London Guide: New Restaurants Update

Posted by Bon Vivant

Here’s a quick update on the new restaurants that have recently opened or that will open in the next couple of weeks in London.

Marcus Wareing, who runs the Michelin starred Marcus Wareing at The Berkeley, will open The Gilbert Scott at the St Pancras Renaissance hotel. The British brasserie, which will also feature a 52-seat bar in spectacular surroundings, opens on 5 May.

Jason Atherton, formerly of Gordon Ramsay’s Maze, will opened Pollen Street Social in Mayfair on 18 April, offering ‘fine dining with a twist’, which will also feature London’s first dessert bar.

The Corinthia hotel opens in Whitehall this weekend with a gorgeous David Collins designed restaurant, Massimo’s, which will be overseen by Italian chef Massimo Riccioli, who also runs the Michelin-starred La Rosetta in Rome.

Earlier this month, Bistro du Vin Clerkenwell opened next to Smithfield Market, the Hotel du Vin’s first foray into the London scene, with a planned expansion over the next year, with the next site already scheduled to open in Soho in June. You can combine a visit to Bistro du Vin with a cocktail at the new Zetter Townhouse hotel bar, pictured below.

One of the most celebrated British chefs, Fergus Henderson, has recently opened the St John Hotel in Leicester Square. Based on the same premise as his main restaurant, St John, in Clerkenwell, the new hotel continues with the ‘nose to tail’ ethos, using every part of the animal from nose to tail, but adding to it with the concept of ‘from table to bed’ as guests can check in to one of the ‘post-supper rooms’ above the restaurant.

For further information on any of these new openings or to make a reservation, contact your concierge.

Travel Guide: 10 Boutique Getaways from London

Posted by Emyr Thomas

The boutique hotel experts Mr & Mrs Smith pick out their favourite easy escapes, bringing you 10 weekend breaks just two hours out of London.

Lime Wood, Hampshire

Just past Southampton, this regal New Forest manor was first a mediaeval hunting lodge back in the 13th century, and reclaimed for royalty by the Duke of Clarence in the 1740s. Since then, it has had another extravagant makeover, giving this stately pile a pristine air of perfection, with primly landscaped grounds, devotedly designed interiors and two tantalising restaurants to prove it.

There’s also the Herb House spa, spread across three floors, with assorted treatment rooms, a mud house, sauna, steam house, indoor pool, outdoor pool, sun deck with herb garden and a bar serving food and juices straight from the garden.

Rates: Double rooms from £295, including tax at 20 per cent, but not breakfast (around £10 for Continental; £15 for full English).

Coworth Park, Berkshire

Luxurious country manors within easy access of London don’t come more glamorous than Coworth Park near Ascot. This 17th-century mansion and polo estate has been treated to an eco-friendly modern makeover that’s given it three restaurants, a mood of quietly confident grandeur, and an architecturally wowsome eco-savvy spa: it’s a half-buried sweep of glass and timber with a herb-garden rooftop.

The wide-ranging therapies incorporate products from Aromatherapy Associates, Kerstin Florian, Dr Alkaitis and Carol Joy London. Be sure to book your weekend treatment in advance.

Rates: Double rooms from £215, excluding tax at 20 per cent and breakfast (£25 each).

Varsity Hotel & Spa, Cambridge

Be in the heart of Cambridge within an hour and a half’s drive out of London, and pick this academically gifted riverside retreat as your abode. The Varsity Hotel may have rooms named after colleges, artworks based on famous alumni and donnish decanters of brandy to hand, but there’s nothing studenty about it.

It has a spotless health club and Aveda spa attached (in a Conran-designed building next door), as well as the best views in the city from its seventh-floor rooftop. Restless gym bunnies can partake in the yoga, pilates and boxercise classes held in the beamed gym and, in summer, on the hotel’s roof.

Rates: Double rooms from £129, including tax at 20 per cent and full English breakfast.

Lucknam Park, Wiltshire

Sitting comfortably in rolling Wiltshire countryside, this is a hotel that has it all: award-winning spa, Michelin-starred restaurant, 500-acre estate and even an equestrian centre, home to 35 glossy-flanked horses. Lucky for the fillies and stallions (and guests) – their Chippenham stomping ground is peaceful and private, with gorgeous gardens.

Tennis courts, croquet lawn, football pitch and a home cinema are further feathers in this handsome hotel’s hat. Noticed some split ends and no time for a cut during the week? Sharpen up here with a trim in the spa’s hair salon. And, if you fancy a swim, there are four pools to pick from: an indoor heated one, indoor and outdoor hydrotherapy pools and an outdoor saltwater plunge pool.

Rates: Double rooms from £195, including tax at 20 per cent, but not breakfast (from £20).

