bond spies a discarded bubble tea cup as they pass by a street bin and is reminded of Marcus. 

“Do me a favour? Could you kick Park out of the lab once in a while?” 

That earns him a sarcastic reply, “Oh yes, because I’ve been highly successful at kicking agents out so far. Besides, on what grounds?” 

“He’s taking up my sofa,” Bond grumbles petulantly.

“Hardly grounds for expulsion. And it’s not your sofa. If anyone has the right to be upset, it should be me. That was my kip out sofa before the two of you decided to install your arses on it.”

“Ahh… so its -our- sofa then. He has no business being there.” Bond looks for a loophole he can exploit, “Surely sleeping with the Quartermaster has its perks?”

“You’re a right bastard you know that?” Q admonishes. “Besides, you sleeping with the quartermaster is precisely why I can’t kick him out.”

Bond still doesn’t get it so Q has to spell it out for him, “Haven’t you noticed that Marcus is sweet on Jenny? I can’t kick him out or I’ll be accused of double-standards.”

“Huh… Is he now?” Blonde eyebrows climb to the hairline in surprise, “And how does she feel about him?“ 

“We’re not sure yet. She went out with him a couple of times. But then just this Friday, she threw a half drunk cup of bubble tea in his face. At the moment she thinks he’s a bit of a prick… I can understand exactly how she feels,” Q looks over at Bond pointedly. 

James grins unashamed, “M is really going to love this development.”

Q hums in agreement, “Hmm… if she files a complaint against him, I suspect M will put a moratorium on Double-0s dating Q-Branch techs.” 

A thoughtful smile spreads across James’s face, “Well then, I suppose we’d better set a good example.” 

——FIN——

Notes: If you liked this story, there’s more on the blog or AO3. Please like, reblog, comment etc. Enjoy!

[craveninn]

Shop Til’ You Drop: London’s Shopping Hot Spots

London is home to many incredible things- iconic buildings, awesome history, legendary nightlife and gorgeous green spaces. But none of these things compare to London’s shopping scene. With international brands from all over the globe, local artisanal goods, and boutique fashion brands it’s very unlikely to leave you wanting more.

If you need the help of some retail therapy on your next visit to the city then make the most of your stay in the best hotel with swimming pool London has on offer, The Park Avenue Inn, and explore the absolute best places to shop in the whole city. Let’s take a look at where you can shop til’ you drop.

Oxford Street

No London trip would be complete without a visit to this iconic street; it has featured in many movies and television shows and is really an incredible space. The Edwardian shop fronts line the bustling street where you will find international fashion brands, the world famous Selfridges and the awesome Hamleys toy store. There is amazing food, plenty of cool bars, and quintessential pubs all within an easy walk from your accommodation in London Paddington.

The White City, Westfield

The White City is actually now the largest shopping mall in Europe. You can shop in a little over 300 shops and venues in this one building. You read that right, 300! There is a state of the art multiplex cinema, a gin bar and an area known as ‘The Village’ where you will find the biggest luxury fashion brands from all over the world. This is truly a shopper’s paradise.

London Designer Outlet

If you have an eye for a bargain then this is the place for you. Located just outside the iconic Wembley Stadium this outlet centre has over 160 locations for you to browse. With huge name brands offering up 80% off, you’re sure to find the deal of the century here. Thanks to Wembley being the UK’s largest stadium, the transport links from the area are amazing. Simply hop on a train from any major station in the city and you’ll be there in no time. You’ll easily make it back in time for your dinner reservation in the best restaurants near Paddington London.  

Covent Garden

Covent Garden is probably one of the most visited places in the city, if it isn’t already on your list, add it now! Based in the old fruit and veg market this stunning building houses a collection of the best and most unique shops in the city. From locally owned boutiques offering artisanal goods, to international mega brands; you’ll find it all here- often right next door to one another! The food court is a must visit too!  

Kinghtsbridge

If it’s luxury you’re after then head straight to Knightsbridge. Located just a stone's throw from Paddington, this is perhaps the best way to maximise on the best Hotel Deals Paddington London has to offer. You’ll find iconic English establishments like Harrods and Harvey Nichols, as well as some of London’s swankiest restaurants.

So there you have it, the best locations in the city to get some retail therapy in. All are very centrally located and a doddle to get too, so get out there and find yourself a new wardrobe!

