SEL
  • Travel Luxury
  • intro
  • Contact

the luxury travel blog

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

17/1/2021

28 Comments

 
PictureHaggis, 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.   


Read More
28 Comments

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

28/12/2020

11 Comments

 
PictureMy 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. 


Read More
11 Comments

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

6/12/2020

8 Comments

 
PictureMy 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!


Read More
8 Comments

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

2 Comments

 
PictureI 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!



Read More
2 Comments

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

6/10/2020

2 Comments

 
PictureI 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.


Read More
2 Comments

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

1/9/2020

0 Comments

 
PictureThe 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!


Read More
0 Comments

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

3/8/2020

4 Comments

 
PictureMy 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.


Read More
4 Comments

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

10/6/2020

2 Comments

 
PictureI 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. 


Read More
2 Comments

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

29/4/2020

0 Comments

 
PictureThe '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. 


Read More
0 Comments

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

28/3/2020

0 Comments

 
Picture
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.


Read More
0 Comments

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

17/2/2020

0 Comments

 
PictureIt 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. 

0 Comments

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

2/1/2020

2 Comments

 
PictureMy 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. 


Read More
2 Comments

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

0 Comments

 
Picturewww.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. 


Read More
0 Comments

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

0 Comments

 
PictureThe 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. 


Read More
0 Comments

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

2 Comments

 
PictureMy 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'.  


Read More
2 Comments

Claridge's Flowers from McQueens; a Riviera Travel Wine Cruise with Oz Clarke & Will Lyons; the Fox & Anchor Pub in Smithfield and a Green Negroni at The Goring - London, UK - September 2019

10/9/2019

0 Comments

 
PictureMy stunning McQueens flowers, with my spectacular Nurture Landscapes window boxes behind.
I just got back from weight training with my personal trainer Bart at Virgin Active & felt I must write something about my gorgeous flowers from McQueens.  I love the work these florists undertake at Claridge's and, as my neighbour said, "the arrangement is so Barbican". 

This month I have booked to join my mum & dad on an 8 day Sunday Times Wine Club cruise featuring Oz Clarke & Will Lyons.  I have questions to ask the former about Jilly Goolden,  from the time when I worked at the Bank of England. 

I must also mention incredible breakfasts at the Fox & Anchor in Smithfield & The Ned and a green Negroni in the refurbished bar at The Goring, with their excellent young bar staff.  

Hope the photos below evidence the '7 teddies' (🐻🐻🐻🐻🐻🐻🐻) month September 2019 has already become.


Read More
0 Comments

I Really Do Have The Best Parents in The World! - London, UK - July 2019

4/8/2019

2 Comments

 
I am so lucky to still have both of my parents.  They decided to visit me in London.  It was the first time they had stayed at my Barbican place since my days working for the Bank of England and I decided to show them 'Si Frew's London'.

This included lunch at The Ned hotel; Veuve Clicquot champagne on the balcony at my place; cocktails at the pop-up at Four Seasons @ Ten Trinity Square with breathtaking views of London; dinner outside by the river at Le Pont de la Tour; mum & dad also staying at The Farmers Club; dad & me having Scottish breakfasts at The Farmers Club; seeing 'An Enquiring Mind: Manolo Blahnik at the Wallace Collection'; shopping in Heal's with mum; and checking out the window boxes at Rules in Covent Garden with mum & dad.

It was a '7 teddies' (🐻🐻🐻🐻🐻🐻🐻) experience, with '7 teddy' parents. Hope the photos below do justice to all this. 
Picture
At the Four Seasons @ Ten Trinity Square pop-up. We walked through a David Linley furnish Residence to get there & this ex Qatar guy had stories about The Shard to tell.

