travelog

Our First Christmas Without Dad at Home - November & December 2021 and January 2022 - Shrewsbury & London

2/1/2022

With so many complex gifts, Maria needed her full concentration during our Christmas Day lunch.

November & December 2021 were a whirlwind. The fact I signed the contract for my new banking job at The Rosewood Hotel, London, and started my new role in Canary Wharf in December, means 2022 should start well for me.

November 2021 included a meeting at The Guildhall to represent Barbican residents; a visit to The English National Opera to see HMS Pinafore; a Chinese breakfast at Four Seasons Hotel Ten Trinity Square before The Lord Mayor's Show etc

December included seeing The Dior Christmas Tree at Claridge's; being given the 2021 Harrods Christmas teddy bear by the Mandarin Oriental, Hyde Park; trying the new scones at Four Seasons on Park Lane before their public launch; Christmas shopping for Maria at Hamleys etc

Christmas itself was our first without dad at home. However, mum & I were able to visit him on Christmas Eve & again before I returned to work in London. His granddaughter Maria flew in from Moscow again and we had a very special family Christmas with her.

Hope the photos below convince you it has been a '7 teddy' few months, despite COVID-19. I am double vaccinated and have had my booster shot & flu jab.

Happy New Year to all the readers of this blog. I really value all your support.

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I Had Forgotten Quite What an Awesome City Barcelona is - Barcelona, Spain - October 2021

1/11/2021

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I stayed at my friend's elegant place but I had to revisit the Mandarin Oriental. I stayed there two years after it opened & meeting General Manager Jean Philippe was a real pleasure.

I travelled from Madrid to Barcelona on the high speed Ren Fe train. It only took 2 /12 hours but it was not really worth paying for Premium Class, as I was still even charged for water.

In Barcelona I got to see lampposts designed by Gaudi but it is Antoni Gaudi's, still unfinished, Sagrada Familia that must been seen and it is well worth paying the Euro 26 to view the breathtaking interior.

My host in Barcelona is far from a fan of Social Media but you may spot his pink shirt in one of the photos below.

I adored my stay in Barcelona. Excellent, reasonably priced, meals out; friendly locals and a walkable place. Hope the photos below encourage you to visit this special Spanish city.

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Seeing the 'Real Madrid' - Madrid, Spain - October 2021

1/11/2021

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This photo attempts to capture the speed & energy of what we saw at Torres Bermejas. Flamenco is a dance you must see.

After 6 nights of unparalleled luxury at the new Four Seasons & Mandarin Oriental Ritz in Madrid, I joined my friend from Punta del Este in Uruguay to experience a little of the 'real Madrid', at least as real as my travel life ever gets! Our friend from Munich joined us for a night of this.

Having seen tango in Buenos Aires, I got to see traditional flamenco dancing at Torres Bermejas; took the Madrid Metro; visited the Museo Sorolla; ate in the stunning Mercado de San Miguel; saw the Royal Palace at sunset etc

Cannot thank my friend from Uruguay, & his friends, enough for all they did to make my 'last' days in Madrid unforgettably special. Hope the photos below do it some justice.

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The Mandarin Oriental Ritz in Madrid. Luxury & Opulence on Another Level - Madrid, Spain - October 2021

31/10/2021

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Spot the second bottle of Veuve Clicquot for this bath experience.

My stay at the Mandarin Oriental Ritz, Madrid was overshadowed by receiving the news that we had lost Bermuda legend, & close friend, Marcia Woolridge-Allwood. However, think Marcia would have loved to see the photos below and hear about my breathtaking suite with Veuve Clicquot on ice; my Dom Perignon experience with General Manager superstar Greg; a rose head bath prepared by Head Butler Claudia & her consummate professional butler team; Eugenie at the white marble & chanderliered pool; so many varieties of water, after my 'Perrier complaint' at the Mandarin Oriental in Hong Kong; my photo on the water bottles; the bar staff who knew me from Mandarin Oriental, Hyde Park; the butler team's help with my packing of fragile items from Four Seasons, Madrid etc

Last week I was honoured to be invited to a key Mandarin Oriental party in London. At that we talked about the issues over merging the iconic Ritz, Madrid with Mandarin Oriental. My stay illustrated this is still a work in progress but will be worth it. Hope the photos below evidence all that has already been achieved.

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The Spirit of Mr Sharp's 'Golden Rule' is Already Fully Alive & Well at The New Four Seasons, Madrid - Madrid, Spain - October 2021

30/10/2021

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It was emotional saying farewell to General Manager Adrian & superb team. I was given the hotel Porsche to take me to the Mandarin Oriental Ritz.