[miszcarol-blog]

"I can tell you crazy, but s* kinda intrigue me." || Fun IRL story. I went to Manila to tour the condos I'm selling, ended up staying in Century City, Makati. (Stayed at Knightsbridge btw, awesome place!) After a long work day, I went out to my balcony to enjoy the gorgeous skyline. Heard the Barangay of Poblacion poppin! Decided to step out to see what I'd discover. Got lost, found a night street-food market & free concert, then ended up at a dope bar. Not knowing anyone, decided to check upstairs out just to chill. Long story short; I stepped out on my own and ended up hopping the scene with new friends. Fun & tireless night! Needless to say. Point of the story: try new things in new places, get lost! Trust yourself and be open. Thanks for the memories. ✌🏼 (Post in chronological order of this story 🙂). (at Poblacion, Makati) https://www.instagram.com/p/BzbKrFdHAIw/?igshid=1oq2k15taevgi

[twistedtwinset]

Ristorante Paper Moon, one of the most respected institutions of the Italian dining scene, has finally made its way to Asia by way of the roof deck of the Knightsbridge Residences in Makati. With its deliciously straightforward approach to the classics of Milanese cuisine, it promises to open local palates to how things are REALLY done in Italy with proper emphasis on authentic flavours and high quality. #food #diningout #lunch #dessert #coffee #bread #philtatlerdining #philtatler (at The Knightsbridge Residences)

[pomelowatches]

Is this the last chance to get a vintage Tudor submariner before things get really crazy?

The secret’s out. Everyone knows that vintage Tudor watches are great quality, but can you still pick up a vintage Tudor submariner model for a reasonable price.

Compared to years gone by, the vintage watch market has seen a huge increase in prices. In our interview with Watches of Knightsbridge founder Toby Sutton, Toby mentioned that there’s been a strong interest in Tudor over the past few years which he believes is only set to continue (click the link here to learn more on that one). That’s no surprise. The Tudor brand has a legitimate link to its premium sister brand Rolex, and Tudor’s vintage watches even shared parts with Rolex. But, can you still pick up a worthy bargain on a vintage Tudor submariner today?

Vintage Rolex submariners from the 1960s until the early 1990s have seen a massive price increase compared to a few years ago. Tudor’s variations, in contrast, always seemed a little behind the curve. That has now firmly changed. A few years back prices began to shoot up. Perhaps this was due to the fact that the Tudor brand had become resurrected as a formidable modern watch brand in its own right; Tudor entered a heavy marketing programme with brand ambassadors like Lady Gaga and David Beckham. In addition, Rolex’s shortage of stainless steel supply - and Tudor’s outstanding performance with models like the Black Bay - has caused many to look to Tudor’s watch line up (including its vintage offerings) as an alternative.

Define “Reasonable”

But what vintage Tudor submariner models can you pick up out there for a reasonable price still? Firstly, “reasonable” is entirely open to interpretation. If you were buying twenty years ago, the prices referenced below might look entirely unreasonable. However, as we all know, all things in life are relative and it’s the present day vintage watch market prices that we are considering in this conversation.

Tudor’s Submariner range

The very first Tudor submariners (1954 to 1968) have seen some serious price increases, and it’s unlikely you will be able to pick up a good quality one for less than £10,000. Not exactly a bargain. Saying that, you may be able to still find value amongst the second series of Tudor Subs (produced from 1969 to 1999), in particular the 79000 references produced in the late 1980s.

Enter the 79000 series

Models from the 79000 series (the reference 79090 and 79190) were produced from 1989 until 1999 and can still be found today for between £4-5,000 (depending on condition and whether the steel bracelet is included). Let’s take a look at the two different models.

The 79090

The dials on this reference came in either blue or black, with a matching coloured bezel. At 6 o’clock, the watch displayed a reminder of their waterproofness guarantee to 200m, and the Tudor shield logo at the 12 o’clock: no Tudor vintage Rose logo here, I’m afraid. The watch also featured the classic mercedes hands. In addition, whilst the general style of the dial displayed those classic designs found on your other Rolex and Tudor submariners from previous years, the hour markers placed at 6 and 9 o’clock were no longer rectangular but triangular instead.

The watch came in a 39 mm stainless steel case, housed an automatic ETA movement, and came with a fliplock folding clasp with Tudor logo markings. You should still also be able to find the Rolex logo on the crown and Rolex markings on the stainless steel caseback on these watches.