Read More
2 Comments

LVMH, Mandarin Oriental, Dorchester Collection & Four Seasons - London, UK - June/July 2019

4/7/2019

0 Comments

 
Over the last few months, other than a weekend in Berlin to celebrate the 50th birthday of some awesome friends of mine, & two weekends in Shropshire, to help dad with his new laptop & attend his birthday party, I have been helping the London based sister of Lord Foley (who I met in Bangkok) with a London focused luxury project. 

During the course of this I have been stunned by the help and support I have received from friends at LVMH, Mandarin Oriental, Dorchester Collection & Four Seasons.

At the same time I have been working on my future as a Banking Consultant & I have been approached about roles. 
Picture
This email, from a friend at LVMH, who I met while working in Cayman Islands, made my day.
Picture
I first met Mandarin Oriental GM Amanda in Bangkok & always adore our meetings.
Picture
I first met 45 Park Lane GM John when I was working in Qatar. On this occasion he asked me to try their new proposed shower gel.
Picture
Four Seasons @ Park Lane GM Lynn is always a perfect source of useful practical advice.
0 Comments

RHS Chelsea Flower Show & My Barbican Window Boxes - London, UK - May 2019

28/5/2019

0 Comments

 
PictureThe mother of my awesome godson. We have been friends since our Bank of England days & she took me to the RHS Chelsea Flower Show.
My Barbican window boxes are now looking, & smelling, fabulously thanks to the geniuses at Nurture Landscapes. The smell comes from rosemary & French lavender and the bees already love the latter. My original window boxes were based on work done at Four Seasons at Park Lane but this year's are inspired by Rules, the oldest restaurant in London.

The day before the work on my window boxes I visited the RHS Chelsea Flower Show. Before this I walked through Mayfair to see Annabel's & smell the flowers at The Connaught and had lunch with astonishing friends from Shropshire at Four Seasons at Park Lane. 

​Hope the photos below help to evidence the '7 teddies' (🐻🐻🐻🐻🐻🐻🐻) life I am  living here in London. 


Read More
0 Comments

Mandarin Oriental, Hyde Park is Back & Better Than Ever - London, UK - May 2019

16/5/2019

0 Comments

 
PictureRemarkable GM Amanda, my stunning breakfast view of Hyde Park and the Plaza Hotel, New York Merrythought teddy bear that got me think about my London - New York Concorde flight.
I have settled back into my London life. Personal training with Bart at Virgin Active, Barbican and enjoying my swims there.  

I am  living in my redecorated Barbican place again, with its Dorchester Hotel bed, personalised Frette sheets from Harrods, new Ligne Roset table from Heal's etc. Just the 'Four Seasons at Park Lane' window boxes to recreate again. 

Since I moved back to London Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park has officially reopened. I visited on the day this occurred. On that, notable, occasion I met Rodolphe & Marco in the Mandarin Bar and was served a divine truffle gin martini that was not yet on the menu.  Legendary GM Amanda also came for an inspiring chat.  

On my second visit I brought one of my unbelievable friends from Shropshire and got to try more cocktails and snacks being developed for the menu and was presented with a Mandarin Oriental teddy bear, MO tie pin and MO key ring, to add to my MO clufflinks from Mandarin Oriental Kuala Lumpur.  

On my  latest visit I decided to try their Hyde Park breakfast with Moet champagne, a choice of truffles or caviar and a spectacular view of Hyde Park.  Breakfast ended up being better than I could possibly have imagined. Even the bellhops on the lobby stairs greeted me by name, the gorgeous dining room is so bright and impressive, the other guests as refined as I found before the deeply unfortunate fire and Amanda and her staff (eg Silvia the House Manager) seem reinvigorated/improved, what a contrast with when The Savoy in London reopened.  

​Hope the photos below help you to understand why it was such a special day. 

​A '7 teddies' (🐻🐻🐻🐻🐻🐻🐻) hotel, with '7 teddy'  staff and a '7 teddy' champagne/truffle breakfast.


