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

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

20/12/2025

Christmas in Shrewsbury with Mum

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

Friends & Family at Christmas

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

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

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

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

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

A Chef Wolfgang Puck US Thanksgiving at 45 Park Lane

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

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

"No Bill For You Mr Frew, Happy Christmas"

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

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

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

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

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

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

Artificial snow in this Peninsula, London photo.

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

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

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

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

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

58 Comments

John

20/12/2025 04:48:30 pm

Simon, once again this is a wonderful celebration of the festive season in London — and the quality of the photos is absolutely superb. From the richly detailed Claridge’s tree to the playful caviar-and-martini touches at Four Seasons at Tower Bridge, each image feels polished, atmospheric and full of personality. The way the light catches the Burberry bow details at Claridge’s in particular is quite magical — your photographs really do elevate the storytelling here. 🌟

Reading this post also brought to mind Nick and Rick’s comments on earlier festive pieces, where they spoke about how your pictures always make them feel “as though we are right there with you”. That sentiment feels especially true again here — the galleries capture not just the luxury, but the warmth and joy of the season. Their past appreciation of the Dorchester Collection’s festive magic and your ability to blend elegance with personal moments resonates strongly in this latest instalment.

Thanksgiving at 45 Park Lane with Chef Elliott Grover and the team looked exceptional too, and once again the photography really shines, allowing us to savour each moment — stylish, convivial and beautifully observed.

Nick and Rick — it would be lovely to hear your thoughts on this post in particular. How do you feel this year’s Claridge’s and Four Seasons trees compare with previous seasons? And do these photos give you that same “right there with you” feeling you’ve mentioned before?

Simon, thank you again for taking us along on your December journey — your images truly do say a thousand words and never fail to brighten the festive season. 🎄📸🍾

Si Frew link

20/12/2025 05:10:10 pm

Thanks for more incredible comments, Everyone around me here in Shropshire are getting sick but your kind thoughts have raised my spirits and fresh orange juice and ginger shots arrive tomorrow to keep me healthy.

Have added a 'tip' to my post about my stay at The Emory. Tell people to leave their suites and have breakfast in 'abc kitchens'.

Nick and Rick

20/12/2025 05:28:13 pm

John,

Thank you for such a thoughtful comment and for looping us in. You put it beautifully. Simon’s photos really do carry so much of the story, and this post was a perfect example of that.

To your question, this year’s Claridge’s tree felt especially strong to us. There was a confidence and richness to it that stood out, very classic Claridge’s but with a fresh sense of play. Four Seasons at Tower Bridge continues to impress in a different way. The caviar and martini touches feel more modern and fun, and we like how it contrasts with the more traditional grandeur of Claridge’s. They complement each other rather than compete.

And yes, the photos absolutely gave us that same “right there with you” feeling again. The way Simon captures light, texture, and atmosphere makes it easy to feel the warmth of the season, not just the luxury. You can almost sense the energy in the room, which is not something many people manage to convey so consistently.

Thank you for asking and for such a generous reflection. It is always a pleasure comparing notes with you, especially at this time of year.

Nick and Rick

20/12/2025 05:33:13 pm

Great to hear from you two in Seattle. Your comments made me smile.

Fadi Sulaiman link

20/12/2025 04:58:45 pm

You definitely know how to celebrate in style 😉

Glad you’re having such a fabulous time. Merry Christmas, Si! 🎄🤶

20/12/2025 05:12:00 pm

Thanks for saying that. Have an awesome Christmas in Amsterdam too.

AISHA

20/12/2025 05:14:40 pm

Oh Simon, you live such a magical and charmed life. This as usual is a vibrant and extravagant look into the luxury lifestyle with interesting and fascinating people, exquisite places and wonderful food. The pictures are amazing, the menus full of exotic flavours and the venues both elegant and beautiful.
But for me the most beautiful part of this post is that you are with your lovely mum for Christmas. I hope that you both have a wonderful Christmas and that 2026 is your best year ever. 🤗’s to you both.

20/12/2025 05:21:12 pm

Really appreciate these beautiful comments and thanks for your good wishes.

