Monthly Archives: August 2011

Theatre Guide: Baby Wants Candy

Posted by Bon Vivant

Baby Wants Candy, the completely improvised comedy musical, premières in London at the Leicester Square Theatre from September 7th to the 10th, following its 6th smash-hit tour at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival.

Every show starts with a suggestion from the audience for a musical that has never been performed, which becomes the title and theme for a 60 minute fully improvised comedy musical backed by a live-band. Founded and based in Chicago, Baby Wants Candy has performed over 2000 completely improvised musicals to sold-out crowds in Chicago, New York, Los Angeles, Singapore and Beijing, and now it comes to London!

They are delighted to offer Bon Vivant’s members access to the best seats in the house. For tickets for £25, please contact your concierge.

Martini Masterclass with Sipsmith

Posted by Bon Vivant

Join Sam Galsworthy, founder of Sipsmith, at the Mount Street Deli and learn how to make the perfect martini. Sipsmith is the first distiller to be licensed in London in 189 years, creating a gin and vodka that is intense, smooth, full of character and, above all, wonderful to drink.

The martini masterclass will explore both vodka and gin-based martinis, looking at the art of chilling and creating just the right balance of Vermouth. Shaking versus stirred. Dirty or straight. Olive or a twist.

Tickets are £10. To book, call 020 7499 6843 or contact your concierge.

Sky Lounge, Spitalfields

Posted by Bon Vivant

Situated on the edge of Spitalfields, Sky Lounge has floor to ceiling windows and breathtaking views across the capital. With a contemporary chic style, the champagne and cocktail bar will offer seafood, oysters and bar food to nibble and share, and cool music from the resident DJ.

The main bar area offers a double height ceiling with modern tables and space to take in the view, and a relaxed upper mezzanine floor with sofas for more intimate gatherings. The pop-up bar and dining spot will be open until April 2012.

Located on the 32nd floor of Nido on Frying Pan Alley, Sky Lounge opens to the public Tuesday to Friday, 5pm-midnight, from 30 August. Reservations must be made 24hours before. Sky Lounge is also available for private events.

For further information, please contact your concierge.

Dubrovnik, Croatia – Travel Guide

Posted by Emyr Thomas

Most of us still remember the conflicts which blighted the regions around Croatia, however we forget that this country offers some of the most stunning coastlines and historic cities in Europe. The golden walled city of Dubrovnik serves as an ideal destination for those seeking more than just a beautiful coastline, which undeniably it also has in abundance. It attracts a large number of tourists from all over Europe and it is easy to see why, due to the beauty of the surroundings coupled with an old city that has been carefully restored.

The Old Town of Dubrovnik is one steeped in history with challenges from nature and man alike. Set within vast city walls, stunning Renaissance and Baroque architecture feature alongside a bustling vibrant town with cafés and restaurants offering an abundance of dishes with the emphasis proudly on the wealth of fresh seafood available.

We visited Dubrovnik, one of the country’s oldest cities, situated on the Dalmatian coast, where we visited two of the city’s luxury hotels and sampled the local food and culture.

Hotel Bellevue

Our early arrival was immediately greeted with warm smiles and swift attendance as we were directed to the hotel’s large terrace for a relaxing post-journey coffee overlooking the bay whilst our suite was being prepared. Dubrovnik’s Hotel Bellevue is perched some thirty metres above the picturesque Miramare Bay overlooking the stunning crystal blue of the Adriatic Sea.

The hotel has strived for a luxury yacht design concept which gives great emphasis to a sensation of open space and tranquillity throughout the hotel. In notable appreciation of Croatian culture, the hotel is adorned with traditional artwork, local photography and artefacts with no attention to detail spared, adding a warmth and personality that can often be lacking in large hotels.

The beautiful hotel terrace provides panoramic views of the bay and coastline and a more than adequate area for whiling away the hours over a few drinks. Alternatively a quick trip down the hotel’s private lift takes you directly to the beach area, the more informal beachside restaurant, and the local bay for swimming and soaking up the Mediterranean sun.

The hotel features 91 spacious rooms, including Superior, Deluxe and Bellevue Suites, all of which offer simple elegance, are well equipped and, most importantly, provide stunning panoramic sea views. Our Presidential Suite was well worth the short wait and boasted spacious rooms with a stylish, fresh interior. This suite comprised a large dining area, separate living room, two substantial bathrooms (with an “intelligence” shower system to confound many a guest) with the option of extending to a further second bedroom, if required. The balcony was excellently positioned to benefit from the sun throughout the day and more than large enough for two people.

