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#imafan Day at the Legendary Mandarin Oriental, Hyde Park & Meeting Impressive GM Philippe Kronberg - Knightsbridge, London - July 2026

10/7/2026

Mandarin Oriental, Hyde Park generously gave me a 90 minute massage voucher for my birthday. I decided to combine using this with meeting their GM, who took up his position at the start of 2026, and having lunch on their outside terrace overlooking Hyde Park.

Coffee in the Stunning Rosebery Lounge

I arrived a little early, which gave me a chance to admire The Rosebery Lounge again. I wrote a May 2016 afternoon tea post describe the huge widows, lime green decor and paintings giving flashes of vibrant colours. The furniture has been updated since then and it looks even better. Joseph from Guest Relations had two more bottles of the hotel's room scent for me.

Having take a photo with him in the lobby, my hour with GM Philippe went by far too quickly. I was surprised by how much time he had spent in Doha and this, combined with my time in Bermuda, gave us too much to discuss.

A Chef Heston Blumenthal OBE Lunch Outside on the Terrace

The Hyde Park Garden Terrace is now operated by the team behind the two Michelin-starred Dinner by Heston Blumenthal again. Which gave me a chance to try his Chippy Dip.

The young and keen serving team were brilliant and nothing was too much trouble. Strong winds did not ruin anything.

I got oysters to start and they were so fresh & delicious. Then I got the Truffled Egg Roll‌ with Perfectly Imperfect Triple Cooked Chips‌.

Despite me not ordering fish, I was allowed to try the Chippy Dip.

The quail egg on top of the Truffled Egg Roll was perfectly cooked with a runny yolk and the black truffle & chives blended with the egg mayonnaise to give a different, & mouth-wateringly good, flavour. The triple cooked chips, with the chippy dip, were insanely good. A legendary meal in a very special location.

Spa With Amethyst Crystal Steam Room, Sauna, Vitality Pool and Zen Colour Therapy Relaxation Area

My 90 minute massaged with Melissa went by in a flash. Her perfect touch meant there was not a moment of discomfort.

Being able to swim alone in the stainless steel pool was pure bliss and the best way to end my #imafan day.

It was a '9 teddies' (🐻🐻🐻🐻🐻🐻🐻🐻🐻) visit. No aspect of the day could have been improved on. OK, meeting Deputy GM Kremi would have made it even better. We just missed each other and at least it leaves something to look forward to.

GM Philippe & I hit it off immediately. I adore talking to seasoned hotel professionals like him. Note the huge tennis ball made of flowers, part of their Wimbledon themed decorations

Two Michelin-starred food by Dinner by Chef Heston Blumenthal OBE. My Truffled Egg Roll‌ with Perfectly Imperfect Triple Cooked Chips‌ & Chippy Dip.

My welcome from Sally & her Spa Team could not have been any warmer.

I have only ever seen one other stainless steel pool, with its sleek aesthetic, in London, at Virgin Active, Mayfair.

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Extreme Hot Spell; 'High Society' at The Barbican Centre; Chef Elliott Grover's Oscars Dinner at Fortnum & Mason; Meet the Founder of Soho House, Nick Jones, at St Clement; Letter from Buckingham Palace & Friend From Uruguay Visits - London - June 2026

1/7/2026

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Extreme Weather

A period of record breaking hot weather dominated another busy month. We now may get similar weather next week in London again.

'Exclusive' Soho Mews House

The month started with a dinner with two lawyer friends at the 'invitation only' Soho Mews House. The food and company were exceptional. OK, we drank 'SF Martinis', so the drinks were unbelievable too.

Later in the month I met Nick Jones, the Founder of Soho House.

National Fish & Chip Day at 45 Park Lane & "No Bill for Mr Frew"

I spent Friday 5 June (National Fish & Chip Day 2026) on the outside terrace at 45 Park Lane.

Tempura fried monkfish, triple cooked chips from heaven and the best curry sauce of my life. All made even better by a chat with GM Lee. I ended the afternoon with strawberry & champagne ice lollies and being told there was no bill for www.sifrew.com

The Legendary Breakfast at Pan Pacific, London & Taittinger Champagne

When I declined the offer of champagne at breakfast at Pan Pacific, London, because I intended to swim, I was given a bottle of Taittinger to "drink later".

Samuel Pepys & An Unforgettable Sunday Lunch at Cooper's Cut at Four Seasons at Tower Bridge

I ended a delicious Sunday lunch in their Ho Bryan (private dining) Room. Ho Bryan is the anglicised, historical nickname for Château Haut-Brion. A 350 year old brand and one of the five premier cru wines of Bordeaux.

The diaries of Samuel Pepys in April 1663 mention him drinking Ho Bryan. The walls of the private dining room are decorated with Château Haut-Brion wine bottles and artifacts.

I got to eat my desserts in this room, try cocktails and learn there was "no bill" for any of the later experience.

Cole Porter's Fabulously Glamorous 'High Society' at The Barbican Centre

Felicity Kendal was brilliant as Mother Lord. This week we learnt indomitable Penelope Keith lost her fight with cancer.

With 'Who Wants to Be a Millionaire', 'I've Got You Under My Skin', 'Let's Do It (Let's Fall in Love) etc Cole Porter really is songwriter supreme.

Chef Elliott Grover's Oscars Evening at Fortnum & Mason

This was a very special evening. I sat opposite F&M's Events Head Heidi and next to Nigel, who had travelled from Wales that day.