The Gallivant, East Sussex

A nautically dressed vision in blues, whites and wave-washed woods, The Gallivant is down by the dunes of classic and coastal Camber Sands, near Rye and its dainty tea rooms. This glorious golden stretch with knee-high grass and sandy bumps has been entertaining holidaymakers since they were forced to wear modesty-preserving, high-neck, low-ankle bathing costumes.

Rooms are small and simple, with extra touches making them special, such as the jars of treats, trays of teapots, cups and saucers, and top-dog beds. The bountiful bay’s daily catch of oysters, mussels and more can all be sampled straight from the net in the sea-inspired bistro, where there’s recycled driftwood for furniture and shells for artworks.

Rates: Double rooms from £65, including tax at 20 per cent. Rates include a two-course (Continental and English) breakfast.

The Royal Oak, West Sussex

The crackling fires, cosy cottages, chalkboard menus and scenic setting are our favourite bits of this gorgeous gastropub near Chichester. This is a very British take on comfort – exposed red brick walls, low wooden-beamed ceilings and beds topped with soft wool throws. Thanks to friendly staff, the hotel is warm in more ways than one – expect to relax, newspaper and glass in hand, ensconced in one of the nut-brown leather chairs. The only interruptions will be a gentle enquiry as to whether it’s top-up time, and the enticing aromas (corn-fed chicken, Sussex sirloin, pan-roasted partridge, apple, almond and toffee) wafting from the kitchen.

It’s easy to lose entire weekends here doing not very much at all, but if you want to get out and about, the little village of East Lavant is green and scenic, perfect for a post-roast ramble, and Sussex has enough historic houses, rambling estates and cake-crammed tea rooms to fill a guidebook.

Rates: Double rooms from £85, including tax at 20 per cent. Rates include breakfast (full English and seasonal specialities).

The Reading Rooms, Kent

Come over all Victorian and take a seaside break to Margate, swapping city for shore in less than two hours. 18th-century Margate was a fashionable place to be, and the Reading Rooms rekindles this romance with preserved Georgian features, antiques and its blustery, beachy setting.

Even the boutique B&B’s name is a nod to the town’s heyday, when visitors flocked to the spas, tearooms and libraries. Each of the bedrooms is regal, and so big they span an entire floor. The town is perfect for shopping too, since it’s packed with cute vintage shops full of fabulous finds.

Rates: Double rooms from £135, including tax at 20 per cent and breakfast.

Stoke Park, Berkshire

This imposing stately mansion was designed by ‘Mad’ King George III’s architect, and, if it weren’t for the Union Jack flying, it’d look like a mini White House. As well as a golf course where James Bond and Goldfinger enjoyed a round, no less, Stoke Park has its own incredible spa, separate from the mansion, with an inviting indoor pool looking over the gardens.

The Dining Room serves Modern British cuisine courtesy of chef Chris Wheeler, and the best Sunday lunch in the area. Look out for Dorset crab, local lamb and whole arrays of chocolatey, pudding-shaped treats. The Orangery serves breakfast all day, so there’s no need to book that wake-up call.

Rates: Double rooms from £245, including tax at 20 per cent. Rates exclude breakfast (£22).

Church Street Townhouse, Stratford-upon-Avon

This buzzy, bijou bolthole in Stratford’s historic heart puts a modern spin on the boutique inn. The lovingly restored grade II-listed townhouse features boudoir-chic bedrooms, all-day bistro dining, fantastic staff, a cosy bar and a loyal local clientele. It’s variously graced by ladies who lunch, early evening tipplers and post-performance actors, depending on the time of day.

Imagine an abridged Soho House for Stratford, complete with super king-size beds, pewter-topped bar and flatscreen TVs, of course, and that should set the scene. An antique-dealing family elder was even drafted in to source the coffee pots and modishly mismatched silver candlesticks dressing the dining room. While in town, be sure to catch a performance at the newly reopened Royal Shakespeare Theatre, in honour of Stratford’s most famous son.

Rates: Double rooms from £90, including tax at 20 per cent and breakfast.

The Montpellier Chapter, Cotswolds

Combine town and country with a trip to Cheltenham, snug in the golden and green Cotswolds, and a stay at this slick, contemporary take on the ‘bedrooms plus wine bar and bistro’ formula. All mod cons have been rolled into one smart heritage-renovation package, including a well-stocked lounge/library, spa, moody bar and Modern British restaurant.

The epic multimillion-pound renovation stripped down and spruced up this grade II-listed villa, involving more creative names than a Wallpaper* masthead. Elsewhere, Aromatherapy Associates’ spa treatments, gorgeous gastro-style grub and attentive touches from SmartCellar app wine lists to locally sourced spirits mean the Montpellier Chapter will most certainly live up to your expectations.

Rates Double rooms from £125, including tax at 20 per cent, but not breakfast (£9.50 for a full English).