A visit to the Hotel Bellevue’s restful spa and wellness centre was perfect for a somewhat overcast day. The spa offers a relaxing sauna and steam room area as well as an indoor infinity pool, suspended 20 metres above the Adriatic Sea. An extensive range of relaxation and detoxification body treatments were available for those seeking further stimulation of the senses.

For those keen to explore, the hotel was conveniently located just 800 metres from the historic old town, although it felt a little further on the return journey with the steady incline representing the price you pay for the hotel’s stunning views . Having ventured out, a great range of bars and restaurants can be found in the Old Town. Alternatively, the hotel also has its own restaurant offerings, Vapor, the hotel’s signature fine dining restaurant, and Nevere, the aforementioned more casual beach restaurant alternative.

Excelsior Hotel & Spa

The second hotel of the visit and sister hotel to the Bellevue, The Excelsior Hotel & Spa is located further along the coast, just 300 metres from The Old Town. Having been delighted with the Hotel Bellevue, this hotel had a lot to live up to and it did not disappoint.

In operation since 1913, but with significant recent renovations, this is Dubrovnik’s iconic luxury hotel. Overlooking the island of Lokrum and the Old Town it holds a breathtaking and unrivalled location that has been maximised with the extensive Palm Garden Terrace, a delightful area for dining, enjoying a cocktail, or simply a coffee and afternoon read.

The Excelsior features 141 standard rooms and 17 luxurious suites, as well as the newly renovated Villa Agave, a three bedroom luxurious summerhouse surrounded by five terraces with a choice of breathtaking views. Whilst naturally smaller than the Presidential Suite of the Bellevue, our room was of a standard size with comfortable fittings. As one of the hotel’s Deluxe rooms, it benefited from a beautiful sea view overlooking the island of Lokram, enjoyed from the balcony. As with the Bellevue Hotel, the rooms were excellently equipped, modern and again housing the interesting work of local artists.

The hotel offered a superior spa and leisure area with a large indoor swimming pool and a small additional side pool, perhaps favouring those accompanied by children, whilst still maintaining a relaxed and intimate feel. The sauna and steam area was a joy with lighting and aromas to promote the ultimate in escapism. The indoor swimming pool was located with access to the large sun-lounging and sea-bathing area, where you can take a dip in one of the cleanest coastlines in Europe, with staff as ever on hand to serve drinks and food whilst you do so!

Both hotels provide an excellent in-house concierge facility, Adriatic Services, offering an extensive array of options that could keep any guest busy for weeks on end. Fishing trips, chartered yachts, excursions, tours are but a few of the services offered. The staff were extremely helpful and keen to tailor your stay accordingly from arrival to departure.

Dining in Dubrovnik

The city has many restaurants catering for all tastes, a number of which can be found in the Old Town.

The Vapor restaurant at the Bellevue offered superb views of the bay and alfresco dining, making it an easy choice for a relaxing dining experience with the benefit of high quality food to match. In particular, the smoked oyster starter was a salty delight and John Dory Risotto for main was full of creamy flavours, both recommendations from the confident and knowledgeable staff.

Four exceptional restaurants await at The Excelsior with eclectic scents and tastes of authentic national and international cuisine. Sensus is the signature fine dining restaurant or for a turn away from the traditional, venture into Satu, The Excelsior’s excellent new Japanese restaurant.

One of the city’s most celebrated restaurants is Nautika, located just outside of the Old Town city walls. This restaurant prides itself on sourcing local food and recipes, keeping dishes simple but elegant. This pride in their food shone through from the warm greeting at the door to the enthusiastic and helpful waiters. The Fisherman’s plate starter demonstrated the quality of the local fresh fish, the smoked mussels standing out in particular. The veal with potato pea purée for the main course was cooked to perfection. The wine list boasted a large selection of superb high quality wines from the local region which won’t leave you disappointed. The food, coupled with the picturesque view of the coastal city wall, made this a memorable dining experience.