Yesterday we were told my dad can no longer walk, following his most recent hospital stay. With the steady decline in dad's health caused by his Parkinson's, & the deterioration in the UK's position over COVID-19, it does not seem appropriate to be writing detailed luxury travel accounts. However, at Mr Sharp's private home in Toronto he told me about his excitement over finally having a Madrid Four Seasons, &, with Mr Sharps' recent 90th birthday, I felt I had to post some photos to this blog. Hope you enjoy them.

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Foreign Air Travel Is Stressful & Fraught, But Worth It - Madrid & Barcelona, Spain - September & October 2021

28/10/2021

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The British Airways First/ Club Class Lounge at Heathrow Terminal 5 was better with COVID-19 compliant table service & individually cooked breakfasts. The champagne was very welcome.

I last left the UK in December 2019 for a New York trip. Concerns about further UK lockdowns meant I decided to go to Spain in September/ October 2021.

The idea was to try Iberia Business Class again flying to Madrid & British Airways Club Europe again flying back from Barcelona.

The purpose of the trip was to stay at the new Four Seasons in Madrid; the new Mandarin Oriental Ritz in Madrid; meet friends from Uruguay & Munich in Madrid; & see my Dubai friend in Barcelona and stay at his elegant place there.

Business Class seating on the Airbus A320 planes both airlines used was disappointing but food was better than I expected.

The main difference was between the crews. Nothing was too much trouble for the British Airways crew, while the Iberia crew did not care. My Apple New York charging cable was not compatible with the Iberia International power sockets and the crew were not interested.

The main points of interest with both flights was the importance attached to scraps of paper on the ground saying "docs OK" (evidencing compliance with COVID-19 documentation requirements) and the fact it was the first time I had entered a European country since Brexit. At Madrid EU & Swiss nationals had short immigration queues, while we British joined the problematic 'Rest of the World' queue. That took so long Four Seasons started calling me to ask where I was.

On the Madrid flight it made me smile that British Airways state that their merger with Iberia is now complete but good customer service is still so obviously lacking at Iberia. Since my flight they have asked for a Direct Message ("DM') on Twitter about my Iberia complaints but have still not replied to any of my four messages. All this reminded me of my Business Class flight from South Africa to Madrid, with Iberia, where I asked for water and was told that would come with my meal.

My advice is still to avoid Iberia at all costs and only pay for Business Class on the London to Spain routes if you are certain you will be flying on a A350.

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The Bank of England; The Buckingham Palace Gardens; A Test Match etc - London/ Shrewsbury - May to August 2021

26/7/2021

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Another dream came true being in the Buckingham Palace gardens with mum.

Dad's rapid decline from Parkinson's disease is something my whole family is struggling to cope with. It has forced me to give up my new role at the Bank of England after only 4 month, to enable me to deal with this myself and support my family more. The Bank have been so kind and said I should be able to rejoin them for a third time, once my family life stabilises again.

I first started working for the Bank of England when the Rt Hon Robin Leigh-Pemberton was Governor; worked with the present Governor, Andrew Bailey, when we were both in Chief Cashier's Office; and Andy Haldane, former Chief Economist, was my manager in Monetary Analysis, during the period of 'the Ken & Eddie Show', before The Bank was given independence over the setting of interest rates.

All this history with The Bank, combined with my experience working in Bermuda, Qatar, Cyprus & Cayman Islands should have made me ideal to help The Bank with its work and it was painful to have to resign. However, it did free me up to take mum to see the gardens at Buckingham Palace. The Farmers' Club made the sublime rare roast beef sandwiches, and Rosewood, London the Yayoi Kusama cakes, for this picnic.

I have also been to a Beverly Hills Hotel pop-up on the roof of The Dorchester, where I was presented with more Philip Hammond flowers. Dorchester Collection know when I need cheering up. In a similar vein, I was given 'free' Ruinart champagne at Four Seasons at Park Lane and friends from my Bermuda days sent me Concorde tags from our New York trip on that supersonic jet. I also got to try the new NoMad hotel in Covent Garden. I need to make it clear that I cannot recommend Oystermen in Covent Garden enough, after an unforgettable dinner there with mum.

Last week I was taken to a Test Match at Trent Bridge by friends from my Shrewsbury School days. I am so lucky with the friends I have.

I am going through an extreme difficult period in my life at present but hope the photos below illustrated there are still some very happy moments within it and my friends are being too kind.

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Cautiously Optimistic - London/ Shrewsbury - April 2021

9/5/2021

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Celebrating 12 April 2021 on the roof of The Dorchester with their GM Robert. A live band & sunset views of Hyde Park to die for.

