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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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Meeting Chef Nobu Matsuhisa; Lunch at 'Kioku by Endo'; A Breakfast Chat With Lynn Brutman, GM of Four Seasons, London at Park Lane; Celebrating Mum's Birthday; the 'SF Martini' Served in 'The Spy Bar' at Raffles at The OWO  - Feb & Mar 2025

10/3/2025

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Having just 'survived' a particularly nasty bout of flu, felt I must explain the last few weeks.

Another Dream Comes True 

Meeting Chef Nobu Matsuhisa was another dream come true and GM Grant Campbell & his team at Nobu Hotel London Portman Square made it such a special Sunday afternoon.

The 'SF Martini' was served again; Nobu's signature dishes are always much better than I expect & talking abut Nobu partner Robert De Niro was fascinating., 

​Unbelievable Japanese Dishes on The Roof of Raffles, London at The OWO

Various people had recommended 'Kioku by Endo' on the roof of Raffles, London at The OWO and so I had to try it.

The views from there are spectacular and you must try their fatty tuna. My monkfish dish with smoked eel and watercress & ginger sauce was exceptional.

​Breakfast at Pavyllon at Four Seasons, London at Park Lane

I had breakfasts at both Four Seasons in London after I got back from Shrewsbury.

The breakfasts at Four Seasons Hotel London at Tower Bridge continue to impress but the Park Lane hotel has been picked for my birthday weekend. 

It was good to meet with GM Lynn Brutman again and talk about Chef Yannick Alleno's stipulation that there must be a French twist to their breakfasts.

The Best Birthday Mum Could Have Had

I went to Shrewsbury to celebrate mum's 82nd birthday.

From a perfect dinner with her in The Golden Cross; to a family Sunday lunch with her including my brother and me; to a beautiful cashmere scarf gift from one of her best friends; to me arriving on the day of her birthday to find a family friend already visiting her, it could not have gone any better.

The 'SF Martini' Served in The 'Spy Bar' at Raffles, London at The OWO; Pie, Mash & Liquor at The Grill by Tom Booton at The Dorchester; The 'Big Matt' at Hawksmoor, Guildhall & 'Pancake Day' at The Ivy City Garden

It was a few weeks of many exceptional dining & 'SF Martini' experiences (eg Chef Tom Booton's collaboration with pie & mash shop G Kelly led to a sublime chicken & mushroom pie, made even better by chilli vinegar. That, combined with the smooth mash & flavoursome liquor, made it all heaven on a plate).

Kiki and the team in the 'Spy Bar' at Raffles, London at The OWO are phenomenal.

Has The Ivy Expanded Too Far? & The Quality of the Ingredients in One Aldwych's Breakfast Should Justify Their High Prices

My only negative comments are that service at The Ivy City Garden was appalling (eg a drink ordered but forgotten and food & drinks not ordered attempted to be served several times). 

The pastries served at One Aldwych were not fresh and the tomatoes, in my chorizo & egg dish, tasted processed, as did the Kent apple juice. 

'SF Martini' Created by The Lana, Dubai, a Dorchester Collection Hotel

My 'SF Martini' will be served in The Wolseley on 29 March, the actual day of my birthday, thanks to The Dorchester. Still cannot believe I will be able to use The Peninsula, London's extended wheelbase green Rolls-Royce again on my 'Birthday Eve'.
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​It was another '8 teddies' (🐻🐻🐻🐻🐻🐻🐻🐻) few weeks, despite my illness. the afternoon with Chef Nobu alone would justify that score. Hope you enjoy the photos below.

I have breakfast with Roland Fasel again at Claridge's tomorrow. He is COO of Maybourne, which manages Claridge's, The Connaught, The Emory etc. We have know each other for more than 20 years. We first met when he was GM of The Dorchester. 