Seeing The City

A VIP tour of the Old Town, the aptly-named oldest part of the city, was arranged through Adriatic Concierge Services. The knowledgeable guide was clearly passionate about the city’s heritage and regaled stories of the city’s turbulent past. A clamber up onto the steep city walls is well worth the effort providing a better understanding as to the layout of the town but also the damage inflicted during the wars and subsequent repairs and reinforcement.

A cable car service, a mere 200 metres from the main Pile gate of the Old Town, will take you to dizzy heights, to the top of the hills over-looking the city, offering the best views of the city and coastline (over a coffee or glass of wine at the hilltop restaurant if you wish). The trip, as you’d expect, is primarily for the panoramic views over Dubrovnik, but there’s also a very interesting small war museum detailing this region’s history and beyond for the more discerning guest.

We were fortunate enough for our visit to coincide with the famous Summer Festival of Music and Culture (July-August). We experienced a cultural dance evening set spectacularly within one of the oldest forts of the Old Town. Each year the festival includes theatre, opera, music and dance events at various open-air venues around the city, and many are suitable for those of us who do not speak the local language.

Final Thoughts

Dubrovnik is more than a historic city settled on a beautiful coastline, it is a city that understands the value of its heritage, benefits from the quality of the locally sourced food and wine and is fully-equipped to cater for any visitor looking for quiet comfort and luxury.

For further information or to make a reservation, please contact your concierge.

Eleanor’s Bar, Charing Cross Hotel

Posted by Vilma

Vilma Darling continues her tour of London’s bars, stopping off at the Charing Cross hotel.

Eleanor’s, the newly revamped cocktail bar at the Charing Cross hotel is literally situated in the centre of London. Whether it is the distance from Paris (257 miles), Los Angeles (5455 miles) or Sydney (10,500 miles), the point for measuring the distance to and from London is here at Charing Cross.

The bar (previously known as the Strand) is named after the Eleanor’s Cross just outside the hotel. The original Eleanor’s Cross was built by Edward I in the 13^th century in memory of his Spanish wife, Eleanor of Castile, and was standing in what is now the Trafalgar Square.

After Queen Eleanor had died unexpectedly on the way to Scotland to meet him, King Edward ordered twelve memorial crosses installed at the various points that the funeral procession had stopped from Lincoln to Westminster Abbey. Only three of the original crosses remain today and the one at Charing Cross is the 146-year-old Victorian replica.

After we sit down at a window table from where Eleanor’s Cross can be seen, the bar’s manager, Laurent Bertolini, tells its story and suggests we try their signature drink created in honour of the medieval queen – Eleanor’s Castilian Sangria (£13.95 and serves two).

The Sangria (Rioja, V.S.O.P. brandy, cinnamon, mint and fruit) had been made three days ago and was brought to us in a jar on a wooden board. The two wine glasses are half filled with lemonade and fresh fruit (strawberries, blueberries and raspberries). Laurent mixes the Sangria with lemonade over the board, and Salud! We toast to the Spanish Queen. The drink is refreshing, light and perfect for summer.

We are also treated to a plate of Spanish meats and cheese with olives, piccalilli, chutney and small pieces of toasted bread. All of the nibbles are truly excellent, but I’m in love with the ham and Philip with the roasted beef, which was very thinly sliced.

Laurent suggests I try the Espresso Martini (a single shot of espresso, vanilla vodka £11.95). Philip, who had a horrible week at work, decides to treat himself to his favourite cocktail, the Old Fashioned (sweet bourbon, angostura bitters, cane sugar and orange peel, £10.95).

‘It is more than drinkable’, he says happily caressing his cocktail glass. My Espresso Martini has the subtle hints of almond and vanilla vodka goes very well with coffee flavours.

Candles placed in red glasses create the bar’s cosy atmosphere, and the black and white fashion prints and red lamps on the marble bar remind me of the famous London jazz club Ronnie Scott’s. The candles are lit throughout the hotel and also on every step of the marble staircase leading to the bar, so do take the stairs and not the lift if you want to make a grand entrance.

Laurent says that all the Eleanor’s barmen will get a chance to create their signature cocktail menus and try to sell them to customers every week. We are intrigued with what they might come up with and promise to return.

Website: www.guoman.com/Eleanors

Address: Charing Cross, The Strand,London WC2N 5HX

Phone: 0871 376 9012

For further information or to make a reservation, please contact your concierge.