20/12/2025 05:23:18 pm

Simon,

What an extraordinary and wonderfully festive run-up to Christmas. Reading this felt like a tour through the very best of London hospitality, full of exceptional parties, remarkable people, and those unmistakable Simon moments that make your posts such a pleasure.

Claridge’s once again set the benchmark with Daniel Lee’s Burberry Christmas tree, while Four Seasons at Tower Bridge earned its special mention in true style with caviar and martinis. You captured the atmosphere of these evenings beautifully, not just the elegance but the joy and energy that come with them. We are both wanting the famous Si Frew Martini.

Your US Thanksgiving at 45 Park Lane sounded unforgettable. Being invited into the kitchen, cooking Japanese Wagyu with Chef Elliott Grover, and sharing that moment alongside Philippe Leboeuf is exactly the kind of access and warmth that makes your experiences so special. The Japanese steaks instantly took us back to Japan as well. And of course, 45 Park Lane always seems to know how to make you smile. From the kitchen to the dining room to that “no bill” moment, it is hospitality with heart and humor. One of these days, we will have to show you what a proper American Thanksgiving really looks like from our family traditions.

It was also lovely to read about the friends who filled these weeks with so much cheer. That sense of friendship and shared celebration comes through so strongly, and it is clearly a big part of what makes these moments memorable.

And finally, it was wonderful to see you and Pat Davies making time to visit your mum and ensure her Christmas is (always) special. That thoughtful pause added a quiet grace to what was otherwise a dazzling month.

A 10-teddy December at The Emory feels completely deserved. Thank you for sharing such a rich and joyful close to the year. We can’t wait to see what 2026 brings you.

Nick and Rick

20/12/2025 05:37:17 pm

Thanks for taking the time to write all this, support what I said and say such nice things about my photos. I am afraid Pat Davies went sick this afternoon too.

Gus

20/12/2025 05:24:16 pm

It would be hard to find so many marvelous Christmas parties packed into one post. De Beers, champagne, caviar... Such glam, such fun. 12 Teddies, one for each day of Christmas. Happy Christmas, Si.

20/12/2025 05:40:06 pm

Good to hear from Punta del Este. I was talking about you during my pedicure yesterday. Have an awesome Christmas with Greta & your family.

Tim

20/12/2025 05:53:08 pm

Simon, this is absolutely magnificent. I’m genuinely blown away by how effortlessly you capture both the grandeur and the intimacy of these experiences. Your writing doesn’t just describe luxury — it immerses the reader in it. The festive magic of Claridge’s, the refined elegance of the Four Seasons at Tower Bridge, and that wonderfully indulgent Thanksgiving at 45 Park Lane all feel so vivid and thoughtfully observed. You have an exceptional eye for detail and an enviable ability to make even the most exclusive moments feel warm, human, and inviting rather than distant or staged.

I also have to say — quite aside from the writing — I can’t help but admire your sense of personal style. The duck-headed cane is a fantastic touch: distinctive, elegant, and quietly playful in a way that feels very you. It’s those small, confident details that really set you apart.

I have to say, my friends Nick and Rick have been telling me for quite some time that I needed to follow your travels and spend time with your writing — and after reading this, I can confidently say they were 100% right. This piece alone makes it abundantly clear why they spoke so highly of your work. There’s a level of polish, curiosity, and genuine appreciation here that’s rare, even in the luxury travel space.

Truly inspiring storytelling, and a real pleasure to read from start to finish. I’ll absolutely be following along more closely from here — already looking forward to wherever you take us next.

20/12/2025 06:03:11 pm

Tim,

The duck-headed cane really is very Simon. It suits him perfectly. You must read the series around the Tennessee trip from the Peabody in Memphis to the Four Seasons Hotel, Nashville.

And you’re absolutely right. This post is a great example of why Simon’s blog works so well for luxury travel in any season. He has a real knack for highlighting the best of London’s luxury activities, whether it’s dining, hotels, or events, and making them feel both elevated and approachable.

We’re glad you’ve started following along. Pieces like this show exactly why his writing is such a reliable guide to the city.

Nick and Rick

20/12/2025 06:35:19 pm

Thanks for explaining my Honorary Duckmaster cane. Elvis had his graduation party at The Peabody Hotel in Memphis & Queen Noor of Jordan is also an Honorary Duckmaster.