A number of staff from 45 Park Lane helped and the food was exemplary (eg A5 Kagoshima Roast Beef; a Coronation Chicken Scotch Egg; USDA Beef Wellington with shaved black truffles; trifle etc) and we received a gold sprayed chocolate gift to take home.

Chef Elliott is a natural storyteller and you can see why he is a morning TV celebrity. By the time the dinner ended the store was closed and it was brilliantly surreal making your way down from the 3rd Floor Food & Drink Studio via a darkened empty shop.

'No Bill' for Breakfast at St Clement Hotel & Met Nick Jones

As soon as you enter the St Clement's lobby you know Nick Jones, Founder of Soho House, has done it again.

Service is flawless and seating so comfortable. When you see Cacklebean Eggs are on the menu, you know this is a quality operation. A hotel that is going to be a huge success.

I was surprised to learn there was no bill for my breakfast and thrilled to find Nick Jones in the lobby and happy to meet me.

It was another '9 teddies' (🐻🐻🐻🐻🐻🐻🐻🐻🐻) month, despite the extreme heat. I am sure you will agree the photos below justify another very high score but the window being replaced in my Barbican place, & the detailed letter from Buckingham Palace, would warrant that high score alone.

Gold flakes on those champagne & strawberry ice lollies at 45 Park Lane on National Fish & Chip Day.

The Ho Bryan Room at Four Seasons at Tower Bridge. The Samuel Pepys diary quote about Ho Bryan is behind me.

The Barbican Art Centre is a 5 minute walk from my Barbican place.

Chef Sam White, Group Executive Chef Fortnum & Mason and 45 Jermyn Street and the legend who is Chef Elliott Grover.

Nick Jones said it was an honour to take a photo with me. I promised to spread the word ahead of St Clement's official opening in September 2026.

I received a letter from Buckingham Palace about HM the King's US visit.

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Visitors From Doha @ 45 Park Lane, Panama @ Maybourne/ Peninsula & Rosewood and Seattle @ Four Seasons; Mental Health Initiative at BoE; NYC's Magnolia Bakery @ Raffles; Seeing Mum in Shrewsbury & The Sunday Feast at The Ned - May 2026

2/6/2026

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Busy, Busy...

Uploading more than 60 photos reinforced what a full month May 2026 was, with visitors from Qatar, Panama & the US; saying goodbye to David Cerezo at Peninsula, London; seeing mum & her friends etc etc

The Lord Mayor's Appeal "This Is Me" Mental Health Initiative at the Bank of England ('BoE')

It was almost ironic that I felt stressed finding time to attend a mental health awareness event in the Bank of England, that was talking about people being overwhelmed by the pressures of life.

I left wearing my green ribbon with pride and being aware I must be better at genuinely asking people how they are doing & listening to their replies with empathy.

45 Park Lane Consistently Impresses Me

A steak & salad lunch at 45 Park Lane, with one of my best friends from Qatar, became so much more. 'Free' champagne and desserts and food, & company, from heaven. Staff there are incredible.

Forward Global UK's (Well Timed) Spring Drinks

These were held in the stunning Library Room at L'Oscar (hotel) London in Holborn.

I spent most of my time chatting with Lord Ali & Lord Joe Docherty. Also got a chance to talk to Alex Just and, of course, John Watts. Wes Streeting resigned as Health Secretary two days later.

Is The Emory's Breakfast Better Than Claridge's?

The Financial Times claim Claridge's is the best hotel breakfast in London. I think The Emory's is better and so had breakfast there with Ian. We were both on the board of Jordan International Bank Plc here in London.

The Emory; Peninsula, London; The Chancery Rosewood; Claridge's & The Red Room at The Connaught

I managed to show my Uruguay friend, who I spent a month in Panama with, many of the London hotels I love.

Special mentions must go to Elisabeth (the Art Concierge at The Chancery Rosewood), Daniele (the new F&B Director at Claridge's) & the staff at Brooklands Bar at the Peninsula, London.

Must also thank Alejandro again for my Geisha Coffee, & chocolate, from Panama.

Formidable Mei Ume & Cooper's Cut at Four Seasons at Tower Bridge

I was spoilt at the Saturday Dim Sum Brunch at Four Seasons at Tower Bridge at the start of the month & then again in Cooper's Cut at the end of the month.

Both experiences were unforgettable & demonstrated Four Seasons service at its best.

New York's Legendary Magnolia Bakery at Raffles, London at The OWO

Cafe Ciel, & Raffles, London at The OWO, made another of my dreams come true. Finally, eating Magnolia Bakery's scrumptious Banana Pudding, that I saw on 'Sex & the City' in the early 2000s, was so special.

Hot Shrewsbury & My Loving Mum

I squeezed in a quick Bank Holiday trip to see mum. Loved the quiet room The Prince Rupert Hotel gave me on the 'last' night and the lady who serves their breakfast is a star.

It was so good sitting in the garden with mum telling each other how much we love each other.

The Incomparable 'Sunday Feast' at The Ned Was a Perfect Way to End the Month

Brilliant live music at The Ned and a warm welcome from Adam. The food was sublime (eg devilled eggs, fresh oysters, fresh lobster, incomparable roast beef and roast pork, melt in the mouth profiteroles stuffed with chocolate etc).