The Grill at the Dorchester Restaurant Review

Posted by Bon Vivant

The Grill at the Dorchester is nestled next to the Promenade, which dominates the ground floor of the glamorous Dorchester Hotel on Park Lane.

The Grill at the Dorchester has an illustrious culinary history and the current offering from head chef Brian Hughson (previously at Rhodes W1) certainly lives up to the expectations of its past.

The menu places at the grill at the Dorchester an emphasis on procuring high quality British ingredients, with classic British dishes such as grilled Dover sole holding court next to the chef’s more adventurous creations like halibut with squid, parmesan custard, lemon pickled potatoes and anchovy.

While the décor at The Grill at the Dorchester will not be to everyone’s taste, the tartan patterns and colossal murals of historic Scottish characters that dominate the space add character and a certain charm to the grandeur of the setting, establishing itself as a bastion of all things British.

A starter of Aldwych goat’s cheese with herb purée, bric pastry, crème fraiche sorbet and Jersey Royals was light, refreshing and a visual feast, while the marinated scallops with celeriac, deep fried oyster, scallop crackling and oyster mayonnaise looked as impressive as it sounds.

For the main course, I opted for the more traditional Perthshire fillet of beef, which was accompanied by bone marrow, red onion and watercress salad, and a delightfully different barley risotto, while the enormous Dover Sole was wonderfully simple.

Having initially declined dessert, I am still thankful for my change of heart. A mint and chocolate parfait with fresh mint sorbet was a real hit, both light and substantial in equal measure, with an overriding feeling of freshness.

The Peanut parfait with cherry jam and sour cherry sorbet created similar sounds of pleasure from my dining companion.

The Grill at the Dorchester makes an ideal setting for a business meeting, an upscale family lunch or a celebratory dinner. The setting and the accomplished cooking justify the elevated prices, but the restaurant also offers a reasonable set menu for £23 for two courses or £27 for three courses.

Service at the grill at the Dorchester was attentive, knowledgeable and professional, displaying accomplished efficiency throughout – being presented with the champagne trolley within the first few minutes of sitting at the table will always go down well with me.

With such an impressive history to live up to, The Grill at The Dorchester manages to retain its sense of duty to its past whilst adapting to compete with an ever-changing and increasingly demanding London palate.

Address: The Dorchester Hotel, Park Lane, London, W1K 1QA

Phone: +44 20 7317 6501

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Good Godfrey’s Bar at The Waldorf Hilton

Posted by Vilma

Right in the middle of London’s West End, the Good Godfrey’s bar in the Waldorf Hilton hotel is bustling with the pre-theatre crowds enjoying cocktails on a school-night Tuesday. Luckily there’s a table reserved for us and the smiling waiter is right here with the menus happy to explain and advise about the signature and classic cocktails.

The Waldorf hotel was one of the first to host the scandalous Tango Teas to teach Londoners the Argentinean moves, but in 1926 dancing became even more popular when handsome young band leader Howard Godfrey became a household name – Good Godfrey’s bar is named after him.

Howard Godfrey and the Waldorfians staged the Best Show in Town and made hundreds of radio appearances and records, always in fierce competition with The Savoy as to who would sell the most albums.

Good Godfrey’s is decorated with beautiful art deco chandeliers, large antiqued mirrors and plush armchairs. The marble, chrome and granite bar is illuminated by clever lighting and grey, brown, gold and burgundy colours help to recreate the stylish splendour of the 1920s. The original listed wood panelling is preserved and the decorative wallpaper was added to the ceiling.

I love any cocktail that contains champagne, so to start my evening and to give tribute to London’s theatre-land I ordered The Gaiety Girls – Calvados, green tea and vanilla syrup, lemon and apple juice, topped with Champagne (£14).

My companion Emyr adores Martinis, so he chose one of the ‘Luxury’ cocktails, Waldrof-Tini – a Martini made either with Tanqueray No.10 and grapefruit bitters or Grey Goose Vodka with ginger bitters and Noilly Prat Dry Vermouth. It is stirred in a golden shaker and garnished with edible gold (£17). Emyr went for gin, and when I tried his cocktail I thought it was one of the strongest I had ever tasted. Luckily, it came with a glass of water. Emyr really liked the slight tint of grapefruit and I was charmed with the refreshing taste of my Gaiety Girls.

The drinks list at Good Godfrey’s was created by award winning mixologist Nelson Bernardes and the maestro himself came to say hello to us.

