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VE Day Celebrations at Peninsula, London; A Friend from Rome Visits; The Patisserie at Pan Pacific, London & Mum Looks So Well - London/ Shrewsbury - May 2025

2/6/2025

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Celebrating VE Day at Peninsula, London with Beef Wellington with Black Truffles

I watched the VE Day flypast from the Concorde themed Brooklands Bar at Peninsula, London, which looks over the gardens of Buckingham Palace. Quite a place to watch it from.

Then I went down to The Lobby to eat Beef Wellington, with black truffles, personally cooked by Chef Saravanan Chamy, who previously worked at The Dorchester. It was better than Chef Gordon Ramsay's Beef Wellington at The Savoy. Never thought I would be able to say that.

Later in the month Wiltons matched Peninsula, London's  Beef Wellington but they have been perfecting their dishes since 1742.

Lunch at 45 Park Lane & Dinner at The Aubrey at Mandarin Oriental, Hyde Park With a Friend From Rome

At lunch at 45 Park Lane with my friend from Rome, Chef Elliott Grover and his team treated us as VIPs. From Ruinart champagne, to too many Wolfgang Puck signature snacks to count and a Passion Fruit Baked Alaska that was dreamily refreshing.

My face, in the cover photo, says everything about our dinner in The Aubrey. It was such a beautiful room and the bone marrow rice was even better the second time. Romain, and his Mandarin Oriental team, spoilt us with double portions of Iberico Pork etc.

My Rome friend is a joy to spend time with & I was so glad to try to help her with her daughter's 18th birthday celebrations.

GM of Mandarin Oriental, Mayfair Leaving 

During May 2025 Susanne, GM of Mandarin Oriental, Mayfair, emailed me that she is moving within Mandarin Oriental Group. We first met when she was GM of Mandarin Oriental, Manhattan.

It was another month where I had a flawless breakfast  at their Mayfair hotel and was even given the scent of that hotel, to add to my expanding hotel fragrance collection.

The New Patisserie at Pan Pacific, London 

Pan Pacific, London are always so kind to me. They give me champagne each time I go for breakfast. However, on my May 2025 visit, their new Patisserie had opened. I selected cakes and macarons and, even I, was surprised when they then said "no bill for you Mr Frew".

The cakes were light and delicious and the macarons so fresh they reminded me of ones I had at the Four Seasons George V in Paris.

Flowers Inside & Outside My Barbican Place. Philip & Bruce Are Floral Geniuses 
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May 2025 was the month my Barbican window boxes were redone in the style of a pre-COVID-19 Four Seasons at Park Lane design, with lavender & rosemary to provide fragrance this summer.

The weekend of the work I ordered Dorchester hotel flowers from Philip Hammond again, including purples to celebrate 45 Park Lane and Dorchester hotel roses. I was so thrilled with them and the work Bruce has done on my window boxes. 

Perfect Four Seasons in London

I visited the breakfast buffet at Four Seasons, Tower Bridge twice in the month, it is so good. 

At Four Seasons at Park Lane Peter made Issy an 'SF Martini', with the special vermouth from The Lana Hotel in Dubai (part of Dorchester Collection). I almost cried over this thoughtful surprise. 

Foodie Shrewsbury & Mum Looking So Healthy 

From a seasonal asparagus breakfast at C Sons; to mouthwatering steaks & fun cocktails at The Ol'Chemist; to the melt in the mouth roast beef at The Golden Cross, food in Shrewsbury keeps getting even better.

It should also be noted that the Wagyu Oxtail & Bone Marrow Fried Rice we ate in Knightsbridge cost £26, while Bone Marrow Mash at The Ol-Chemist costs £4.

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It has to be another '8 teddies' score (🐻🐻🐻🐻🐻🐻🐻🐻) for May 2025. I have not even mentioned my night at The Waldorf Hilton with one of my best friends from Qatar. Another evening with him I will never forget. If you click 'Read More' there are photos from that night. The fact mum is cared for so well is another factor in this high score.

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Birthday Balloons at Four Seasons, Tower Bridge; a Four Seasons @ Park Lane Easter Egg; My Brother's Family Easter Sunday Birthday; & the Little Blue Noodle Bar @ Peninsula, London - London/ Shrewsbury - April 2025

8/5/2025

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May 2025 has had an exceptional start already, with an unforgettable Early May Bank Holiday VE Day at Peninsula, London & fabulous lunch with my friend from Rome, at 45 Park Lane but you will all have to wait util next month to hear about all that.

A 'Last' Slice of Birthday Cake at Mount Street Restaurant 

I started April 2025 eating a perfect bacon chop breakfast at Mount Street Restaurant surrounded by £50MN of art.

At the end of breakfast I was brought a deliciously moreish slice of chocolate fudge birthday cake, to celebrate the previous month's birthday. 

Birthday Balloons at Four Seasons, Tower Bridge 

Four Seasons, Tower Bridge made up for the lack of birthday balloons at Four Seasons at Park Lane  at a breakfast in April too. It was a buffet breakfast but the hot items were freshly, & perfectly, cooked (eg soft scrambled eggs) and the cold items were delectable (eg beetroot smoked salmon). 

After this I picked up a Pavyllon, London Easter Egg from Four Seasons at Park Lane. It smelt incredible.

Chef Tom Booton's Grill at The Dorchester

Before I left for Shrewsbury I had to experience The Grill at The Dorchester. The butter shaped as a jelly mould in the photo gives an indication of the attention to detail.

During that breakfast I wrote an important note to the mother of my godson. She has 'ghosted' me since I let her stay at my Barbican place last year, during my 6 week trip to mark 10 years of www.sifrew.com

I was pleading with her, again, to return the set of keys for my place she borrowed from the porters in my building for her  stay. 'Ghosting' is such a cruel way deal with someone who has been a friend for more than 30 years.