It was another '9 teddies' (🐻🐻🐻🐻🐻🐻🐻🐻🐻) month. A poor breakfast at Gordon Ramsay's 'Bread Street Kitchens' at 22 Bishopsgate meant I was given a £50 voucher, which I used to extinguished it from my mind with a sublime ale & treacle pork chop at lunch at Gordon Ramsay's Grill at The Savoy.

Been so busy I have failed to arrange coffee with Dainyah, a barrister I also met at the Forward Global party.

In June 2026 I have the 'invite only' Soho Mews House; fish & chips on the Terrace at 45 Park Lane; breakfast at St Clement hotel, Nick Jones' latest venture & A VIP Event at Mandarin Oriental, Mayfair to launch the SOFOS Associates Brain Gym (all about cognitive performance & modern wellness).

Inside the Bank of England being told stories of attempted suicide.

My face says it all about my hotel packed two days with Alejandro. This photo is in The Emory.

The Oscar Wilde 'playing cards' at The Chancery Rosewood. Designed by Kieran, Hormazd Narielwalla's partner.

The Sticky Toffee Pudding specially created for London, I still preferred the Banana Pudding version.

Rick met me, despite him still dealing with Alaska Airline's inaugural flight to London. This photo was taken at Four Seasons at Tower Bridge.

It was so good to spend time with mum in the garden in Shrewsbury. The hot weather meant staff brought us cold drinks.

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Jean-Georges Vongerichten at The Emory; Iconic Simpson's in the Strand; Louis Vuitton Hotel London & Legendary Chef Yannick Alléno & Chef Claude Bosi Cook Together at Pavyllon at Four Seasons at Park Lane - London - April 2026

2/5/2026

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Meeting Joshua at Four Seasons at Park Lane

April 2026 was the month when I met Joshua. He is studying for his final A-level exam and has a passion for the hospitality industry and an impressive network of contacts already. Four Seasons at Park Lane was a perfect venue for this 'historic' meeting.

Jean-Georges Vongerichten's Sublime Breakfast at 'abc kitchens, London' at The Emory in Belgravia

Cannot say enough good things about 'abc kitchens' at The Emory. Breakfast there is superb.

I am taking Ian, who was an Independent Non-Executive Director on the board of Jordan International Bank Plc with me, there this month and Alejandro (who I spent a month in Panama with) there for brunch too.

The Iconic Reopened Simpson's in the Strand

I returned to Simpson's in the Strand for breakfast had the '10 Deadly Sins Breakfast' again but without the lamb chop & devilled kidney. With those changes, a perfect breakfast.

I also returned on St George's Day to eat Melba Toast, roast beef from the trolley and Gentleman's Relish on warm buttered toast.

The Melba Toast was impossibly thin and an exquisite accompaniment to venison tartare. The Devonshire roast beef from the trolley melted in mouth. You have to order cauliflower cheese to go with it all.

The Louis Vuitton Hotel London Pop-up In Berkeley Square

Given my special relationship with LVMH, including Veuve Clicquot; Tiffany & Co; Belmond; Moët & Chandon etc I was thrilled to visit the Louis Vuitton Hotel London pop-up.

It was fun, & elegantly done, but I had to go to the Art Deco The Fumoir Cocktail Bar at Claridge's for a proper cocktail, after.

They made my 'SF Martini' perfectly and I met an LA based couple who know the King of Jordan. Only at House of Maybourne.

'Counter Culture': Legendary Chef Yannick Alléno & Chef Claude Bosi Cook Together at Pavyllon at Four Seasons at Park Lane

The 'Counter Culture' dinner at Pavyllon at Four Seasons at Park Lane was an unforgettable evening. I have met both chefs before and Yannick's Crispy Orkney Scallop Tartlet and Turbot Duglere Style were insanely delicious but Claude's Confit of Lamb Shoulder with new potatoes with garlic & lemon felt like a homage to my fabulous Welsh mum's incredible cooking.

All washed down with an 'SF Martinis'. Life does not get better.

Yannick's burnt grapefruit dessert was so refreshing and Claude's Rhum Baba was unbelievably light and got me talking about Goslings Rum and my time living in Bermuda.

It was certainly a '9 teddies' (🐻🐻🐻🐻🐻🐻🐻🐻🐻) month. When a Cedric Grolet Easter Egg having a Dubai chocolate interior; a slice of birthday cake, with a new raspberry dessert from heaven, at Mount Street Restaurant; Head Chef Jacob Keen-Downs' Devonshire roast chicken at The Grill at The Dorchester at Sunday lunch did not come with bread sauce. However. I am Si Frew & so it was quickly made; & the divine breakfast at Mandarin Oriental, Mayfair - are relegated to footnotes, you know it was too special a month.

Hope the more than 40 photos you will find, when you click 'Read More', will convince you of that.

Joshua & me in the Payllon Coffee Lounge. Yes, I am holding the new Four Seasons at Park Lane bag I was given for my 2026 birthday.

Every aspect of breakfast at 'abc kitchens' at The Emory in Belgravia is impossibly perfect. The scrambled eggs with aged Cheddar are divine. Still love my House of Maybourne notebook.

Unlike at Carbone, London, the culinary theatre at Simpson's in the Strand is surpassed by the quality of the food & flavours.

Bernard says "look at that Louis Vuitton ice cube".