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

The Best Brunch in London

Posted by Emyr Thomas

The best part of a weekend has to be long, lingering brunch with family or friends. Here are Bon Vivant’s suggestions for the best brunch in London.

Caravan, Clerkenwell

Caravan offers a weekend brunch menu to rival any in London in a relaxed and effortlessly cool setting on Exmouth Market in Clerkenwell. The New Zealand influenced restaurant has its own coffee roaster, so flat whites are very popular too.

The open plan layout and double facing glassed front make this an ideal location for enjoying a vibrant part of London. Caravan has a second outpost on Granary Square behind King’s Cross station, Caravan King’s Cross, both of which serve some of the best coffee in London.

Hawksmoor, Shoreditch

Although more widely known for being one of London’s best steakhouses, Hawksmoor is fast becoming renowned for its weekend brunch menu offering a mammoth Hawksmoor Full English for two people to share and roast beef with all the trimmings available on Sundays.

The Modern Pantry, Clerkenwell

Anna Hansen’s acclaimed Clerkenwell restaurant The Modern Pantry serves an excellent weekend brunch in light, bright surroundings on a beautiful square in Clerkenwell, claimed by many to offer the best brunch in London.

The restaurant also has a large terrace to make the most of the sunshine in the summer months, making The Modern Pantry one of the best alfresco restaurants in London.

Cecconi’s, Mayfair

Serving fine Italian food from the morning until the early hours, Cecconi’s is a perfect spot for breakfast, brunch or lunch and a great way to break up a day’s shopping on nearby Bond Street.

Cecconi’s is fun and glamorous, with a real buzz about the place – and Prosecco on tap in never a bad thing, especially for a weekend brunch.

The Wolseley, Mayfair

The Wolseley has maintained its place as one of London’s chicest destination for breakfast, with businessmen and fashionistas flocking there for the grand dining room and people watching.

The Wolseley is one of the classic restaurants in London for a power breakfast meeting and certainly offers some of the best brunch in London.

34 Restaurant

The new brunch menu at 34 Restaurant offers eggs with a twist – lobster, crab, grilled asparagus, black pudding, smoked salmon, chorizo and much more. Grills include spatchcock chicken, pork belly, swordfish and steak; and brunch staples like buttermilk pancakes, pasta and Caesar salad are also available.

A Sunday roast with all the trimmings is available for Sunday brunch.

The Delaunay, Aldwych

The Delaunay, sister restaurant to The Wolseley and Brasserie Zedel from restaurateurs Chris Corbin and Jeremy King, sits on the corner of Drury Lane and Aldwych.

The restaurant is open seven days a week – until midnight from Monday to Saturday and 11pm on Sunday – serving breakfast, afternoon tea, and à la carte lunch and dinner menus ‘inspired by the grand cafés of Europe’. They also serve some of the best brunch in London.

Riding House Café

The team behind the acclaimed Garrison and Village East in Bermondsey opened the Riding House Café, an all day Brasserie offering a selection of small plates to share as well as traditional main courses in Fitzrovia. The restaurant has a great vibe and a ‘buzzy’ bar area too.

Pizza East, Shoreditch

Housed in the Tea Building, adjacent to Shoreditch House, Pizza East forms part of the Soho House Group, where the vibe is a cool mix of American and Italian. While the menu focuses on pizzas, including a full English breakfast pizza, the menu does offer more traditional brunch items as well.

Dean Street Townhouse, Soho

Dean Street Townhouse serves classic British cuisine from first thing in the morning until the early hours. The weekend brunch menu offers a full range of breakfast classics as well as a traditional Sunday roast. The pitchers of Bloody Mary are always popular too!

York & Albany

A short stroll from Regents Park you’ll find Gordon Ramsay’s York & Albany, housed in a converted coaching inn. After brunch, you can visit the adjoining deli, Nonna’s, to purchase items to take home with you, or you could even check in to one of the bedrooms in the hotel upstairs.

Lantana

This delightful coffee house is nestled down a lane in Fitzrovia. Lantana’s Australian ownership is reflected in the brunch style dishes, flat whites and relaxed atmosphere.

The cakes are particularly good and breakfast dishes always delight. Lantana offers some of the best brunch in London.

The Breakfast Club

The Breakfast Club, just off Upper Street in Islington, offers a casual, quirky environment for a weekend brunch. Serving a range of classic brunch dishes, from pancakes to eggs Benedict, at an affordable price, the café is very popular, so expect to queue!

Fifteen London, Old Street

Fifteen London is the flagship of Jamie Oliver’s Fifteen group, which aims to give opportunities to disadvantaged youngsters. An emphasis is placed on making everything in-house and particular praise must be given to the homemade jam, which alone is a reason for visiting.

Saturday Jazz Brunch at Le Caprice

Le Caprice has launched its Saturday Jazz Brunch featuring the musical styling of Dom Pipkin. Best known for his soulful New Orleans sound, Dom has played sessions with the likes of Ray Davies and Morcheeba, and is currently the man leading the band for Paloma Faith. Saturday Jazz Brunch happens twice a month from 12.30pm to 4pm.