Read More
0 Comments

Nobu; Four Seasons; a 'Free' Magnum of Veuve Clicquot & Friends from my Qatar Days: An Easter in London Like No Other - London, UK - April 2019

23/4/2019

0 Comments

 
PictureYes, that is a magnum of 'free' Veuve Clicquot & the Easter Bunny did know my name!
Thanks, in the main, to Four Seasons Hotel London at Park Lane for an unbelievable Easter 2019 in London.

​From the Four Seasons doormen wishing me happy birthday, to the 'free' magnum of Veuve Clicquot, to the Easter Bunny knowning my name and the Easter Egg desserts being to die for, an Easter Sunday that could not have been better. However, I must also mention a drink with John at 45 Park Lane/the 45 Park Lane candle he gave me with a sumptuously luxuriant smell and my chats with Andre & Alex at Four Seasons Hotel London at Ten Trinity Square on Easter Monday. 

Hope the photos below help you to understand why it was such a special weekend. 

​A '7 teddies' (🐻🐻🐻🐻🐻🐻🐻) 50th birthday continued a little longer with a sublime Easter weekend. 


Read More
0 Comments

My 50th Birthday: 'The Fat Lady has Sung' - Shrewsbury & London - March 2019

5/4/2019

1 Comment

 
Picture
In fact it was a thin jazz singer at Four Seasons Hotel Ten Trinity Square who sang happy birthday to me!

From the overwhelming party my parents hosted, with Tanners champagne & divine canapés; to the private dining room at The Golden Cross in Shrewsbury; to Four Seasons Hotel Ten Trinity Square giving me three bedroom Residence Number One with a terrace with breathtaking views of Tower Bridge & the Tower of London; to walking back from a birthday dinner at Le Pont de La Tour over Tower Bridge with unimaginable friends from Berlin; to Four Seasons Hotel Ten Trinity Square sending a member of staff to my Barbican flat to help with my embarrassment of sensational birthday presents, it was a 50th birthday like no other.

I now have an exquisite bracelet from KaDeWe in Berlin, 19th Century prints of the City of London to remind me of my years working for the Bank of England, magnums of Veuve Clicquot champagne, a Smythson of Bond Street travel case, more Tiffany & Co gifts to add to the mountain I received at my 40th birthday party in The Penthouse at The Dorchester, a gift from my indomitable godmother and the Wade NatWest piggy banks I had wanted since I was a child, my mum finally made another dream come true.

I want to thank everyone who made this birthday so special from the bottom of my heart. I have lots more photos & stories to share with people when they meet me and should add that I loved the balloons Four Seasons put in my suite.  

​At an 80th birthday party yesterday a lady chastised me for bringing balloon, saying they were just for children.  I could not disagree more over this sad opinion!  
​
A '7 teddies' (🐻🐻🐻🐻🐻🐻🐻) 50th birthday is finally over & it could not have been better. 

1 Comment

My 50th Birthday - Friday 29 March 2019

23/3/2019

0 Comments

 
Picture
While the Brexit date has moved, 29 March 2019 is still fast approaching.

First Class Emirates flights got me from Bangkok to Shrewsbury safely. Two portions of caviar, Dom Perignon champagne and a shower on the A380 plane were perfect but my luggage did not arrive with me in Manchester and the way Emirates dealt with that was far from First Class service. I have made formal complaints about that, & the additional money I paid for WiFi which did not work for long periods on the flight. 

I am just off to Tanners in Shrewsbury to arrange the champagne for my Shrewsbury party. Today also spoke to The Golden Cross about my Shrewsbury dinner and signed the contract with Le Pont de la Tour in London. Four Seasons Hotel Ten Trinity Square have created a new Grey Goose vodka based cocktail in my honour. What a two day celebration it will be.

​A '7 teddies' (🐻🐻🐻🐻🐻🐻🐻) 50th birthday year finally culminates on 29/30 March 2019. 

0 Comments

A 50th Birthday Year Like No Other, So Many More Dreams Come True in Japan etc - March 2019

13/3/2019

0 Comments

 
Picture
Sorry for the silence but the last few weeks have left me speechless (in the best way).