Chef Yannick Alléno, on the left, holds 18 Michelin Stars & Chef Claude Bosi opened Hibiscus restaurant in Ludlow in 2000.

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A 'Ten Teddies' Birthday - Thanks to The Emory; 45 Park Lane; Four Seasons at Park Lane & Mandarin Oriental, Hyde Park - London - March 2026

9/4/2026

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Arriving at The Emory in Long-wheelbased BMW Style

At noon on the Saturday one of The Emory's BMW i7, long-wheelbase electric limo fleet was waiting outside Four Seasons at Tower Bridge to 'whisk' me to the hotel.

OK, Saturday protesters in London meant we were delayed near Raffles, London at The OWO. However, my driver Sudhir had worked for The Hinduja brothers and so I had fun swapping stories from my Bank of England days about that newsworthy family.

A Second Stay at The Emory - Even Better Than The First

Rosa (Assistant Director of Guest Services) was waiting to welcome me. I was in a Corner Suite (with a window that fully opens) before I knew it again & barely had time to acknowledge all the "welcome back Mr Frew"s from the door staff.

The Surrenne Spa

Rosa pointed out a Surrenne Spa towel embroidered with my initials. It was only after a swim that I spotted my personalised robe too. I avoided the children-friendly times in the pool (8 - 10am & 3 - 5pm) and had such a relaxing time using the snow shower etc

The Emory Rooftop Bar; An Ice-cold 'SF Martini' & a Cedric Grolet Birthday Cake

When I returned from dinner at The Peninsula I got back at 11pm. A table had been reserved for me in The Rooftop Bar.

My ice-cold 'SF Martini' was perfect but the change of clocks the next day, & all the surprises at dinner, meant I was happily exhausted. A Red Rose Cedric Grolet cake was produced with a candle but I could not eat it. Charming Veronika brought it to my suite & we had such a great conversation. A perfect end to my 'Birthday Eve'.

The Big Day Started with Breakfast in Chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten's 'abc kitchens'

I slept brilliantly and my 'birthday breakfast' in Chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten's 'abc kitchens' was heavenly.

Soft scrambled eggs with aged cheddar & broccoli was insanely good again and the waiting staff so fun to chat with.

I almost cried when I was presented with a stunning Cedric Grolet Easter Egg at the end of breakfast.

Reading The Genuine Weekend Financial Times

It was then back to the Surrenne Spa pool to read the GENUINE Weekend Financial Times. The wording of the birthday mockup Peninsula, London created still makes me emotional.

Leaving The Emory in BMW 7i Style

Sudhir drove me to 45 Park Lane in the BWM 7i. I love it when the same driver is used for your whole hotel stay. My luggage was taken to Mandarin Oriental, Hyde Park for later.

Another Legendary Birthday Lunch at 45 Park Lane

At 45 Park Lane Ruinart champagne was poured immediately and there was a 45 Park Lane leather luggage tag on my table that wildly exceeded my expectations. Not only were my initials embossed on it but there was an air tag to help me find my lost luggage.

Japanese Wagyu From Heaven

Chef Elliott's food is sublime. I got the 'Taste of Cut' and had to leave the Japanese wagyu to last and savor every bite.

Tia's Extraordinarily Splendid Birthday Cake

My Duckmaster cane from The Peabody Hotel Memphis in chocolate on top and photos of me with Chef Wolfgang Puck, Chef Byron Puck, GM Lee, Chef Elliott etc around the base. It was an unbelievable birthday cake.

Tia also presented me with a Chocolate Easter Bunny with my initials on it, before the hotel guests receive them.

A London Birthday Would Not Be Complete Without a Visit to Four Seasons at Park Lane

Four Seasons at Park Lane has a very special place in Mr Sharp & my hearts. I will be there again tomorrow morning.

Incredible Friends From My Qatar Days

I met two of my best friends from Qatar days. One had flown in from Dubai the previous day and had funny & generous gifts for me. The other worked for Tony Blair in Downing Street and always has lots to tell me.

'SF Martinis' & a New Four Seasons at Park Lane Bag

While all this was going on Four Seasons' chef 'fixed' my 45 Park Lane cake, so it looked just as good, after its journey down the road with the 45 Park Lane doormen, and I could try it with my friends. It tasted even better than it looked, if that was possible.

I drank perfect 'SF Martinis' & Peter presented me with a new Four Seasons at Park Lane bag, with the Four Seasons logo inside. Will take it to Pavyllon tomorrow and get better photos of it.

A Better Than Perfect End to My Birthday at The Aubrey at Mandarin Oriental, Hyde Park - #imafan

I was overwhelmed, one more time, at The Aubrey at Mandarin Oriental, Hyde Park. Thanks to Assistant Guest Relations Manager Joseph keeping me company. It was so good exchanging hotel anecdotes with this enthusiastic guy.

A The Aubrey Bottle For My Special Vermouth For The 'SF Martini' That Matches The Perfection of This Martini

A 90 minute massage voucher and The Aubrey label bottle for the special vermouth for the 'SF Martini'. It is beyond perfect.

Japanese Food On Another Level

There were so many mouth-wateringly delicious bites. The yellowtail sashimi with spicy ponzu, lemony shiso & chilli was sensational and the uni from heaven.

Services from Matteo & his team was perfectly judged for someone struggling to process such an astonishing day.

