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45 Park Lane; 'Too Many Cooks' Dinner & Their Christmas Tree Lighting Party - Chef Elliott Grover, Chef Mark Hix, Chef Mitch Tonks, Baroness Floella Benjamin & Jo Brand - London - November 2025

23/11/2025

I am spending US Thanksgiving on Thursday at 45 Park Lane. This has made me think I must post something about their 'Too Many Cooks' dinner and meeting Baroness Floella Benjamin & Jo Brand at the Christmas Tree Lighting Party.

'Too Many Cooks' Dinner With One Cook Missing

The 'Too Many Cooks' dinner was a legendary evening. Tom Parker Bowles was absent but the horrendous attack on his sweet Jack Russell Maud that afternoon makes that completely understandable.

Before the dinner I met Chef Mitch Tonks & Chef Mark Hix. I have hoped to meet Mark Hix for years and Mitch Tonks (of The Seahorse) was a kindred spirit and we immediately bonded.

The guests (eg Digital Creator Rob Bentley, Social Media Star & TV Personality Henry Southan etc) were as fascinating as the cooks and the food next level.

Must thank 45 Park Lane Bar Manager Enrico for making an emergency batch of the 'SF Martini' special vermouth on the evening.

The 45 Park Lane Christmas Tree Lighting Party; In My 50s But Still One of Floella Benjamin's Playschool Babies

Meeting Cliff Richard was incredible but finding Baroness Floella Benjamin was the guest of honour this year was a dream come true. When Floella held my hand you could feel her warm & positivity. Then realising Jo Brand was a fellow guest blew my mind.

Chef Elliott Grover's light as air Yorkshire Puddings, with mouthwatering beef and horseradish cream; smoked pigs in blankets; & runny Scotch eggs were the foods you hope to find in heaven.

A fabulous speech from GM Lee; magnums of Ruinart champagne served by brilliant staff you could chat with; Tanja as my guest; the Ian Turnock's Christmas trees; connecting with Hormazd Narielwalla again; & meeting Stewart Lee, CEO of Savile Row Gin made is such a memorable evening.

Both of these evenings were '9 teddies' (🐻🐻🐻🐻🐻🐻🐻🐻🐻) events I will be talking about for years to come. 45 Park Lane is such a special Dorchester Collection hotel.

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The Impressive Refurbished Penthouse at Four Seasons, Tower Bridge; The Mouthwatering Steak & Salad Lunch Deal at 45 Park Lane; and Golden Diwali, Freshly Baked Mooncakes & Divine Delicate Dim Sum at Peninsula, London - London/ Shrewsbury - October 2025

1/11/2025

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Discreet Mandarin Oriental, Mayfair in Hanover Square

I have already posted this month how excited I am about November 2025 & my stay at Mandarin Oriental, Mayfair has since been confirmed.

It was include a Chef's Table dinner by Chef Jihun Kim in Somssi with a Korean inspired tasting menu & a spa treatment.

On 5 November I will also get to try the new cocktails in their rooftop Hanover Bar, while watching the Bonfire Night fireworks.

My Niece's Birthday & The Refurbished Penthouse at Four Seasons, Tower Bridge

The Sunday all you can eat dim sum brunch at Four Seasons, Tower Bridge was a chance to celebrate my Moscow based Niece's birthday long distance, view the hotel's refurbished penthouse & drink an 'SF Martini'.

The second cover photo is of the 'Secret Garden' inside the penthouse and the doors inside the penthouse and made of inlaid wood by Viscount Linley. You can rent the penthouse for £50,000 a night.

Beef Wellington; Formula One Cars; Diwali; Fresh Mooncakes & Divine Dim Sum at Peninsula, London

From MD Rolf offering I could perch on their Formula One car for the photo (I, politely, declined this); to Chef Saravanan Chamy arranging for me to try smaller versions of all the dishes on their Diwali menu (include Salt Marsh Lamb Biriani with gold in it); to Chef Ling Ling Zeng's freshly baked mooncakes; to Hotel Manager Scott personally delivering the Financial Times & New York Times to me in 'Canton Blue' & Chef Ling Ling Zeng letting me try one of every delicate dim sum on their menu and F&B Directory Anthony showing me their David Hockney painted BWM, once again, cannot say enough good things about Peninsula, London.