From a fragrant bath full of orchids, looking out at the Petronas Twin Towers,  in my suite at Mandarin Oriental Kuala Lumpur; to seeing a spectacular Kabuki performance in Tokyo with the astonishing friend who produced the English translation you were reading; to staying at Four Seasons Hotel Tokyo at Marunouchi, the smallest city Four Seasons in the world & my 'final promise' to Mr Sharp, where an exquisite specially created kimono wearing teddy bear was presented to me; to travelling on the 200 mile per hour Shinkansen ('Bullet Train'), a dream since my 'Blue Peter days'; to drinking rare Four Seasons sake & being given a bottle of sake from Kyoto's oldest sake maker personally labelled for my 50th birthday; to playing 'Tea House games' with a Maiko (an apprentice Geiko/Geisha) at Four Seasons Hotel Kyoto, now have Ichihiro's 'calling card sticker' stuck to the back of my iPhone Xs; to eating Peking Duck sushi & drinking 40 year old Glenfraclas Scotch whisky exclusive to Ritz-Carlton Osaka; and drink Veuve Clicquot champagne on the Imperial Floors of the indomitable Imperial Hotel Tokyo.   

This blog, my hotel contacts and my unparalleled friends have made March 2019 one of the best months of my life.  To think I, once, did not want to live past 30! So many photos & video clips to show people and stories to tell.

Must focus on the logistics of my move back to The Barbican in London next and 'restarting' my life there.  

​A '7 teddies' (🐻🐻🐻🐻🐻🐻🐻) 50th birthday year culminates on 29/30 March 2019 at my phenomenal parents' historic home in Shrewsbury and then at Four Seasons Hotel London at Ten Trinity Square & Le Pont del la Tour overlooking the river Thames. Cannot wait to welcome guests based in Sweden, Uruguay etc


0 Comments

A Valentine's Day Stay at Remarkable Four Seasons Hotel Seoul That Blew Even a Brand Ambassador's Mind - Seoul Special City, Republic of Korea ('South Korea') - February 2019

22/2/2019

6 Comments

 
PictureThink this 'last' photo at Four Seasons Hotel Seoul says it all about my stay. My euphoria and the enthusiastic & sweet Four Seasons staff in South Korea.
Sanctions relating to North Korea's nuclear weapons programme continue to impact my Banking Consultant work and I have wanted to stay at Four Seasons Hotel Seoul since some close friends in London raved about it, after they stayed there shortly after it opened in 2015.

My four night stay around Valentine's Day 2019 far exceeded my expectations. From the astonishing 28th Floor views of the Gyeongbokgung Palace from my suite; to the Taekwondo & gym outfits for Issy & me; a member of Four Seasons staff lending me their own coat to see North Korea in the snow; an outstanding Executive Club Lounge serving champagne; to dinner with GM Alejandro on Valentine's Night, despite the President of Austria & Ban Ki-moon being in the hotel; drinks with charming F&B Director Sebastien; ultra efficient & friendly Director of Guest Relations Yoony; to Guest Relations Officer JK Lee cancelling a dinner with friends in his home town to help me at the airport when I was leaving.  Mr Sharp's Four Seasons' ideals are very much alive and well at exceptional Four Seasons Seoul. 

​A '7 teddies' (🐻🐻🐻🐻🐻🐻🐻) 50th birthday year continues, thanks to an unforgettable stay at phenomenal Four Seasons Hotel Seoul with its remarkable staff. Hope the photos below help you to understand this exuberant praise. 


Read More
6 Comments
<<Previous

    The Authors

    Si Frew has lived in the UK, Bermuda, Qatar, Cyprus & the Cayman Islands. During this time he met Whoopi Goldberg (in Claridge's), Mike Tyson (in the Concorde Lounge at JFK) , Gordon Ramsay (in the Doha Four Seasons), Chris Eubanks (in The Dorchester), Cherie Blair (in Bermuda & again in the Doha Four Seasons) etc.  There are funny stories attached to all these interactions, feel free to ask Si about them when you meet him.