It is a little ironic that The Emory are the only hotel not to have replied to any of my numerous messages about swimming in their pool on my birthday.
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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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A New UK Government & a 'Fresh Start' - London - July 2024

1/8/2024

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A Labour UK Government 

​It may seem odd for a luxury travel blog to welcome a Labour Government but, with new faces and enthusiasm to make things better, I am optimistic. It helps that I know Secretary of State for Health & Social Care Wes Streeting & am impressed by him.

The Ivy Private Members' Club

Shortly after the election, I had dinner at The Ivy Private Members' Club with my friend who worked for Tony Blair, when he was in 10 Downing Street, again.

A Champagne Breakfast at Pan Pacific. London

Pan Pacific, London keep surprising me, in a good way. I went there without booking & was still welcomed by name and given 'free' champagne. The quality of their weekend buffet breakfast is astonishing.

A Four Seasons at Park Lane's Bastille Day 

The Sunday of Bastille Day was spent at Four Seasons at Park Lane drinking Moet champagne and eating BBQ.

Afternoon Tea, & The 'Spy Bar', at Raffles, London at The OWO

You may not just recognise me in my photo at afternoon tea at Raffles, London at The OWO. 

That afternoon tea, with the mother of my talented godson, was incredible. The edible punnet of strawberries & cream was a work of art & delicious too. The Hotel MD,  Hotel Manager & Director of Wines all came to chat with us. 

We ended a memorable afternoon/ evening in the hotel's '007 Spy Bar', where Matteo, who I knew from The Dorchester, made me a perfect martini.

Rosewood in London

​I am so excited about The Chancery Rosewood opening in 2025 and proud to know Michael Bonsor, who will be their MD.

In July I tried the Cantonese breakfast in The Crystal Room at Rosewood, London. The congee with honey roasted pork was mouth-wateringly good but the dim sum unimpressive and the lack of Chiu Chow chilli oil dip rather a shame. Love that dip at Mandarin Oriental, Hyde Park, the Peninsula, London etc

'Mooncakes' from Peninsula, London

After another sensational breakfast at Peninsula, London, on the day of their MD's birthday, the Hotel Manager presented me with some non-traditional toffee & fudge brownie 'mooncakes'. I almost cried again.

Shrewsbury's dreadful MP not getting re-elected, alone, made it a '7 teddies' (🐻🐻🐻🐻🐻🐻🐻) month. However, I was sad that Simon Baynes did not win his seat.  

It was a month when I did not see mum but I rang her every day and did my duty watering my friends, on the 30th floor of The Barbican's, plants while they were away. I do my best to be a good friend.
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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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Four Seasons, Hampshire With My Godson. A Start To A Birthday Could Not Have Been Better - Hampshire, UK - March 2024

25/3/2024

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Cannot believe it was 10 years since I last visited Four Seasons, Hampshire. Maxine from there introduced me to Karen at Ritz-Carlton, which made my 18 months in Cayman Islands so much better.

A Mercedes Arrival & A Drink With GM Andrew

I took a Mercedes from Farnham station and GM Andrew was waiting outside to greet me. The Instagram photos of this  Georgian building do not do justice to its beauty, set in 500 acres.

We went downstairs for a drink in 'Wild Carrot'. An hour flew by swapping stories & tips. I have since had breakfast at The Beaumont in Mayfair and Andrew was right about that hotel. 

My Godson, Sorel the Owl & The Halk Walk

​I was late meeting my godson and his mother. Simon, who runs The Halk Walk, told us the rescue stories for a number of the birds. I could not believe how soft Sorel the owl's breast feathers were.

We spent a bit too long out in the cold for my godson but we all loved the whole experience.

Afternoon Tea; Egg With Truffles and Meeting Chef Talha Barkin & Clement

We were glad to get back to warmth and service over afternoon tea was perfect. Loved the explanation that was given of the children's menu as "the non-complex" sandwiches, to avoid a teenager's blushes.

Chef Talha Barkin and Clement came to say hello. Chef Barkin and I exchanged stories about Four Seasons, Baku.

The Oliver King Parlour Suite

We then went back to my suite to cut my first birthday cake of 2024.

