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

2/6/2025

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

GM of Mandarin Oriental, Mayfair Leaving 

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

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

The New Patisserie at Pan Pacific, London 

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

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

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

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

Perfect Four Seasons in London

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

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

Foodie Shrewsbury & Mum Looking So Healthy 

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

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

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

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45 Park Lane; Peninsula, London; The Emory & Unbelievable Friends, a Birthday Beyond Compare - London - March 2025

31/3/2025

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

A Birthday Surrounded by Love

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

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

My 'Birthday Eve', Almost Better Than My Birthday 

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

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

Peninsula, London Keep Exceeded My Expectations 

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

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

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

The Royal Opera House 

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

Another Si Frew Birthday 

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

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

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

45 Park Lane Keep Blowing My Mind

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Breakfast at Raffles, London at The OWO

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

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

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

​A birthday that rates 9 cover photos is clearly an '8 teddies' (🐻🐻🐻🐻🐻🐻🐻🐻) one. 45 Park Lane; Peninsula, London & The Emory all went way beyond the call of duty. My TWA Hotel bag now also sports a Peninsula luggage tag.
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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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The Sukhothai, Bangkok - The Perfect End to the Thailand Leg of My 'Epic Trip' - Bangkok, Thailand - October 2024

28/12/2024

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

The Legendary Sukhothai, Bangkok 

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

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

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

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

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

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

​The Famous Sukhothai, Bangkok Sunday Brunch 

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

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

Leaving is Difficult But 'Tippy Saved The Day'

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

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

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

The Sunday brunch, & my recently refurbished suite, at The Sukhothai, Bangkok would have rated '6 teddies' but Tippy's actions rates  a '7 teddies' (🐻🐻🐻🐻🐻🐻🐻) score. She prevented me leaving Igor & Paula, from Mandarin Oriental, Tokyo & Four Seasons, Tokyo at Marunouchi, behind. Tip:  talk to Chef  Frederic at The Sukhothai, Bangkok Sunday brunch.
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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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May 2024: An '8 Teddies' Month in London - London - May 2024

3/6/2024

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

Peninsula, London

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

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

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

Sir Michael Palin at The Barbican Centre 

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

Rebel with a Cello at The Royal Albert Hall

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

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

Bubbledogs @ 45 Park Lane

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

Special Mentions 

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

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

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A Si Frew Perfect Easter Birthday - London - March 2024

3/4/2024

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

Mandarin Oriental, Hyde Park's Gift

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

Four Seasons at Park Lane's Surprise Cake

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

Dream Stay at Peninsula, London

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

45 Park Lane Feels Like Family 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

21/3/2024

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

The Best English Breakfast in London 

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

Mandarin Oriental, Hyde Park & Chinese New Year

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

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

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

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

Sunday Lunch at Claridge’s

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

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

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

Mum's Shrewsbury Birthday & Mother's Day 

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

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

Foodie Shrewsbury 

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

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

Walrus and The Coach & Horses

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

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

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

​Over my Easter birthday weekend I will be seeing Mandarin Oriental, Four Seasons, Peninsula, Dorchester Collection & Raffles. All is in place for a Si Frew perfect birthday. It has started perfectly with an unforgettable stay at Four Seasons, Hampshire, seeing my godson etc
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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.
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A happy uncle & a niece with his eyes, before a Boxing Day lunch with my brother & mother.
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What a location for our Christmas Day lunch. All my preparation work paid off.
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Mum looking very regal in red, to have lunch with me in C Sons in Shrewsbury.

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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.
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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 ''7 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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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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Another Unforgettable Birthday - Shrewsbury & London - March 2023

5/4/2023

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

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

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

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


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Christmas - London & Shrewsbury - December 2022

22/12/2022

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

However, as you will see from the photos below, I intend to make it a good Christmas in Shrewsbury, despite everything. Hope you have a good one too.
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British Airways Club Class, Returns to Being a Cutting Edge Product - New York, USA - August 2022

17/8/2022

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PictureThe White Company products; new suites on my 777; beautiful new glassware & friendly helpful crew. BA Club Class is a force to be reckoned with again.
My big trip to Panama, Bogota & New York started at Mandarin Oriental, Hyde Park, drinking champagne from The Aubrey, London at breakfast. However, the taxi ride after, learning the driver had worked at The Bank of England in the 1990s, when I was also working there, made my day.

At Heathrow British Airways Club Class meant I breezed through with no problems.