Another '8 teddies' (🐻🐻🐻🐻🐻🐻🐻🐻) month. The birthday balloons at Four Seasons, Tower Bridge; an exclusive chance to sample the 'Little Blue Noodle Bar' @ Peninsula, London (press 'Read More' for that write-up & photos) and mum being so physically well & happy are all I could have hoped for.

The Four Seasons at Park Lane Easter Egg was the best I have EVER eaten. Dark chocolate from Peru & a silky hazelnut praline filling. Peninsula, London gave me a bar of their version of Dubai chocolate was equally delicious.  Also need to mention my Black Pudding Eggs Benedict at Fallow. An exceptional breakfast dish.
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45 Park Lane; Peninsula, London; The Emory & Unbelievable Friends, a Birthday Beyond Compare - London - March 2025

31/3/2025

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Just booked Easter in Shrewsbury with mum. She loves this time of year.

A Birthday Surrounded by Love

Gus from Uruguay, & his sister Laura, celebrating my birthday with me would have been special anyway but going to The Royal Opera House to watch a George Balanchine ballet, drinking Veuve Clicquot champagne in the interval, was better than anything.

Our friend Johan treating us all to dinners (including Yauatcha & The Wolseley) was so kind & generous. We all drank 'SF Martinis' in The Wolseley, and ate my birthday cake from 45 Park Lane, on the evening of Gus & my birthdays. Complete perfection. 

My 'Birthday Eve', Almost Better Than My Birthday 

The day before my birthday started at Mandarin Oriental, Hyde Park with balloons, complimentary champagne, an extra portion of dim sum and my 'usual' table watching the Household Cavalry ride past, while talking to Pim about the earthquake in Myanmar, Vietnam and Thailand. 

Outside Mandarin Oriental, Hyde Park the Peninsula, London's vintage Rolls-Royce was waiting for me.

Peninsula, London Keep Exceeded My Expectations 

At Peninsula, London MD Rolf, Manager Scott and the Peninsula, London teddy bear were waiting to greet me. Rolf told me the vintage Rolls-Royce took 5 years to refurbish to Peninsula's standards.

Up in Concorde/ Rolls-Royce themed 'Brooklands Bar' 'The Si Frew' cocktail had been created in my honour and was refreshingly delicious. 

While I was in the bar Chef Francesco Dibenedetto came to chat again and later presented me with a bottle of olive oil from his parents' place in Italy. I was overwhelmed by this, and two bottles of the 'The Si Frew' cocktail with special Peninsula labels.

The Royal Opera House 

It was 30 years since I last saw a ballet at The Royal Opera House. The evening was a surreal experience made even better by sitting next to Laura.

Another Si Frew Birthday 

The actual day of my birthday started with breakfast at Four Seasons, London at Park Lane and hugs from their staff.

There were no balloons this year, or complimentary champagne, but Emma from Qatar joining me for a champagne breakfast more than made up for this, and the reduced birthday cake.

My gift was a Four Seasons pillow case personalised with my initials. Love this & it is already on my Dorchester hotel bed here in The Barbican. My Barbican bedroom currently smells like 45 Park Lane, thanks to one of their birthday gifts. 

45 Park Lane Keep Blowing My Mind

Nothing about my birthday lunch at 45 Park Lane could have been any better.

A balloon on a golden thread; the 'SF Martini' being on another Wolfgang Puck cocktail list with beautiful wording; Chef Elliott Grover's mind-blowing good Wagyu steaks; another impressive (& delicious) birthday cake and Emily, Veronica and all the staff making me feel like a VVVIP.

Gifts including Ruinart champagne, and then being told my bill had been covered was just too much.

A Deep Tissue Adaptogenic Massage & Snow Shower at Surrenne at 'The Emory' 

In the afternoon was my complimentary spa experience at The Emory, thanks to Roland Fasel at Maybourne Hotels.

Before the massage I tried the pool and snow shower. My massage involved infrared and music therapy. It was so relaxing, special and perfect.

I left my iPhone charging cable in the Surrenne spa. One of the concierges at Four Seasons, London at Park Lane went to retrieve this, while I was at dinner at The Wolseley. Four Seasons service at its best.

After Dinner at The Wolseley Drinks at Four Seasons, London at Park Lane

After dinner we returned to Four Seasons, London at Park Lane. I had left my gifts there &, as I said, their concierges were retrieving my charging cable.

We decided to have some last drinks and separate birthday cakes were produced for Gus & me. Peter did not charge me for my 'last SF Martini', which was a very kind gesture at the end of a perfect birthday day & helped to made up for the lack of complimentary champagne that morning.

Breakfast at Raffles, London at The OWO

​The last of my birthday celebrations had to be at Raffles, London at The OWO. MD Philippe, and Manager Patrick, are both leaving in June 2025 but they have been so kind and generous to me and Philippe will become CEO of Dorchester Collection, including 45 Park Lane.

It was also UK Mothering Sunday and so I rang my mum and she had received my card with the photo of her I love on it.  

I was so pleased Natalia was running breakfast again but sad to hear 'La Dame de Pic', the Anne-Sophie Pic restaurant at Four Seasons, Tower Bridge has closed down. 

​A birthday that rates 9 cover photos is clearly an '8 teddies' (🐻🐻🐻🐻🐻🐻🐻🐻) one. 45 Park Lane; Peninsula, London & The Emory all went way beyond the call of duty. My TWA Hotel bag now also sports a Peninsula luggage tag.
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Christmas & New Year in London, Orthodox Christmas with Mum in Shrewsbury & Chinese New Year at Four Seasons Hotel London at Tower Bridge - London & Shrewsbury - December 2024, January & February 2025

22/1/2025

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Two Christmases & two New Years, justify an unprecedented 6 cover photos.