45 Park Lane; Flawless Food & Service

The good value steak & salad lunchtime deal at 45 Park Lane meant I visited it more than once during the month.

On my lastest visit Emily (the CUT Restaurant Manager) served me Ruinart champagne and the Wagyu beef with shaved truffles dish I missed out on when Chef Elliott Grover catered Hormazd Narielwalla's book launch at Hackett on Savile Row.

The perfection of everything at 45 Park Lane made me even more excited about the 'Too Many Cooks' dinner there this month.

Mum Happy & Comfortable and Shrewsbury

I managed to squeeze in a visit to Shrewsbury where I visited her every day and even had a 'Robert Omelette' at The Ol' Chemist.

On one of the visits to mum, her brilliant friend Pat Davies had us both laughing.

The Difficult to Book Eagle Bar at The Chancery Rosewood

I took the CEO of Jordan International Bank Plc to The Eagle Bar at The Chancery Rosewood. He was impressed by the service he received once he mentioned he was my guest.

The only problem was we tried to sit inside but the noise levels meant we had to move outside.

All Peninsula, London & 45 Park Lane did for me, combined with receiving the exceptional details regarding my Mandarin Oriental, Mayfair stay & my treatment at The Emory, make it another unprecedented '9 teddies' (🐻🐻🐻🐻🐻🐻🐻🐻🐻) month.

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A Mandarin Oriental, Mayfair VIP is Super Excited About November 2025

26/10/2025

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Mandarin Oriental, Mayfair in Hanover Square

I am very proud to be one of the first people to be presented with one of Mandarin Oriental, Mayfair's new VIP cards, which offers discounts when using the hotel.

During October 2025 I had lunch with Helmut, the new Hotel Manager. We ate lobster ravioli with ginger and the occasion called for Ruinart champagne. After lunch GM Hemal came to say hello and then Marcel, GM of Mandarin Oriental, Manhattan came to chat with me.

All this has made me even more eager to stay at Mandarin Oriental, Mayfair next month. I have had a special relationship with Hanover Square since Bob Payton's Chicago Pizza Pie Factory was based in the square in the 1990s.

The Emory in Belgravia

My stay at The Emory in Belgravia has been confirmed at the end of next month. I am taking Issy there next week to be measured for his first Maybourne outfit.

The Emory is the latest hotel in a group that includes Claridge's, The Connaught etc and an architectural masterpiece by the late Richard Rogers' practice, with just 60 suites and a penthouse. Described as a hidden world of discreet understated luxury.

The restaurant is 'abc kitchens' by Jean-Georges Vongerichten ("JGV"). I have eaten in the New York original and have dinner booked in The Connaught Grill, also by JGV, with Roland, COO of Maybourne, next month too.

My 'SF Martini' will be served in their Rooftop Bar with panoramic views of London and my suite will have a butler, fully stocked complimentary mini-bar, floor-to-ceiling window looking out over Hyde Park, Surrenne bath products and a Japanese Toto toilet.

Dinner by Heston Blumenthal at Mandarin Oriental, Hyde Park; A Meal Cooked by Mark Hix, Elliott Grover, Tom Parker Bowles, Jack Stein etc at 45 Park Lane & Peninsula, London's Christmas Tree Lighting

I am being invited to pre-Christmas events by Peninsula, London; Pan Pacific, London; Mandarin Oriental, Hyde Park; 45 Park Lane; Raffles, London at The OWO etc.

A Heston Blumenthal lunch with Flavia, Mandarin Oriental's Area Vice President, Operations should be fascinating and a 'Too Many Cooks' dinner at 45 Park Lane involving Chef Elliott Grover, Chef Mark Hix, Tom Parker Bowles, Chef Jack Stein etc would give a chance to ask about HRH King Charles' 'Wet Martini' while eating white truffle Ruinart champagne risotto; grilled langoustines, Pernod & tarragon and sugar pit beef cheek, carrot puree, mixed carrots & carrot top pesto.