The Oliver King Parlour Suite has three windows with unrivalled views from the hotel, the suite is above the front door of the manor house.

There were Floris toiletries in the bathroom, which made me think about when Four Seasons at Park Lane offered Floris.

'Wild Carrot' & Food From Heaven

I spent that evening in the bar area of 'Wild Carrot' with Chef Barkin bringing me some of his mouthwateringly delicious signature dishes, while I read Mr Sharp's piece in the latest Four Seasons Magazine.

I am not usually keen on avocado but Chef Barkin made me love it with salmon eggs and his lamb with creamed potatoes and fresh black truffles blew my mind.

At the bar I met Four Seasons audit staff from Toronto, who I will meet again on my Good Friday birthday at Four Seasons at Park Lane.

St Patrick's Day & An Irish Breakfast Reimagined By Four Seasons 

After a very restful night's sleep, it was an Irish breakfast to celebrate St Patrick's Day. The soft creamy eggs were on a par with Raffles London at The OWO's & I love Clonakilty white pudding.

Faye & The Tranquil Pool

​I then spent a few hours at the hotel's stunning pool. A perfect way to while away a Sunday morning, made even better by Faye's brilliant help.

Becky & Douglas The Shetland Pony

Next it was a walk through the stunning grounds, to the Equestrian Centre, to meet naughty Social Media star Douglas. He seems to love the attention.

Sunday Lunch; Melt In The Mouth Beef

Clement persuaded me to enjoy their Sunday lunch buffet and I was so glad I did. The roast beef, with a perfect crispy Yorkshire pudding, was sensational, even if it was all made a bit rushes by my imminent departure time.

Clement was so thoughtful and brought me some cold cans of Diet Pepsi for my journey back to The Barbican..

​My stay at refurbished Four Seasons, Hampshire was definitely a '7 teddies' (🐻🐻🐻🐻🐻🐻🐻) experience. Hope you enjoy the photos below. GM Andrew, Chef Barkin, Clement and Faye could not have done any more for me, Tip;  stay to enjoy a leisurely Sunday lunch. 
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The Aman, Manhattan & The Jazz Club. Brian Newman, Lady Gaga's Trumpet Player, is a Legend - New York, USA - January 2024

5/2/2024

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My first day in New York could not have been better. It started with breakfast at Aman, Manhattan. 

This hotel's restaurants are still not open to the public but they made an exception for www.sifrew.com again.

Aman's Arva Restaurant 

'Arva Restaurant' was a perfect place to spend a few jet lagged hours. I was impressed they had a paper copy of The Wall Street Journal and I adored chatting to Kathy, who manages that restaurant, about Hong Kong etc The icing on this special  cake was being told there was no charge for breakfast.

Strip House on 44th Street

After wandering around snowy and icy Manhattan, lunch was at Strip House. This restaurant used to be part of Michael Jordan's steak empire and so I had to visit it. A New York strip steak, & a martini, was just what I needed.  

The Towers of The Lotte New York Palace 

It was then time to check-in to The Lotte New York Palace. I had been upgraded to their Towers and was transfixed by my view of St Patrick's Cathedral from the 47th floor. Brenda, Director of Front of the House, sent me wine & a sumptuous charcuterie board.

The Jazz Club: Brian Newman's Performance Was a Highlight of My Trip

Before I knew it it was time to return to The Aman, Manhattan. The Jazz Club has a separate 'speakeasy' entrance on a different street to the hotel.

As soon as Brian Newman took to the stage he charisma and ability to engage the audience were clear. He sang Cole Porter, welcomed me by name and got the audience to sing along. It felt like New Year's Eve. I left on a huge high, only to meet Brian outside and have a captivating chat with him.

Four Seasons, Manhattan. Closed But Far From Forgotten

At the end of the evening I walked past sad & dejected Four Seasons, Manhattan. Four Seasons at Park Lane staff tell me this hotel is recruiting again and so I hope it will reopen.