    Simon is a banking regulator who was trained by the Bank of England and is currently working as a Banking  Consultant, living in The Barbican in London.  

    He loves Four Seasons, Mandarin Oriental, The Dorchester and Veuve Clicquot.

    Issy
    Issy is a Beanie Baby who was a gift from the Founder of Four Seasons' office.  He  is Simon's regular travelling companion & confidant.  
    ​
    He experiences luxury in life and little else.  It is Issy who guides Si through some of his more entertaining adventures.

    Issy dictates and never types.

    Archives

    January 2021
    December 2020
    November 2020
    October 2020
    September 2020
    August 2020
    June 2020
    April 2020
    March 2020
    February 2020
    January 2020
    December 2019
    October 2019
    September 2019
    August 2019
    July 2019
    May 2019
    April 2019
    March 2019
    February 2019
    January 2019
    December 2018
    November 2018
    October 2018
    September 2018
    July 2018
    June 2018
    May 2018
    April 2018
    March 2018
    February 2018
    January 2018
    December 2017
    November 2017
    September 2017
    August 2017
    July 2017
    June 2017
    May 2017
    April 2017
    March 2017
    January 2017
    December 2016
    November 2016
    September 2016
    August 2016
    July 2016
    June 2016
    May 2016
    April 2016
    March 2016
    February 2016
    January 2016
    December 2015
    November 2015
    October 2015