20/12/2025 06:16:05 pm

Hi Tim — Nick and Rick have told me so much about you. Welcome to the Si.Frew.com community!

It’s truly been a wonderful festive season here, from the Burberry‑designed Claridge’s Christmas tree and the Too Many Cooks dinner and tree‑lighting party at 45 Park Lane, to the cosy Thanksgiving at 45 Park Lane and the magical decorations at Four Seasons at Tower Bridge featured in The Build‑Up to Christmas post you’re commenting on. 🎄✨

You might have noticed Simon holding the iconic Duck Cane in various photographs throughout these festive posts — it’s become something of a playful tradition! The Duck Cane adds a bit of whimsy and charm to the celebrations, and it’s always fun to spot it popping up in different settings, from hotel lobbies, hotel team photos to family gatherings.

I love how all the hotel teams are happy to gather for a family photo.

If you enjoy this post from Simon, you’ll find so much more in the last few years of Christmas and festive travel posts — there’s a whole archive of celebrations, moments, and memories that build beautifully on one another:

🎄 Here are some seasonal favourites you might love:
✨ 2024 – Christmas & New Year in London & Orthodox Christmas in Shrewsbury 🎉
A fantastic double‑Christmas celebration with dinners at 45 Park Lane, the disco tree at Four Seasons at Park Lane, Dorchester Christmas morning treats, and a heartwarming Orthodox Christmas with Mum in Shrewsbury.

🎁 2022 – Christmas in London & Shrewsbury 🧸
After a tough year, this heartfelt Christmas post shows festive spirit and family togetherness, complete with Claridge’s festive décor and Harrods teddy bears.

🎄 2021 – First Christmas Without Dad 😢
A memorable yet emotional festive season with Claridge’s Dior Christmas tree, Mandarin Oriental teddy bears, and family traditions in London and Shrewsbury.

✨ 2019 – Christmas in Paris 🗼🎆
Not London, but a dazzling festive trip across Paris — including the Four Seasons George V, Mandarin Oriental Paris, and Plaza Athénée — that captures Christmastime magic abroad.

🎅 2018 – Magical Time in Mayfair 🕯️
An early post celebrating the Christmas spirit across Mayfair with Claridge’s and Four Seasons at Park Lane decorations and the city’s festive atmosphere.

🎁 2019 (Jan 2020 post) – Best Christmas for Years in Shrewsbury 🏡❤️
A family‑focused Christmas at home with heartfelt gifts and celebrations — a lovely contrast to the luxury hotel posts.
… and many more festive posts in between. Each one tells a slightly different story — from family holidays to elegant hotel celebrations — and they’re a joy to read back-to-back.

I’d encourage you to read through all of them, Tim — there’s a rich tapestry of Christmases, both grand and intimate, and they really show how traditions, places, and experiences evolve over time.
If any post catches your eye and you want to know more — whether about specific hotels, traditions, locations, or people mentioned — please ask! SiFrew.com is always happy to dive deeper or share more stories behind the photos and experiences. ✨

If you ever find yourself in the UK Tim, you must take time to visit Shrewsbury with Simon for a few days. It's such a joy to visit such a beautiful town with someone who is so well known and loved in the town. He can recommend the best hotels, restaurants and wine cellars.

Any hotel, anywhere in the world, all you need to say is "But I know Simon Frew" and suddenly anything is possible. He really should be an undercover hotel inspector - but he's so well known now I doubt he could be undercover in any 5 star hotel. I can only imagine what would happen if he checked into a Doubletree or something. 0 Teddies for them!

Happy reading and Merry Christmas (and beyond)! 🎄📖

20/12/2025 06:37:40 pm

You know more about my Christmases than I remember!

20/12/2025 06:31:59 pm

Blow away by your kind comments. Maybe the usual travel book the COO of Maybourne suggested I write is feasible. Will be exploring that idea more in 2026.

20/12/2025 10:06:23 pm

Simon,

We loved reading this, and we’re not surprised by the suggestion at all. If anyone could turn those experiences and observations into a compelling travel book, it would be you. It certainly feels feasible, and 2026 sounds like the perfect time to explore it further.