Mandarin Oriental, Hyde Park's Celebrated Doormen

As the evening started to end I because stressed over how my luggage & gifts would get into my black cab. Mandarin Oriental, Hyde Park's doormen made it all look so effortless & I felt embarrassed to have worried.

It was a '10 teddies' (🐻🐻🐻🐻🐻🐻🐻🐻🐻) birthday. Building on the Peninsula's birthday mockup of the Weekend Financial Times on my 'Birthday Eve', everything on my birthday was beyond perfect. I have never been compelled to post 10 cover photos before.

From the flawless & friendly service at The Emory; to Tia's 45 Park Lane Birthday Cake; to my 45 Park Lane luggage tag; to seeing these important friends in my life on my birthday; to my new Four Seasons at Park Lane bag; to the Mandarin Oriental, Hyde Park massage voucher; the bottle for the special vermouth for the 'SF Martini' The Aubrey created, with the ingredients on the back; & the Mandarin Oriental, Hyde Park video wishing me happy birthday. Implausible perfection and so much thought & effort put into everything.

You are never too old for balloons but, unless access to the Straits of Hormuz is fully sorted out, helium may be in short supply in future. On the table Billlecart-Salmon champagne was chilling; there was an Earl Grey & Chocolate Birthday Cake; & a leather Maybourne luggage tag.

My Frette pillow case was embroidered with my initials too & just look at that view of Hyde Park.

The Red Rose Cedric Grolet Cake I was given in The Emory Rooftop Bar & the Cedric Grolet Easter Egg I was presented at breakfast. The latter is large, stunning & heavy. It contains crispy praline, crunchy pieces of fermented, dried & roasted cacao beans, intense salt Fleur de Sel, flourless chocolate biscuit, chocolate cream filling, cocoa gel & chocolate mousse. I hope to break it open with Graham & Clare's boys and share it with that awesome family.

57 & still laughing! The 'abc kitchens' team were brilliant.

Tia holds the cake & cannot thank Tim, at Dorchester Collection, enough for my spectacular 45 Park Lane luggage tag.

A photo of the 45 Park Lane birthday cake in all its glory. Next to it is a perfect ice-cold 'SF Martini'.

Balloons at every location this year. You can just see my new Four Seasons at Park Lane bag, in the shot with the cake.

The bag contains most of my bone marrow rice. I could not eat it but it was so delicious the next evening. Just look at that uni (sea urchin) piled up.

The bottle for the special vermouth for the 'SF Martini' The Aubrey created, with the ingredients on the back, at Soho House, 76 Dean Street. This was genius, so many bartenders ask me this question.

This end to the Mandarin Oriental, Hyde Park happy birthday video left me speechless.

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An Unforgettable Birthday Eve Dinner at Brooklands by Chef Claude Bosi at Peninsula, London - London - March 2026

1/4/2026

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Already Legendary Peninsula, London

I had high expectations for how Peninsula, London would help me celebrate my 57th birthday and, once again, they far exceeded them.

Feeling Like a Celebrity in Brooklands Bar

I walked over to Peninsula, London on the Saturday evening, from The Emory in Belgravia, where I was staying.

In Brooklands Bar I was presented with a series of personalised gifts, which culminated with a birthday mockup of the Weekend Financial Times. Other customers were clearly wondering who the person getting all this attention was.

A Series of Birthday Surprises in Brooklands by Chef Claude Bosi

I thought I had prepared for Concorde themed Brooklands restaurant with a 'new' Concorde luggage tag but was not ready for a goodbye meeting with Peninsula, London Hotel Manager Scott.

A Sublime Dinner of Chef Claude Bosi Food

I lost count of all the courses I was served, I had skipped lunch but still struggled with all the mouthwateringly delicious bites.

I have provided photos of two of the courses but have photos of 6 more courses. Service was on another level and my perfect ice-cold 'SF Martinis' were brought from the bar.

Meeting Chef Claude Bosi Again

I first encountered Chef Claude Bosi in his restaurant Hibiscus in Ludlow in the 1990s. Ate in his restaurant Bibendum and am due with meet him at Four Seasons at Park Lane, when he cooks with Chef Yannick. Yannick Alléno has 21 restaurants & holds 18 Michelin stars. We have met before and I have eaten his truffle menu at Pavyllon, London.

On Saturday Chef Claude Bosi and I met again and we had a fascinating long one-on-one chat ranging from the implications of Iran's retaliation; to Chef Francesco Dibenedetto; to our mutual admiration for Peninsula, London MD Rolf Buehlmann & my adoration for House of Maybourne.

It was a '9 teddies' (🐻🐻🐻🐻🐻🐻🐻🐻🐻) evening. The birthday mockup of the Weekend Financial Time, & my long chat with Chef Claude Bosi, would justify this score but the food/ service blew my mind too.

Peninsula, London Hotel Manager Scott came in specially to say goodbye to me. This was sad for me but my birthday mockup of the Weekend Financial Times, & hearing he will meet with John Scanlon back in Beverly Hills, made me feel better.

Look at my elegant 'new' Concorde luggage tag & you must read the wording of this Weekend Financial Times birthday mockup. Peninsula, London, clearly, put so much effort & love into it.

Chef Claude Bosi's Coronation Chicken amuse-bouche. Two Michelin star food at its best. A rich savory chicken liver ice cream in an airy curry sauce, topped with crispy onions.