Not only does the beautiful 79090 feature a beautiful matte dials in its line up - something you find on those beautiful transitional 1980s Rolex submariner models - but you can pick some of these Tudor variations up for a far more reasonable price of £4-5,000 compared to some other vintage Rolex and Tudor submariners out there.

The 79190

The reference 79190 arrived on the scene in 1995 and was the last of the Tudor submariners produced until 1999. It appears that Tudor continued producing the same style of watches as the reference 79090 watch (blue bezel and blue dial, and black bezel and black dial), but added a significant update. The update came in the form of a sapphire glass crystal - the 79090 previously came with an acrylic plastic crystal. Looking at photos, it seems this sapphire crystal also required a larger bezel too. Other than this, these watches had many of the same design hallmarks of the previous 79090: a cyclops over the date, a 39 mm stainless steel case and fliplock bracelet with Tudor logo.

In 1997, as part of this reference, Tudor then also introduced another submariner variant. This watch - still called the 79190 - came with an engraved, polished stainless steel insert, white gold applied markers, and came with either a blue or black gloss dial. As you can see from the below, this is very different to the previous iteration of the submariner we just looked at, and appears more like the modern line up of watches that we see being produced today. These versions are usually priced a little higher right now given their rarity. Still, a nice quirk to have and the last Submariner Tudor has so far produced. In general 79190s can be found for between £4,500-£6,000.

Food for thought

All of these watches are a real treat on the wrist. We love the blue bezel and dial versions of the 79090 which remind us of those now highly sought after “Snowflake” models. Whilst the black bezel and black dial iteration bears a clear resemblance to Rolex’s 16800 transitional model - which has also shot up in price the past two or three years.

If you’re looking to pick up a mid-range priced vintage Tudor Submariner, our advice is to buy one of these now. Whilst you still can.

[businessliveme]

London Readies for Hot New Restaurants

(Bloomberg) — Daniel Humm of Eleven Madison Park in New York is just one of the chefs set to open restaurants in London later this year as the dynamism of the city’s dining scene shows little sign of slowing, even in the face of high-profile casualties such as Jamie Oliver.

British and overseas chefs keep coming up with new ideas, including a cheese restaurant, an Israeli-inspired brasserie,  a seafood establishment inspired by Maison Premiere in Brooklyn, and the long-awaited arrival of Turkish butcher-turned-restaurateur Salt Bae, sprinkling a little Instagram magic over prime steaks.

A weakening pound has made imports pricey for local chefs, but the currency’s decline is likely to bring more tourists to London while discouraging Britons from traveling to continental Europe.

Read: The World’s Best Restaurants: 2019

And prime sites such as Jamie Oliver’s Barbecoa, near St. Paul’s Cathedral, are being snapped up by other operators. (Barbecoa has been taken over by restaurateur Richard Caring’s Caprice Holdings, which is turning it into the Ivy Asia.)

If you want to plan your dining diary for the rest of the year, here’s the pick of the new restaurants to look out for.

September

The Betterment, Mayfair

Jason Atherton is the highest-profile of TV chef Gordon Ramsay’s proteges, with restaurants around the world, including the Clocktower in New York. Hit latest London outpost is in the Biltmore hotel, immediately across Grosvenor Square from the TV chef’s Lucky Cat. Atherton will serve a seasonal menu of wood-fired fish and meats, as well as salads and vegetable-based plates. At the heart of the restaurant will be a rustic open grill. Head chef will be Paul Walsh, who won a Michelin star for Atherton at City Social.

We are very close to revealing sneak peeks of the brand new restaurant – who’s excited?! #thebetterment #thebettermentmayfair #thebiltmoremayfair #comingsoon #jasonatherton pic.twitter.com/N2wb1geJ63

— The Betterment (@the_betterment_) 9 July 2019

 Haya, Notting Hill

This neighborhood Mediterranean restaurant is inspired by founder Victoria Paltina’s visits to Tel Aviv, a city whose culinary influence is increasingly being felt in London. It will be an all-day restaurant. At lunchtimes, there will be sharing plates with seasonal ingredients, including quinoa salad, crumbled feta cheese and pomegranate seeds; and spiced lamb cutlets with a spoonful of honey yoghurt. In the evening, the focus will be on small plates such as zaatar duck breast, freekeh risotto; crispy prawns, spicy yoghurt and harissa.