Miss physical newspapers & magazines in the Galleries Club Lounges; the chairs & sofas in the lounges are starting to look a bit tired; and there should be charging points in all areas but it was fine. In fact the cold tuna pasta was excellent. 

On the Boeing 777 the new Club Class suites look stylish and every detail has been improved (eg large better The White Company pillows) but I missed warm towels & at times the bulky new suites felt a little claustrophobic. However, with exceptional entertainment, and mouthwatering food,  Club Class has returned to being a '6 teddies' (🐻🐻🐻🐻🐻🐻) product.

I am writing this post from my room at the Hilton New York JFK Airport, after a nightmare at JFK Terminal 4 this morning that meant I could not fly to Panama today. I want to thank Shanna here who could tell I had had too stressful a morning and gave me my room straight away. Cannot thank her enough. Now feel ready to meet my friends in Panama City tomorrow.


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

2/1/2022

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

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

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

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

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

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


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The Mandarin Oriental Ritz in Madrid. Luxury & Opulence on Another Level - Madrid, Spain - October 2021

31/10/2021

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PictureSpot the second bottle of Veuve Clicquot for this bath experience.
My stay at the Mandarin Oriental Ritz, Madrid was overshadowed by receiving the news that we had lost Bermuda legend, & close friend, Marcia Woolridge-Allwood.  However, think Marcia would have loved to see the photos below and hear about my breathtaking suite with Veuve Clicquot on ice; my Dom Perignon experience with General Manager superstar Greg; a rose head bath prepared by Head Butler Claudia & her consummate professional butler team; Eugenie at the white marble & chanderliered pool; so many varieties of water, after my 'Perrier complaint' at the Mandarin Oriental in Hong Kong; my photo on the water bottles; the bar staff who knew me from Mandarin Oriental, Hyde Park; the butler team's help with my packing of fragile items from Four Seasons, Madrid etc

Last week I was honoured to be invited to a key Mandarin Oriental party in London. At that we talked about the issues over merging the iconic Ritz, Madrid with Mandarin Oriental. My stay illustrated this is still a work in progress but will be worth it. Hope the photos below evidence all that has already been achieved. 


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Cautiously Optimistic - London/ Shrewsbury - April 2021

9/5/2021

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PictureCelebrating 12 April 2021 on the roof of The Dorchester with their GM Robert. A live band & sunset views of Hyde Park to die for.
April 2021 was the month when England began opening up again. I was on the roof of The Dorchester to mark the first day in real style.  

After being shown the pink marble bath that was specially installed for Elizabeth Taylor in their Harlequin Roof Suite, John (GM of 45 Park Lane) kept me company, Tom Booton's food was sublime & we were even offered hot water bottles, with knitted covers, on that cold evening.

My next outing was 45 Park Lane for a mouthwateringly fresh Wolfgang Puck lunch on their beautiful outside terrace.  The welcome back from the staff almost made me emotional & I even got to meet chef Jamie Shears. 

I managed to squeeze a week in Shrewsbury in before I rejoined the Bank of England in their International Banking area.  During that week I had a drink in The Admiral Benbow pub with mum & celebrated my older brother's birthday. 

Back in London I ate oysters & drank champagne in The Savoy's pop-up Solas, where cars usually drop off guests. It has been transformed into a breathtaking fantasy and, as with all the hotels I visited, service was impeccable. 

The month ended with a visit to Mandarin Oriental, Hyde Park for a Saturday lunch.  GM Amanda came in on her day off to welcome me & lunch could not have been better.  Heston Blumenthal's poor/ gimmicky Waitrose & Partners food is a millions miles from the delicacies that were served by Dinner by Heston on that terrace overlooking Hyde Park.

Hope the photos below do some justice to the monumental efforts all these iconic hotels went to to make me feel very special. From The Dorchester sending me home with Christian Lacroix Greta with a new headdress & Philip Hammond's exquisite flowers; to champagne from Amanda at the Mandarin Oriental & their Heston Blumenthal liquid nitrogen ice cream trolley, it was another month I will never forget. 


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

28/12/2020

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PictureMy beautiful niece meets Eric, the Steiff sloth; a Shropshire family Christmas calls for Tanners Wines' champagne; & my mother's expertly cooked roast goose Christmas lunch.
Despite London moving to Tier 4, we managed to have another very special family Shropshire Christmas.

