travelog

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

2/5/2026

Meeting Joshua at Four Seasons at Park Lane

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

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

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

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

The Iconic Reopened Simpson's in the Strand

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

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

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

The Louis Vuitton Hotel London Pop-up In Berkeley Square

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

9/4/2026

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Arriving at The Emory in Long-wheelbased BMW Style

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

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

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

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

The Surrenne Spa

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Reading The Genuine Weekend Financial Times

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

Leaving The Emory in BMW 7i Style

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

Another Legendary Birthday Lunch at 45 Park Lane

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

Japanese Wagyu From Heaven

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

Tia's Extraordinarily Splendid Birthday Cake

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

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

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

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

Incredible Friends From My Qatar Days

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Japanese Food On Another Level

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

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

Mandarin Oriental, Hyde Park's Celebrated Doormen

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

1/4/2026

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Already Legendary Peninsula, London

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

Feeling Like a Celebrity in Brooklands Bar

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

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

A Series of Birthday Surprises in Brooklands by Chef Claude Bosi

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

A Sublime Dinner of Chef Claude Bosi Food

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

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

Meeting Chef Claude Bosi Again

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

3/3/2026

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Another Iconic Birthday

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

Impressive Park Hyatt, London Thames River

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

Nine Elms & The New US Embassy

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

A Perfect Park Hyatt Welcome

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

Personal Tour By Energised GM Mario

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

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

Rooms & Suites with Breathtaking Views

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

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

A Memorable Lunch in The Nine Elms Kitchen

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

A Perfect Martini & Unworldly Japan

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Chief Mixologist Mitsuhiro Nakamura making me a perfect martini.

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

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Superstar Baker Richard Hart at Claridge's; an Unforgettable Burns Night at The Emory with The Macallan M 2023; & a Sublime Sunday Roast at The Grill at The Connaught. A Maybourne Life. London - January & February 2026

2/2/2026

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The New Claridge's Bakery

I was one of the first people to experience the new Claridge's bakery and had the honour of meeting legendary baker Richard Hart. He had just flown in from Mexico City (where his Green Rhino bakery is based) and he also has a joint venture bakery in Copenhagen with one of the founder of Noma.

All his flavoursome breads (with crisp crusts that will not break your teeth) are made with sourdough and, of his treats, I can particularly recommend his lardy cakes, the chocolate French Fancy & Walnut Whip.

My Best Burns Night Ever!

I spent Burns Night 2026 in the Rooftop Bar & Cigar Lounge at The Emory.

My First Cigar Since The Gran Hotel Manzana Kempinski in Havana, Cuba in 2018

We started with whisky cocktails, caviar topped canapés & a brilliant bagpipe player in the Cigar Lounge. It was good to see Manager Blue again and he persuaded me to have a few puffs of a cigar before dinner.

A Table Decorated With Heather; Stunning Views of London; Exceptional Drams of The Macallan; The 1786 'Address to a Haggis' etc

A four course dinner (including Cullen Skink soup) was made even better by Felicity (The Macallan's Brand Ambassador) giving history & context to the drams we were savouring & sitting next to Charlie from the Maybourne Social Media Team talking about Jamaica etc

The piping in of the haggis made my chest fill with pride for my Scottish heritage.

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

6/1/2026

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Digital Detox? Finding Quiet & Calm

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

A Snowy Shrewsbury Christmas Full of Love & Happiness

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

'Real' Turkish Delight & Vodka Chocolates from Moscow

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

I tried both once back in London and adore them.

A Fascinating & Scrumptious Sunday Lunch with a Family Friend

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

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

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

Orthodox Christmas & Perfect Gifts from House of Maybourne

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

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

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

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

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

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

Sevice at 45 Park Lane is always flawless and friendly.

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

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

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

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

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

27/11/2025

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

1/11/2025

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Discreet Mandarin Oriental, Mayfair in Hanover Square

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

45 Park Lane; Flawless Food & Service

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

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

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

Mum Happy & Comfortable and Shrewsbury

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

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

The Difficult to Book Eagle Bar at The Chancery Rosewood

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

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

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

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

26/10/2025

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Mandarin Oriental, Mayfair in Hanover Square

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

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

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

The Emory in Belgravia

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Superstar Baker Richard Hart at Claridge's; an Unforgettable Burns Night at The Emory with The Macallan M 2023; & a Sublime Sunday Roast at The Grill at The Connaught. A Maybourne Life. London - January & February 2026

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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