You will see that November 2025 is likely to break my 'teddy scoring system' again.

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The Exquisite New 'The Chancery Rosewood' in the Reimagined Former US Embassy in Grosvenor Square - London - August/ September 2025

4/9/2025

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The Chancery Rosewood is the talk of hoteliers here in London and I used to visit Finnish-American Eero Saarinen's US Embassy building in the 1990s, on behalf of the Bank of England. We drank in the basement bar with Embassy staff & US Marines would come to tell you when it was time to leave.

I have visited the TWA Hotel at JFK, Eero Saarinen was also the architect for this, and was stunned by that magnificent building. There is an August 2022 post about that.

Bentley Perfection

As soon as I saw the long wheelbase Bentley waiting in the Barbican to collect me, I knew I was in for a very special stay. Talking to driver Andrei on the journey confirmed this.

A Very Happy Welcome from Familiar Faces

I was welcomed to the 144 suite David Chipperfield redesigned The Chancery Rosewood at 24 - 31 Grosvenor Square by Nicole & Conor, who I knew from Pan Pacific, London, and my Butler Lidia. The grand ceremonial staircase, and hotel lobby, are very impressive.

Checked-in in my Stunning Suite

Butler Lidia undertook an in suite check-in, while pouring me a glass of Pol Roger champagne. Does life get much better than that.

There was a special cocktail for Issy too, as well as a vest made for him out of the green patterned fabric the hotel's pyjamas (which cost US$1,100) are made from. The pattern includes an eagle motif and an 18 Century map of Grosvenor Square.

The Weekend Financial Times & New York Times were all waiting for me.

My initials were not just on the pillow but on the suite key card and a bathroom towel too.

Loved the smell of the 'Never Go Alone' bath products in my huge marble bathroom and the fact they were made in Somerset.

GSQ: A Delicatessen with Outside Seating Overlooking Grosvenor Square

Lunch was a Reuben sandwich sitting outside in the hotel's delicatessen GSQ. Delicious but difficult to eat in a dignified manner. The dressing on the side salad was mouth-wateringly good.

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Lunch at The Emory with Roland Fasel, COO of Maybourne Hotel Group; Chef Elliott Grover at 45 Park Lane Becoming a True Celebrity; the 'Robert Omelette' at The Ol' Chemist & a Heavenly Morning at Peninsula, London - London/ Shrewsbury - August 2025

28/8/2025

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August 2025 was an unbelievable month in so many ways, From caviar at Raffles, London at The OWO & 45 Park Lane; to "no bill for you Mr Frew" heard at 45 Park Lane, Peninsula, London, Four Seasons, London at Tower Bridge etc it was magical month, despite the Air Canada strike.

The Chancery Rosewood in the Former US Embassy in Grosvenor Square

I am posting about August 2025 a few days early because the month will end with my check-in at The Chancery Rosewood this weekend and waking up in September 2025 there.

Legendary Hotel Professional Roland Fasel

My lunch with Roland Fasel in 'Jean-Georges' abc kitchens' at The Emory was entertaining, informative & full of laughs.

Our mutual thought that the beetroot carpaccio reminded us of our mothers' cooking had Roland joking that "we are country bumpkins from Shropshire & Switzerland."

Celebrity Chef Elliott Grover at 45 Park Lane

Each morning I switch on the TV in Shrewsbury Chef Elliott Grover seems to feature but appearing on Instagram in Big John Fisher's Romford kitchen is even more impressive.

It was, therefore, incredible for him to personally make me the best blinis of my life (& I have been to Moscow) at 45 Park Lane's Côte d'Azur experience.

With Ruinart champagne; my own tin of King's Imperial Caviar; caviar doughnuts & a USDA Prime Ribeye Philly Cheese Steak, with an insanely good sauce, the food was exceptional and the whole thing far better than the South of France.

