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The Emory - Maybourne Perfection, With The Connaught & Claridge's Help - London - November 2025

27/11/2025

The Emory is The Best New Uber Luxury Hotel in London

I have decided my stay at The Emory was better than my stays at Raffles, London at The OWO; Peninsula, London; The Chancery Rosewood and Mandarin Oriental, Mayfair.

Support From House of Maybourne; Born in Mayfair

The fact The Emory can rely on support from The Connaught, Claridge's and House of Maybourne itself contributed to my unforgettable stay.

A Special Mention for Peninsula, London

The way Peninsula, London have spoilt me since my stay with them must get a very special mention.

This is Not Luxury

Must also use this opportunity to mention my 'damaged trouser incident' on Wednesday 19 November 2025 at The Dorchester and the lack of anything but a holding reply from Dorchester Collection about my complaints over not being allowed access to the hotel's lobby.

I will be celebrating US Thanksgiving at 45 Park Lane this evening and get nothing but VIP treatment from that Dorchester Collection hotel.

The Emory is a '9 teddies' (🐻🐻🐻🐻🐻🐻🐻🐻🐻) hotel. The least well known hotel of the 5 new in London is discreet luxury at its best.

From superb Josh (Director of Guest Services); to Gintare from the Butlers/ Housekeeping repairing my trousers & saving my evening; to a superb breakfast in abc kitchens; to my initials on my Frette pillowcase; to a window in my spacious Alexandra Champalimaud designed Hyde Park view corner suite that fully opening, thanks to the late Richard Rogers; to the fully stocked complimentary mini bar; to the Billecart-Salmon Rose champagne; to a Cedric Grolet cake; to having the Surrenne pool to myself; to a perfect ice cold 'SF Martini' being served in the Rooftop Bar; to Issy's Surrenne Spa outfit, with tiny slippers; to a legendary dinner in The Grill at The Connaught with Maybourne COO Roland Fasel; and a Christmas tree party at Claridge's where I met Richard E Grant (Barbra Streisand fan) & Jeremy King (co-found of Le Caprice) and The Emory sending my luggage to Claridge's. Would almost award 10 teddies. Tip: leave your suite & have breakfast down in 'abc kitchens'.

Have kept this post very short, after one of my best friends told me I have been posting too much recently. Have more Maybourne photos, & lots more to say, if you see me over Christmas.

The Connaught MD Sandeep on one side & Maybourne COO Roland on the other. Had a fascinating discussion with Sandeep, before Roland arrived.

Even the towels in the bathroom were 'Frette made for The Emory'. There was a guest bathroom in my suite too.

Nothing like an ice cold 'SF Martini'. The mashed potatoes at The Grill at The Connaught were divine.

The photo above me is of Audrey Hepburn at Claridge's. Very auspicious for me.

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Prestfelde Prep School; Hormazd Narielwalla's Book Launch at Hackett on Savile Row; Meeting Hemal Jain Again, GM of Mandarin Oriental, Mayfair & Celebrating Sophia's Success at The Eagle Bar & The Spy Bar - Shrewsbury/ London - September 2025

1/10/2025

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It was a rollercoaster of a month. From having to process bad news about one of my best friend's health & mum's rapidly declining well-being; to the 'SF Martini' being served in The Eagle Bar at The Chancery Rosewood and The Spy Bar at Raffles, London at The OWO again; & celebrating Sophia taking up her place studying for her master's degree in law at Cambridge.

Artist Hormazd Narielwalla's Glamorous & Fun Book Launch at Hackett on Savile Row

As soon as I learnt Chef Elliott Grover, from CUT at 45 Park Lane, was providing the food for this book launch, I knew it would be a special event.

The book looks stunning; Hackett's Savile Row Head Office is so elegant and Hormazd is charming & friendly.

I Won Prizes at Prestfelde Prep School

Sarah Dyas helped to arrange for me to have lunch with 'new' Headmaster Matty Thavenot in his study and the two of them took me on a tour of my former prep school.

It was such a happy morning and I was surprised to learn I was in Form IIA and won the form prize for 1979 - 1980. Would wholeheartedly recommend that fellow Old Prestfeldians revisit the school.

Kenny Ng; Shrewsbury School's Old Salopian Day & Visiting Mum

Shrewsbury School's Old Salopian Day meant I got to meet Kenny Ng again. Chicago, Bangkok and now Shrewsbury again. Was also glad to see Ruby Read's art show.

Mum's health is declining fast. She should now use a walking stick when walking without help. Since I have returned to London she has also been having severe back pain.