Lina Stores, King’s Cross

Lina Stores traces its history as a Soho delicatessen back 75 years, but last year’s opening of a simple restaurant nearby grabbed a lot of attention. Its popularity can mean a long wait for a table. Now, the owners are opening a combined store and trattoria under one roof, near Granary Square. It is housed inside a converted Victorian building, with room for 100 diners. Expect excellent and inexpensive pasta dishes from chef Masha Rena, using family recipes. The menu will be expanded from Soho and desserts will be served from a retro trolley.

It’s a risotto kind of afternoon 🍂🍄🇮🇹 #porcini https://t.co/XJCaQzptrQ pic.twitter.com/V64z2arOeq

— Lina Stores (@linastores) 1 October 2017

Loyal Tavern, Bermondsey

Former Duck & Waffle chef Tom Cenci is opening this neighborhood restaurant in Bermondsey on the site of the former Village East with that venue’s founder, restaurateur Adam White. The menu will focus on British comfort food, with small plates using local sustainable produce. Dishes may include options such as Cornish mackerel with apple, pine nut and truffle; and venison tartar with beef dripping. Cenci started in Michelin restaurants in Paris and London.

Norma, Fitzrovia

The Stafford London, a discreet luxury hotel in Mayfair, is opening its first independent restaurant. Culinary Director Ben Tish is the man behind Norma, inspired by the food and culture of Sicily. It will occupy three floors of a historic townhouse in Fitzrovia and will feature a cocktail bar and a private dining room. The restaurant will be open all day and promises old-school hospitality in a contemporary setting.

Read: Where Top Chefs Eat in Mumbai

Pick & Cheese, Covent Garden

This newcomer to Seven Dials bills itself as the U.K.’s first conveyor-belt cheese restaurant. If that sounds like a gimmick you can live without, there is a serious cheese-lover behind the idea. Mathew Carver works closely with small producers. He will serve dishes such as Gubbeen with sweet and sour pineapple; and Rollright with a Treacle Spread. There will also be British charcuterie plates by Tottenham’s Black Hand Food. The natural wine list will be by Les Caves de Pyrene.

Seabird, Southwark

This new restaurant atop The Hoxton, Southwark, is a collaboration with the team behind Maison Premiere in Brooklyn. Seabird promises London’s longest oyster list, a marble raw bar and impressive views. The menu focuses on Spanish and Portuguese flavors, with dishes such as Cornish plaice a la plancha with Morecombe Bay shrimps and capers. William Elliott, the bar director of Maison Premiere, has created the drinks list, which focuses on exotic cocktails available on draught, bottled or frozen.

Sons + Daughters, King’s Cross

James Ramsden and Sam Herlihy, the duo behind East London restaurant Pidgin, are opening their take on a classic sandwich shop in Coal Drops Yard. Sons and Daughters will be open all day, serving freshly made sandwiches and sides, plus ice cream and a bar menu along with cocktails and soft drinks.

There will be six sandwiches at lunch and dinner, including options such as the Tenderstem, with broccoli, mushroom relish, coconut sambal, açai and cashew cream served in a baguette. The kitchen will be headed up by head chef Jacqueline Barbosa—previously of the Guinea Grill and Where the Pancakes.

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October

Kolamba, Soho

The popularity of a Soho restaurant called Hoppers has created considerable interest in Sri Lankan cuisine. The latest opening promises “big flavors from a small island” served over two floors. Owners Eroshan and Aushi Meewella promise home-style cooking from family recipes on a menu that will feature many vegetarian and vegan options in addition to spicy fish and meat dishes.

Sam’s Riverside, Hammersmith

Rowley Leigh, a respected veteran London chef, is culinary director of this all-day brasserie and bar adjacent to the Riverside Studios. He promises a modern European menu, with a focus on Anglo-French dishes. The head chef will be Harvey Trollope, who previously worked at the Ritz restaurant, and whose resume includes Wheelers of St James, with Marco Pierre White; Enoteca Rossini in Florence and Leon de Lyon in France.