Apero at The Ampersand Hotel, South Kensington

Set in the bright and airy cellar arches of The Ampersand Hotel, Apero brings a stylish and satisfyingly gentle twist to a weekend brunch.

The menu covers pretty much all the classic choices, from the Full English Breakfast, Grilled Kippers and Eggs Benedict to some slightly more adventurous alternatives such as O’Sheas Beef Onglet and Fried Egg, Beetroot Risotto or Pancakes with honeycomb butter and caramalised banana.

There’s also an excellent selection of cocktails and mocktails. The feel is relaxed, fresh and crisp; with glossy white tiles, beautiful teal and navy leather seating and dark wood finishes.

London’s top hotels are also well known for their brunch offerings, including Helene Darroze’s champagne brunch at The Connaught and the St John Hotel on Leicester Square is popular for their the ‘Breakfast Buns’.

If you liked this top 10 feature on the best brunch 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?

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Travel Guide: St Barths Hotels

Posted by Emyr Thomas

Read Bon Vivant’s Guide to St Barths, including its best hotels and restaurants.

Le Sereno

Beautifully designed by Christian Liaigre, Le Sereno are effortlessly stylish. With four-poster beds, large terraces and rainfall showers, the rooms are spacious, modern and sophisticated.

The main pool, which seems to extend into the sea, is the focal point of the hotel, and with its position next to the restaurant, someone is always on hand to replenish your cocktail.

The hotel sits on the Grand-Cul-de-Sac, a short stroll from an abundance of water sports for the active traveller, and guests can also use the hotel’s canoe to explore the neighbouring coves.

Carl Gustaf

The Carl Gustaf, with its prime position in the hills overlooking the marina, is the perfect base from which to explore Gustavia’s stylish boutiques and super yachts.

There are only 14 rooms, but each is a one or two bedroom suite with a terrace, private plunge pool, sitting area and kitchenette, while the Royal Suite has four separate en suite bedrooms and several terraces to maximise the beautiful views of the marina and the endless blue sea.

Isle de France

The Hotel Saint Barth Isle De France lies on Flamands Beach, one of the best beaches on the island, with picture perfect pristine white sand and turquoise sea. The 12 beachfront rooms are prized possessions, including the new beach suites with private plunge pools, while the remaining cottages, located in the garden area at the rear of the hotel, all have large terraces.

The hotel is effortlessly stylish, making great use of its beach location and, with one of the beachfront rooms, you’ll struggle to find a more idyllic view anywhere on the island.

The Caribbean on the whole may not be known for its cuisine, but St Bart’s is a welcoming exception. On The Rocks at the Eden Rock hotel, which offers French cuisine with a Caribbean twist, has a romantic and serene setting with panoramic sea views and crashing waves all around.

The most formal restaurant on the island, Le Gaiac at Le Toiny, has a distinct focus on haute cuisine and makes its mark as the only property to have the Relais Chateaux affiliation. With its glorious views, faultless service and, most importantly, exceptional French and Creole cuisine, Le Gaiac offers fine dining at its very finest.

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

The Diary: Events, Hospitality and Client Entertainment

Posted by Bon Vivant

This is an ideal time to plan your events for the year ahead to ensure you have dates in your diary to look forward to. Whether you are planning your corporate hospitality days, special treats for key members of staff or looking for a fun day out with friends, here’s our guide to the best events for the first half of the year. We can obtain ticket only options as well as full hospitality for all these events, therefore please contact us for prices and availability.

February 2011

Cirque de Soleil – TOTEM at The Royal Albert Hall – Until 18 February 2011

TOTEM traces the fascinating journey of the human species from its original amphibian state to its ultimate desire to fly. The characters evolve on a stage evoking a giant turtle, the symbol of origin for many ancient civilisations. Inspired by many founding myths, TOTEM illustrates, through a visual and acrobatic language, the evolutionary progress of species.

Ski Chalets in Verbier – Winter 2011

For an active retreat, we have some ski chalets still available for the winter ski season, including this incredible chalet in Verbier, which can accommodate up to 24 guests, making it an ideal corporate retreat.

Six Nations Rugby

The RBS 6 Nations is Europe’s premier international rugby tournament. Whether you support one of the home nations or simply an avid rugby fan, this is the event for you.

The Brit Awards – 15 February 2011

This year the Brits will be held at the O2 Arena for the first time and will include performances from the world’s biggest music stars.

London Fashion Week – 18 to 22 February 2011

Taking place at Somerset House, London Fashion Week gives both established and new designers a platform to display their latest collections and innovations.