With fine wines chosen by dad; mum's legendary cooking and my niece there, it could not have gone any better.

I gave a Chanel gift to mum; Tanners Wines & Fortnums gifts to my brother & father; a Steiff gift to my charming niece and my godson loves his Swiss Army Knife, with his name engraved on the blade. I gave some of my best gifts this year.

I received Veuve Clicquot champagne; The Glenlivet whisky; Silent Pool gin; Paul Smith socks; The White Company sleep products; Elton John's new book; a personalised mug from a friend in Qatar that I treasure; an umbrella that is a piece of art from Mandarin Oriental, Hyde Park etc. So happy with all my beautiful/ thoughtful gifts too. 

​Hope the photos below illustrate how lucky I feel to have such outstanding friends & a one-off family. 


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

6/10/2020

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PictureI was elated to find the High Court case I have been working on reported in the Financial Times.
September 2020 was a monumental month in my life with my new Banking Consultancy company 'Si Frew Consultancy Services Limited' being incorporated & the Lebanese banking case I have been working on reported in the Financial Times.

At the same time it has been a whirlwind on the travel blog side, with more iconic London hotels reopening, while the Mayfair hotels continue to surprise & impress me.  

Four Seasons at Park Lane allowed me to try vodka infused with caviar, not yet on their menu; Michael (Managing Director of Rosewood, London) sent us champagne to celebrate the reopening of his elegant hotel;  had a drink with Robert (General Manager of The Dorchester) to honour the busy reopening of his historic hotel;  I discovered Porsche must be the 'official' car of my Barbican building; I savoured another sensational Tom Booton Sunday lunch at The Grill at The Dorchester; and also got to enjoy a drink with Mandarin Oriental, Hyde Park's fabled General Manager Amanda, in their reopened Mandarin Bar. 

It was also a month where I had the best dover sole of my life at Parsons in Seven Dials; had a memorable Wolfgang Puck brunch at 45 Park Lane, having the pleasure to be joined by their General Manager John & viewed 'FAME at 45 Park Lane' with photos of Coco Chanel, Brigitte Bardot, Faye Dunaway etc I will never forget; 45 Park Lane staff sent me more of their Noble Isle shower products that I adore; & I continued to be impressed by breakfast & service at Millie's Lounge at The Ned. I also visited the enchanting garden at The Goring for martinis with a friend from my Prestfelde prep school days. There I met their charming new General Manager Michael and had forgotten how beautiful their new bar is. I was also blown  away by the steaks at Hawksmoor, Seven Dials in September.

I ended the month eating Eggs Escoffier (with lobster meat, caviar & gold) & drinking champagne at breakfast at Gordon Ramsay's reopened Savoy Grill at The Savoy, London and being entranced by the 'full French' breakfast & staff at Anthony Demetre's Wild Honey at Sofitel London St James. On top of all this, I managed more trips to Shropshire to support my indomitable parents.

In September my personal training also moved to Energie Fitness, so I can remain with legendary Bart but I still try to swim at Virgin Active each day too. I must also mention my new The White Company electric diffuser I was thoughtfully given by one of my best friends that is now an important part of my night time ritual, along with my Frette sheets, Dorchester hotel bed & Aromatherapy Associates shower oils. 

Finally I should mention that an incident that I experienced at one of my favourite Mayfair hotels last month, & some that have happened to my caring mother (even at church), have me thinking about Four Seasons' Mr Sharp's mission statement based on The Golden Rule "To treat others as we'd wish to be treated ourselves." again. I fully appreciate that issues related to COVID-19 have left us all very frazzled but I think it is even more important to take the time to talk to people and be compassionate, understanding & flexible. 

Hope the photos below help to make people feel better at what continues to be such a difficult time for so many people.


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

3/8/2020

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PictureMy first day wearing with Turnbull & Asser face mask, with a virus killing filter.
July 2020 was the month I restarted swimming, buying new Cayman Islands style Vilebrequin swim shorts to celebrate, and exercising with personal trainer Bart again.  We did this outside with breathtaking views of Tower Bridge. I was even part of a photo shoot at Virgin Active in Mayfair,  as I will feature on the new Virgin Active website. 