Silo, Hackney Wick

Chef Doug McMaster, an alumnus of St. John, is relocating his Silo zero-waste restaurant to London from Brighton. Silo will be housed in Crate brewery, following a crowdfunding campaign from Crate. While zero-waste is a fashion, catching the attention of chefs and publicists, McMaster is almost an obsessive. Everything is recycled. Silo first opened in 2014 and became known for its plates made from plastic bags, tables from floor tiles and work benches from filing cabinets.

Trivet, Bermondsey

Chef Jonny Lake and sommelier Isa Bal, who worked together for more than 12 years at Heston Blumenthal’s Fat Duck, have come together to create this restaurant, wine bar and cellar in Bermondsey. They say they plan to explore ingredients, dishes and drinks from regions around the world in a restaurant combining functional Nordic design with warm Mediterranean service and a sense of fun. No, we have no idea what that means, either. But all those years at the Fat Duck surely promise experimentation and creativity.

November

Café Murano, Bermondsey

Angela Hartnett plans to open a third branch of her casual Italian restaurant on Bermondsey Street, and Café Murano Bermondsey will offer many of the dishes from the menus at St. James and Covent Garden: Ossobuco alla Milanese; and Anolini in brodo. Café Murano is known for being friendly and informal, like Hartnett herself, a popular chef who was once the protégé of Gordon Ramsay and likes to celebrate her Italian heritage. Chef Adam Jay from St. James will head the kitchen.

Daffodil Mulligan, Shoreditch

Chef Richard Corrigan’s new restaurant and bar will celebrate the food and culture of his native Ireland. He’s planning to cook with produce from his own estate in Ireland, and he has partnered with the Irish restaurateur John Nugent in what looks like a labor of love. He’s already lining up Irish musicians to perform in the basement bar. Corrigan is a high-profile chef, known for TV appearances as well as for his other London restaurants, Bentley’s and Corrigan’s Mayfair.

Davies and Brook, Mayfair

Chef Humm of Eleven Madison Park plans to open his first European outpost at the luxury Claridge’s hotel in London. The plan is for a gourmet restaurant in the smart-casual style of the New York mothership, only without the lengthy tasting menus. Humm’s former business partner Will Guidara was heavily involved in the planning, but the two friends have now gone their separate ways.

Locket’s, St James’s

This is the new café and wine bar from the owners of Wiltons, a charming old-style establishment that traces its history to 1742. They’re shaking it up a little in the former Economist Building (now Smithson Plaza), serving healthy salads and other dishes (including to go) at lunchtimes and small plates to accompany wines in the evening. The plan is for 40 reds and 40 whites—many available by the glass—from regions such as the U.S. East Coast, the Czech republic and Austria. It will be open all day.

December

Nusr-Et Steakhouse, Knightsbridge

Superstar Turkish chef butcher-turned-restaurateur Nusret Gökçe, alias Salt Bae, has long been rumored to be planning his London debut at the Park Tower Knightsbridge. But there is precious little firm information about the Nusr-Et steakhouse. Speculation now centers on a December opening. It remains to be seen when Londoners, like New Yorkers, will welcome the opportunity to pay huge prices for steaks sprinkled with Salt Bae magic.

The post London Readies for Hot New Restaurants appeared first on Businessliveme.com.

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[tripstations]

5 New Standout Hotels in London

Well established as a design capital — the famed Victoria and Albert Museum was founded in the 19th century as a design museum — London has become the world’s best hotel city.

There are the pillars of timeless elegance, like Claridge’s and The Connaught, which set the hospitality bar quite high while injecting glamour into the hotel cocktail bar and restaurant.

England’s capital also hosts upstarts like The Hoxton, which opened its first hotel in 2006 in Shoreditch, an East End neighborhood, helping to transform the district and redefine the hotel lobby as a creative hangout, aglow with laptops.

Game-changers like Chiltern Firehouse — opened in 2013, still white hot, and not just because it’s got a secret smoking room — and The Ned, the 252-room hotel and members club opened in 2017 by the founder of Soho House, continue to rewrite the rules of what hotels can be: a place to rest your head, of course, but cultural touchstones, too. That’s why The Standard chose London for its first address outside the United States — on Euston Road in a striking 1974 Brutalist building, opening officially in the fall.

In the city’s current hotel-opening boom times (the Great Scotland Yard Hotel is due late 2019), here are five standouts.