    Categories

    All
    1 Lombard Street
    45 Jermyn Street
    45 Park Lane
    4th Of July
    50th Birthday
    A380
    Abacus
    Aberdeen Social
    Abu Dhabi
    Afternoon Tea
    American Airlines
    Amman
    Angkor Wat
    Annabel's
    Anne-Sophie Pic
    Argentina
    Arles
    Aromatherapy Associates
    Avignon
    Baccarat
    Baccarat Hotel New York
    Bahamas
    Bahrain
    Bali
    Bangkok
    Bangkok Airways
    Banking
    Banking Consultant
    Bank Of England
    Barbary
    Battery Park
    Beirut
    BelleRive Boutique Hotel
    Belmond
    Belmond Copacabana Palace
    Belmond Hotel Das Cataratas
    Birthday
    Bloom For Budding Artists
    Bob Dylan
    Bo.lan
    Bollinger
    Brazil
    Breakfast
    Breakfast At Tiffany's
    Brighton
    British Airways
    Brown Lloyd James
    Brunch
    Buenos Aires
    Bullet Train
    Burger Joint
    Burgundy
    Burj Khalifa
    Business Class
    Calypso Grill Cayman Islands
    Camana Bay Flavour Tour
    Cambodia
    Cambodia Angkor Air
    Campbell Apartment
    Captain Marvin's
    Caravelle Hotel
    Cartier
    Casa Cavia
    Catch
    Cathay Pacific
    Cavalry & Guards Club
    Cayman Airways
    Cayman International Film Festival
    Cayman Islands
    Chanel
    Chef Paul Walsh
    Chiang Mai
    Chichester
    Chinese New Year
    Christian Lacroix
    Christian Louboutin
    Christmas
    Cimboco A Caribbean Cafe
    Claridge's
    Concert
    Coq D'Argent
    Coronavirus
    COT
    COVID 19
    COVID-19
    Creed
    C Sons
    Cuba
    Cyprus
    Dachshunds
    Da Fish Shack
    Daniel Humm
    Darwin's Kitchen
    Davies And Brook
    Diane Von Furstenberg
    DIFC
    Dirty French
    Dishoom
    Doha
    Dorchester Collection
    Dubai
    Easter
    Eating Tarantulas
    Eat Out To Help Out
    Edinburgh
    Edinburgh Fringe
    Elbow Beach Bermuda
    Eleven Madison Park
    Emirates
    Energie Fitness
    Eric Ripert
    Etihad Airways
    Eva Air
    Everyman Cinema
    Executive Floors
    Face Mask
    Fasano
    First Class
    Flagship First Dining
    Flashpacker
    Foam Party
    Fortnum And Mason
    Fortune Teller
    Four Seasons
    Four Seasons Amman
    Four Seasons At Park Lane
    Four Seasons At Ten Trinity Square
    Four Seasons Bahrain Bay
    Four Seasons Buenos Aires
    Four Seasons Downtown
    Four Seasons George V
    Four Seasons Hong Kong
    Four Seasons Hotel Kyoto
    Four Seasons Hotel Seoul
    Four Seasons Hotel Tokyo At Marunouchi
    Four Seasons Midtown New York
    Four Seasons New York
    Four Seasons New York Downtown
    Four Seasons Private Members' Club
    Four Seasons Resort Dubai At Jumeirah Beach
    Four Seasons Sao Paulo
    Four Seasons Seoul
    Four Seasons Ten Trinity Square
    Four Seasons; The Surf Club. Miami
    Frette
    Geisha
    Gin
    GMH Hotels
    Godson
    Golden Cross
    Gordon Ramsay
    Grand Cayman
    Grand Central Terminal
    Grant Achatz
    Gray's Inn
    Gucci
    Hakkasan
    Ha Long Bay
    Hampshire
    Hanoi
    Harrods
    Harvey Nichols
    Havana
    Hawksmoor
    Heal's
    Heathrow
    Helix Restaurant
    Hello Kitty
    Hencote
    Hilton
    Hilton Pattaya
    HIX Oyster & Chop House
    HM The Queen
    Ho Chi Minh City
    Hoi An
    Hong Kong
    Hotel Plaza Athenee
    Hotel Threadneedles
    Houston
    Icon Klub
    Iguassu Falls
    Iguazu Falls
    Imperial Hotel Tokyo
    InterContinental
    IPhone 8
    James Bond
    Jardine Matheson
    Jason Atherton
    Jet Blue
    Jimbaran Bay
    Johns Hopkins Medicine International
    Jordan
    Kaviari Caviar
    Kempinski
    Kimono
    Kimpton Seafire Resort
    Kimpton Seafire Resort & Spa
    Koh Samui
    Kuala Lumpur
    La Dame De Pic London
    La Grande Dame
    Landmark Mandarin Oriental
    Laos
    La Prairie
    Lebanon
    Lego
    Le Pont De La Tour
    Le Sirenuse
    Ligne Roset
    London
    Louis Roederer
    Luang Prabang
    Luca
    Ludlow Hotel
    Lufthansa
    Lung King Heen
    LVMH
    Lyon
    Manama
    Mandarin Grill
    Mandarin Oriental