It was also the month where I was part of the reopening of 45 Park Lane & Mandarin Oriental, Hyde Park; obtained my Turnbull & Asser face mask, with VIROFORMULA virus killing filters; had my first pint for 121 days with dad in The Admiral Benbow in Shrewsbury, the landlady Claire there was ahead of London with her anti-COVID-19 bar screen; drank Shrewsbury wine with mum & dad at Hencote in Shropshire; had a haircut at Truefitt & Hill, following in the footsteps of Charles Dickens, Winston Churchill & Frank Sinatra; Philip Hammond at The Dorchester created a spectacular new headdress for my Christian Lacroix wearing teddy bear from Bangkok; I attended a sublime lunch at Scott's in Mayfair with my Qatar friends; & ate caviar and drank gin from Kyoto, Japan, for breakfast, outside at 45 Jermyn Street, behind Fortnum & Mason. The Head of UK Retail at Fortnum & Mason now wants to meet www.sifrew.com. 

It has been another unbelievable month in my life & I just hope the move to the 'new normal' in the UK continues. Feel free to ask me about the photos below, when we next meet.


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

17/2/2020

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PictureIt was awesome to finally meet energetic GM Susanne at Mandarin Oriental New York & Director of Guest Relations Mark there was a joy to chat with.
Sorry for my silence but I have been very busy with Banking Consultant related issues.

I have constructive feedback for Virgin Atlantic Upper Class re: the large inflexible dining table that is part of their new A350 configuration and the surrender of Four Seasons control to Wolfgang Puck over the CUT bar at Four Seasons Hotel New York Downtown.

At the same time I must highlight the Grant Achatz truffle cocktail sent to my Central Park view 49th floor suite at Mandarin Oriental New York; the truffle cheeses, with grated fresh black & white truffles and Bresaola air-dried, salted beef from Uruguay to welcome me at my Hudson suite at Four Seasons Hotel New York Downtown Town and chilled bottles of Veuve Clicquot champagne at both hotels.

Also need to thank Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park for the roast duck congee breakfast, being added to their menu the following week, to celebrate Chinese New Year in London.

Will upload photos re: all this when I have more time but feel free to ask me about all this, when you see me. 

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

4/7/2019

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

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

At the same time I have been working on my future as a Banking Consultant & I have been approached about roles. 
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This email, from a friend at LVMH, who I met while working in Cayman Islands, made my day.
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I first met Mandarin Oriental GM Amanda in Bangkok & always adore our meetings.
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I first met 45 Park Lane GM John when I was working in Qatar. On this occasion he asked me to try their new proposed shower gel.
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Four Seasons @ Park Lane GM Lynn is always a perfect source of useful practical advice.
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Mandarin Oriental, Hyde Park is Back & Better Than Ever - London, UK - May 2019

16/5/2019

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


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An Epic Return to the UK - September 2018

16/9/2018

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PictureFinding a Rolls-Royce on my return from Cayman Islands turned what could have been a fraught experience into a pleasure.
​Flying American Airlines First Class, & staying at The Dorchester, meant I had to return from Cayman Islands to find a Rolls-Royce. ​

The Dorchester helped me celebrate by giving me one of their gorgeous Dorchester suites again, hotel legend Amanda Hyndman met with me, I (finally) met Four Seasons' Lynn Brutman, Dorchester butlers repacked my luggage beautifully and some of my best friends from my 10 years in Qatar joined me for drinks.

​🐻🐻🐻🐻🐻🐻🐻(7 out of 5 ‘teddies’) - no return to the UK could have been better.  I must thank Robert, Janice & Emily at The Dorchester, John at 45 Park Lane, Lynn & Irene at Four Seasons at Park Lane & Amanda Hyndman at Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park for all they did to make my welcome back to the UK so special. 

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Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park, London: Class You Cannot Buy - London, UK - April 2018

30/4/2018

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PictureGwyn from The Going, Issy and Robert (named after the new Dorchester GM I had met that morning) in The Rosebery Lounge.
This 'Celebrity Fan' stayed at Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park, London before its recent refurbishment and was eager to see what the over GBP85MN spent had achieved.  

Marie (the hotel's PR Director) and Ines were kind enough to give me a tour and even arranged a complimentary lunch in Bar Boulud. I have eaten there before & also in Daniel Boulud's New York places.

The refurbishment is stunning, with all the attention to detail and additional light but it was my fellow dinners in Bar Boulud that evidenced the class/caliber of this London institution of a 5 star hotel. The 'great & the good' of Bermuda always stayed there during the 6 years when I lived, and worked, in Bermuda. 


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    The Authors

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

    Simon is a banker. He lives in The Barbican in London.  

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

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

    Issy dictates and never types.

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