The 'Robert Omelette' at The Ol' Chemist in Shrewsbury & Two 90th Birthdays

In Shrewsbury I celebrated three birthdays. At Bob's at The Ol' Chemist Chef Jamie produced his spicy & delicious 'Robert Omelette' again. Not on the menu yet but people can order it. We celebrated Bob's birthday the next day, with mum again, over porridge.

The other two birthdays were the 90th birthdays for a couple with birthdays one month apart. A retired orthopedic surgeon, & artist, sang at his own 90th birthday party, accompanied by his grandson. It was an extraordinary birthday party meeting all that family again and quite a day for me, taking mum to St Chad's that morning.

Peninsula, London & the Air Canada Strike

The Air Canada strike meant a Canadian family I adore missed out on their Paris/ London vacation. Peninsula, London agreed to help cheer me up & exceeded my high exceptions, as usual.

From their Cantonese breakfast; to swimming in their pool again; to mooncake ice cream with pistachio nut chocolate; to their Dandan noodles back in The Barbican. A heavenly Peninsula morning.

The Best Cooked Breakfast in London

Chef Yannick Alleno's breakfast in Pavyllon at Four Seasons at Park Lane is back to being one of the best in London but the cooked breakfast at Raffles, London at The OWO continues to be exceptional. I wonder what The Chancery Rosewood's hot breakfast will comprise of. Their menus are not public still.

My check-in at The Chancery Rosewood, combined with all the other incredible things that I experienced in August 2025, make it an unprecedented '9 teddies' (🐻🐻🐻🐻🐻🐻🐻🐻🐻) month.

When a visit to the Soho Farmhouse, where we drank champagne in the sunshine, & using a different barber, do not rate paragraphs, you know it was too good a month.

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Soleil @ Peninsula, London; Dante @ Claridge's; 30 Years of The Fat Duck at Bray @ Mandarin Oriental, Hyde Park; Chef Tom Booton's 'Last' Meal in The Grill at The Dorchester; & Dad's Ashes - London/ Shrewsbury - July 2025

1/8/2025

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It was an epic month by any standards. My Barbican window boxes have never looked so good and watching bees & butterflies enjoying them brings me so much joy.

Soleil (Sun) by Claude Bosi on the 8th Floor of Peninsula, London

While the weather for the launch was damp & overcast, lemons from Calabria, perfect soft scrambled eggs, David (Director of Rooms), Scott (Manager) etc coming to chat & Chef Francesco Dibenedetto presenting me with a very special bottle of his family's olive oil made it a perfect way to start a special month.

The Mark Hotel New York's Hotdogs at The Connaught

The Mark in New York's hotdog stand sold beef or chicken hotdogs but in London Jean-Georges Vongerichten served turkey hotdogs. Delicious but I would have preferred beef. However, still a good way to mark 4th of July.

The next week I returned to The Connaught for their sublime scrambled eggs with black truffles breakfast and to meet MD Sandeep Bhalla properly. Issy now has a Connaught hound staff pin.

My New Dante, NYC at Claridge's Baseball Cap

With lunch with COO Roland Fasel at abc kitchens at The Emory next week, it has been a very Maybourne couple of months.

Dante, NYC was such a fun experience at Claridge's. I had huevos rancheros; a Fluffy Margarita Royale; met Dante owner Linden Pride and his sweet daughter and Claridge's Restaurant Manager Will Rogers presented me with a baseball cap to mark the occasion that I now treasure.

30 Years of Chef Heston Blumenthal at The Fat Duck at Bray at Mandarin Oriental, Hyde Park

Another dream came true during the month. Eating Snail Porridge, while drinking an 'SF Martini'.

The Heston dishes were all divine (who knew white chocolate goes with caviar) & his triple cooked chips, dipped in a bone marrow gravy, were insanely good.

It was such a memorable meal & being presented with a further bottle of the scent of Mandarin Oriental, Hyde Park was the perfect way to end the evening.