April 2021 was the month when England began opening up again. I was on the roof of The Dorchester to mark the first day in real style.

After being shown the pink marble bath that was specially installed for Elizabeth Taylor in their Harlequin Roof Suite, John (GM of 45 Park Lane) kept me company, Tom Booton's food was sublime & we were even offered hot water bottles, with knitted covers, on that cold evening.

My next outing was 45 Park Lane for a mouthwateringly fresh Wolfgang Puck lunch on their beautiful outside terrace. The welcome back from the staff almost made me emotional & I even got to meet chef Jamie Shears.

I managed to squeeze a week in Shrewsbury in before I rejoined the Bank of England in their International Banking area. During that week I had a drink in The Admiral Benbow pub with mum & celebrated my older brother's birthday.

Back in London I ate oysters & drank champagne in The Savoy's pop-up Solas, where cars usually drop off guests. It has been transformed into a breathtaking fantasy and, as with all the hotels I visited, service was impeccable.

The month ended with a visit to Mandarin Oriental, Hyde Park for a Saturday lunch. GM Amanda came in on her day off to welcome me & lunch could not have been better. Heston Blumenthal's poor/ gimmicky Waitrose & Partners food is a millions miles from the delicacies that were served by Dinner by Heston on that terrace overlooking Hyde Park.

Hope the photos below do some justice to the monumental efforts all these iconic hotels went to to make me feel very special. From The Dorchester sending me home with Christian Lacroix Greta with a new headdress & Philip Hammond's exquisite flowers; to champagne from Amanda at the Mandarin Oriental & their Heston Blumenthal liquid nitrogen ice cream trolley, it was another month I will never forget.

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Another Birthday Under Coronavirus/ COVID-19 - London/ Shrewsbury - March 2021

24/3/2021

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I cannot say enough good things about Guy's Hospital & the NHS.

29 March 2021 will be my second birthday 'celebrated' under COVID-19.

I have already had some amazing birthday presents. The main one was having received my first Coronavirus vaccine shot. This, combined with news that Nuffield Health plan to reopen The Barbican gym, gives me hope that we are, finally, returning to 'normal'.

I am thinking about Paris & their latest lockdown at present. Stay safe & strong everyone.

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Interview with Simon Frew: Travel Expert & Banking Consultant

1/3/2021

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Hope you all enjoy my interview with The Luxury Business Emporium.

Click this link to read the full interview

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New Year's Eve With Mum & Dad Again & England's Lockdown3 - Shrewsbury/ London - December 2020/ January 2021

17/1/2021

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Haggis, neeps & tatties; Tanners Wine champagne; and snow. A real Shropshire New Year's Eve.

For a second year I skipped New York in favour of New Year's Eve in Shrewsbury with mum & dad. Mum's sublime cooking, wines from dad and even getting to spend New Year's Day with my gorgeous niece, before she flew to spend the Orthodox Christmas in Moscow with her mother, made it such a special time.

On New Year's Day my friend who lives in the Burj Khalifa sent me photos of watching the Dubai fireworks from inside his apartment. Mind-blowing!

I returned to London on the direct Avanti West Coast train in First Class but Lockdown3 in England was announced shortly after this. I now combine exercise with shopping by walking to Fortnums to undertake my food shopping. This is a treat a younger me would not have believed I would ever have been able to do. I also returned to London to find elegant gifts from the Four Seasons George V in Paris.

I am doing my best not to let standards slip, despite everything, & hope the photos below help to demonstrate this. Keep safe everyone. We will get through this together.

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A Far Better COVID-19 Christmas 2020 Than We Expected - Shrewsbury, England - December 2020

28/12/2020

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My beautiful niece meets Eric, the Steiff sloth; a Shropshire family Christmas calls for Tanners Wines' champagne; & my mother's expertly cooked roast goose Christmas lunch.

Despite London moving to Tier 4, we managed to have another very special family Shropshire Christmas.

With fine wines chosen by dad; mum's legendary cooking and my niece there, it could not have gone any better.

I gave a Chanel gift to mum; Tanners Wines & Fortnums gifts to my brother & father; a Steiff gift to my charming niece and my godson loves his Swiss Army Knife, with his name engraved on the blade. I gave some of my best gifts this year.

I received Veuve Clicquot champagne; The Glenlivet whisky; Silent Pool gin; Paul Smith socks; The White Company sleep products; Elton John's new book; a personalised mug from a friend in Qatar that I treasure; an umbrella that is a piece of art from Mandarin Oriental, Hyde Park etc. So happy with all my beautiful/ thoughtful gifts too.

Hope the photos below illustrate how lucky I feel to have such outstanding friends & a one-off family.