'Eros's Mum's Pasta'. Filled gnocchi with English asparagus in smoked cream. Stunningly presented refined comfort food, showcasing the restautant's fresh pasta. A dish so delicious you did not want it to end.

It was a complete birthday surprise to meet Chef Claude Bosi again. Just look at that mini version of the Weekend Financial Times birthday mockup in icing sugar.

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A Glamorous Birthday Eve Breakfast in Cooper's Cut at Four Seasons at Tower Bridge - London - March 2026

27/3/2026

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Cooper's Cut & Chef Anne-Sophie Pic

Cooper's Cut opened this month in the space at Four Seasons at Tower Bridge formerly occupied by Chef Anne-Sophie Pic. She recently opened at Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok.

The restaurant is named after Sir Edwin Cooper, the architect of the Port of London Authority building at Ten Trinity Square that is now a Four Seasons.

An Elegant Room & Innovative Menus

High ceilings, vast windows, luxurious leather banquettes & seats from the Ms Pic days and columns covered with bevelled mirrors. A restrained and classy look.

Their dinner menu includes an Iberico Duroc (originating from Spain) pork chop from Shropshire. I viewed this as a fortuitous omen.

Luke Armstrong is the Executive Chef. He worked at The Ledbury, Mandarin Oriental, Tokyo etc. However, mid-strength martinis are not really my thing & the curry-flavoured version sounds a bit like Anne-Sophie Pic's coffee butter. Something to avoid.

A Steak Restaurant's Breakfast

The cooked breakfast included Cumbrian pork sausages, 'slab bacon', a mushroom & crispy Mrs. Brown’s Black Pudding. I declined the 'British beans' (baked beans) & slow-roasted tomatoes.

Serving pork belly, rather than crispy bacon, was Chef Yannick Alléno's initial misjudged approach at Pavyllon at Four Seasons at Park Lane. He also switched sausages for sausage meat in the beans. It was all a bit too different.

At Cooper's Cut the bacon was crispy & delicious, despite the 'slab' description. Every element of the breakfast was delectable.

My Birthday Weekend

Pancakes with strawberries & cream, and a candle, arrived for my birthday. There will be 6 luxury hotels this Birthday Weekend & lots of birthday surprises.

It was a '6 teddies' (🐻🐻🐻🐻🐻🐻) perfect start to my Birthday Weekend. Now have the Weekend Financial Times to relax with.

Spot my 'new' Concorde luggage tag, ideal for the Concorde themed Brooklands at Peninsula, London this evening.

The shot glass reminds me of the glassware at Serra at The Chancery Rosewood.

The boards that cover the lower part of the widows, during the Ms Pic era, have been removed.

The bubble & squeak on the menu would have made it even better.

That clotted cream was heavenly.

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Pure Class Park Hyatt, London Thames River & My Birthday Month - London - March 2026

3/3/2026

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Another Iconic Birthday

March 2026 is here. My birthday month. My actual birthday is on Sunday 29 March and I will wake at The Emory, in Belgravia, on that day.

Impressive Park Hyatt, London Thames River

My birthday month could not have started any better. I was invited to the 203 room & suite Park Hyatt, London Thames River and it far exceeded my expectations. I love Palacio Duhau - Park Hyatt Buenos Aires, and Park Hyatt Bangkok, and Park Hyatt, London Thames River is also refined quality.

Nine Elms & The New US Embassy

The hotel is in Nine Elms, close to Battersea Power Station, and an easy journey from The Barbican.

A Perfect Park Hyatt Welcome

Japanese Chief Mixologist Mitsuhrio, in Nine Elms Bar, was familiar with www.sifrew.com and recognised me immediately. Despite me being slightly early, GM Mario appeared within minutes.

Personal Tour By Energised GM Mario

GM Mario had only recently taken up his role and was fascinating to tour the hotel with.

He convinced me I must try their 'Yú Gé' Cantonese restaurant, after my birthday, and showed me my first Somadome (meditation pod) in their beautiful spa.

Rooms & Suites with Breathtaking Views

The views from, & size of, 'basic' rooms makes this term inaccurate and the suites were stunning, with so many special features.

The hotel makes up the first 18 floors of a 42 floor tower and the views of the river and city from the rooms, & suites, are remarkable. Mario explained the residences to me too.

A Memorable Lunch in The Nine Elms Kitchen

Chef Stefanos Kokkalis came to speak to us at the start of lunch. Steak, tiger prawns from the grill etc meant the food was delicious but it was chatting to Mario about my time in Cape Town, and the hospitality industry more generally, that made my day.

A Perfect Martini & Unworldly Japan

Back in The Nine Elms Bar Mitsuhiro made me a perfect martini with Japanese precision. Talking to him allowed me an opportunity to reminisce about my time in Tokyo, Kyoto & Osaka.

My First Birthday Gifts, Including a Chocolate Tart by Chef Jason Ho

When I got back to The Barbican, and opened my first birthday gifts, I almost cried over the number of them, the level of personalisation and The Tides product from the spa.

The Chocolate Tart, included Madagascar vanilla & salted caramel and was too indulgent.

Despite only opening in October 2024, Park Hyatt, London River Thames is already a '7 teddies' (🐻🐻🐻🐻🐻🐻🐻) hotel. Nine Elms is developing quickly and its immediate vicinity will improve. Mario and I joked about when I first worked in Canary Wharf in the late 1990s.