One of his cocktails, “1908” refers to the opening of the Waldorf hotel in London the same year. Nelson explained that it is based on the classic Bronx cocktail, created in the Waldorf Astoria in New York. “1908” is another “Luxury” treat and I was seduced by the intoxicating blend of Oxley gin, sweet and dry Vermouth, Mandarine Napoleon and orange bitters (£19).

Emyr ordered one of the signature cocktails, the Refined Madam. Nelson informed us, that during the 1800s Londoners drank badly made gin known as ‘Madam Geneva’. Today he is using premium Tanqueray No.10 as well as rose liqueur, fresh lime juice, the Waldorf ’s cardamom syrup and lavender bitters to create a much more Refined Madam (£12.00).

We had to leave for our dinner reservation, but next time I’ll definitely order another signature cocktail, The Astor Hip Flask (£15.00). It is named after William Waldorf Astor (the owner of the Waldorf Astoria in NY and an investor in the Waldorf in London) and is presented in a real hip flask, rather like William’s. The bourbon based cocktail is mixed with secret ingredients, aged in a small barrel and I’m sure it will be worth the wait.

For further details or for reservations, please contact your concierge.

Website: www.waldorfhilton.co.uk

Address: The Waldorf Hilton, London Aldwych, WC2B 4DD

Phone: 020 7836 2400

Opening Times: Until 2am all week; 12am on Sundays

Hotel d’Inghilterra, Rome

Posted by Vilma

Vilma Darling visits the Hotel d’Inghilterra in Rome.

Just a couple of blocks away from the famous Spanish steps and Piazza di Spagna in the centre of Rome, Hotel d’Inghilterra is perfectly located for tourists eager to shop, dine and visit ancient historic attractions. The city’s most exclusive shopping street, Via Condotti, is around the corner and the magnificent Pantheon (built in 126 AD) is about a 10 to 15 minute walk away.

The original hotel building dates back to the 16^th century when it served as a guesthouse for the nearby palace of the Torlonia princes, and the little square in front of the hotel was used to park the horse and carriages, which were also washed in the fountain there.

Named in honour of the Englishmen who visited Rome during the days of the Grand Tour of Europe (poet John Keats lived in Piazza di Spagna and so his friends, such as Lord Byron, stayed in the guesthouse), the building became a hotel in 1845.

Hans Christian Andersen, Henry James, Ernest Hemingway, Mark Twain and Wilbur Smith lived in the Hotel d’Inghilterra and H.R.H Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh, signed the hotel’s Golden Book celebrating its 150th anniversary. The hotel’s logo is inspired by the British Royal Family’s coat of arms and apparently bears testimony to the connections between the hotel and the Royal House of Windsor.

Hotel d’Inghilterra strives to reflect rooms in a private home and so each of the 69 bedrooms and 20 suites have their unique style with silk and damask fabrics, large Baroque mirrors and marble bathrooms.

Our room was on the small side (Classic Double rooms are approximately 18m²), but very cosy, and I especially loved the mahogany chest and other antique furniture, red walls and period paintings. The wooden shutters and heavy curtains were perfect for sleeping in after a late night out in the city.

The best rooms are higher up on the fifth floor, opening onto a tiled terrace, but the ultimate room is the Panoramic Suite, on the hotel’s top floor, that features a spacious sitting room, a large bedroom, two bathrooms and a terrace with views over Rome.

The hotel is quiet and discreet – the lobby and lounges offer private corners and are great for relaxing after a long day of sightseeing and shopping whilst admiring the collection of 19th-century Neapolitan gouaches.

The reception personnel were very helpful (they suggested a great nearby restaurant and called for taxis), but the room service staff were perhaps a little too attentive – a couple of times they knocked on the door even when the ‘do not disturb’ sign was on.

The Continental breakfast is served in a frescoed room, depicting an enchanted garden setting, as well as in the hotel’s bar. The English gentlemen’s club style bar is intimate, but offers James Bond’s 20 favourite drinks and was voted one of the best bars in Italy by Gambero Rosso guide, Bar d’Italia. My companion and I had champagne and scotch there, which was an ideal way to celebrate the end of our Roman holiday in the Eternal City.

For further information or to make a reservation, please contact your concierge.