An Unimaginably Perfect Christmas & New Year in London

From meeting Gavin (from my Shrewsbury School days) and his daughter Esther at 45 Park Lane for a Chef Elliott Grover lunch just before Christmas, they live in Fiji;  to Four Seasons at Park Lane's astonishing disco Christmas tree; to friends  from my Bermuda days, & their family, hosting me for Christmas Day & New Year's Eve on the 30th floor of The Barbican in unbelievable style (eg Michel Roux Jr Beef Wellington; a Christmas gift from Creed Fragrances  etc), my first Christmas in London could not have been better and the strong winds on New Year's blew away the smoke and gave us an perfect view of London's New Year fireworks.

Dorchester Collection Continue to Be Difficult to Beat

On Christmas morning I ate a Dorchester hotel breakfast in my Barbican place opening sensational Christmas gifts from 45 Park Lane. Ruinart champagne, a spa candle, an 'It's a Wonderful Life' decoration from their Christmas tree etc. Pure class.

Chef Tom Booton's Sunday lunches in 'The Grill by Tom Booton' are sensational & they recently served me a 'SF Martini', created by The Lana, Dorchester Collection's `Dubai hotel.

Orthodox Christmas in Shrewsbury 
 
Although I was unable to spend 25 December with mum, we did spend the Gregorian Christmas together. We pulled crackers from Claridge's & The Dorchester and video called her granddaughter in Moscow.

The Year of the Snake 

I celebrated Chinese New Year at Four Seasons Hotel London at Tower Bridge. Adored my 'free' 'Wood Snake' cocktail and my chocolate coated kumquat & oolong tea  dessert was exquisite.

Thanks to Martine at Four Seasons Hotel London at Tower Bridge I now have one of the only teddy bears reflecting the new name of that Four Seasons.

​Hope the photos below convince you it was a '8 teddies' (🐻🐻🐻🐻🐻🐻🐻🐻) Christmas and New Year. Must also mention 'free' Moet pink champagne, & chocolates, at breakfast at Mandarin Oriental, Mayfair & the beautiful emails from their GM.  Pan Pacific, London continue to provide 'free' Laurent Perrier champagne too.

​I meet Chef Nobu this weekend. Another dream comes true. Just sad I have not heard from the mother of my godson over Christmas or New Year but 'phone calls with my friend in New York keep me cheerful.
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The Lana, Dubai - Dorchester Collection Perfection In The Middle East - Dubai, the UAE - November 2024

30/12/2024

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Rewatching 'White Lotus' on flydubai

With Four Seasons promoting Seasons 3 of 'White Lotus', & conversations I overheard at Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok at Chao Phraya River that could be part of the script, I had to rewatch 'White Lotus' on the short & easy Business Class flight with flydubai.

Rolls-Royce Phantom With The Driver With White Gloves

As soon I stepped inside the vast Rolls-Royce Phantom I knew it was going to be a very special stay.

A GM Welcome At A Busy Hotel

The art deco Lana, Dubai building is reminiscent of the 45 Park Lane building and GM Richard was waiting outside to greet me, along with star Executive Housekeeper Carol. 

A Suite With A Breathtaking View Of Dubai & A Media Room

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My suite was so beautiful, refined and classy I almost cried. There was Pol Roger champagne on ice, an art deco chocolate camel and a chocolate model of the hotel, clothes for Issy, a cake to mark 10 years of luxury travelblog www.sifrew.com and my initials on the pillow.

The 'SF Martini' On The Cocktail List At 'Bitter Honey'

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Head Bartender Lionel entered The Lana, Dubai in the 'Epic Trip Martini Challenge' with the 'SF Martini' on the 'Bitter Honey' cocktail list. It is made with a vermouth he spent a month perfecting.

This entry came a close second to Four Seasons, Amman making a martini in a moving vehicle and just ahead of Four Seasons Bangkok recreating 'BKK Social Club' in my suite on the 'Last Day of Buddhist Lent'.

The 'SF Martini' will stay on the 'Bitter Honey' cocktail list if people keep ordering it. It tastes sublime & so I am hopeful it will. 

'Jara' by Martin Berasategui & Jason Atherton's 'City Social' Brunch at The Grosvenor House 

I ate Basque food on the 18th floor of the hotel on my first night. The anchovies and the croquettes from Martin Berasategui were moreishly delicious. 

On the Saturday I met friends for brunch. Saturday brunch is an institution in Dubai and Jason Atherton's one at 'City Social' did not disappoint. From the magician to the perfectly cooked steaks, it was flawless. My friends were the best company too.

All Happiness Depends On A Leisurely Breakfast 

The food at my breakfasts at The Lana, Dubai was all sublime but meeting Charlie Thompson, from my Shrewsbury School days, again was the highlight. He is based in Hong Kong but was in Dubai for work. I was so lucky to get spend time with him again.

​The Lana, Dubai must rate an '8 teddies' (🐻🐻🐻🐻🐻🐻🐻🐻) score. My only criticism is the design of the rooftop infinity pool. The steps into it should be more gradual. The final large step makes it treacherous to take your 'phone, or a drink, into the pool. Tips:- the sunbeds at the pool are very close together. Ask to use the cabanas and order an 'SF Martini' at 'Bitter Honey' bar.
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The Sukhothai, Bangkok - The Perfect End to the Thailand Leg of My 'Epic Trip' - Bangkok, Thailand - October 2024

28/12/2024

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Hope everyone had as good a Christmas as me. My first London Christmas could not have been better. I am so grateful to Graham, Clare & family for including me in their special day and their perfect gifts. Also must thank 45 Park Lane for their generous & unique gifts and The Dorchester for my breakfast in The Barbican on Christmas Day.