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Hurtling Towards a COVID-19 Christmas - London/ Shrewsbury - November 2020

6/12/2020

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My Fortnum & Mason and Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman Christmas decorations are up in The Barbican. I adored the Christmas trees at Four Seasons at Park Lane, The Dorchester & Claridges's. I am just a little sad that Four Seasons at Ten Trinity Square & Threadneedles Hotel will not reopen this year.

Today I learnt my brother had sorted out his flight home. This, combined with the fact my sweet young niece will be in Shropshire for Christmas, means my COVID-19 Shrewsbury Christmas is shaping up well.

Last week John (GM of 45 Park Lane) showed me their stunning new swimming pool. I was one of the first non-staff members to see it, and have agreed not to post my photos, but can assure people it is one of the most beautiful indoor pools have ever seen.

This made me think about the fact I was shown the Private Members Club at Four Seasons at Ten Trinity Square, before its members, and stayed at Four Seasons Resort: Dubai at Jumeirah Beach & Four Seasons Hotel Bahrain Bay before they were open to the public. My meeting with Four Seasons Founder & Chairman Mr Sharp, as his private home in Toronto, really did change my life.

On the #travelblog front, it was also interesting that Grant Campbell has been appointed as the first GM of Nobu Hotel London Portman Square & Anne Golden at the first GM of Pan Pacific London. Despite the damage the COVID-19 restrictions have wreaked on the hospitality industry, it does not seem to have reduced my extensive network of General Manager contacts.

England's lockdown2 was made better for me by more Daniel Humm breakfast granola from Claridge's. I am still using the Davies & Brook jar it came in this time and was honoured to be one of the only people to see the Claridge's lobby during lockdown2. I also managed another Shrewsbury trip, ladened down with Fortnum & Mason gifts again.

People who see me over Christmas & New Year should feel free to ask me about the November 2020 photos below. Hope everyone has a special Christmas & better 2021!

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Featured in The Sunday Times Wine Club Blog & My Yayoi Kusama La Grande Dame 2012 Veuve Clicquot Arrived - Shrewsbury/ London - October 2020

5/11/2020

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I think my charming & beautiful niece has my eyes. This photo was taken after we went to see the leaping salmon on the River Severn in Shrewsbury.

October 2020 was the month when my friend Will Lyons, The Sunday Times wine critic, featured my photo in The Sunday Times Wine Club blog and my Yayoi Kusama designed La Grande Dame 2012 Veuve Clicquot arrived & it looked even more spectacular than I had hoped for.

However, it was also the month of my niece's 10th birthday & I am even more proud of the job we did making that so special and to ensure her half-term was full of fun, despite her mum having to be in Moscow & her dad in Dublin. A special mention has to go to Kerry Jones at Bloom for Budding Artists in Shrewsbury for her Yayoi Kusama inspired Halloween pumpkin prints workshop. I took it as a fortuitous omen that this was being run!

Despite two trips to Shropshire to support family, ladened down with Hamleys and Fortnum & Mason gifts, I did manage to try the London 'Breakfast at Tiffany's' experience in Harrods. The room is exquisitely decorated and the staff better than in New York but the food disappointing, compared with my scrambled eggs with truffles in Manhattan. It did not help that, as the first booking of the day (10am), I had to wait outside in the cold rain for the doors of The Tiffany Blue Box Cafe at Harrods to open at 10am.

I also bought Lebanese wine again in October and would encourage people do what they can support that beleaguered country. At the same, I did all I could to promote The Market Hall Shrewsbury, with its high quality fresh local produce.

Before 'Lockdown 2' was announced I also managed to squeeze in a delightful afternoon tea at The Wolseley, with one of my most legendary hotel contacts; a sublime Gordon Ramsay Sunday lunch at The Savoy Grill; & collect more superb Dorchester hotel flowers from designer florist Philip Hammond. While collecting the latter, I was able to have long chats with Robert (GM of The Dorchester) and John (GM of 45 Park Lane). All this means I am now 'ready' for the next 4 weeks without visiting a hotel.

With England now in COVID-19 'Lockdown 2', & the results of the US Election still uncertain, hope my photos from last month below help to raise everyone's spirits a little. Good luck to us all!

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Living in the New COVID-19 World - London/ Shrewsbury - September 2020

6/10/2020

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I was elated to find the High Court case I have been working on reported in the Financial Times.

September 2020 was a monumental month in my life with my new Banking Consultancy company 'Si Frew Consultancy Services Limited' being incorporated & the Lebanese banking case I have been working on reported in the Financial Times.

At the same time it has been a whirlwind on the travel blog side, with more iconic London hotels reopening, while the Mayfair hotels continue to surprise & impress me.