Vintry & Mercer

Named for the 14th-century merchants and traders who established this district in the City of London, this 92-room hotel is 100 percent powered by renewable energy and has a rooftop terrace, where lunch comes with views of St. Paul’s and the Shard.

Velvet headboards, leather door handles and vintage-map wallpaper give the individually designed rooms lush character; lots of plants in the public spaces create a business traveler’s bolt-hole; and Do Not Disturb, an underground speakeasy with leather banquettes and images of Zeigfield Follies girls on the walls, has its own sultry entrance set back on Garlick Hill.

Vintry & Mercer; from about $225; 19-20 Garlick Hill, City of London.

Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park

Just before a major renovation was to be unveiled last year, a fire ripped through this property, so the old-world behemoth had to be renovated again — for a total cost of $192 million. The results are shockingly luxurious and certainly not for the faint of wallet (nor for anyone with a shopping, er, problem, given the proximity to the fashion temples of Knightsbridge), but well suited to one of the few hotels on Hyde Park.

You can set your Rolex by the Royal Horse Guards riding by every morning at 10:30 on the way to the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace.

Very near Tower Bridge and the Tate Modern, this 193-room hotel is a refurbished 1905 magistrate’s court. While there’s a whiff of businessman’s hotel design in the rooms (it’s part of Marriott’s Autograph Collection), some details from the architect John Dixon Butler’s Edwardian original are intact — such as the Y-shaped central staircase.

There are cheeky allusions to the building’s history, too: a coffee table in the Orwell Suite was made from benches etched by former prisoners, a glass chandelier in the lobby is made up of tiny handcuffs, mug shots decorate the Courtroom bar and the coffee roasted on site is called — wait for it — Shakedown.

The Dixon; from about $320; 211 Tooley Street, Southwark.

Belmond Cadogan Hotel

The original Cadogan Hotel, where Oscar Wilde was arrested in 1895, was built in 1887. After a four-year, $48 million restoration, it’s now a 54-room (and suite) boutique hotel in central London with lots of exclusivity, including access to the mulberry trees and tennis courts of the private Cadogan Place Gardens.

Original design details — working fireplaces, mosaic floors, wood paneling — have been preserved, and rooms have a plush residential vibe with little sofas, intricate molding and eclectic art under recessed lighting. The hotel also landed a couple of key collaborations: with an independent bookshop, John Sandoe Books, for a small library of British literature; and with the chef Adam Handling, a 30-year-old Scottish darling of the London food scene, for its restaurant and all of its food and beverage.

Belmond Cadogan Hotel; from about $600; 75 Sloane Street, Chelsea.

The Hoxton, Southwark

A new 14-story building among the converted factories on the south side of Blackfriars Bridge, London’s third Hoxton hotel is due to open in September. The 192 rooms — designed by Ennismore Design Studio — come in five categories: Shoebox, Snug, Cosy, Roomy and Biggy, all fitted with British-made new and antique furniture.

The rooftop restaurant overlooks the Thames. Perks standard to the brand include a minibar that guests can stock with local products from the hotel’s shop (at supermarket prices) and a free breakfast bag delivered daily to the room.

A new twist: the inclusion of Working From_, a six-floor shared work space within the hotel, with 744 desks, five meeting rooms, its own entrance, a winter garden and a wellness studio with class programming curated by the every-body fitness company Refinery E9.

The Hoxton, Southwark; from about $265; 40 Blackfriars Road, South Bank.

52 PLACES AND MUCH, MUCH MORE Follow our 52 Places traveler, Sebastian Modak, on Instagram as he travels the world, and discover more Travel coverage by following us on Twitter and Facebook. And sign up for our Travel Dispatch newsletter: Each week you’ll receive tips on traveling smarter, stories on hot destinations and access to photos from all over the world.

The post 5 New Standout Hotels in London appeared first on Tripstations.

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[biofunmy]

5 New Standout Hotels in London

Well established as a design capital — the famed Victoria and Albert Museum was founded in the 19th century as a design museum — London has become the world’s best hotel city.

There are the pillars of timeless elegance, like Claridge’s and The Connaught, which set the hospitality bar quite high while injecting glamour into the hotel cocktail bar and restaurant.

England’s capital also hosts upstarts like The Hoxton, which opened its first hotel in 2006 in Shoreditch, an East End neighborhood, helping to transform the district and redefine the hotel lobby as a creative hangout, aglow with laptops.