Nick and Rick

Peter Gong

20/12/2025 07:21:53 pm

Home for Christmas with Dior and Chanel presents, Christmas crackers from Dorchester and Claridge's and Veuve Cliquot sounds like my kind of Christmas. So glad you are home with your maman and celebrating. Although, you will miss your niece Maria who will be in Istanbul. I am sure she will be there in spirit,

Friends are such an important part of the festive seasons even if they don't like caviar. Meeting new people is part of the Christmas party circuit which I love about the month of December and the holidays.

You certainly had the best view of the various Christmas trees decorated within an inch of its life, and I love your running commentary.

The Hackett VIP Christmas party sounds so elegant and fabulous. There is nothing like meeting the Stewart Lee CEO of Savile Row Gin to boot.

In closing, I look forward to the new year and your adventures,

Ta, and cheers!

20/12/2025 07:24:32 pm

Treasure these comments from you. So glad we met in New York.

Matt Gamble

20/12/2025 07:34:36 pm

Simon, as expected each year is better than the last. You bring joy to so many. However now you should consider filming a live documentary of your work and especially on Christmas.

20/12/2025 07:51:18 pm

Kind of you to say this. Will give more thought to being a writer or TV celebrity next year.

21/12/2025 04:45:26 am

Many thanks for the pies….much appreciated.
Give our love to your Mum and hope you have a wonderful Xmas.

21/12/2025 05:39:02 am

Glad you liked the Rosewood, Holborn pies. I must try the cheese & potato one but with some gravy. Mum loved your Christmas card with ‘original art’. Hope the four of you have a special Christmas too. Sorry we are both awake too early.

Barbafa

21/12/2025 10:03:14 am

What a beautiful update! Thank you so much for the mention — it was lovely to join you at the De Beers Diamonds Christmas party, even if I do still prefer diamonds to caviar!! 💎😂

I’m so happy to hear you’re in Shrewsbury with your mum for Christmas. It all sounds magical — Dior, Chanel, Claridge’s crackers and Veuve Clicquot… perfection!

Wishing you, your mum, and all your wonderful friends & family the happiest Christmas and a fantastic 2026.
Enjoy every moment at home — you truly deserve it. ❤️

21/12/2025 10:07:20 am

These comments from Rome made my Sunday. Off to see mum next to get her to sign the Christmas cards going to Moscow (via Istanbul). Hope your family has a good Christmas too.

Edd - Qatar

21/12/2025 10:43:05 am

We are in Zanzibar for Christmas.

21/12/2025 10:44:55 am

Enjoy the white sand & blue water. People in Qatar are moaning about the cold.

Sophy - Barbican Neighbour

21/12/2025 10:48:11 am

Great to see you back at Peninsula, London. The lifts are still not working here but The City of London is looking very pretty xx

21/12/2025 10:51:09 am

Adore Peninsula, London. Sorry to hear about the elevators but there are lots of stairs in this Georgian house in Shrewsbury too.

Nick - London & Brighton

21/12/2025 02:05:59 pm

Have a great xmas and good on you for taking such loving care of your lovely mother

21/12/2025 02:07:59 pm

Thanks for saying that. Today mum kept telling me how much she loves me and she has not yet had her Dior & Chanel gifts.

Nicholas Pinder

21/12/2025 02:26:55 pm

Dear Simon, what an absolutely delightful year-end chronicle! Reading your blog post is like being handed a front-row ticket to the most festive, glittering, and heartwarming Christmas season. Your tales from Shrewsbury to Savile Row paint a picture of a holiday filled with both profound family love—your time with your mum is clearly the centerpiece—and wonderfully glamorous adventures. The images of Chanel presents, Claridge’s crackers, and the quest for the perfect Christmas tree are utterly charming. It’s the personal touches, however, that truly enchant: the kindness of friends like Barbara, the unforgettable "no bill" lunch, and the full-circle moment meeting Jeremy Hackett. You have a gift for weaving together luxury and genuine sentiment, making every caviar canapé and school reunion feel equally special. Thank you for sharing your spectacular "10 teddies" December. Wishing you, your mum, and all your family a truly marvellous, joy-filled Christmas and a Happy New Year for 2026

21/12/2025 02:30:18 pm

These beautiful comments have brought me near tears. Thanks from the bottom of my heart. Have a good Christmas in KL too.