GM Mario Flanagan with me by the Chinese New Year decorations in front of Nine Elms Bar.

The Charlie Whinney installation ‘Ebb and Flow’, inspired by the River Thames, in the lobby.

Spot The London Eye & The Shard in this view from a Park Suite.

Chief Mixologist Mitsuhiro Nakamura making me a perfect martini.

As a friend commented, when he saw all this, is it your birthday or an early Christmas?

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Christmas with Mum; New Year's Eve in Shropshire & Orthodox Christmas in London with Sublime Gifts from House of Maybourne - Shrewsbury/ London - December 2025 & January 2026

6/1/2026

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Digital Detox? Finding Quiet & Calm

At the Claridge's Christmas tree party before Christmas Olivia Colman, before her reading, asked the Burberry fashion crowd etc to put their 'phones away and in his Christmas message HM the King said "our world seems to spin even faster" quoted poet TS Eliot's words about finding the "still point of the turning world".

A Snowy Shrewsbury Christmas Full of Love & Happiness

It was the first Christmas where I woke on Christmas Day alone in our family's Georgian house. After all the frenetic excitement before Christmas, I found my peace for a few days.

At a breakfast before Christmas mum's former hairdresser offered to cut & style mum' hair again. She did an unbelievable job and made mum look elegant over Christmas.

Christmas Day could not have gone any better. It started with Veuve Clicquot champagne. I had lunch with mum at a table for two and she was so happy & relaxed. Wearing her new Chanel lipstick and spraying herself with her new Dior J'adore perfume, saying how much she loved it and me.

The prize I got in my Dorchester hotel cracker (Aromatherapy Associates bath oil) was the best I have ever got in a cracker.

On Christmas Eve I drank a perfect 'SF Martini' in The Libertine cocktail bar.

Prestfelde Prep School, Shrewsbury School & Old Ford Road - A New Year

Before Christmas there were drinks in The Benbow pub with friends from my school days and their talented children.

On New Year's Eve one of my friends, who I shared houses with in London in the late 1980s & early 1990s, threw a dinner party. He, and his wife, are perfect hosts.

His wife made one of the best pavlovas of my life. However, must also mention his legendary chilli, made from his mum's Barbados recipe. Brought back happy memories of Old Ford Road in London E2 for me.

'Real' Turkish Delight & Vodka Chocolates from Moscow

My brother returned from Christmas in Istanbul with his daughter with gifts from him of authentic Turkish Delight from 'Hafiz Mustafa 1864' and vodka chocolates from Moscow from my niece and Russian family.

I tried both once back in London and adore them.

A Fascinating & Scrumptious Sunday Lunch with a Family Friend

Sunday lunch at 'Rhubarb' at Drapers Hall (which dates back to 1483) with one of our best family friends was a perfect end to my Christmas & New Year in Shrewsbury.

Our thick watercress & Shropshire Blue cheese soup, on a cold & snowy day, was divine and the roast beef melted in the mouth, with the vegetables cooked perfectly.

There was even a story about a meeting with David & Victoria Beckham that illustrated what a genuinely nice guy Sir David is.

Orthodox Christmas & Perfect Gifts from House of Maybourne

I collected the gifts I was sent from House of Maybourne from the porter in my Barbican building the day before Orthodox Christmas.

It was a canvas Claridge's bag full of Claridge's goodies. There were crackers to replace the ones I pulled with mum over Christmas & a large Signature Candle with the scent of honey, tonka bean & patchouli, which smells heavenly but is was a glass bauble painted with a teddy bear in a Claridge's Bell Boy outfit that brought me near tears. It was all pure class.

Starting 2026 with Chef Elliott Grover's Melt in the Mouth Roast Beef at 45 Park Lane

45 Park Lane invited me for a complimentary 'Sunday Roast' to start 2026. It was such a special afternoon that I would recommend it to anyone needing a break from the stresses in this busy world.

From the awesome singer; to shaved truffles on the sublime beef; Wagyu beef dripping; unbelievable cauliflower cheese and roast potatoes that cannot be beaten.

I started with scallops with garlic & chilli butter. Sensational plump scallops cooked to perfection. Had to drink the butter from the half shells. It was too good. I finished with the banana cream pie. Delicious but I struggled to eat much of it.

Sevice at 45 Park Lane is always flawless and friendly.

Also Starting 2026 with a Revamped Legendary Coffee Table in My Barbican Place

45 Park Lane and Four Seasons at Park Lane were kind enough to provide elegant crackers to help me update/ slim down my legendary coffee table. Hope you all like the new look.

It was a '8 teddies' (🐻🐻🐻🐻🐻🐻🐻🐻) period. Rocky family starts (involving our family lawyers), and ends, to Christmas (eg mum asking how my parents are, when I was leaving) were compensated for by my incredible friends. Hope you like the photos below, including two breakfast I made myself, one where I carved the smoked salmon myself.

My 'House of Maybourne dream life' continues this weekend with Burns Night at The Emory hotel where I plan to toast my late Scottish father with The Macallan M 2023. I may even take a few puffs of a cigar, for the first time since Havana, Cuba in August 2018.

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The Build-Up to Christmas; The Claridge's & Four Seasons at Tower Bridge Christmas Trees and US Thanksgiving at 45 Park Lane - London - December 2025

20/12/2025

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Christmas in Shrewsbury with Mum

I am now in Shrewsbury and ready to spend Christmas Day with mum. Her Dior & Chanel Christmas presents have been delivered and The Dorchester & Claridge's Christmas crackers are ready to be pulled. The Veuve Clicquot champagne will arrive on Sunday evening.

