Named after ‘The Cooks Tale” Chaucer, The Perkin Reveller is situated within the glorious shadow of the Tower of London, its certainly easy to understand why its such a hit, with views you would imagine only accessible to the most elite of people. The service at the perking was very attentive yet relaxed making you feel at ease and comfortable with your surrounds and service, which I find to be a very import aspect to enjoying the whole experience.

The restaurant celebrates London’s rich and extensive history and cultural heritage smearing both historical and contemporary tailored interior together, allowing it to sit correctly in its historical setting yet still relating to the world outside. The food was fast out of the kitchen and on to the table, all the dishes where splashed with a delicate display and exhibit, making the food the even more appetizing. To break the ice, I chose a creamy, filling and speculative mushroom risotto, which I felt was cooked to perfection, tasting every single element of the dish in a succulent and overly expressive way, I can only highly recommend this dish.

Typically, for the main, I convincingly ordered the ribeye steak with béarnaise sauce, which I have to say exceeded my expectation for their grill dishes, it felt very light to eat because the béarnaise aftertaste was utterly incredible It went down without a single push, the way it should go. Finally, to end the rollercoaster I sent my taste buds on, I ordered a selection of sorbets which, I’m I was dubious of thinking at the time, but it was probably my favourite sorbet iv had in a long time. Very sour and rich in fruity flavor.

Not to mention we where prompted to there cocktail lounge after we had eaten to relax and soak up the views and taste these sophisticated and elegant cocktails, from there special cocktail menu and bar.  Fantastic experience, cant recommend it highly enough.

-James Mistry

Perkin Reveller
The Wharf at The Tower of London,
London EC3N 4AB

With sleek décor masterfully executed by the home owners and Lauren Berger herself, guests at Lauren Berger’s full service luxury rental apartments will feel as though they are staying in the chicest, most buzzed about hotel of the moment, but with all of the essential conveniences of home. High-speed internet, fully equipped modern kitchens, upscale yet comfortable furnishings, efficient housekeeping service, proximity to grocery stores, markets and public transportation, as well as reasonable pricing for short or long term stays, make LBC an absolute no-brainer when booking accommodations in NYC, London, Paris and beyond.

The apartments are exceptionally spacious; yet still manage to provide a comfortable sense of warmth and intimacy. This coupled with the warmth, caring and professionalism of LBC owner, Lauren, serves to create the ultimate experience of living in the lap of luxury. The apartments are also ideally and centrally located in each city.

Other services that can be expertly arranged to improve your stay include concierge services, restaurant bookings, transportation services, early/late arrivals and departures, and that is just the shortlist! No task is too big or too small for LBC. With over 25 years of experience in the industry, your stay will run as fluidly and effortless is a well-oiled machine, so that as a traveler you can fully enjoy the things that really matter… experiencing all that the city has to offer. The Lauren Berger Collection truly provides the duality of home and hotel, in which neither of the perks of either are sacrificed. A walk into your own full service apartment in New York City will give you all of the satisfaction of turning your key into your front door… and more!

http://laurenbergercollection.com/

Tom Aiken’s Michelin starred restaurant in Chelsea charms guests with its creatively delicate dishes that mix new and old traditions, presenting a thoughtful cuisine that simultaneously put an emphasis on style and ingredients. The décor and the mainly black and white, minimally decorated dining room allude to putting the biggest focus on the food. Diners should be sure not to miss the poached beef short rib, poached turbot with sorrel emulsion, and the piglet belly with baked aubergine and smoked apple. There’s a sommelier on hand to help with the excellent wine list and patrons can either choose from A La Carte or the set lunch or dinner menus.