The Legendary Sukhothai, Bangkok 

The Sukhothai, Bangkok Sunday brunch had to end the Thailand part of my 'Epic Trip' and I also wanted to, finally, swim in their pool. I, therefore, booked a two night stay and was so glad I did.

My Suite with a Stunning Bathroom/ Dressing Room & Japanese Toilet in the Guest Bathroom 

I had been allocated one of the hotel's recently refurbished suites. Think you will agree, from my photo, that the bathroom/ dressing room is impressive.

Aspects of The Sukhothai, Bangkok remind me of The Imperial Hotel in Tokyo, which is a very good thing.

Khun Pack, A Pink Weekend Financial Times & The Sukhothai, Bangkok Pool

Khun Pack brought me a pink paper copy of The Weekend Financial Times in the pool. The Sukhothai, Bangkok has another green Thai swimming pool. 

​The Famous Sukhothai, Bangkok Sunday Brunch 

I already devoted a post to The Sukhothai, Bangkok Sunday brunch in 2018 and think the quality of the food may have got even better, if that was possible. 

The live band & singer were fabulous & there were even fellow guests who were also at Amanda Hyndman's leaving party at Mandarin Oriental, Hyde Park.

Leaving is Difficult But 'Tippy Saved The Day'

I arrived very late & left early. Packing at 4am was not my best idea. Tippy had a card from the staff for me and checked my suite and so prevented me leaving some of my Japanese teddy bears that have so many memories attached to them. A true Bangkok heroine.

Qatar Airways Business Class. No Qsuites - Despite Booking and Rebooking 

I booked a Qatar Airways plane with Qsuites and, when that plane was changed, rebooked and paid more fees for a plane with Qsuites, only for that plane to be changed again. Despite these irritations, the lounge and congee on the plane were good.

The Sunday brunch, & my recently refurbished suite, at The Sukhothai, Bangkok would have rated '6 teddies' but Tippy's actions rates  a '7 teddies' (🐻🐻🐻🐻🐻🐻🐻) score. She prevented me leaving Igor & Paula, from Mandarin Oriental, Tokyo & Four Seasons, Tokyo at Marunouchi, behind. Tip:  talk to Chef  Frederic at The Sukhothai, Bangkok Sunday brunch.
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Mum & The Shrewsbury Flower Show - Shrewsbury/ London - August 2024

31/8/2024

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Si Frew The Bank Director 

August 2024 was the month when I decided to look for banking work again. The CEO of The Arab Bankers' Association has been very kind helping me try to find a role in one of the Middle Eastern banks in London, that still allows me to spend time in Shrewsbury seeing mum.

I also really enjoy my regular meetings with the CEO of Jordan International Bank Plc & am having one of my periodic meetings with Grant Thornton next week.

The 2024 Shrewsbury Flower Show

My proudest moment of the month was taking mum around the main flower tent at The 2024 Shrewsbury Flower Show.  We had a coffee in the Members' Tent first and mum's friends were overjoyed to see her looking so relaxed & well. 

Bellamy's, Mayfair; The Bear at Hodnet; The Golden Cross; 45 Park Lane; Cafe Laperouse at Raffles, London at The OWO; Pan Pacific, London & Mei Ume at Four Seasons at Ten Trinity Square

I ate some exceptional food in August. From a restaurant the late Queen ate at more than once; to unbelievably succulent lamb at The Bear at Hodnet; to astonishingly tender roast beef at The Golden Cross; to spicy tuna tartare cones at 45 Park Lane; to divine chicken with morels outside at Cafe Laperouse at Raffles, London at The OWO; to the outlandishly brilliant weekend breakfast at Pan Pacific, London; to soup dumpling heaven at Mei Ume at Four Seasons.

Soho House in the Former BBC Building 

My brilliant hotel friend got me access to the rooftop pool at White City House. We also had lunch there.

One of my banking friends has been waiting 8 months to join Soho House but I am not sure it is his sort of place.

Am I Real? Do I Lack Empathy?

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I suffered more personal attacks from people I thought were friends, & family, in August. Felt sad Blocking these two people but I have to protect myself and maintain the strength to help & support mum. My friends have assured me, while I am far from perfect, these attacks seem to be more these two guys projecting their own flaws & anger on me.

My time with mum in August, the beautiful messages of support from my fabulous friends & the extraordinary food I got to try, made it an  '8 teddies' (🐻🐻🐻🐻🐻🐻🐻🐻) month. Hope you all enjoy too many photos of it all below.
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May 2024: An '8 Teddies' Month in London - London - May 2024

3/6/2024

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May 2024 required 4 cover photos and in early June 2024 Mandarin Oriental. Mayfair opens in Hanover Square. I am beyond excitement.

Peninsula, London

Breakfast with Peninsula, London's new MD Rolf was fascinating & the dim sum divine again.  

Much later in the month the mother of my godson & I experienced their 'Belgravia in Bloom Afternoon Tea' on a very wet day.  

The lightest & freshest sandwiches I have ever eaten and flawless service. It was all made even better with Rolf, & Hotel Manager Scott, coming over to say hello. Must thank them for the 'free' Billecart-Salmon Rose champagne & extraordinary special gifts. 

Sir Michael Palin at The Barbican Centre 

It was an honour to hear 80-year-old 'Old Salopian' Sir Michael Palin talk at The Barbican Centre and he even mentioned Shrewsbury School.