​Trust this post will evidences why it was a '7 teddies' (🐻🐻🐻🐻🐻🐻🐻) first day in New York. Tip: The Jazz Club has a elevator, if the stairs are too much for you.
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Simon Kopec, Director of Marketing, came to speak to me at the start of breakfast. He is a fascinating guy to chat with & it was he who suggested their Jazz Club that evening.
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Still cannot believe Grammy Award winner Brian Newman welcomed me, by name, during his mesmerising performance.

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

3/12/2023

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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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The Opening of Peninsula, London & Raffles, London at The OWO - a Monumental September 2023 for London & www.sifrew.com

2/10/2023

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September 2023 was a month where I stayed in London for the entire month.

The month started with caviar on my Eggs Florentine at Four Seasons at Ten Trinity Square & some beautiful Four Seasons gifts. Love Four Seasons but am currently taking a break from Four Seasons at Park Lane, over a failure to invite me to the launch party for Pavyllon, London.

It was a fun month with a sensational breakfast at the beautiful new restaurant at Claridge's (Issy was given a Claridge's staff pin); a pedicure at Harrods again; seeing the view from the 58th floor of 22 Bishopsgate; & another quality breakfast at Pan Pacific, London.

It was also a month where I could support some of my talented friends. I attended the UK launch party for Forward Global at The National Liberal Club & promoted Naked Jam on Social Media.

However, it was the openings of Peninsula, London and Raffles, London at The OWO ('Old War Office') that were the main focuses of the month. Peninsula, London has cost GBP1BN (not including the purchase of the Belgravia site) and Raffles, London at The OWO has cost the Hinduja family GBP1.4BN and taken 8 years. Both hotels are mesmerisingly beautiful.

The elegant Peninsula silverware on the table brought me nears tears. I was given a further Peninsula bellboy teddy bear and have decided to call him Michael (after Sir Michael Kadoorie).

At Raffles, London at The OWO I was honoured to be the first person at breakfast at Chef Mauro Colagreco's Saison on the day the hotel opened.  GM Philippe Leboeuf took time out from the opening ceremonies to meet me again, we last met when he was GM of the Mandarin Oriental in Paris. I was given a Raffles lion and will name him after the hotel's impeccable GM. Just as at breakfast at The Peninsula, London, staff were charming & nothing was too much trouble.

​Two billion pound new 5 star hotels opening in London made it a '7 teddies' (🐻🐻🐻🐻🐻🐻🐻) month. The Peninsula, London were kind enough to cover my breakfast bill & The Raffles, London at The OWO could not have honoured me more.
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Was at Peninsula, London on the first day they served breakfast and was so impressed that everything went so smoothly & former staff from Mandarin Oriental, Hyde Park knew me.
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Minutes after this photo was taken GM Phillipe was addressing the entire staff of Raffles at The OWO on the opening day of this new London hotel on the Grand Staircase.
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The meticulously restored marble Grand Staircase at Raffles, London at The OWO was a very fitting place to show off my Peabody Hotel, Memphis Duckmaster cane again.

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A Return to the UK Like No Other - London/ Shrewsbury - August 2023

4/9/2023

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Today a Labor Day call from my best friend in New York reminded me that August 2023 is well & truly over.

August 2023 started in Miami and Mandarin Oriental, Miami could not have made the end of my Houston - Nashville - Memphis - Miami trip any more special.  Hope the photos below evidence that.

I flew back to London in British Airways First Class on an A380 (the double decker plane). At Miami International Airport I could use the American Airlines Flagship First Dining again. The irony that flying First Class with United & American Airlines, domestically, on the same trip I was refused access to their lounges and now someone was melting the garlic butter on my steak with a blow torch, was not lost on me.

Back at my Barbican place I opened gifts &  cards from Four Seasons, Nashville,  The Guest House at Gracelands,  The Peabody Hotel, Memphis & the Mandarin Oriental, Miami. I felt like crying again, such thoughtful & special mementos.