Gaucho International Polo – 24 February 2011

The O2 Arena will host a remarkable indoor polo event featuring three world class matches. Arena Polo is a truly exciting form of polo played on a reduced size pitch, with only 3 people per side rather than the usual 4. Click here to purchase tickets at reduced prices.

March 2011

Prince’s Trust Spring Ball – 3 March 2011

This star-studded charity event is back for the third year. In the company of Prince’s Trust Ambassadors, leading names in the world of music, fashion and entertainment will watch singer-songwriter V V Brown perform along with Kristina Rihanoff and Robin Windsor from Strictly Come Dancing.

NBA Basketball – 4 & 5 March 2011

The first NBA regular-season game in Europe will feature the New Jersey Nets and Toronto Raptors at the O2 Arena.

The Cheltenham Festival – 15 to 18 March 2011

The Cheltenham Festival is one of the most prestigious horse racing events in the calendar, with the Gold Cup taking place on Friday 18 March.

Oxford vs. Cambridge Varsity Boat Race – 26 March 2011

In a tradition dating back to March 1829, the Oxford and Cambridge boat race is now a major international sporting occasion drawing millions of viewers from around the world.

April 2011

The Grand National – 7 to 9 April 2011

Aintree is a renowned venue of sporting excellence and home to the biggest horse race in the world. You can watch the action unfold in the 164th running of the world-famous steeplechase.

Kylie at The O2 – 7 to 12 April 2011

Kylie’s ‘Aphrodite – Les Folies Tour 2011′ is set to be the pop princess’s most impressive tour yet.

May 2011

FA Cup final – 12 May 2011

One of the highlights of the domestic football league, watch the action unfold in your prime seats at Wembley.

PGA Championship at Wentworth – 19 to 22 May 2011

The European Tour’s flagship event is now held at Wentworth annually. With past winners including Faldo, Langer, Woosnam and Olazabal, it remains high on every player’s victory wish list.

French Open Tennis Championships – 22May to 5 June 2011

For 15 days, Paris will be transformed into a battleground for the world’s top tennis players at the finest clay court tournament in the world.

Champions League Final at Wembley – 25 May 2011

The highlight of the European football season will this year take place at Wembley – contact us for tickets and full hospitality options.

F1 Monaco Grand Prix – 26 to 20 May 2011

Monaco is considered one of the most glamorous events in the F1 calendar. With Monaco’s luxury yachts, stunning hotels and world renowned race track, it’s a weekend of exhilarating races by world-class drivers.

PRA Rugby Players’ Awards – 25 May 2011

The RPA’s flagship fund raising event is the highlight of the domestic rugby calendar and provides a fitting climax to the end of each rugby season. All funds raised from the evening go to the RPA Benevolent Fund.

June 2011

Test Cricket at Lords – England vs. Sri Lanka – 3 to 7 June 2011

June looks set to be a cricket lover’s month as England takes on Sri Lanka in Test Matches at Lord’s.

Aegon Tennis Championship -6 to 12 June 2011

The opportunity to watch many of the world’s top men’s tennis stars combined with the central London location and outstanding hospitality makes the AEGON Championships a truly special event at which to entertain your clients, colleagues and friends.

Royal Ascot -14 to 18 June 2011

Royal Ascot, the centrepiece of Ascot’s racing year, is the world’s most famous race meeting, dating back to 1711. The royal family arrive each day in a horse-drawn carriage and it is a major event in the British social calendar.

Wimbledon Tennis Championships- 20 June to 3 July 2011

We are delighted to be able to offer debenture tickets for the all the action on Centre Court and No.1 Court. These seats ensure that you have one of the best views in the house and are among some of the most sought after tickets for tennis fans. We also have access to a range of hospitality options, so please contact us for further information.

Salon Privé – 22 to 24 June 2011

Salon Privé has grown to become one of the season’s most eagerly anticipated social events and an absolute ‘must’ for enthusiasts, collectors and buyers of modern and classic super & luxury cars. This year’s event will be held at Syon Park.

Henley Royal Regatta -29 June to 3 July

Each summer, Henley-on-Thames is brought to life with the Henley Royal Regatta. The Regatta, first held in 1839, is a unique rowing event offering 100 world-class races over 5 days whilst enjoying a day of lavish hospitality on the banks of the River Thames.

Take That and Robbie – The ‘Progress’ Tour – From June 2011

Take That and Robbie will reunite for a number of live shows throughout the UK during 2011 – for your VIP tickets, box seats or full hospitality packages, please contact us.

Throughout The Year

We have tickets for all ongoing sporting events, including domestic football and rugby games and for all concerts at the O2 and Wembley. If you have an event in mind, please contact us to enquire about tickets.

Valentine’s Day Treats

Posted by Bon Vivant

Here are Bon Vivant‘s top picks to enjoy Valentine’s Day with your loved one(s) in London.