Rebel with a Cello at The Royal Albert Hall

I was back in a box at The Royal Albert Hall in May 2024. This time next to The Royal Box. Croatian Stjepan Hauser was even more fun to listen to with my favourite Croatian hotelier.

The Moet champagne, and delicious smoked salmon canapés, helped. There was nothing rebellious about the classical music he played but I loved every minute of it.

Bubbledogs @ 45 Park Lane

Chef Elliott Grover was a genius again. I was unimpressed by the original 'overhyped' Fitzrovia 'Bubbledogs' but his pop-up on the 45 Park Lane terrace was sensational. Beluga caviar & lobster on a hotdog should not work but it did. It was another hotel where the champagne was 'free'.

Special Mentions 

Jeremy Clarkson's 'Diddle Squat Farm Shop' crisps are moorishly delicious;  'Gymkhaha Fine Foods' in Harrods Food Hall produce the most delicate and flavoursome biryani I have eaten; The Arlington's crispy bacon is still delectable but their frozen berries with warm white chocolate sauce must be tried too;  and the peppercorn sauce for 1 Lombard Street's Friday steak frites is to die for.

Hope the photos below, & the text above, explain why is was an  '8 teddies' (🐻🐻🐻🐻🐻🐻🐻🐻) month. Meeting someone like Owen, & reconnecting with Roland, made it a very memorable month.
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Breakfast with Rolf, the new MD of Peninsula, London, was a dream experience.
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Finally, a photo with hotel star Lee, GM of 45 Park Lane. I first met him when he worked at The Savoy.
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I had breakfast at The Emory twice in May 2024. The first time I was thrilled to meet Owen & this photo was before breakfast with Maybourne COO Roland Fasel. GM Knut joined for the end of this momentous breakfast. After Rolf at the start of the month & now Roland. Swiss hoteliers really do rock! I first met Roland when he was GM of The Dorchester & was at Aman, New York when he was COO of Aman Resorts. He is now COO of the group that includes Claridge's, The Connaught, The Berkeley etc
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The 'Belgravia in Bloom Afternoon Tea' at Peninsula, London, with the mother of my godson, was such a special event. Spot the chocolate London Eye, with butterflies & flowers, & the white chocolate Lion Dog on our table.

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A Si Frew Perfect Easter Birthday - London - March 2024

3/4/2024

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Despite various difficulties in my life, I was determined to have a 'Si Frew perfect Easter birthday'. Have to thank the staff of Mandarin Oriental, Hyde Park; Four Seasons at Park Lane; Peninsula, London; 45 Park Lane; Raffles London at The OWO; & Four Seasons at Ten Trinity Square for all the work and effort they put into helping to make it so special.

Mandarin Oriental, Hyde Park's Gift

From the pre-made cocktail gift from The Aubrey at Mandarin Oriental, Hyde Park that is too beautiful to open...

Four Seasons at Park Lane's Surprise Cake

....to the surprise teddy bear birthday cake from Four Seasons at Park Lane, with real gold decorations...

Dream Stay at Peninsula, London

...to an unbelievable stay at Peninsula, London in a suite with a Japanese toilet in the GUEST bathroom; vintage Venue Clicquot champagne; a view of the Buckingham Palace gardens; a breathtaking new Peninsula page outfit for Issy; use of the hotel's green long wheelbase Rolls-Royce & long chat with two Michelin star Chef Francesco Dibenedetto...

45 Park Lane Feels Like Family 

...to a sensational lunch at 45 Park Lane that included Japanese Wagyu steak; champagne; a birthday cake with my photos in icing; a Wolfgang Puck steak knife designed by Chef Elliott Grover as a gift & the whole bill covered by Dorchester Collection...

My Welcome Back at Raffles London at The OWO Always Blows My Mind

...my photo taken with butler Romas, Natalia etc on the main staircase, decorated with fresh flowers for a wedding and a handmade chocolate Easter egg, decorated with gold, as a gift...

Balloons That Echoed My 50th Birthday at Four Seasons at Ten Trinity Square 

...finally 55th gold birthday balloons at Four Seasons at Ten Trinity Square that were an echo of my 50th birthday in Residence Number One at that Four Seasons.

There was also a bunny with a jumper saying "Happy Easter Mr Frew". Have decided to call him Edwin, after the guy who designed the building Four Seasons at Ten Trinity Square are in.

It was an  '8 teddies' (🐻🐻🐻🐻🐻🐻🐻🐻) Easter birthday. My photos have to more than prove that. A particular thanks to 45 Park Lane for covering my bill & Peninsula, London for a stay I will never forget, including a trip in their fabulous green Rolls-Royce and Issy's stunning new outfit.
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Making Mum's Birthday & Mother's Day The Best They Could Be & Chinese New Year - London/ Shrewsbury - February/ March 2024

21/3/2024

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Despite February being a short month, I squeezed lots in. In the end I stayed in Shrewsbury, after mum's birthday, to celebrate Mother's Day with her too.

The Best English Breakfast in London 

Before I left London I had another sensational breakfast at Raffles London at The OWO. With champagne; oysters; soft creamy eggs you dream about; a ginger shot that burns your lips, in a good way &  flawless service from Natalia & her team, probably the best English breakfast in London. 

Mandarin Oriental, Hyde Park & Chinese New Year

I must thank Mandarin Oriental Msheireb Downtown Doha for sending me Sandy in February 2024. I showed off this 'camel' at a Chinese New Year breakfast at Mandarin Oriental, Hyde Park. Their dim sum, with spicy chilli dipping oil, are delectable and service impeccable. Seeing Pim (Head of Guest Relations) & Hotel Manager Kremi there always brightens up my day.