Four Seasons at Park Lane allowed me to try vodka infused with caviar, not yet on their menu; Michael (Managing Director of Rosewood, London) sent us champagne to celebrate the reopening of his elegant hotel; had a drink with Robert (General Manager of The Dorchester) to honour the busy reopening of his historic hotel; I discovered Porsche must be the 'official' car of my Barbican building; I savoured another sensational Tom Booton Sunday lunch at The Grill at The Dorchester; and also got to enjoy a drink with Mandarin Oriental, Hyde Park's fabled General Manager Amanda, in their reopened Mandarin Bar.

It was also a month where I had the best dover sole of my life at Parsons in Seven Dials; had a memorable Wolfgang Puck brunch at 45 Park Lane, having the pleasure to be joined by their General Manager John & viewed 'FAME at 45 Park Lane' with photos of Coco Chanel, Brigitte Bardot, Faye Dunaway etc I will never forget; 45 Park Lane staff sent me more of their Noble Isle shower products that I adore; & I continued to be impressed by breakfast & service at Millie's Lounge at The Ned. I also visited the enchanting garden at The Goring for martinis with a friend from my Prestfelde prep school days. There I met their charming new General Manager Michael and had forgotten how beautiful their new bar is. I was also blown away by the steaks at Hawksmoor, Seven Dials in September.

I ended the month eating Eggs Escoffier (with lobster meat, caviar & gold) & drinking champagne at breakfast at Gordon Ramsay's reopened Savoy Grill at The Savoy, London and being entranced by the 'full French' breakfast & staff at Anthony Demetre's Wild Honey at Sofitel London St James. On top of all this, I managed more trips to Shropshire to support my indomitable parents.

In September my personal training also moved to Energie Fitness, so I can remain with legendary Bart but I still try to swim at Virgin Active each day too. I must also mention my new The White Company electric diffuser I was thoughtfully given by one of my best friends that is now an important part of my night time ritual, along with my Frette sheets, Dorchester hotel bed & Aromatherapy Associates shower oils.

Finally I should mention that an incident that I experienced at one of my favourite Mayfair hotels last month, & some that have happened to my caring mother (even at church), have me thinking about Four Seasons' Mr Sharp's mission statement based on The Golden Rule "To treat others as we'd wish to be treated ourselves." again. I fully appreciate that issues related to COVID-19 have left us all very frazzled but I think it is even more important to take the time to talk to people and be compassionate, understanding & flexible.

Hope the photos below help to make people feel better at what continues to be such a difficult time for so many people.

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Never a Dull Moment with Coronavirus/ COVID-19 - Shropshire & London - August 2020

1/9/2020

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The reopening of Four Seasons at Park Lane allowed me to try a new lobster dish personally prepared by Executive Chef Henry Brosi & there was complimentary Ruinart champagne to celebrate.

During August my Middle Eastern banking work was overshadowed by the tragic explosion in Beirut.

The UK Government's 'Eat Out to Help Out' initiative meant I had the best (steak) burger for years at Paternoster Chop House, with a breathtaking view of St Paul's Cathedral; drunk Thums Up Cola at Dishoom for the first time since my India trips, while working for the Bank of England; ate truffles at breakfast outside at The Connaught & saw their new 'coffee foam art'; ate Dim Sum from heaven with caviar, edible gold & black truffle at Hakkasan, Mayfair; ate Mark Hix's exquisite food again at 1 Lombard Street, with their sublime service; & ate the best cooked rump steak of my life, with anchovy hollandaise & triple cooked chips, all for GBP10 at Hawksmoor.

At the same time I was honoured to be invited to revisit the Four Seasons' Private Members' Club in London. This gave me the first chance to view Four Seasons' 'Lead with Care' global COVID-19 safety program formulated with Johns Hopkins Medicine International's assistance.

I also managed to visit my indomitable parents in Shrewsbury again & see my exceptional Qatar friends at the Everyman Cinema at King's Cross before they, finally, headed back to Doha.

Hope the photos below, which include ones of my niece (now an elegant young lady), my dashing godson & legendary parents, put smiles on your faces & illustrate what a busy month it was. It was also the month where my face was the first thing you saw on the Virgin Active website!

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Light at the End of the Tunnel or Another Train Coming? - COVID-19 (Coronavirus) - Shropshire & London, UK - July 2020

3/8/2020

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My first day wearing with Turnbull & Asser face mask, with a virus killing filter.

July 2020 was the month I restarted swimming, buying new Cayman Islands style Vilebrequin swim shorts to celebrate, and exercising with personal trainer Bart again. We did this outside with breathtaking views of Tower Bridge. I was even part of a photo shoot at Virgin Active in Mayfair, as I will feature on the new Virgin Active website.