A Beautiful Ceremony to Bury Dad's Ashes in the Graveyard at St Chad's

Dad's brother Roland & Aunt Tricia came down from Scotland for this ceremony in Shrewsbury and Vicar Sam did a brilliant job, even mentioning dad's late brother George & his Moscow based granddaughter Maria.

The spot in the graveyard where they are buried is beautiful and mum even kept some of the roses we were meant to scatter.

Chef Tom Booton's 'Last' Meal in The Grill at The Dorchester

The month culminated with an exquisite Chef Tom Booton lunch. Everyone should get to eat Tom's chicken at least once in their lives.

The quality of the apron I was given with my name embroidered on it says it all.

The above text justifies an '8 teddies' (🐻🐻🐻🐻🐻🐻🐻🐻) month score but I should also mention breakfast at Mandarin Oriental, Mayfair where I was given more of their hotel scent; getting to try the 'Robert Omelette' at the Ol' Chemist in Shrewsbury; Tanja's unforgettable birthday party; and consistent perfection from The Wolseley, The City; C Sons, Shrewsbury & The Golden Cross.

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Obsessed by Peninsula, London's Noodles; A Pan Pacific, London Cake for The King's Official Birthday; Four Seasons Yachts Perfection & the Mesmerising Cartier Exhibition at The V&A - Shrewsbury/ London - June 2025

1/7/2025

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A Family Sunday in Shrewsbury

June 2025 started with me making my own Sunday breakfast in Shrewsbury using Marco Pierre White's technique for soft scrambled eggs & sausages from Shrewsbury Market Hall. After this I took mum to St Chad's church and then for Sunday lunch at The Golden Cross with my brother. Their melt in the mouth roast beef never disappoints.

Obsessed With Peninsula, London's Noodles

I visited the Little Blue Noodle Bar two further times in June. On the first visit Anthony, F&B Director, served me perfectly chilled champagne and Chef Saravanan Chamy sent me delicate & delicious dim sum from Canton Blue.

I tried the off menu noodle dish and so am now ahead of Financial Times food critic Jay Rayner. The Peninsula, London attracts fascinating customers and I had fun chatting to a couple who were both poets.

My second visit was after a Shrewsbury School informal networking event for people working in financial services. It was held in Belgravia and so, after, I got takeout dandan spicy noodles from the Little Blue Noodle Bar. They tasted even better after sitting in the takeout container for a few hours.

Never Get Tired of The Dorchester

I also went for breakfast in The Promenade at The Dorchester again. They always exceeded by expectations and writing a personalised message on my cappuccino was a brilliant touch.

A Pan Pacific, London Cake for The King's Official Birthday

On the Saturday of the King's Official Birthday I had breakfast at Pan Pacific, London. They surprised me, again, with a cake. The staff there are brilliant. I watched the flypast from the 30th floor of The Barbican.

Sublime Meals at Raffles, London at The OWO

My Saturday breakfast at Raffles, London at The OWO was so good I returned for their 'Sunday Feast' the next day. Both meals were superb.

Chef Paul Ainsworth at The Giorgio Armani Tennis Classic at The Hurlingham Club

Four Seasons Yachts took me to The Giorgio Armani Tennis Classic at The Hurlingham Club. I had breakfast at Four Seasons at Park Lane before it, which could not have been better.

The Hurlingham Club is a beautiful oasis and, if that afternoon/ evening are any indication of what the Four Seasons Yacht will be like, it will be a huge success. Amanda, Nils and Camille embody the spirit of Four Seasons.

I was surprised Chef Paul Ainsworth was able to produce such an impeccable main course for so many people.

Fiddler of the Roof & Cartier Exhibition at The V&A

Cannot say enough good things about Fiddler on the Roof at The Barbican Centre, the acrobatic dancing, the songs you know so well etc; or the Cartier Exhibition with HSH Princess Grace of Monaco's tiara, the Cartier collaboration with Faberge, Al Thani family tiaras etc. Have no hesitation about recommending both.

Four Seasons Tower Bridge Help Another of My Dreams to Come True

Tower Bridge was opening for The Royal Thames Yacht Club's 250th Anniversary Boat Parade and they let me watch this, for the first time, from the balcony of Residence No 1, where part of 50th birthday celebrations were held. I drank an 'SF Martini' after to celebrate. Another unbelievable Saturday.