Ethical roses from OnlyRoses

If in search of the perfect rose on Valentine’s day, look no further than specialists OnlyRoses, whose roses are grown in the fertile volcanic soils of the Andes in Ecuador.

OnlyRoses works exclusively with four Ecuadorian rose farms certiﬁed to meet the highest social, labour and environmental standards. The indigenous workforce is free from labour discrimination and all staff are provided with healthcare and clothing, and no toxic chemicals are used in the growing of the roses. These roses aren’t just pretty – they’re highly principled, too.

Bon Vivant’s members receive a discount of 20% on purchases from OnlyRoses.

Dinner and Massage from Extravaganza Food

Indulge in a Valentine’s dinner for two cooked by your very own personal chef at home. For those who would like to make their Valentine’s celebration extra special, Extravaganza Food will prepare, cook and serve a four-course luxury dinner for two by an executive chef in your home. For the ultimate pampering experience, Extravaganza Food will also bring a massage therapist who will give you both a 45-minute massage whilst food is being prepared.

This is available throughout February at any London address and for Bon Vivant’s members they will include fresh flowers, a box of handmade chocolates and a complimentary bottle of fine champagne.

Bespoke Perfume

Spend a day with Miller Harris‘s perfumer, going through the scented library to find the perfect fragrance, which will be presented in a personalised engraved bottle, which can also be made into Miller Harris body care products and candles.

Sparkling Wine & Chocolate Gift Box

An elegant red and silver presentation box containing a superb Sparkling Rosé Crémant de Limoux & 10 silver and red foiled milk chocolate hearts for only £20 with free delivery within the M25. Click here to purchase and enter the code ‘VALENTINE” at checkout.

The Old Faithful – A Romantic Restaurant

Our earlier post on romantic restaurants mentioned that on Valentine’s Day, many restaurants tread on the wrong side of the precarious line between romantic and clichéd. However, some restaurants do get it just right, and a Valentine’s dinner remains the best way for many couples to share the love. Bon Vivant’s top picks for Valentine’s Day can be found here on our list of London’s most romantic restaurants.

End The Night in Style

London has some of the best city hotels in the world, from the grande dame glamour of Claridge’s to the boutique charm of the Covent Garden hotel, but how often do Londoners spend the night in these hotels? Valentine’s day is the perfect excuse to check in to one of these great hotels for the night.

If you would like for us to arrange any of these gifts or to create a wonderfully romantic break for your loved one, please contact us.

How To Get an Upgrade at a Hotel

Posted by Bon Vivant

People often ask the question of how to get an upgrade at a hotel? There’s no better way to start a holiday than with a free upgrade at your hotel.

The most important rule to remember is to be polite and well-mannered at all times – from the initial enquiry through to the reservation and when you arrive at the hotel.

However, sometimes you need more than manners to get you through – here are some tips to help you to get an upgrade and secure that penthouse.

Timing – The best way to get an upgrade it to check in later, between 4-6PM, as the front desk can see the cancellations and no-shows for that day.

Also, if your dates are flexible, don’t book on busy holiday times, as upgrades cannot be given if the hotel is at full occupancy.

Book a room in the middle price range – It’s not impossible to get upgraded when booking the cheapest room category available, but it doesn’t help your odds. Book a room that’s in the mid range for a better chance to get an upgrade.

Be nice – It’s that simple. Front desk staff and hotel managers deal with a lot of people and handle a lot of problems and stress during their day. Sometimes, just being personable and friendly can go a long way to help you get an upgrade.

Ask – It doesn’t hurt to ask, and the worst thing that can happen is that you get declined. If it’s a special occasion, it doesn’t hurt to mention that either.

Book for One Night - If you book for a week and you get a free upgrade, the hotel could lose money if they sell all their rooms as they could have sold your higher priced room instead.

If you book for one night, you increase your chances of getting an upgrade because it’s a lot easier for the front desk to determine the occupancy rate for the night.

Keep reading for tips on how to get an upgrade at a hotel…

Hotel mistake? Sometimes a hotel’s mistake can work to your advantage. Perhaps your room wasn’t ready upon check-in or construction is causing loss of sleep – you can always address an issue with the management in a nice manner and see if they will do something (like provide an upgrade) for the inconvenience.

It’s all about relationships, baby – When it comes to the question of how to get an upgrade, who you know matters, and even more so if it happens to be the general manager at the hotel you’re staying at.

Don’t have a connection? Don’t worry. Booking through a concierge service will help as we will have relationships with hotels all over the world to help you out.

Where you book matters – If you’re booking a standard room, the hotel can give you a different room just based on the booking source through which you made the reservation. Book through a reputable source or website to ensure you’re not booked in next to the laundry area.

Loyalty - You’ll have a better chance of a free upgrade if you are loyal to the hotel and provide repeat business. It doesn’t hurt at the time of reservation to let them know that you’ve stayed there before.