It was also the month where I was part of the reopening of 45 Park Lane & Mandarin Oriental, Hyde Park; obtained my Turnbull & Asser face mask, with VIROFORMULA virus killing filters; had my first pint for 121 days with dad in The Admiral Benbow in Shrewsbury, the landlady Claire there was ahead of London with her anti-COVID-19 bar screen; drank Shrewsbury wine with mum & dad at Hencote in Shropshire; had a haircut at Truefitt & Hill, following in the footsteps of Charles Dickens, Winston Churchill & Frank Sinatra; Philip Hammond at The Dorchester created a spectacular new headdress for my Christian Lacroix wearing teddy bear from Bangkok; I attended a sublime lunch at Scott's in Mayfair with my Qatar friends; & ate caviar and drank gin from Kyoto, Japan, for breakfast, outside at 45 Jermyn Street, behind Fortnum & Mason. The Head of UK Retail at Fortnum & Mason now wants to meet www.sifrew.com.

It has been another unbelievable month in my life & I just hope the move to the 'new normal' in the UK continues. Feel free to ask me about the photos below, when we next meet.

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Coronovirus/COVID-19 - When Will All This End? - May & June 2020

10/6/2020

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I decided to name the bellboy teddy bear Claridge's sent with my Daniel Humm take-out dinner Thomas, after their GM I met.

Despite experiencing Fortnum & Mason & Avanti West Coast First Class train travel alone; a Daniel Humm Claridge's Fried Chicken dinner at home; showers with Aromatherapy Associates oils, my Frette sheets & my Dorchester hotel bed here in my Barbican London place; seeing a Red Arrows display on VE Day by Palace of Westminster; another spectacular Dorchester hotel roses bouquet specially created for me by Philip Hammond; walks in St James's Park looking at the black swans & Buckingham Palace etc, the UK lockdown since 23 March 2020 has been too long and the UK's new travel quarantine rules wreck www.sifrew.com and so many of my work plans.

My dad's birthday next weekend, & a 'physically distanced' picnic in Green Park with friends from my Qatar days, has made me think how much a miss hugging my mum, swimming & my personal training. Look forward to answering questions about the photos below, when we next meet!

Off for another walk now to try to drop some of the weight gained in the last few months.

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The Coronavirus (COVID-19) Crisis & the 'New Normal' - March & April 2020

29/4/2020

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The 'NHS Rainbow' in Tanners window in Shrewsbury brought a smile to my face but seeing the Bank of England's front door closed during the day was a sobering sight.

After a day working from home ("WFH") in my Barbican place in London on Middle Eastern banking issues, taking a 'break' for a webcast from Toronto, I am wondering what life will be like when the Coronavirus (COVID-19) crisis is 'over'.

I spent the last month in Shropshire helping my parents with their self-isolation & I thought some photos of all that might cheer us up. 'Teddy Scores' do not seem appropriate at present but I have been so impressed by Shrewsbury & The Barbican's response to everything. I try to ring mum every day at present and will return to Shropshire, when that is needed.

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Celebrating a Birthday in the Midst of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) Crisis - Shrewsbury, Shropshire, UK - March 2020

28/3/2020

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When I received this personalised Veuve Clicquot signature arrow tin with its iridescent lid, I felt confident about my 2020 birthday. The original plan was to stay at the new Four Seasons in Madrid to celebrate, I know their General Manager from New York & Hong Kong and so it would have been an exceptional trip.

Since then the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has halted travel, closed hotels, restaurants, gyms etc and changed our lives.

I am now in Shrewsbury in Shropshire helping my parents with their self-isolation. My birthday will, therefore, be a small family affair. Today is my 'Birthday Eve' and so I have decided to post some photos to cheer us all up.

Stay safe, healthy & positive all at this difficult time & hope the photos below make you smile too. My awesome mum will ensure I have a '7 teddies' (🐻🐻🐻🐻🐻🐻🐻) birthday tomorrow.

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Paris, London & New York - December 2019 to January 2020

17/2/2020

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It was awesome to finally meet energetic GM Susanne at Mandarin Oriental New York & Director of Guest Relations Mark there was a joy to chat with.

Sorry for my silence but I have been very busy with Banking Consultant related issues.

I have constructive feedback for Virgin Atlantic Upper Class re: the large inflexible dining table that is part of their new A350 configuration and the surrender of Four Seasons control to Wolfgang Puck over the CUT bar at Four Seasons Hotel New York Downtown.