Networking at Forward Global's UK Late Summer Drinks

Forward Global's party at the National Liberal Club turned out to be an exceptional networking event and worth specially returning to London for.

At the party I was also lent a book concerning a friend from my Qatar days and his Warhol prints.

Hemal Jain, Now GM of Mandarin Oriental, Mayfair

Hemal & I spent too long talking but we knew each other from Four Seasons, Doha & we had so many stories to share about Jeff Bezos etc.

I was informed I will be one of the first people to receive the hotel's new VIP card and Hemel wants to arrange for me to stay at the hotel before the end of this year.

The Eagle Bar at The Chancery Rosewood and The Spy Bar at Raffles, London at The OWO

Celebrating Sophia taking up her place at Cambridge was the perfect excuse for one of the best Saturday evenings I have experienced in London.

Seeing Tala and her, after 9 years, was unbelievable. Sophia is now a charming young lady and I wonder if we are the first people to have visited The Eagle Bar, & The Spy Bar, in one evening. Must, particularly, thank Daniel at the former & Kiki at the latter.

An '8 teddies''month (🐻🐻🐻🐻🐻🐻🐻🐻), despite bad health news. Staying at Mandarin Oriental, Mayfair will be a perfect way to end my year centred around the new London 5 star hotels and the fact I will see more of Tala is brilliant news.

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

10/3/2025

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

Another Dream Comes True

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

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

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

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

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

Breakfast at Pavyllon at Four Seasons, London at Park Lane

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

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

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

The Best Birthday Mum Could Have Had

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

My 'SF Martini' will be served in The Wolseley on 29 March, the actual day of my birthday, thanks to The Dorchester. Still cannot believe I will be able to use The Peninsula, London's extended wheelbase green Rolls-Royce again on my 'Birthday Eve'.

It was another '8 teddies' (🐻🐻🐻🐻🐻🐻🐻🐻) few weeks, despite my illness. the afternoon with Chef Nobu alone would justify that score. Hope you enjoy the photos below.

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

It is a little ironic that The Emory are the only hotel not to have replied to any of my numerous messages about swimming in their pool on my birthday.

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Capella, Bangkok: Cote by Mauro Colagreco - A Legendary Meal - Bangkok, Thailand - October 2024

9/12/2024

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Chef Mauro Colagreco has a restaurant at Raffles, London at The OWO and the meal of his I had at the Capella, Bangkok blew my mind.

It was a meal I will never forget and I cannot recommend his food strongly enough.

My dinner at Cote by Mauro Colagreco in Bangkok rates a '7 teddies' (🐻🐻🐻🐻🐻🐻🐻) score. Tip: go with the menu Manager Gwen suggests and make sure you chat with this great guy.

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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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Four Seasons, Hampshire With My Godson. A Start To A Birthday Could Not Have Been Better - Hampshire, UK - March 2024

25/3/2024

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

A Mercedes Arrival & A Drink With GM Andrew

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

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

My Godson, Sorel the Owl & The Halk Walk

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

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

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

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

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

The Oliver King Parlour Suite

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

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

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

'Wild Carrot' & Food From Heaven

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

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

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

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

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

Faye & The Tranquil Pool

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

Becky & Douglas The Shetland Pony

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

Sunday Lunch; Melt In The Mouth Beef

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

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

My stay at refurbished Four Seasons, Hampshire was definitely a '7 teddies' (🐻🐻🐻🐻🐻🐻🐻) experience. Hope you enjoy the photos below. GM Andrew, Chef Barkin, Clement and Faye could not have done any more for me, Tip; stay to enjoy a leisurely Sunday lunch.

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

31/10/2023

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

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

The Granville Suite

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

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

Butlers & La Grande Dame Veuve Clicquot

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

The Spy Bar

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

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

Paper Moon

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

Meeting Director of Wine Vincenzo Arnese Again

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

Guerlain Spa

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

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

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

2/10/2023

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Two billion pound new 5 star hotels opening in London made it a '7 teddies' (🐻🐻🐻🐻🐻🐻🐻) month. The Peninsula, London were kind enough to cover my breakfast bill & The Raffles, London at The OWO could not have honoured me more.

Was at Peninsula, London on the first day they served breakfast and was so impressed that everything went so smoothly & former staff from Mandarin Oriental, Hyde Park knew me.

Minutes after this photo was taken GM Phillipe was addressing the entire staff of Raffles at The OWO on the opening day of this new London hotel on the Grand Staircase.

The meticulously restored marble Grand Staircase at Raffles, London at The OWO was a very fitting place to show off my Peabody Hotel, Memphis Duckmaster cane again.