Tom Aikens
43 Elystan St,
London SW3 3NT
020 7584 2003
www.tomaikens.co.uk

Photography: James Mistry (www.jamesmistry.co.uk)
Model: Shannon
Hair: Frederic Belanger
Makeup: Gloria Peñaranda
Clothing: Blake LDN (www.blake-ldn.com)

Notting Hill restaurant, The Shed is cozy and gracious with a bar and separate dining area packing in the locals for drinks and nibbles. The cooking is very good indeed, options under the “slow cooking” part of the menu include dishes such as the pigeon with bitter leaf salad, hazelnut and port dressing which are not to be missed. Mains or “fast cooking”, include pork chop with fennel, wild chervil salsa as well as a gorgeous lamb with butternut and sage. “Puds” include a delicious rhubarb lemon curd trifle. The owners, brothers Oliver and Richard Gladwin, set out to create a restaurant as an extension of their own rural lifestyle and upbringing in Nutbourne, West Sussex. Part of the cooking ethos at the shed puts a focus on using the whole animal (nose to tail cooking) so that nothing is wasted. This is completely essential to The Shed kitchen. You can also check on the restaurant’s website frequently for shared recipes from the brothers. Expect the place to be lively, fun and crowded at all times. A great place to visit with a crowd of good friends.

The Shed
122 Palace Gardens Terrace
Notting Hill, London
http://theshed-restaurant.com/

Those seeking a varied selection of mouth watering Japanese Ramen options will have to make a pit stop at Bone Daddies. Located in the heart of Soho this hip restaurant seems to be styled after an upscale dive bar with communal dining tables, cool Japanese art wall paper and rock music blaring from the speakers.  Constantly buzzing with a hip crowd, Bone Daddies quite possibly offers some of the best Ramen combinations and flavors that London has to offer.

The menu itself includes a variety of small plates to start the meal with such as fried chicken, cabbage and miso or the hearty soft shell crab option. These are great for sharing,  but the salmon sashimi with shiso, lime and soy is so delicious that you might want to just order it for yourself.  For main course Ramen options, Bone Daddies offers the exceptional dipping ramen, complimented with with spring onion, kizami nori, with chashu pork. The more meat-focused diner can try the Sweet 3 Miso Ramen with corn, wakame, butter, chicken (chicken bone broth), or go with the classic Tonkotsu Ramen.  Vegetarians will enjoy the Ramen Salad with mizuna, carrot, wakame, chicken, sesame ponzu, leaving out the bone broth.  The menu also offers many extra toppings so that you can customize your Ramen as you wish.

Bone Daddies
31 Peter St
London W1F 0AR
www.bonedaddiesramen.com

In Parma is not your typical Italian restaurant. You won’t find spaghetti bolognese or carbonara or tiramisu on the menu. There are no red and white checkered tablecloths. Instead, this chic, narrow, stucco-walled space is home to nicely executed traditional Parma/Emilia Romagna fare.  In Parma coins this term as “PDO” (protected designation of origin). The restaurant is also unique in how it sets out to advise customers of the traditional ways to consume Italian food through videos, books and their highly knowledgeable staff.

Stick to tradition and start with a selection of “PDO meats” including Prosciutto Crudo di Parma, Salame di Felino and Culatello di Zibello, intermingled with a selection of tender cheeses to balance out the hearty meats. Robiola di Roccaverano, Mozzarella di Bufala Campana and
Taleggioor are fine choices.  Or you can choose from the selection of “one meat and one cheese” and make sure not to overlook the ‘nibbles’, especially delectable pickled stuffed cherry peppers.  On to the hot food main courses Caponata – A traditional stew made of aubergines, courgettes and potatoes, is not to be missed nor is the homemade polenta.  The all-Italian wine list has some names even a novice wine drinker would recognize alongside the delicious fizzy, red dry wine known as Lambrusco.  This delicious wine is sipped out of a bowl, which is the traditional way to drink this sparkling wine.

In Parma
10 Charlotte Place
London W1T 1SH
Area: Fitzrovia
www.foodroots.biz

Mews of Mayfair the bar, basement lounge, restaurant, private dinning and specialist wine boutique, located in one of Mayfair’s hidden cobbled lanes has reopened their new first floor British Brasserie showcasing traditional British dishes using the best produce in a very British setting. Following the full refurbishment, new chef and new menu. Mews of Mayfair’s British Brasserie delivers high quality dishes in relaxed surroundings that all have the British stamp. Rustic glazed plates & cups have been sourced from the South West through the award winning Imagine Pottery, English Oak from dynamic new sustainable company Rough Stuff to the local linens and worn leather chairs accompanied by the essential British brasserie heavy weight tumblers.  The Mews of Mayfair is a great place to draw out upscale yet relaxed lunches and dinners and enjoy Britain’s best produce simply prepared as the old favourite dishes.