The Savoy River Restaurant by Gordon Ramsay & Plaza Suite with Sarah Jessica Parker & Matthew Broderick at The Savoy Theatre

The Savoy's creamy cheesy Omelette Arnold Bennet and Gordon Ramsay's sublime Beef Wellington have to be tried.

After this memorable lunch, I went to The Savoy Theatre to watch Neil Simon's Plaza Suite.. It was expensive but Sarah Jessica Parker & Matthew Broderick were brilliant.

Sunday Lunch at Claridge’s

After the Financial Times said Claridge's Sunday lunch was the best in London, I had to try it. Issy being given honey with fresh black truffle there illustrates the attention to detail at Claridge's and being given all the desserts on the menu blew my mind. 

Truefitt & Hill; The Refinery, Mayfair; Cartier & Ferragamo on Bond Street

Gino at Truefitt & Hill worked his magic with my hair; The Refinery, Mayfair with my feet; retrieved my gold watch from Cartier and got new blue shoes from Ferragamo on  Bond Street. 

Mum's Shrewsbury Birthday & Mother's Day 

A homemade birthday cake; birthday cards in Welsh; 'fizz' at lunchtime and again that evening, a chat with her granddaughter in Moscow, & my brother in Norwich, etc mean I was proud I did all I could to ensure she had an exceptional birthday & Mother's Day.

While in Shrewsbury her friends took us out for lunch, I took her to St Chad's church & to the cinema etc. Felt I did all I could to stimulate and entertain her.

Foodie Shrewsbury 

Shrewsbury Market Hall keeps getting better; CSONS, Shrewsbury is consistently fantastic; The Exchange pub has reopened with a good value breakfast of excellent quality; love the food and service at Cote, Shrewsbury; Theresa's cooking at The Golden Cross and Gareth's hosting must be experienced; and Rhubarb at Drapers Hall is another must try.

If you want a good pub to drink in, The Admiral Benbow is the place to go.

Walrus and The Coach & Horses

The only disappointments during my stay was my horribly overcooked Welsh Wagyu in the bar area at Walrus (no photo here, thinking about it still makes me feel unwell) and staffing issues at The Coach & Horses. 

​l left Shrewsbury exhausted but thrilled that I helped to give mum a '7 teddies' (🐻🐻🐻🐻🐻🐻🐻) birthday & Mother's Day, changed the WiFi provider & got the widows cleaned at our 1730s Shrewsbury family home etc.

​Hope the photos below convince you it was a busy & tiring but '7 teddies' 6 weeks.

​Over my Easter birthday weekend I will be seeing Mandarin Oriental, Four Seasons, Peninsula, Dorchester Collection & Raffles. All is in place for a Si Frew perfect birthday. It has started perfectly with an unforgettable stay at Four Seasons, Hampshire, seeing my godson etc
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Charismatic GM Thomas Carreras & Four Seasons, New York, Downtown - New York, USA - January 2024

7/2/2024

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PictureOn this trip I not only met Thomas but had the honour of meeting Russky too.
Although I decided to stay in Manhattan on this trip, I had to see GM Thomas Carreras at Four Seasons, New York, Downtown.

I was so glad I made this trip. Chatting to the front desk staff, while waiting, reminded me of the quality of this hotel.

Veuve Clicquot Champagne & Wolfgang Puck Food

The bar was very busy but a special table had been reserved for us and we drank Veuve Clicquot champagne and snacked on Wolfgang Puck food, while chatting. We both agreed Chef Elliott Grover at 45 Park Lane is a rising star.

​Simon Casson came up in conversation and the next day his new role as CEO of Corinthia Hotels was announced. 

Meeting Thomas would always be a '7 teddies' (🐻🐻🐻🐻🐻🐻🐻)  experience but drinking Veuve Clicquot with him, with Russky with us, was even more special. 

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I Love Four Seasons at Park Lane Again! - London - November 2023

3/12/2023

16 Comments

 
PictureMy face says it all. Adam from Four Seasons Gresham Palace in Budapest preparing cocktails at Four Seasons at Park Lane & eating Hungarian/ Asian fusion food in the hotel's elegant new private dining area.
November 2023 was another unforgettable month in my life. My relationship with Four Seasons at Park Lane resumed and my welcome back was beyond belief. I now have green velvet Four Seasons slippers, to wear with my Mandarin Oriental, Msheireb Downtown Doha yukata (robe). 

It was a month of more sensational food. The quality of the ingredients in the Claridge’s breakfast could not be better. As an LVMH Ambassador, It was also a thrill to see their Louis Vuitton trunk Christmas tree.

Chef Elliott Grover, at 45 Park Lane, astonished me with Beluga caviar & UK Wagyu beef smoked with wood chips from a Jack Daniel's cask. The same day as that lunch, I had a white truffle dinner at Four Seasons at Park Lane. There were some mouthwatering pasta dishes from Chef Yannick Alleno but I now know I am not keen on white truffles in my ice cream.

It was an month when Issy's tropical waistcoat from Mandarin Oriental, Miami was shipped to me & The Dorchester gave him a Dorchester Collection staff pin. I also met Sir Cliff Richard, while easting Wolfgang Puck canapes, at 45 Park Lane's Christmas tree lighting party. 

​On the work front, I attended Grant Thornton's 'Banking & Capital Markets Conference 2023' and it was a pleasure to reconnect with Jordan International Bank Plc's new CEO.  We worked together in Qatar.

Hope the photos below evidence another ''7 teddies' (🐻🐻🐻🐻🐻🐻🐻) month. I move to Shrewsbury for Christmas on Tuesday 12 December 2023. Look forward to explaining these photos to people I meet. Still hopeful that my niece Maria, who lives in Moscow, will be in Shrewsbury for Christmas.