Website: www.royaldemeure.com/en/hotel_inghilterra/

Address: Via Bocca di Leone, 14, 00187 Rome, Italy

Phone: +39 06 699811

The Best Rooftop Bars in London

Posted by Emyr Thomas

When the sun is shining London comes to life, and alfresco restaurants and bars become a huge attraction. Emyr Thomas shares his tips on the best rooftop bars in London, so that you’re ready when the sun finally does shine through.

Aqua London

Aqua consists of two restaurants at the top of the former Dickens & Jones department store on Regent Street, with over 250 seats in total. Aqua Nueva serves contemporary Spanish food while Aqua Kyoto features Japanese cuisine.

Both restaurants have a large and impressive roof terrace, both of which are deservedly popular destination in the summer months and offer two of the best rooftop bars in London.

Sanctum Soho

The Sanctum Soho is an edgy but glamorous boutique hotel in Soho. The rooftop garden has a 24-hour residents’ bar complete with open-air hot tub, ideal for some hedonistic fun. Along with the adjoining indoor bar, the roof terrace makes a great event space. There are even two bedrooms on the same floor for those who can’t make it to the lift.

Rooftop at the Boundary, Shoreditch

One of the latest venture from Prescott & Conran, the rooftop restaurant at The Boundary, a 48-seat grill, has 360° views of London and includes a designer garden, a large bar, an open fireplace and luxury blankets for the chilly evenings. The Rooftop at the Boundary is one of the best rooftop bars in London.

Kensington Roof Gardens

Located one hundred feet above Kensington High Street in central London, The Roof Gardens and Babylon restaurant are truly spectacular. There are three themed gardens, with over 70 full size trees, a flowing stream stocked with fish and the resident flamingos.

Vista at The Trafalgar Hotel

The revamped rooftop at The Trafalgar Hotel, which has recently doubled in size, is right by Trafalgar Square and has some of the best alfresco views of London’s landmarks and statues, with Nelson’s Column almost at eye level.

The rooftop bar serves a selection of tapas plates, salads and sharing platters. Reservations can be made up to seven days in advance for a minimum number of six, but a £5 cover charge and minimum spend applies. With such a central location and views of iconic landmarks, this is one of of the best rooftop bars in London.

Century

Century is a private members’ club in the heart of Soho, with access via a discreet doorway on Shaftesbury Avenue, which has recently had a full refurbishment and re-design.

The top floor has a lovely and intimate terrace area, which unfortunately is for members only, but membership is reasonable and the club has some good spaces to work and play all year round.

Coq d’Argent

Situated in the heart of the Square Mile, Coq d’Argent has an outdoor terrace and a large and rather beautiful garden terrace, with great views of some of London’s most well known landmarks, including St Paul’s Cathedral.

The restaurant serves modern French cuisine while the brasserie and terrace serve a lighter menu with more of a modern European hint. Get there early during the week and be prepared to queue for the glass lift as it’s a very popular destination with City workers, or visit for a more relaxed Sunday lunch on the weekend.

As well as having one of the best rooftop bars in London, Coq d’Argent is also one of the best alfresco restaurants in London.

The Driver

The Driver is a mix of gastropub-style restaurant, members’ bar and rooftop terrace in King’s Cross, with a dining room that turns into a dance floor and a licence until 4am on the weekends. The rooftop terrace will be used for BBQs in the summer and can be hired for private events during the week.

The Soho Sky Terrace

The Courthouse Doubletree Hotel just off Regent Street has recently opened its 5th floor roof terrace, offering cocktails, afternoon tea from 3pm to 5pm daily, ‘BBQ favourites’ and light snacks. The Soho Sky Terrace is open to the public from 3pm to 10:30pm Tuesday to Saturday from late April until September.

Queen of Hoxton

Based in Shoreditch in the East End, the Queen of Hoxton is a haven for music fans, clubbers and art lovers. The rooftop bar has just emerged from a refurbishment and now resembles a suburban garden with decking, Astroturf and patio furniture, complete with a rum shack, a large BBQ area and panoramic views over London.

Paradise by way of Kensal Green

Paradise is a mix of gastropub, restaurant, cabaret venue and karaoke room with a rustic chic design and welcoming and cosy vibe in Kensal Green in West London. The intimate roof terrace is a perfect spot to spend the afternoon or for a sundowner cocktail after a lingering lunch in the restaurant.