www.mewsofmayfair.com

Blink Brow Bar located in various locations in London says “Brow Power to the People!”  The experts at Blink adhere to the common philosophy that eyebrows are one of the single most important features on your face – and should be treated as such. All of the brow artists at Blink are expertly trained and live for shaping the perfect arch.  We all know that the eyebrows on a face can make or break a look whether misshapen or over-plucked which is why it’s always a good sign when your brow artist takes a few moments to study and learn the shape of your face to devise the best approach.   The bar, although a tiny space, which is not at all unusual for the Big Smoke is cozy. Blink was the first to launch the concept of eyebrow threading bars in department stores in London -a trailblazing boutique company.

The fabulous founder of Boom Boom, Vanita Parti Vanita Parti, founder of Blink, came up with the idea of eyebrow threading bars to solve her own personal needs. Desperate to get her eyebrows threaded to perfection, she struggled to find a beauty salon in London and had to travel to the outskirts to find the service. In 2004, after leaving her brand role at British Airways, she decided to launch her first eyebrow bar with one chair in Fenwick, Bond Street.

Blink’s mission has been and always will be to ‘take the pain out of beauty regimes and leave women looking and feeling fabulous’. Blink certainly touched on desperate need, women loved the quick ‘no fuss’ service and exceptional results. Queues continue to form every day at the Blink Brow Bars, and they now shape over a quarter of a million eyebrows a year.

Blink Brow Bar
www.blinkbrowbar.com

 has increasingly become the skincare brand of choice for beauty editors, showcased by its arrival in the Liberty Beauty Hall this summer. Now, from 13th – 19th January 2013, QMS Medicosmetics’ Oxygen Facials will be available in the beloved British store.

Oxygen Facials have become known in the industry for their ability to give immediate plumping and moisturising effects. QMS Medicosmetics uses the highest percentage of pure oxygen on the market (98% compared to the standard 70%) to help repair the skin and accelerate the
regeneration process. Nanotechnology, the highest quality active ingredients (70% Natural Collagens and Hyaluronic Acid) and QMS’ customised oxygen machine combine to ensure that ingredients do not just sit on the skin’s surface but penetrate the cells which can become
starved of oxygen, particularly during the winter months. The result is smooth, radiant and youthful skin.

Founded by Dr. Erich Schulte, a leading traumatologist, cosmetic surgeon and skincare pioneer, QMS Medicosmetics was designed to provide intelligent, high-performance skincare that works for men and women of every age. Liberty’s Beauty Buyer, Sarah Coonan commented, “If
you haven’t tried QMS Medicosmetics yet and have less than perfect skin, you need it in your life.” QMS Medicosmetics 1hr Bespoke Facials at Liberty cost £50. This is redeemable against two or more facial skincare purchases from QMS Medicosmetics. Bookings can be made at QMS
Medicosmetics Skincare Counter T: 020 7734 1234 ext 2431.
www.qmsmedicosmetics.com

With stunning views of the Thames, and sweeping scenic eye candy as far as the eye can actually see, it is difficult to determine whether the food or the views at OXO Tower restaurant, takes center stage, as they are both unparalleled.

One would easily be forgiven for drooling at the incredible sights as much as over the mouthwatering food served at this first rate establishment. The food is a modern take on British fare, serving eclectic and interesting dishes that are as innovative as the restaurant itself.

Sip a glass of champagne while taking in views of St. Paul’s Cathedral through the floor to ceiling windows, or choose from an expansive wine list paired with exquisite dishes such as Scottish langoustine with Pernod and parsley butter alongside Jerusalem artichokes and ginger purée. A must try entree is the South Devon fillet of beef with girolles and parmesan gnocchi with spiced golden raisin purée. The world-class sommeliers will make every pairing and selection a seamless match.

This Harvey Nichols run restaurant also offers a more casual OXO Brasserie, as well as a the lively OXO Tower Bar, with cheekily named cocktails such as ‘Room with a View” to transport you as high in the sky as you already are.