6 cover photos evidence June 2025 was another '8 teddies' (🐻🐻🐻🐻🐻🐻🐻🐻) month. I must also mention another special lunch at Wiltons; that Fish Central was a great find for dinner; another Sunday lunch at Story Cellar that was perfect, I even drank an 'SF Martini' there; & a friend's party at The Groucho Club. The speech at the latter made me emotional, her references to me in it were too kind.

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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

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.

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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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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Home but the Celebrations Continue - London & Shrewsbury - November/ December 2024

21/1/2025

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My 'Epic Trip' to mark 10 years of this blog was so unbelievable it has taken some time to recover from and hence my silence since my 15 posts about it.

ABar Rooftop at Mandarin Oriental, Mayfair

Shortly after returning to London the rooftop at Mandarin Oriental, Mayfair opened and I had to visit it. It is a beautiful space and the high quality of the furniture (& the view) took my breath away.

There was Moet champagne, a delicious cake topped with raspberries and a card that almost made me cry. Various staff (including GM Susanne) came to say hello. What an experience.

A Gift at Breakfast at Mandarin Oriental, Hyde Park

Also have to thank Mandarin Oriental, Hyde Park for the framed collage of photos of various special moments at Mandarin Oriental in London & Bangkok.

My Friends are the Best

A Sunday lunch at Hawksmoor, Seven Dials, & breakfast at Firmdale's Covent Garden Hotel, let me meet friends from Dubai & Qatar again.

Elizabeth Solaru's 'The LUXPreneur'

I read the inscription in the book Elizabeth sent me at Raffles, London at The OWO. Once again, I was near tears.

After breakfast I released my flower from my 'Ganesha Ceremony' at Four Seasons, Chiang Mai on The Thames.

Grant Thornton's Banking and Capital Markets Conference

I attended a Grant Thornton banking conference shortly after my return and it was an excellent way to get up to speed with various current topics in banking.

A Pre-Christmas Visit to Shrewsbury to See Mum

I squeezed in a pre-Christmas visit to see mum and was so pleased to find how well she had been looked after while I was in Thailand and the Middle East.

My '8 teddies' (🐻🐻🐻🐻🐻🐻🐻🐻) experiences continued after my return to the UK. Hope people enjoy the photos below. I am still wearing my blessings bracelet from the Four Seasons Tented Camp in The Golden Triangle.

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Qatar Airways - Flight From Doha to London in Qsuites - November 2024

1/1/2025

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I wholeheartedly recommend the Qatar Airways Qsuites product, with no reservations.

Two portions of Baeri caviar, Taittinger rose champagne & the 'Widow Clicquot' movie. One of my best flights for years and the perfect way to end an 'Epic Trip'.

The Qatar Airways Qsuites product rates an '8 teddies' (🐻🐻🐻🐻🐻🐻🐻🐻) score. My flight could not have been better.

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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?

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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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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The Exquisite New Mandarin Oriental, Mayfair Opens in Hanover Square - London/ Shrewsbury - June 2024

1/7/2024

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June 2024 was quite a month.

Mandarin Oriental, Mayfair & Akira Back

I was one of the first members of the public to see the flawless Mandarin Oriental. Mayfair, was presented with one of their Vivienne Westwood fans & loved trying an Akira Back kimchi croissant.

A Prestfelde Reunion on a Boat & a 50th Birthday Celebration on a Canal Boat

I attended a Prestfelde Prep School reunion on a boat on the River Seven and was also part of an unbelievable 50th birthday celebration on a London canal boat. The Ruinart champagne bottle cake for the later was beyond belief.

Mum Has Some Astonishing Friends

During my time in Shrewsbury that month, mum & I visited some of her friends. While touring their breathtaking gardens, and talking about flowers, some of mum's memories of our previous homes came back that I thought were lost forever.