Johan

21/12/2025 03:49:58 pm

Si, this is one busy December! Lovely events and pictures as always although I think the Four Seasons Christmas tree wins. A suitable amount of caviar - I trust there were no leftovers. Enjoy Christmas in Shrewsbury and enjoy a well-deserved rest after all these pre-Christmas celebrations. I suspect you’ll have an interesting New Year’s too coming up, though.

21/12/2025 04:41:16 pm

If you saw the Christmas trees in ‘real life’, think the Claridge’s one wins. The Four Seasons at Tower Bridge one was sponsored by Beluga Vodka. The caviar is in the vodka.

Anyway, thanks for your good wishes & have an awesome Christmas in Sweden too.

Guy - London

21/12/2025 06:36:13 pm

That’s wonderful x

21/12/2025 06:38:33 pm

Thanks for saying that. Toby was singing your praises on Friday evening here in Shrewsbury.

Ollie

22/12/2025 11:32:55 am

What a lovely build up to Christmas, Simon.

I'm wishing you and your Mum a wonderful Christmas, and here's to further sifrew.com success in 2026.

22/12/2025 01:47:44 pm

Thanks. We went over to Maria & Robert’s this morning. Maria is mum’s former hairdresser & offered to do mum’s hair again. Mum looks brilliant. Feeling so proud today. Have an awesome Christmas too.

Olivia - Antigua

22/12/2025 05:11:34 pm

Hope you don’t get the bug going around Shropshire.

22/12/2025 05:13:56 pm

Mum & I are fine. Fresh orange juice & ginger shots were delivered here yesterday. They should help me to stay well.

Maria - Shrewsbury

22/12/2025 05:15:15 pm

That’s really nice Simon, I did give mum a Christmas card when I last went to visit xxx

22/12/2025 05:18:00 pm

Very kind of you. Will look for it when I tackle mum’s handbag again tomorrow.

Thanks for cutting mum’s hair today & making her look so elegant again.

Ed - New York & Florida

22/12/2025 05:24:03 pm

Cannot believe all the things you get done. So many parties & people to meet. Hope you & your mum have a good Christmas.

22/12/2025 05:25:29 pm

Just tried to call you. Will try again on Christmas Day.

Kathy

22/12/2025 05:30:10 pm

Thanks for all of the updates Simon! What a great December you are having. A parcel for Miles arrived, thank you! And love the card of us both that you sent ❤️

22/12/2025 05:31:45 pm

No worries. Think about Miles & you all the time.

Leanne

22/12/2025 05:34:43 pm

Still not feeling great but cracking on through - lots to do for Christmas Day and some wrapping now presents tonight 🥰🎅🎄

22/12/2025 05:37:41 pm

Hope you are back to 100% health by Christmas Day. Mum’s friend Howard left a gift for her today. Loved our evening in The Groucho Club before I left London.

Uncle Ronald & Aunt Tricia

22/12/2025 05:43:03 pm

Mum is looking great. Hope you both have a good Christmas.

Stewart - CEO of Savile Row Gin

24/12/2025 04:52:17 pm

Thanks for your Cayman Islands tips. We are planning to head to Seven Mile Beach and will check out the Kimpton hotel.

24/12/2025 04:56:26 pm

A good choice. The Kimpton Seafire Resort on Grand Cayman is owned by Kenneth Dart. We must chat about all this when we next meet.

Jack

28/12/2025 10:12:55 am

What a lovely Christmas prep. I too remember the Hackett line from Christmases long ago. Such attention to detail. A great meet up! Cheers to you and yours this holiday season.

28/12/2025 05:42:06 pm

Hackett was such a legendary brand & is so again. So good to hear from you in DC.

Barbara

14/1/2026 10:36:10 am

Well Simon what have I missed these last few weeks I just adore all the fantastic photos especially the Christmas tree you certainly have add such an amazing 2025 I have just loved following and see all the wonderful places you have stayed at, and all the amazing restaurants. I am so glad you had a splendid time with your mother, I look forward to your next adventure. Wishing you a wonderful 2026 xxx

14/1/2026 12:33:34 pm

So kind of you to say all this. Made my day reading this. Have an awesome 2026 too.

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

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