Hotels know that it costs a lot less to keep a repeat customer happy then it is to acquire a new one, so often they’ll give special treatment to return customers.

Title drop - There aren’t any guarantees, but you may find that title dropping can increase your chances of special treatment and upgrades.

Hotels may want to impress you more because they know you’re an important businessperson, someone who can refer new business or have blogging or press power.

Hopefully this has answered some of your questions on how to get an upgrade, but please comment below if you would like to as another question.

The 2011 Michelin Guide

Posted by Bon Vivant

The 2011 Michelin guide to Great Britain and Ireland was announced today, resulting in the usual flurry of commentary, nods of agreement and shouts of disdain. Whatever your thoughts on the Michelin guide, it remains one of the best and most accurate guides to dining, despite its heavy focus on French haute cuisine, and it’s the one that restaurateurs and chefs most revere.

There are 143 Michelin starred restaurants in the UK as of today, 53 of which are in London, the highest number ever, which is a great recognition for the quality of restaurants in the country.

There are no changes at the 3 star level, meaning that Alain Ducasse at The Dorchester, Gordon Ramsay’s Royal Hospital Road, The Fat Duck and The Waterside Inn remain as the only 4 such establishments in the UK. There are two additions at the 2 star level including Helene Darroze at The Connaught in London and Restaurant Nathan Outlaw in Cornwall.

Gordon Ramsay’s gains 1 Michelin star for Petrus, along with Kitchen W8, Viajante in East London, Petersham Nurseries, 7 Park Place and Gauthier Soho. Galvin La Chapelle adds another star to the Galvin brothers’ portfolio following their success with Galvin at Windows last year, along with a Bib Gourmand (good food at reasonable prices) for Galvin Cafe a Vin.

Other notable additions in the Bib Gourmand category include the bloggers’ favourite, Polpo, Morito (Moro’s sister restaurant on Exmouth Market) and two new mid-priced Italians, Zucca in Bermondsey and Trullo in Islington.

However, it wasn’t good news for everyone – Nahm, the only Michelin starred Thai restaurant in the UK, has lost its star, along with Roussillon, where Alexis Gauthier retained a star before gaining one for his new restaurant Gauthier Soho this year. Notable deletions in the Bib Gourmand category include The Mondern Pantry and Gordon Ramsay’s Foxtrot Oscar.

The full list can be downloaded here.

How To Use A Concierge: Top 10 Concierge Requests

Posted by Emyr Thomas

Your concierge can do many things to help you manage your life and regain control of your free time – plan your holidays, arrange your birthday party, send flowers to a loved one or arrange for someone to collect your dry cleaning. Here are ten specific examples of how to use a concierge.

How to use a Concierge for Travel? Book Your Holidays

Our travel concierge service can research and book your ideal holiday, whether it’s a family villa holiday in Morocco, a shopping trip to New York or a weekend escape to the British countryside, giving you access to discounts, free upgrades, late check-outs and free champagne.

We recently secured a 25% discount for a client at a hotel in New York, and we regularly arrange for complimentary upgrades and welcome amenities for our clients.

How to use a concierge for Nightlife? Bars and Clubs

Our lifestyle management team will book your restaurants and bars, whether it’s for a romantic dinner for two, a business lunch or a casual week day catch-up with friends. We’ll even be able to give you and your guests free champagne at some of London’s best restaurants.

We can also advise on the coolest new bar or restaurant to visit – our regular guide will make sure you’re in the know.

If you feel like a night out, we can put you and your guests on the guestlist for an exclusive nightclub, including complimentary entry in many cases.

How to use your concierge for culture? The Theatre and Concerts

If you want to visit the theatre, we can advise on the best West End play for your tastes – we can also pre-book tickets for the next big play.

We can book tickets, including VIP tickets and box seats for any concert – If you want tickets for a sold out concerts, just ask.

How to use your concierge for your loved ones? Parties and Gifts

For your birthday or Christmas party, if you don’t want to plan it yourself, leave it to us. We’ll find the venue, arrange the food and drink as well as any entertainment or staff that you may need. We recently organised a party for a client at The Hospital Club in Covent Garden which is a great space for an intimate gathering or a large corporate event.

If you haven’t got time to find the right gift for a loved one, we can suggest examples and then source and deliver them on your behalf – we often send flowers (with a discount of up to 20%) and we ordered many Christmas presents for our members too.

How to your a concierge for clients? Client Entertainment

If you have clients to entertain, we can arrange everything for you, whether you want full hospitality at Wimbledon or Twickenham, a table at an awards ceremony, or if you want a private dining room to discuss an important deal.

We deal with all the practical issues too - hiring a car for the weekend, finding a cleaner to visit your home, booking a hairdresser or arranging for someone to collect your dry cleaning, all at preferred rates (sometimes up to 35% off).

In short, we can help with anything that you don’t have the time, inclination or expertise to do yourself to make your life run that little bit more smoothly.