Life is so Fragile. We are not Promised a Tomorrow so Give it Everything You Have Got

It was a month when I leant Julian Lewis-Booth died of a heart attack. He was in my year at Shrewsbury School and Kenny Ng, him and I reconnected over a lunch during COVID-19. He had only recent dealt with his mother's death and leaves a wife & two sons. He was a true gentleman and a kind & caring friend.

A Police Report

It was also the month where I had to make a police report to West Mercia Police about a verbal assault by the neighbour of mum's mentioned in my April 2024 post.

My time at Mandarin Oriental, Mayfair, and the feeling I did everything I could for mum, definitely, made it a '7 teddies' (🐻🐻🐻🐻🐻🐻🐻) month. Hope you enjoy the photos of a very special 50th birthday celebration etc. Tip: try Jeremy King's latest London opening 'The Park' for breakfast, with its ''free' coffee refills.

Susanne is GM of Mandarin Oriental Mayfair. We first met when she was GM of Mandarin Oriental, Manhattan & our faces say it all over how happy we are the Mandarin Oriental in Hanover Square is, finally. open.

My mum looking elegant, happy & relaxed.

`The birthday girl & her sister, who I also met at Mandarin Oriental, Manhattan.

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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.

Breakfast with Rolf, the new MD of Peninsula, London, was a dream experience.

Finally, a photo with hotel star Lee, GM of 45 Park Lane. I first met him when he worked at The Savoy.

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

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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An Unforgettable Russian/ Shropshire Christmas - Shrewsbury/ London - December 2023

6/1/2024

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With mum's rapidly deteriorating health, I was thrilled we managed to arrange for her to spend Christmas Day at the family home in Shrewsbury with her granddaughter from Moscow.

It was a very special, and memorable, Christmas Day and I was so glad we could share it was a family friend, who I have found so supportive. We even ate beluga caviar, thanks to our Russian family, and had a real Christmas tree.

My niece is now an elegant young lady and still a joy to spend time with. She loved her Laduree gifts from me and Vivienne Westwood & Pandora gifts from her dad.

I met my godson, with his mother, just before Christmas. It was the first time we have met since COVID-19 and a delight. I sent him his first wallet for Christmas from Fortnum & Mason.

My pre-Christmas breakfasts are now legendary. The cooked breakfast at The Grill by Tom Booton at The Dorchester and the Chinese one at Mandarin Oriental, Hyde Park deserve special mentions but this 'tradition' fittingly culminated with perfection at Raffles, London at The OWO in 2023. My welcome there, their scrambled eggs & ginger press could not have been bettered.

Hope you enjoy the photos below. It was an '8 teddies' (🐻🐻🐻🐻🐻🐻🐻🐻) Christmas. I cherish my mother and adore my niece, to spend this Christmas Day with them both was a dream come true. Organising all this has taken its toll on me and I am looking forward to a First Class trip to New York this month to recharge my batteries.

Happy New Year to the 400,000 readers of my blog. Hope we all have healthy and lucky ones.

A happy uncle & a niece with his eyes, before a Boxing Day lunch with my brother & mother.

What a location for our Christmas Day lunch. All my preparation work paid off.

Mum looking very regal in red, to have lunch with me in C Sons in Shrewsbury.

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

3/12/2023

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My 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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Raffles, London at The OWO, an UNBELIEVABLE Stay - London - October 2023

31/10/2023

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After 10 days in Shrewsbury dealing with family issues, and raising mum's spirits, I decided I needed to do something to treat myself.

I picked a stay at the new Raffles, London at The OWO. I had high expectations but Manager Patrick, & his team, far exceeded these.

The Granville Suite

I was given The Granville Suite. Named after spy Christine Granville and I hope my photos do some justice to its scale & grandeur but I was surprised by how comfortable it was. Those sofas were a dream.

The attention to detail, & craftsmanship, in that suite was unparalleled and Ms Granville was a legend.

Butlers & La Grande Dame Veuve Clicquot

Butlers Romas & Jean-Luca were superb and I could not believe I was given La Grande Dame Veuve Clicquot champagne, which reflects the true class of this new hotel.