    Mandarin Oriental Bangkok
    Mandarin Oriental Hong Kong
    Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park
    Mandarin Oriental Kuala Lumpur
    Mandarin Oriental New York
    Mandarin Oriental Taipei
    Manicure
    Manolo Blahnik
    Marco Pierre White
    Marriott Autograph Collection
    Martini
    McQueens
    Mekong Delta
    Mekong-eyes
    Melia
    Merrythought-teddy-bears
    Miami
    Miami International Airport
    Michelin Stars
    Miss
    Miss Ly Cafe 22
    Moet
    Morgan's
    Morgans Hotel Group
    Nahm
    Nam Hai
    Negroni
    New York
    Nicosia
    Noble Isle
    Nobu
    Noir
    North Face
    North Korea
    Number Four
    Nurture Landscapes
    Okura Hotels
    Okura Prestige
    Osaka
    Oz Clarke
    Paraguay
    Paris
    Parker New York
    Park Hyatt
    Parkinson's
    Parsons
    Paternoster Chop House
    Pattaya
    Paul Smith
    PDT Bar Hong Kong
    Pedicure
    Perth
    Petra VIP Lounge
    Phnom Penh
    Photos
    Piazzolla Tango
    Plaza Athenee
    Pollen Street Social
    Polo Club
    Pont Du Gard
    Porsche
    Prestfelde Prep School
    Preview
    Provence
    Punta Del Este
    Qatar
    Qatar Airways
    Q Bar
    QE2
    Raffles
    Railway
    Republic Of Korea
    Restaurant
    Rhone River
    RHS Chelsea Flower Show
    Rio
    Rio De Janeiro
    Ritz
    Ritz Carlton
    Ritz-Carlton
    Ritz Carlton Grand Cayman
    Ritz-Carlton New York
    Ritz-Carlton Osaka
    River Oaks
    Riviera Travel
    Rolls-Royce
    Rosewood
    Royal Jordanian
    Ruinart Champagne
    Rules Restaurant
    Saigon
    Sake
    Salvatore Ferragamo
    Sanderson
    San Pellegrino List
    Sao Paulo
    Scarfes Bar
    School
    Scott's Restaurant
    Searcys
    Seoul
    Seven Mile Beach
    Shangri-La
    Shopping Leblon
    Shoreditch
    Shrewsbury
    Shrewsbury School
    Shropshire
    Siem Reap
    Si Frew Consultancy Services Limited
    SihanoukVille
    Silent Pool
    Singapore Airlines
    Sir Terence Conran
    Smith & Sinclair
    Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi
    Sofitel London St James
    Sofitel So
    Sofitel So Bangkok
    Song Saa Private Island
    Sothy
    South Korea
    Spa
    Steiff
    Stingray City
    St Martins Lane
    St Paul's Cathedral
    St Regis
    Suhring
    Sukhothai
    Sunday Lunch
    Sunday Times Wine Club
    Swiss Army Knife
    Taipei
    Taiwan
    Tanners Wine Merchants
    Tan Son Nhat Airport
    Tat Kuang Si Waterfalls
    Teddy Bear
    Temple & Sons
    Terrorism Financing
    Texas
    Texas Family Ranch
    Thailand
    The Admiral Benbow
    The Aviary NYC
    The Balmoral
    The Barbican
    The Berkeley
    The Betterment
    The Blue Box Cafe
    The Brooklyn
    The Chedi
    The Connaught
    The Dorchester
    The Farmers Club
    The Gherkin
    The Glenlivet
    The Global Steakhouse
    The Golden Cross
    The Goring
    The Libertine
    The Lighthouse Cayman Islands
    The Mark
    The Market Hall Shrewsbury
    The Ned
    The Ocean Club
    The Peninsula
    The Plaza
    The Reverie
    The Savoy
    The Savoy Grill
    The Shard
    The Sunday Times
    The Sunday Times Wine Club
    The-three-fishes
    The-westin
    The White Company
    The Wolseley
    Threadneedles-hotel
    Thums Up Cola
    Tiffany-co
    Tiger Cub
    Tokyo
    Tower 42
    Truffles
    Turnbull & Asser
    Turtle Farm
    UAE
    Ubud
    UK
    Uruguay
    Veuve Clicquot
    Veuve Clicquot Extra Brut Extra Old
    Veuve Clicquot Rich
    Vietnam
    Vietnam Airlines
    Vilebrequin
    Vina Eden
    Vineyard
    Virgin Active
    Virgin Active Barbican
    Virgin Atlantic Upper Class
    Virgin Australia
    VIROFORMULA
    Wallace Collection
    Western Australia
    West Indies Wine Company
    Westin Grand Cayman
    Westminister Attack
    Wheeler's Of St James Oyster Bar & Grill Room
    Will Lyons
    Wine
    Wolfgang Puck
    Worldwide Readership
    Yara
    Yayoi Kusama
    Year Of The Earth Pig

    RSS Feed

  • Travel Luxury
  • intro
  • Contact