OXO Tower Wharf
Barge House Street, Southwark,
London SE1 9PH, United Kingdom
020 7803 3888
www.harveynichols.com/oxo-tower-london

Feng Sushi is but a hop and a skip away from the epicentre of the uncontrollably buzzing borough of Camden, and therefore a extremely popular spot. Luckily, it’s pretty good. As the name hints, the restaurant offers a wide selection of Japanese style dishes from a huge assortment of only the most sorted of fish.

The deal is signed under clean and contemporary surroundings making it a very relaxed and yet sophisticated place to eat, the balance is subtle but noticeable. Generally Speaking the restaurant is more of takeaway/delivery spot, but its certainly charming enough to sit in and eat whilst becoming hypnotized by the huge fish tank situated at the back of the room.

Stereotypically you would probably be waiting for me to talk about how impressive and unique the conveyor belt was, however there wasn’t one, it was just good old fashion face to face service, the staff are fantastic, polite and admirable, which I find subconsciously makes you and your taste bud more happy. Maybe I’ve discovered their secret.

The Miso sauce won me over for the night and it was combined with a deluxe sashimi with speculative varse of warm sake and selection of native beers suggested by the waiter and condoned by myself.

Its very affordable place to eat and to experience something different that culture has brought to millions outside of Japan.

-James Mistry

www.fengsushi.co.uk

As I walked into the lobby, one thought kept repeating in my head, “please don’t recognize me, please don’t recognize me”. I just wanted to check into my room and keep a low profile. A few steps from the door and I can tell the concierge reads my blog and wants to get at me. I play it cool and try to vibe him off for the check-in. I’m jet-lagged, feeling dingy and really need a drink. Once I deal with that I’ll be happy to come down and bless the little people.  Walking up to my room I know it’s just a matter of time before the bell boy asks where the party’s at. I slip into headphones and shades to block out the world. I couldn’t help but notice how the hotel was almost elegant enough to be too good for me.

In my room, at last, sanctuary. I make a drink, kick off my shoes and prop up my iPad. I’ve been downloading a bunch of old episodes of the 90’s sitcom “Frasier” from file-sharing groups. If you haven’t watched that show lately, check it out. You might not appreciate it as much if you’re not jet-setting around the globe as much as I do. I was a little annoyed by how few mirrors there are in this room. I just want to see myself lounging in here. I called the front desk to see if they can send more mirrors.

It’s amazing what a few hours rest can do and now I’m off to attend and take some snaps of The Big Smoke’s most exclusive events.  The Halkin Hotel is a perfect place to stay for business and pleasure and as I like to mix both business and pleasure it is my pleasure to give this hotel 5/5 stars.

The Halkin Hotel
Halkin Street
London SW1X 7DJ, United Kingdom
http://www.comohotels.com/thehalkin

Hotels these days are really pushing the boundaries in terms of trying to offer as much as possible; outlandish design and mechanized service. I’m glad to say that the Corinthia Hotel holds their standards to a high point, without sacrificing anything in the process. Now I know this might be getting a bit too far off base on semantics for an introduction. Yet, I’ve visited plenty of hotels of late where the staff seems terrified of the management (and thusly, me), hotels where I can get a re-fi on my house with the remote on my TV and hotels where I feel like I need to know how to play a Theremin instrument just to run the water. What do these places all have in common you might ask? They all strive to improve the guest experience, but all their excess, fail me.

I think these people have forgotten that you come to a hotel to relax, not to feel like you’re washing your hands in a Bjork video. So I was relieved and impressed to see that the Corinthia’s efforts to maximize comfort did just that, without clutter.  When I walked into my suite, I was inundated with the size of it. Then I was happy to see that it was the only thing that was inundating. The décor was elegant and luxurious, but more subtle. Ok the giant door to the bathroom and double doors that closed off the bedroom were bright, but there was something very warm about them and the re-occurrence of that warmth in the bathroom was a nice touch.

Speaking of the bathroom, it’s almost as big as my home and had a giant soaking tub with jets. Hold my calls; put a robe on stand-by. I was charmed by the sliding panels that opened up the bathroom to the bedroom. If you wanted to indulge and watch a 50” plasma TV while soaking or chat with your prepping significant other over breakfast in bed, you have a line of sight. I knew that if I didn’t keep moving, I’d be calling room service for bubble bath.