The Spy Bar

I not only got to see the Spy Bar, with its Aston Martin DB5, but 'worked' behind the bar with Kiki and there is now a 'Frew 007' cocktail.

Manager Patrick was so kind to join me there and the bar opened on a Sunday evening just for me, it is usually closed on Sundays & Mondays.

Paper Moon

My beef tartare with shaved truffles in Paper Moon, with a perfect very dry Grey Goose martini, were flawless but it was meeting Manager Giuseppe again that made a very special evening even better.

Meeting Director of Wine Vincenzo Arnese Again

I first met Vincenzo at Mandarin Oriental, Hyde Park and he worked for Alain Ducasse at The Dorchester. We had so much to discuss over coffee in the suite.

Guerlain Spa

My foot treatment in the 4 floor Guerlain spa with Casey, drinking vintage Veuve Clicquot. was an ideal was to end a stay that could not have been bettered.

A ''8 teddies' (🐻🐻🐻🐻🐻🐻🐻🐻) stay. Unheard of for a hotel only a few weeks old but the friendly warmth from EVERY member of staff I met, including the cleaning staff, just blew me away. GM Philippe was taking a well earned break in Oman but he can be so proud of his staff. Hope you enjoy the photos in the 'Read More' section.

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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.

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.

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.

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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It 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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Another Unforgettable Birthday - Shrewsbury & London - March 2023

5/4/2023

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

3/3/2023

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Mum 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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45 Park Lane; 'Too Many Cooks' Dinner & Their Christmas Tree Lighting Party - Chef Elliott Grover, Chef Mark Hix, Chef Mitch Tonks, Baroness Floella Benjamin & Jo Brand - London - November 2025

The Impressive Refurbished Penthouse at Four Seasons, Tower Bridge; The Mouthwatering Steak & Salad Lunch Deal at 45 Park Lane; and Golden Diwali, Freshly Baked Mooncakes & Divine Delicate Dim Sum at Peninsula, London - London/ Shrewsbury - October 2025

A Mandarin Oriental, Mayfair VIP is Super Excited About November 2025

The Exquisite New 'The Chancery Rosewood' in the Reimagined Former US Embassy in Grosvenor Square - London - August/ September 2025

Lunch at The Emory with Roland Fasel, COO of Maybourne Hotel Group; Chef Elliott Grover at 45 Park Lane Becoming a True Celebrity; the 'Robert Omelette' at The Ol' Chemist & a Heavenly Morning at Peninsula, London - London/ Shrewsbury - August 2025

Soleil @ Peninsula, London; Dante @ Claridge's; 30 Years of The Fat Duck at Bray @ Mandarin Oriental, Hyde Park; Chef Tom Booton's 'Last' Meal in The Grill at The Dorchester; & Dad's Ashes - London/ Shrewsbury - July 2025

Obsessed by Peninsula, London's Noodles; A Pan Pacific, London Cake for The King's Official Birthday; Four Seasons Yachts Perfection & the Mesmerising Cartier Exhibition at The V&A - Shrewsbury/ London - June 2025

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

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

Home but the Celebrations Continue - London & Shrewsbury - November/ December 2024

Qatar Airways - Flight From Doha to London in Qsuites - November 2024

Mum & The Shrewsbury Flower Show - Shrewsbury/ London - August 2024

A New UK Government & a 'Fresh Start' - London - July 2024

The Exquisite New Mandarin Oriental, Mayfair Opens in Hanover Square - London/ Shrewsbury - June 2024

May 2024: An '8 Teddies' Month in London - London - May 2024

A Si Frew Perfect Easter Birthday - London - March 2024

Making Mum's Birthday & Mother's Day The Best They Could Be & Chinese New Year - London/ Shrewsbury - February/ March 2024

An Unforgettable Russian/ Shropshire Christmas - Shrewsbury/ London - December 2023

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

Raffles, London at The OWO, an UNBELIEVABLE Stay - London - October 2023

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

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

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

Another Unforgettable Birthday - Shrewsbury & London - March 2023

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

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