To join Bon Vivant and access our insider knowledge and expertise, to enjoy complimentary benefits and to have an expert help you to maximise your free time, contact us now.

Best New Restaurants of 2010

Posted by Bon Vivant

2010 has been a great year for London food enthusiasts with a wealth of new restaurants, a large proportion of which have been of an excellent quality. Here’s our guide to best new openings of the past 12 months.

Hawksmoor Seven Dials, Covent Garden

While the original was already widely regarded as London’s best steakhouse, the arrival of Hawksmoor Seven Dials has secured domination on the London scene. Like the original in Shoreditch, the menu reads like a meat eater’s dream, but it’s the look that makes all the difference with the new venture, along with the great bar area with ample space for pre-dinner cocktails.

Les Deux Salons, Covent Garden

Situated in Covent Garden on William IV Street, Les Deux Salons is a spacious, traditional French brasserie with a mix of brasserie fare and other European classic dishes. Les Deux Salons is the sister restaurant to Arbutus and Wild Honey, both of which have a Michelin star for their modern European cuisine.

Koffmann’s at The Berkeley

Pierre Koffmann made a triumphant return to the kitchen with his eponymous restaurant Koffmann’s at the former Boxwood Café site at The Berkeley Hotel in mid July, offering hearty, robust French cooking, bringing back old favourites such as the pig’s trotter and the pistachio soufflé.

Polpetto, Soho

Polpetto is the new venture from the team behind Polpo, the successful Venetian ‘bacaro’ in Soho. Polpetto is located above the French House pub on Dean Street and offers ‘cicheti’ – small plates of classic ventian dishes. Like its sister restaurant, Polpetto has a no reservation policy for dinner, so expect to queue as this place is always busy, or try to secure a much coveted lunch booking.

Bar Boulud, Knightsbridge

Daniel Boulud, one of the most coveted chefs in the US, has opened his first restaurant in the UK at the Mandarin Oriental with Bar Boulud, which was already a big success across the pond. The room may lack real character, but the mix of rustic French brasserie fare and a New York style buzz has been an instant hit. With almost universal praise for the charcuterie boards and the burgers, Bar Boulud has certainly made its mark.

Caravan, Clerkenwell

From the former chef at The Providores, Caravan has been the surprise hit of the year. Offering a weekend brunch menu to rival any in London, along with an excellent evening menu that is ideal for sharing, Caravan is a relaxed and effortlessly cool newcomer on Exmouth Market. The New Zealand influenced restaurant has its own coffee roaster, so flat whites are very popular too.

Viajante, East London

Following the success of The Loft, his supperclub in Dalston, Nuno Mendes opened Viajante in Bethnal Green’s new town hall hotel earlier this year. Nuno’s cooking is described as experimental with echoes of the grand master, El Bulli, and while not every dish gets it just right, Viajante is seen as a breath of fresh air from a chef with real passion.

Bistrot Bruno Loubet, Clerkenwell

The Zetter hotel in Clerkenwell has welcomed Bruno Loubet back on to the London scene with his restaurant, Bistrot Bruno Loubet, having spent the last eight years in Australia.

The space may be a bit crammed, with tables packed in next to each other, but the crowds keep flocking here for the rustic French cooking with intense flavours.

Gauthier Soho, Soho

Alexis Gauthier, who achieved a Michelin star at Roussillon, has opened his eponymous restaurant at Lindsay House, once occupied by Richard Corrigan, in Soho. Gauthier’s cooking is classic French with a large focus on vegetables and, despite the rather sedate mood, the restaurant brings a touch of refined class to Soho.

Zucca, Bermondsey

Zucca is a bright and bustling modern Italian restaurant in Bermondsey, described by many as a River Café at half the price. The reasonable prices and generous portions mean that the restaurant is usually booked up, so book far in advance or try your luck on one of the stools at the bar. Zucca was closely followed by many other high quality mid-priced Italian restaurants, including Tinello in Pimlico, Trullo in Islington and Tempo in Mayfair.

Late Arrivals

The last few weeks of 2010 saw the arrival of a few new restaurants that could be the ones to watch for 2011, but we thought it was too early to include them in the ‘best of 2010′ list as they have not had enough time to establish themselves properly. These include Brawn, the new venture from the team behind Terroirs, which is already receiving great reviews; The Savoy Grill, Gordon Ramsay’s latest venture at The Savoy; and Roux at The Landau at The Lagham hotel.

Coming Soon

Heston Blumenthal’s first foray into the London restaurant scene will be at the Mandarin Oriental from January 2011 with ‘Dinner’ by Heston, Marcus Wareing will open The Gilbert Scott, a British brasserie at the St Pancras Renaissance hotel in February, and Jason Atherton (formerly of Maze) will open Pollen Street Social in March, which will have its own dessert bar.