Despite very bad jet lag, I then hosted my niece from Moscow to the Pret a Portea (fashion) afternoon tea at The Berkeley & dinner at The Wolseley. Four Seasons at Park Lane also created a special mocktail for her. She is such a chatty and cheerful young lady and a joy to spend time with. I am just sorry her UK grandmother could not see her on this trip. 

The rest of the month was taken up with two weeks in Shrewsbury, doing my best to raise mum's spirits, with meals out and taking her to St Chad's church.  

​There were also some sensational breakfasts. The chunks of fresh ginger on my chicken congee at the Mandarin Oriental, Hyde Park; the insanely good bacon & Bloody Marys at Michel Roux Jr's The Wigmore at The Langham Hotel and the mouthwatering pastries at The Grill by Tom Booton at The Dorchester deserve special mentions.

Meeting my niece Maria from Russia again, after so long, would make it a '7 teddies' (🐻🐻🐻🐻🐻🐻🐻) month on its own but the fact mum loves the watch I found for; the Issy card from my godson Miles and finding my postcards India in the 1980s and the one I wrote in Russia  when Andropov was their President,  have blown my mind. Enjoy the photos below. 
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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.

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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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Making Mum's 80th Birthday Very Special - Shrewsbury & London - February 2023

3/3/2023

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PictureMum looking Paul Smith fabulous on the day of her 80th birthday.
Mum's 80th birthday meant two trips to Shrewsbury in the month of February 2023.

The love mum's friends showed to her made me feel better over all we are dealing with at present. She was inundated with gorgeous flowers, countless cards and generous gifts. Welsh relatives ringing on the morning of mum's birthday , a cake from Shrewsbury Market Hall & an afternoon tea hosted by great friends of mum & dad made it a remarkable day for mum.

I did my best to spoil mum with a birthday cake; birthday dinner at Riverbank Bar & Kitchen (problems with their on-line reservation system) and Sunday lunch at The Armoury. The latter must be one of the best Sunday lunches in Shrewsbury.

This short month was, therefore, packed for me. Oliver from Shrewsbury School Foundation took me to lunch at St James's Hotel & Club; Four Seasons at Ten Trinity Square served me caviar at breakfast; had a manicure with my haircut at Truefitt & Hill; ate Chef Elliot Grover's Wolfgang Puck Oscar menu at 45 Park Lane; enjoyed fish & chips at Four Seasons at Park Lane; and my work as a bank board member at Jordan International Bank Plc continued.

Hope the photos below do justice to mum's 80th birthday. My birthday again on 29 March.  Chef Elliott Grover's Wolfgang Puck Spago Beverly Hills experience at 45 Park Lane is booked on 30 March and I will be staying at The Manor House Hotel in Moreton-in-Marsh in The Cotswolds at the start of April for another special lady's 80th birthday.


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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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A Very Special Birthday - March & April 2022 - London/ Shrewsbury

11/4/2022

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Cannot thank my mother, Kathy, Alejandro, Four Seasons, John & Bilal, Jolee etc enough for all they did to help to make it such a memorable birthday again.

Hope the photos below help to demonstrate that it was another '7 teddy' birthday


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

2/1/2022

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PictureWith so many complex gifts, Maria needed her full concentration during our Christmas Day lunch.
November & December 2021 were a whirlwind. The fact I signed the contract for my new banking job at The Rosewood Hotel, London,  and started my new role in Canary Wharf in December, means 2022 should start well for me.

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

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

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

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

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


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

6/10/2020

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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.


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

1/9/2020

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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!


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

4/7/2019

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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. 
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This email, from a friend at LVMH, who I met while working in Cayman Islands, made my day.
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I first met Mandarin Oriental GM Amanda in Bangkok & always adore our meetings.
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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.
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Four Seasons @ Park Lane GM Lynn is always a perfect source of useful practical advice.
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RHS Chelsea Flower Show & My Barbican Window Boxes - London, UK - May 2019

28/5/2019

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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. 


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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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