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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

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

8/5/2025

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

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

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

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

Birthday Balloons at Four Seasons, Tower Bridge

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

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

Chef Tom Booton's Grill at The Dorchester

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

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

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

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

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

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

31/3/2025

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

A Birthday Surrounded by Love

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

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

My 'Birthday Eve', Almost Better Than My Birthday

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

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

Peninsula, London Keep Exceeded My Expectations

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

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

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

The Royal Opera House

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

Another Si Frew Birthday

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

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

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

45 Park Lane Keep Blowing My Mind

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Breakfast at Raffles, London at The OWO

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

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

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

A birthday that rates 9 cover photos is clearly an '8 teddies' (🐻🐻🐻🐻🐻🐻🐻🐻) one. 45 Park Lane; Peninsula, London & The Emory all went way beyond the call of duty. My TWA Hotel bag now also sports a Peninsula luggage tag.

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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.

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

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

I had breakfast at The Emory twice in May 2024. The first time I was thrilled to meet Owen & this photo was before breakfast with Maybourne COO Roland Fasel. GM Knut joined for the end of this momentous breakfast. After Rolf at the start of the month & now Roland. Swiss hoteliers really do rock! I first met Roland when he was GM of The Dorchester & was at Aman, New York when he was COO of Aman Resorts. He is now COO of the group that includes Claridge's, The Connaught, The Berkeley etc

The 'Belgravia in Bloom Afternoon Tea' at Peninsula, London, with the mother of my godson, was such a special event. Spot the chocolate London Eye, with butterflies & flowers, & the white chocolate Lion Dog on our table.

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A Si Frew Perfect Easter Birthday - London - March 2024

3/4/2024

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

Mandarin Oriental, Hyde Park's Gift

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

Four Seasons at Park Lane's Surprise Cake

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

Dream Stay at Peninsula, London

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

45 Park Lane Feels Like Family

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

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

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

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

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

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

It was an '8 teddies' (🐻🐻🐻🐻🐻🐻🐻🐻) Easter birthday. My photos have to more than prove that. A particular thanks to 45 Park Lane for covering my bill & Peninsula, London for a stay I will never forget, including a trip in their fabulous green Rolls-Royce and Issy's stunning new outfit.

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the luxury travel blog

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

A Si Frew Perfect Easter Birthday - London - March 2024

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