Game-changers like Chiltern Firehouse — opened in 2013, still white hot, and not just because it’s got a secret smoking room — and The Ned, the 252-room hotel and members club opened in 2017 by the founder of Soho House, continue to rewrite the rules of what hotels can be: a place to rest your head, of course, but cultural touchstones, too. That’s why The Standard chose London for its first address outside the United States — on Euston Road in a striking 1974 Brutalist building, opening officially in the fall.

In the city’s current hotel-opening boom times (the Great Scotland Yard Hotel is due late 2019), here are five standouts.

Vintry & Mercer

Named for the 14th-century merchants and traders who established this district in the City of London, this 92-room hotel is 100 percent powered by renewable energy and has a rooftop terrace, where lunch comes with views of St. Paul’s and the Shard.

Velvet headboards, leather door handles and vintage-map wallpaper give the individually designed rooms lush character; lots of plants in the public spaces create a business traveler’s bolt-hole; and Do Not Disturb, an underground speakeasy with leather banquettes and images of Zeigfield Follies girls on the walls, has its own sultry entrance set back on Garlick Hill.

Vintry & Mercer; from about $225; 19-20 Garlick Hill, City of London.

Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park

Just before a major renovation was to be unveiled last year, a fire ripped through this property, so the old-world behemoth had to be renovated again — for a total cost of $192 million. The results are shockingly luxurious and certainly not for the faint of wallet (nor for anyone with a shopping, er, problem, given the proximity to the fashion temples of Knightsbridge), but well suited to one of the few hotels on Hyde Park.

You can set your Rolex by the Royal Horse Guards riding by every morning at 10:30 on the way to the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace.

Very near Tower Bridge and the Tate Modern, this 193-room hotel is a refurbished 1905 magistrate’s court. While there’s a whiff of businessman’s hotel design in the rooms (it’s part of Marriott’s Autograph Collection), some details from the architect John Dixon Butler’s Edwardian original are intact — such as the Y-shaped central staircase.

There are cheeky allusions to the building’s history, too: a coffee table in the Orwell Suite was made from benches etched by former prisoners, a glass chandelier in the lobby is made up of tiny handcuffs, mug shots decorate the Courtroom bar and the coffee roasted on site is called — wait for it — Shakedown.

The Dixon; from about $320; 211 Tooley Street, Southwark.

Belmond Cadogan Hotel

The original Cadogan Hotel, where Oscar Wilde was arrested in 1895, was built in 1887. After a four-year, $48 million restoration, it’s now a 54-room (and suite) boutique hotel in central London with lots of exclusivity, including access to the mulberry trees and tennis courts of the private Cadogan Place Gardens.

Original design details — working fireplaces, mosaic floors, wood paneling — have been preserved, and rooms have a plush residential vibe with little sofas, intricate molding and eclectic art under recessed lighting. The hotel also landed a couple of key collaborations: with an independent bookshop, John Sandoe Books, for a small library of British literature; and with the chef Adam Handling, a 30-year-old Scottish darling of the London food scene, for its restaurant and all of its food and beverage.

Belmond Cadogan Hotel; from about $600; 75 Sloane Street, Chelsea.

The Hoxton, Southwark

A new 14-story building among the converted factories on the south side of Blackfriars Bridge, London’s third Hoxton hotel is due to open in September. The 192 rooms — designed by Ennismore Design Studio — come in five categories: Shoebox, Snug, Cosy, Roomy and Biggy, all fitted with British-made new and antique furniture.

The rooftop restaurant overlooks the Thames. Perks standard to the brand include a minibar that guests can stock with local products from the hotel’s shop (at supermarket prices) and a free breakfast bag delivered daily to the room.

A new twist: the inclusion of Working From_, a six-floor shared work space within the hotel, with 744 desks, five meeting rooms, its own entrance, a winter garden and a wellness studio with class programming curated by the every-body fitness company Refinery E9.

The Hoxton, Southwark; from about $265; 40 Blackfriars Road, South Bank.

52 PLACES AND MUCH, MUCH MORE Follow our 52 Places traveler, Sebastian Modak, on Instagram as he travels the world, and discover more Travel coverage by following us on Twitter and Facebook. And sign up for our Travel Dispatch newsletter: Each week you’ll receive tips on traveling smarter, stories on hot destinations and access to photos from all over the world.

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