Friends & Family at Christmas

Must thank my friend Barbara, from Rome, again for attending the De Beers Diamonds Christmas party at Mandarin Oriental, Hyde Park with me, despite not liking caviar.

At the Peninsula, London's Christmas party MD Rolf was kind enough to introduced me to his charming son. My Moscow based niece Maria will be in Istanbul, with my brother, for the Western Christmas.

I met so many of my amazing friends (eg Matthew, Edd, Katrina, Leanne, John etc) in the weeks before Christmas and was out in Shrewsbury with friends from my Prestfelde and Shrewsbury School days last night.

Maybourne's Claridge's Christmas Tree Wins But Four Seasons at Tower Bridge's Caviar & Martinis Christmas Tree Gets a Special Mention

Daniel Lee's richly decorated Burberry Christmas tree at Claridge's was magical. Once again Maybourne's hotel clearly wins but the caviar & martinis Christmas tree at Four Seasons at Tower Bridge must get a special mention.

A Chef Wolfgang Puck US Thanksgiving at 45 Park Lane

Chef Elliott Grover made my US Thanksgiving in 2025 unforgettable by inviting me into the 45 Park Lane kitchens.

Dorchester Collection CEO Philippe Leboef was in the kitchens. We first met at the Mandarin Oriental, Paris at Christmas time and he made my stay at Raffles, London at The OWO unbelievable. Elliott had me 'cooking' A5 Japanese Wagyu.

"No Bill For You Mr Frew, Happy Christmas"

Also have to mention my 'last' lunch at 45 Park Lane on 2025. My burger was insanely good and I almost cried when I was told there was no bill to pay, despite champagne. You have to love Dorchester Collection.

Arab Bankers' Association Christmas Party & The Hackett VIP Christmas Party On Savile Row

The Arab Bankers' Association Christmas party at The Chancery Rosewood was such an enjoyable event. I met so many new interesting people.

However, it was meeting Jeremy Hackett at The Hackett VIP Christmas party that was a dream come true. I wore his suits at the Bank of England in the 1990s and his life story is fascinating. Stewart Lee (CEO of Savile Row Gin) made the party even better.

With my stay The Emory, December 2025 has been a '10 teddies' (🐻🐻🐻🐻🐻🐻🐻🐻🐻🐻) month. Breakfast at The Emory with Kostas, MD of the Emory & The Berkeley just before I left London was the icing of a perfect Christmas cake.

Pat Davies and I are visiting mum this afternoon. I wanted to wish everyone happy Christmas and healthy & successful 2026s

Artificial snow in this Peninsula, London photo.

I met Holly King (of Kings Fine Food) at this Mandarin Oriental, Hyde Park party sponsored by De Beers Diamonds.

Scottish thistles, 'surplus' Burberry fabrics, hand-blown glass baubles, brass bells etc etc The Claridge's Christmas tree

After my 'damaged trousers incident', & hearing about the issues Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park had causes at The Dorchester, it was good to meet Dorchester Collection CEO Philippe on UK Thanksgiving at 45 Park Lane.

Spot the plastic martini glasses on the Four Seasons at Tower Bridge Christmas tree.

Jeremy Hackett ran a market stall in the 1980s that Ralph Lauren used to buy from.

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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

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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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the luxury travel blog

#imafan Day at the Legendary Mandarin Oriental, Hyde Park & Meeting Impressive GM Philippe Kronberg - Knightsbridge, London - July 2026

Extreme Hot Spell; 'High Society' at The Barbican Centre; Chef Elliott Grover's Oscars Dinner at Fortnum & Mason; Meet the Founder of Soho House, Nick Jones, at St Clement; Letter from Buckingham Palace & Friend From Uruguay Visits - London - June 2026

Visitors From Doha @ 45 Park Lane, Panama @ Maybourne/ Peninsula & Rosewood and Seattle @ Four Seasons; Mental Health Initiative at BoE; NYC's Magnolia Bakery @ Raffles; Seeing Mum in Shrewsbury & The Sunday Feast at The Ned - May 2026

Jean-Georges Vongerichten at The Emory; Iconic Simpson's in the Strand; Louis Vuitton Hotel London & Legendary Chef Yannick Alléno & Chef Claude Bosi Cook Together at Pavyllon at Four Seasons at Park Lane - London - April 2026

A 'Ten Teddies' Birthday - Thanks to The Emory; 45 Park Lane; Four Seasons at Park Lane & Mandarin Oriental, Hyde Park - London - March 2026

An Unforgettable Birthday Eve Dinner at Brooklands by Chef Claude Bosi at Peninsula, London - London - March 2026

A Glamorous Birthday Eve Breakfast in Cooper's Cut at Four Seasons at Tower Bridge - London - March 2026

Pure Class Park Hyatt, London Thames River & My Birthday Month - London - March 2026

Christmas with Mum; New Year's Eve in Shropshire & Orthodox Christmas in London with Sublime Gifts from House of Maybourne - Shrewsbury/ London - December 2025 & January 2026

The Build-Up to Christmas; The Claridge's & Four Seasons at Tower Bridge Christmas Trees and US Thanksgiving at 45 Park Lane - London - December 2025

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

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