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June 2023 was an Unforgettable Month - London/ Shrewsbury - June 2023

6/7/2023

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PictureIt was another dream come true to meet the legend that is Chef Alain Ducasse and Chef Wolfgang Puck & now knows each other.
What a month. From a moving Shropshire funeral, funerals of younger people are always particularly difficult; to one of the most elegant weddings I have ever attended, you could feel the love at both events; to Chefs Alain Ducasse & Wolfgang Puck preparing a 'Four Hands Dinner' for me at 45 Park Lane.

45 Park Lane also produced a cocktail for me from The Beverly Hills Hotel, that was not on their Sunday lunch menu. As that meal, the black truffles on Chef Elliot Grover's sublime roast beef tasted better than ever. I also got to eat in Chef Yannick Alleno's Pavyllon at Four Seasons at Park Lane, before it opened to the public and was back on Four Seasons at Ten Trinity Square's roof sipping a cocktail. Must also mention Chef Tom Booton's revolutionary breakfasts at The Grill by Tom Booton at The Dorchester again.     

Finally I have to talk about mum & the excellent food scene in Shrewsbury. As part of the two weeks I spent in Shropshire during the month, I tried to spoil mum with meals out. My hake at La Piazzetta in The Square was sensational, our steak frites at Cote were delicious and the spicy cooked breakfast at C Sons, Shrewsbury is still morishly good. A family friend also took mum and me around his stunningly beautiful garden. Mum was almost back to her old self, talking about garden design, that afternoon.

Hope you enjoy the photos below and they demonstrate what a memorable month June 2023 was in my life.


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The Coronation of HM King Charles III - London/ Shrewsbury - May 2023

5/6/2023

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PictureOn Coronation Day The Dorchester specially created a Veuve Clicquot champagne & Grey Goose vodka cocktail for me. Also note the Dorchester Collection Coronation staff pin I was presented with.
This week I will meet Chef Alain Ducasse and Chef Wolfgang Puck, Chef Elliott Grover & he will prepare my dinner together at 45 Park Lane.

Dorchester Collection, & Chef Tom Booton, played a significant role in my May 2023. Watching the Coronation flypast from The Dorchester roof, drinking Veuve Clicquot champagne in the rain, and a Coronation Day lunch in The Grill by Tom Booton at The Dorchester, with two appetisers and three desserts!

Four Seasons also played an important role with me spending Coronation Day morning at Four Seasons at Park Lane talking to a charming Saudi mother & daughter and Four Seasons at Ten Trinity Square updating Issy's Beefeater outfit regarding our new King.

It was also a month where I was given Concorde glasses by another Barbican resident and sat next to a Concorde menu from 1977 at the second Veuve Clicquot Sunny Side Up Cafe. This led to a kind email from my friend Edouard de Nazelle in Reims.

I managed to visit Shrewsbury twice during the month. Dad losing his fight with Parkinson's, and mum's falls & diagnosis with dementia/ Alzheimer's, mean it was September 2022 when I last travelled abroad. Do not know what I would do without my friends. I look at a note from Tim in Houston each day and it helps gives me strength. Should also mention Jennifer at Naked Jam. Such a kind & talented lady and a good friend to mum & me. The good thing is mum seems far happier and less anxious. This means planning for my trip to Four Seasons Hotel Nashville can start.

Hope the photos below convince you it was a very special Coronation Day; Chef Tom Booton's breakfast is the best in London; mum is safe & being very well-looked-after; & the remarkable job Bruce did with my Barbican window boxes. 


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How Quickly Things Can Change - Shrewsbury/ London - April 2023

8/5/2023

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I sent Easter lamb to Shrewsbury. This holiday was one of mum's favourites but I ended up spending 10 hours in A&E with mum on Good Friday, after she had another fall, getting out from a car this time.

A difficult time for our family has been exacerbated by Shropshire Council's Social Services. I am still unclear if they are incompetent or lack integrity, or a mixture of both.

There are now Royal Shrewsbury Hospital discharge documents for mum that misrepresented my views. This erroneous information must have come from ICS Social Services but they are now trying to distance themselves from the mess they have helped to create.

I have made numerous formal complaints to Social Services and PALS at Royal Shrewsbury Hospital and a Freedom of Information Request to Shropshire Council.

Organising mum's care arrangements (including physiotherapists, that RSH should have arranged); visiting Shrewsbury, while constantly correcting Social Services and undertaking my Board role at Jordan International Bank Plc, has taken me near breaking point.   

Hope the photos below evidence that I am still doing my best to maintaining a life for myself, while ensuring mum is well looked after.


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Another Unforgettable Birthday - Shrewsbury & London - March 2023

5/4/2023

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PictureSo proud to be a Four Seasons Brand Ambassador. Readership of #luxury #travelblog is up 68% on the day of this post.
What a birthday! Meeting Chef Wolfgang Puck again & him introducing me to his son; meeting my neighbour from Tucker's Town, Bermuda; balloons & champagne at Mandarin Oriental, Hyde Park; having Claridge's 'new' pool to myself; and a welcome at Four Seasons at Park Lane like no other.

I was given too many fantastic one-off gifts. A Mandarin Oriental leather notebook with my initials embossed on it; a Four Seasons at Park Lane leather wash bag; a cocktail shaker engraved with 45 Park Lane; and a teddy bear chocolate birthday cake & flowers from Four Seasons at Park Lane.

​
It was kind of 45 Park Lane to cover my Spago, Beverly Hills dinner bill & love the Gym Face products that were a gift from Claridge's. 