Back in the front of the suite, I noticed there was a chair for all your needs, thoughtful. There was a couch that folds out into a bed, a high-back reading chair with sturdy arm rests, an ottoman for three and a desk chair that I knew I’d be using to write this from. Down at the pool, I was struck by how far removed I felt from the noise and traffic of London.

Walking around the hotel I talked with a few of the staff of varying positions. I was pleased to see consistency in the balance of personable and professional. I really dislike being in a place where the staff is on edge or discouraged from engaging with the guests. When I met the managers, both day and night, I could see how the tone was so appropriate. For such a simple thing, so few people really get this harmony right.

My bed was a deluxe dream castle composed of fine linens, soft pillows and a fluffy down comforter that seemed to breathe with me as the short night shed its cloak. As much as I feel like sleep is in itself kind of decadent and I really don’t do a lot of it. So it felt fantastic waking up after 5 hours and feeling like I’d slept for 5 days.

Who’d want to sleep the morning away when a sumptuous breakfast could be delivered to your door? I wrestled with the age old quandary or sweet over salty to start the day. I went with the whole wheat pancakes with bananas and strawberries. By the time I heard a knock on the door, my anticipation had been raising expectations. At this point, everything about my stay warranted just that. I first poured a cup of coffee and admired the strong black brew. When I unveiled the pancakes I knew I was in for something good. These pancakes were very dense and thick, which is perfect for whole wheat and they were among the best I’ve ever had. They were so delicious that I ate them without butter or syrup, honestly, they didn’t even need the berries and bananas.

To stave off pancake coma and get the full experience of the place, I went down to the fitness center and ran a bit with a great view of the city in front of me. The fitness center was smaller, but met my needs. It was also tidy and well attended.

Corinthia Hotel, you get it and I thank you for getting it. After resorts that feel like Hemmingway’s Estate Sale and hotels that look like house-of-the-future mockeries, you at long last have delivered an escape from both hectic city life and the hospitality industry’s theme excesses. I look forward to seeing you again very soon.

Corinthia Hotel
10 Whitehall Pl
London SW1A 2BD
020 7930 8181
www.corinthiahotel.com

Built in 1892, The Gore blends the characteristics of a Victorian era art-lover’s grand private home with the relaxed ambience of a decadent private members’ club. The hotel’s 50 guestrooms are among the most charming in London. All feature antique furniture, period pieces of art and decadently ornate beds, which combine perfectly with modern luxuries such as flat screen televisions, wireless broadband access and Aveda products. The rooms are not only well appointed but also immaculately clean and roomy.  London has a reputation for offering tiny hotel rooms that aren’t always in the best condition.  Gore Hotel is a venerable classic that has retained it’s elegance while also keeping in touch with modern needs and the rooms are not only spacious but also unsullied. Over the years, The Gore has welcomed many famous faces. The Rolling Stones celebrated the release of their 1967 psychedelic album ”Her Majesty’s Satanic Request” in the bar area known as Bar 190. Judy Garland visited on so many occasions that she was often referred to as a resident. In the aptly named Judy Garland Room, guests can sleep in Ms Garland’s gilt wood bed.  The neighborhood is classic Kensington and within walking distance of Royal Albert Hall, Hyde Park and much more is all at your fingertips.

When visiting Bar 190 located within the Gore, you can “go to the ball” in Cinderella’s Carriage. Cinderella’s Carriage is an elaborate raised seating booth with red velvet curtains, reminiscent of an elegant Elizabethan carriage. This private area can be rented out for for a minimum spend of £100 (approx. $200). The space can be booked for a pre-post theatre/dinner party or for the whole evening for a maximum of 6 people. Complimentary canapés will be provided or special catering can be arranged. A resident DJ plays on the weekends at Bar 190 and there is an excellent selection of cocktails and extensive wine list.  If you’re hungry you can have dinner ath Bistro 190 located right inside the Gore.  The food is amazing and the wine list is extensive.
The Gore Hotel
190 Queens Gate
London, SW75EX
www.gorehotel.com