At the same time I must highlight the Grant Achatz truffle cocktail sent to my Central Park view 49th floor suite at Mandarin Oriental New York; the truffle cheeses, with grated fresh black & white truffles and Bresaola air-dried, salted beef from Uruguay to welcome me at my Hudson suite at Four Seasons Hotel New York Downtown Town and chilled bottles of Veuve Clicquot champagne at both hotels.

Also need to thank Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park for the roast duck congee breakfast, being added to their menu the following week, to celebrate Chinese New Year in London.

Will upload photos re: all this when I have more time but feel free to ask me about all this, when you see me.

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My Best Christmas for Years - Shrewsbury, Shropshire, UK - December 2019

2/1/2020

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My niece was just as happy on Boxing Day and her UK grandma & grandpa love spending time with her.

The sheer joy on my sweet niece's face, when she opened my LO.L. Surprise gift from Hamleys, summed up Christmas in Shropshire for me. A relaxed, happy & perfect family gathering.

We were so luck my niece travelled from Moscow to spend Christmas with us, before heading to Finland for the Russian Orthodox Christmas with her Russian family.

Mum loved my Chanel and Fortnum & Mason gifts and cooked her usual legendary fish pie on Christmas Eve and sublime roast goose Christmas lunch. My brother prepared a feast for lunch on Boxing Day, I treasured my thoughtful gifts and things could not have gone any better.

Hope the photos below evidence why Christmas was such an outstanding '7 teddies' (🐻🐻🐻🐻🐻🐻🐻) family event.

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Chic Paris at Christmas. The Four Seasons George V with Legendary Jackie; Veuve Clicquot at the Mandarin Oriental, Paris with Charismatic GM Philippe & Delightful Emilie; & Hotel Plaza Athenee, Paris with Charming Louise - Paris, France - December 2019

22/12/2019

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www.sifrew.com with awesome Jackie in the Jeff Leatham Christmas igloo at The Four Seasons George V; Veuve Clicquot champagne at the Mandarin Oriental, Paris; the elegant bar at Hotel Plaza Athenee; and charming Mandarin Oriental, Paris GM Philippe.

The French strikes did not prevent www.sifrew.com having a spectacular time experiencing Paris at Christmas.

At the Four Seasons George V Jeff Leatham's Christmas decorations were even more dazzling/ opulent than I expected. I was sad to hear Jackie will be retiring next year but this will present another good excuse to visit Paris.

At the Mandarin Oriental, Paris I drank Veuve Clicquot champagne with charismatic GM Philippe and then delightful Emilie showed me the spectacular four bedroom The Parisian Apartment. It was interesting to see a piece of Zhuang Hong Yi art in the lobby of this hotel. His work is currently featured at 45 Park Lane.

At the Hotel Plaza Athenee, Paris Dorchester Collection's charming Louise treated me like a VVVIP. It was interesting that my very dry Grey Goose martini there was better than at the Four Seasons George V. I also drank Perrier Fine Bulles for the first time and was fascinated to see a Lego model of the hotel in their exquisite lobby, Lego is the Christmas theme for The Savoy in London.

Hope the photos below give you a taste of how stylish Christmas in Paris is & why it was a '7 teddies' (🐻🐻🐻🐻🐻🐻🐻) experience.

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An Extraordinary Gray's Inn Dinner; the Cavalry & Guards Club; a new Ede & Ravenscroft Suit; Work as a Banking Consultant; a Christian Louboutin Christmas Tree etc, an Epic Month in London - London, UK - November 2019

14/12/2019

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The monumental view from Helix at the top of The Gherkin; the song sheets from my unforgettable Gray's Inn dinner; and me in my new Ede & Ravenscroft suit and a Turnbull & Asser shirt at Four Seasons at Park Lane.

November 2019 was the month where I began working as a Banking Consultant again, as the same time it was a month crammed full of unforgettable London experiences.

There was lunch with an exceptional friend from my Bank of England days in Helix restaurant at the top of The Gherkin building, with awe-inspiring views. A Shrewsbury School drinks party in the Cavalry & Guards Club in Piccadilly and a Christian Louboutin Christmas tree at Claridge's but it was a dinner hosted by The Honourable Society of Gray's Inn that was a highlight of a spectacular month.

I was invited to this Inns of Court dinner by a barrister I first met during my Qatar days. It took place in 'The Hall', which dates from 1559, under a portrait of the President of the Supreme Court of the United Kingdom, Lady Hale of 'prorogation fame' and I sat next to a judge who presides over criminal cases. It seemed fitting that I wore my new Ede & Ravenscroft suit and it was also a chance to wear one of my new Turnbull & Asser shirts & Gucci shoes. I even joined in with the singing at the end of dinner!