Shoreditch House

Shoreditch House is a private members’ club, part of the Soho House Group, on the top three floors and roof of a renovated warehouse in Shoreditch, East London.

The rooftop bar, kitchen and lounge has recently been extended with the addition of the Garden and Lazy Lawn, but the highlight is still the 16 metre outdoor heated swimming pool.

The rooftop area is strictly for members only, but you can also check in to one of the 26 guest bedrooms to receive your temporary membership card and have full use of one of the best rooftop bars in London.

If you liked this top 10 feature to the best rooftop bars in London, why not read our guide to the most romantic restaurants in London, the best cocktail bars in London or the best alfresco restaurants in London?

Ushvani Spa, Chelsea

Posted by Vilma

Vilma Darling eases away her stressful week, not at the bar where she usually resides, but at the beautiful Ushvani spa in Chelsea.

Have you ever had a working week from hell? When everything that could go wrong does go wrong, and you are even blamed for things you haven’t done, but no one cares about your explanation?

The only cheerful thought in my head at the end of THAT week was about my appointment at Ushvani spa in London, where I was booked in for the 90 minute massage.

Ushvani (usha means dawn in Malay and avani is earth in Sanskrit) is a tranquil oasis just around the corner from the busy Sloane Street in Chelsea. Set in a Grade 2 Listed Edwardian town house, the spa is a hidden gem, which I was struggling to find due to illogical house numbering typical to central London.

The spa had sent me a map with its location, but of course after my mad week in work, I had temporary amnesia and forgot to print it out…

When I finally did find it and was buzzed in at “No.1” Cadogan Gardens, most of my worries were left outside on the steps together with the city noise and pollution after the heavy door closed behind me.

The friendly, smiling staff, lovely smells, colours, dimmed light and the hot towel soaked in ginger and nutmeg to clean the hands immediately washed away some of my stress.

Founded by the Malaysian businesswoman Usha Arumugam, Ushvani Spa is an exclusive 3-story urban sanctuary with treatment rooms for both men and women, a suite for couples or families, a beautiful yoga studio and wet facilities for women only.

Hibiscus, the Malaysian national flower, features throughout the spa, and the beautiful dark wood furniture, original carvings and sculptures, that were all specially commissioned from local craftsmen in Malaysia, fit in the period building layout and the Georgian wooden staircase looks very natural with yellow silk batik curtains hanging in the middle.

Before my treatment I was invited to experience the spa facilities in the basement at Ushvani Spa. I was the only guest there and was told that unless clients come with friends or family they wouldn’t have to share space apart from briefly crossing paths in the changing rooms.

I tried every possible shower combination – monsoon, tropical and other names that I can’t remember (every one of them came with dramatically changing lights). I inhaled nutmeg and ginger scented hot air to clear my lungs in the steam room and was blissfully sitting in the hydrotherapy pool next to a cascading waterfall when I was told it was time for my treatment.

The lovely therapist listened to the stories about my stressful week and straight away adjusted the massage to the needs of my sore neck and shoulders. The knots in my neck were so tight that I did see stars when she was pressing them, but I knew I had to suffer for hopefully better health.

The best part of my treatment was the heated bed and also the advice the therapist had given me how to treat my sore neck and tension headaches – she demonstrated a few exercises and advised to apply balms on the troubled areas.

Ushvani Spa’s therapists say the spa’s philosophy is based on Asian culture that focuses on spiritual harmony and natural treatments. All products are bespoke and made of natural herbs, spices and flowers in Malaysia or inspired by the country.

After my massage I was treated to a cup of hibiscus tea to finish off the relaxing experience. The exclusivity and fabulous therapists come at a price, but it’s worth it – a 90 minute massage costs £180; a 120 minute massage costs £240; and a 30 minute body scrub costs £60.

However, Ushvani’s Vinyasa Flow yoga classes are at a standard price for £15 per 90 minutes. Private yoga classes are available upon request and the best thing about it is the Sentosa studio – the most beautiful and stylish yoga room I have ever seen. Various workshops such as ‘Boosting your Energy’ are organised there, and at £37 for two hours is an original and exclusive present.

For further information or to make a reservation at Ushvani Spa, please contact your concierge.

Address: 1 Cagodan Gardens, London, SW3 2RJ

Phone: 020 7730 2888

Website: www.ushvani.com

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Read some of our other spa reviews, including Ayanna Spa and Waterhouse Young clinic.