Thanks to everyone who made my birthday so special (eg the magnum of Veuve Clicquot champagne) and hope you enjoy the photos below. 


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The Legend That is The Dorchester is Back! - London - January 2023

1/2/2023

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I returned to London, after New Year, to find my Dorchester hotel hamper. It was a month dominated by the reopening of the ground floor of this iconic hotel.

The Pierre Yves-Rochon refurbishment of the Dorchester lobby & Promenade has to be seen to be believed. From Lalique glass columns under the Promenade's Artists' Bar; to Liberace's piano being played; to stunning original art from various exhibitions I have attended at 45 Park Lane. I found seeing it all the first time almost overwhelming.

It was a month where I met Chef Elliott Grover at 45 Park Lane & Dorchester Collection artist Jill Berelowitz. I also attended a Shrewsbury School (Old Salopian) Epiphany Service at St Mary-le-Bow in the City of London; met with the City of London Police again, as part of my Barbican role; had lunch with colleagues I worked with at the Bank of England in the 1980s; ate Louis Vuitton Yayoi Kusama from Harrods and savoured a delicious bacon chop at the Mount St Restaurant surrounded by Matisse, Lucian Freud, Picasso, Warhol etc, before a tour of their exceptional private dining rooms.

Chef Tom Booton at The Dorchester Grill's stuffed chicken; Chef Elliott Grover's Sunday lunch at 45 Park Lane; the Wolfgang Puck crispy fried beef & prawn wontons with honey spiced mayonnaise at 45 Park Lane; & the cream tea from Rick Stein at Home must all be tried.

​Hope the photos below do justice to an unforgettable start to 2023. I am off to Shrewsbury again tomorrow, to help mum again.


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Christmas - London & Shrewsbury - December 2022

22/12/2022

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Sorry for the silence last month but mum & I have been struggling to deal with dad's death.

However, as you will see from the photos below, I intend to make it a good Christmas in Shrewsbury, despite everything. Hope you have a good one too.
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Four Seasons Downtown New York - My Best Stay There  EVER! - New York, USA - September 2022

22/9/2022

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I learnt about HM the Queen's death while having coffee at The Peninsula hotel in New York. This, & the subsequent mourning period, have left me in a strange state. Problems trying to send my niece in Moscow a birthday present have not helped.

Anyway, my latest stay at Four Seasons Downtown New York was so special, I cannot delay posting about it any further.

Despite being allocated suite 911, in a week when I was flying on 9/11, it was my best stay there EVER!

From Manager Pablo & Jessica, who originated from North Wales, welcoming me; to a suite with stunning views of The Oculus, a bottle of Veuve Clicquot champagne, Steiff teddy bears & a rich chocolate teddy bear cake; the warmth of my welcome from the spa/ pool staff; finding Four Seasons Manhattan/ Midtown staff have found work at Four Seasons Downtown  & Four Seasons launching their 'Luxury Is Our Love Language' while I was staying at the hotel, it could not have been a more perfect stay.

However, an evening that started with General Manager Thomas, where he pointed out the martini on the Wolfgang Puck menu had been named after me & played the James Bond 007 theme music,  while the martini was prepared by our table, seemed impossible to improve. However,  my hero Chef Daniel Boulud (who was staying in the hotel) then join us.

When I met Chef Wolfgang Puck at 45 Park Lane he talked at Daniel and then we meet a few months later. I ended that evening eating Wolfgang Puck Japanese Wagyu thinking life does not get better than this.

​​Hope the photos below help to explain why this was stay was a '7 teddies' (🐻🐻🐻🐻🐻🐻🐻) experience, despite Four Seasons Downtown not being in a New York location that is ideal for me. Tip: if you decided to visit Peter Luger's, take cash & do not expect WiFi. Their bacon is extraordinary but Mr Puck's steaks are far better.
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Another Dream Comes True! London, UK - June 2022

29/6/2022

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PictureI was introduced to Wolfgang Puck at 45 Park Lane.
I met Anthony Bourdain at the Ritz-Carlton in Cayman Islands; Marco Pierre White at the Threadneedles Hotel in the City of London; Gordon Ramsay at the Four Seasons in Doha; Tim Raue in Berlin; Antonio Guida from Mandarin Oriental, Milan at the Mandarin Oriental in Taipei; Eric Ripert at the Ritz-Carlton in Cayman Islands again; and was introduced to Wolfgang Puck at 45 Park Lane last week. I wonder which chef I will meet next?!

This evening I travel to Shrewsbury, Shropshire again. Family matters call. 

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February & March 2022 - Birthdays & Visiting Dad - London & Shrewsbury

6/3/2022

4 Comments

 
PictureI adore my flat in The Barbican filled with so many happy hotel memories. The Dorchester hotel bed there helps.
The start of March, my birthday month, was overshadowed by a period of non-COVID-19 illness. 

February 2022 was a month where I managed to spoil my exceptional mum for her birthday and visit my dad in Shropshire. 

In London I ate lunch at The Wolseley again, always better than I remember;  had breakfast at 45 Park Lane, reading The Wall Street Journal in paper form for the first time in years & tried Silverleaf, the Pan Pacific, London, which reminded me of the bar at Four Seasons, Seoul, far from a bad thing.

I also sent my remarkable godson Miles an Easter chocolate gift to celebrate his recovery from COVID-19.

Must mention how thrilled I am that John Scanlon is going to be the new General Manager of The Beverly Hills Hotel. He really deserves this but I will really miss him here in London.

Hope the photos below evidence another Si Frew perfect 6 weeks, despite my busy new job and a bout of bad illness. 


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

6/12/2020

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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!


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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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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!



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    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 banker. He lives 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.

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