Hope the photos below evidence why November 2019 was a '7 teddies' (🐻🐻🐻🐻🐻🐻🐻) legendary month.

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The Youngest Son Goes on an Unforgettable Rhône River Cruise with Riviera Travel in Burgundy & Provence with his Parents & His New Awesome Friend Will Lyons, from The Sunday Times - France - October 2019

10/10/2019

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My parents looking very glamorous during the Captain's Party; fun Gary making me laugh in the Puligny-Montrachet vineyards; & debonair Will Lyons from The Sunday Times, my awesome new friend.

I am back from an unbelievable River Rhône cruise in Provence & Burgundy with my legendary parents.

From having Oz Clarke talk to me about LVMH's Bernard Arnault on a bus in Burgundy; to talking about Shrewsbury School & Fives with my new friend Will Lyons of The Sunday Times; to being 'Sur le Pont d'Avignon'; to seeing the magnificent Roman aqueduct bridge the Pont du Gard; picturesque medieval Beaune and getting to spend 8 days with parents I treasure & adore. A Sunday Times Wine Club trip I will never forget.

Hope the photos below evidence the '5 teddies' (🐻🐻🐻🐻🐻) trip it was, despite the painful single person supplement I had to pay, even though I only booked this trip to help & support my parents. There were too many extraordinary staff on the MS William Shakespeare but I must highlight waitress Zoey. She was so bright & cheerful and ceaselessly caring to my family. Tip:- book the Midsummer Bar for dinner on one of the nights, as soon as you arrive on the boat. There is no additional charge for this 'VIP restaurant'.

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the luxury travel blog

Our First Christmas Without Dad at Home - November & December 2021 and January 2022 - Shrewsbury & London

I Had Forgotten Quite What an Awesome City Barcelona is - Barcelona, Spain - October 2021

Seeing the 'Real Madrid' - Madrid, Spain - October 2021

The Mandarin Oriental Ritz in Madrid. Luxury & Opulence on Another Level - Madrid, Spain - October 2021

The Spirit of Mr Sharp's 'Golden Rule' is Already Fully Alive & Well at The New Four Seasons, Madrid - Madrid, Spain - October 2021

Foreign Air Travel Is Stressful & Fraught, But Worth It - Madrid & Barcelona, Spain - September & October 2021

The Bank of England; The Buckingham Palace Gardens; A Test Match etc - London/ Shrewsbury - May to August 2021

Cautiously Optimistic - London/ Shrewsbury - April 2021

Another Birthday Under Coronavirus/ COVID-19 - London/ Shrewsbury - March 2021

Interview with Simon Frew: Travel Expert & Banking Consultant

New Year's Eve With Mum & Dad Again & England's Lockdown3 - Shrewsbury/ London - December 2020/ January 2021

A Far Better COVID-19 Christmas 2020 Than We Expected - Shrewsbury, England - December 2020

Hurtling Towards a COVID-19 Christmas - London/ Shrewsbury - November 2020

Featured in The Sunday Times Wine Club Blog & My Yayoi Kusama La Grande Dame 2012 Veuve Clicquot Arrived - Shrewsbury/ London - October 2020

Living in the New COVID-19 World - London/ Shrewsbury - September 2020

Never a Dull Moment with Coronavirus/ COVID-19 - Shropshire & London - August 2020

Light at the End of the Tunnel or Another Train Coming? - COVID-19 (Coronavirus) - Shropshire & London, UK - July 2020

Coronovirus/COVID-19 - When Will All This End? - May & June 2020

The Coronavirus (COVID-19) Crisis & the 'New Normal' - March & April 2020

Celebrating a Birthday in the Midst of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) Crisis - Shrewsbury, Shropshire, UK - March 2020

Paris, London & New York - December 2019 to January 2020

My Best Christmas for Years - Shrewsbury, Shropshire, UK - December 2019

Chic Paris at Christmas. The Four Seasons George V with Legendary Jackie; Veuve Clicquot at the Mandarin Oriental, Paris with Charismatic GM Philippe & Delightful Emilie; & Hotel Plaza Athenee, Paris with Charming Louise - Paris, France - December 2019

An Extraordinary Gray's Inn Dinner; the Cavalry & Guards Club; a new Ede & Ravenscroft Suit; Work as a Banking Consultant; a Christian Louboutin Christmas Tree etc, an Epic Month in London - London, UK - November 2019

The Youngest Son Goes on an Unforgettable Rhône River Cruise with Riviera Travel in Burgundy & Provence with his Parents & His New Awesome Friend Will Lyons, from The Sunday Times - France - October 2019

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