Stéphane Durand
Weekend in London: Plume's 5 Top Picks
Let yourself be seduced by British phlegm with these 5 new addresses between luxury and decadence.
London is hard to resist. As proof, over 130,000 of our compatriots have set down their suitcases in the capital of the British kingdom, drawn by London's charm.
From Mayfair to Hackney, the British capital reveals its finest assets: a new luxury spa, a charming hotel and a so-British pub. Plume's choice.
Packing your bags at the Grand Hotel Bellevue
Inaugurated last March in the heart of the Paddington district, this new hotel offers the opportunity to stay in London in a Victorian mansion, with a cosy decor to match. That, at least, is the ambition of interior designer Fabrizio Casiraghi, who designed the 60 rooms in this 5-storey building as cosy cocoons in which to take refuge. The soothing autumnal colors of the décor blend in perfectly with the surrounding landscape, as you can admire the garden through the large windows next to the bed, reinforcing the sensation of being in a family home and visiting old friends. The hotel's bar, the Pondichéry, from which a certain Mathéo prepares cocktails in a chic yet relaxed atmosphere, adds to the intimate, confidential character of the place. He prepares creations with the sweet names of Violette Maharani or Mary Tudor, which for the duration of a weekend become neighbors with whom we'd love to indulge.
Room from 260€.
Grand Hotel Bellevue
25-27 Norfolk Square, Tyburnia, London W2 1RX
Take a literary break at Bàrd Books for afternoon tea
Since this summer, the aptly named Roman Road has been home to a new neighborhood bookshop. The owner, Vicky, welcomes you to her shop from Tuesday to Sunday, where you can discover her latest literary favorites while enjoying soft, comforting pastries from the trendy bakery The Snapery East. On the program: a mouth-watering Swiss loaf and a cardamom bun that goes perfectly with earl grey tea, while reading one of their latest literary favorites. All the cards are now in your hands for a remake of Coup de foudre à Notting Hill!
Bàrd Books Independent Bookseller
341-343 Roman Rd, Bow, London E3 5QR
Discover bio hacking and be pampered at the Mandarin Oriental Mayfair
The Mayfair district boasts an exceptional new hotel. Opened last June, the Mandarin Oriental boasts 50 rooms and 78 private apartments. In addition to its 4 restaurants and bars designed by Chef Akira Back, this beautiful, luxurious address is the ideal partner for a well-deserved break. Take a trip to the spa, which specializes in biohacking. Rest assured, far be it from us to ask you to transform yourself into Her Majesty's new spy. It's simply a matter of taking advantage of new high-tech treatments such as relaxation through sound (known as binaural vibroacoustic therapy) and protocols from OTO, the specialist in CBD-infused formulations. An ultramodern utopia for your well-being.
Mandarin Oriental Mayfair
22 Hanover Square, London W1S 1JP
The new vegan tea time at the legendary Café royal hotel
Although the English are known for cherishing their traditions, some are not afraid to break with convention, as demonstrated by the Hotel Café Royal, which is launching a tea time dedicated to David Bowie, accompanied by piano music featuring songs inspired by him.
Although, for over a century, the establishment served as both a bar and a restaurant frequented by royalty and Oscar Wilde himself, the hotel is proving it knows how to move with the times by entrusting the reins of its tea time to Maxence Blondelle. The chef also unveils his vegetarian creations with the “David Bowie Vegetarian and Vegan Afternoon Tea,” such as a cucumber, cream cheese, and poppy seed sandwich, as well as raisin scones. What remains unchanged is the exceptional tea served in this highly refined setting. And to add a touch of lightheartedness to the affair, you can swap the Earl Grey for a glass of Veuve Clicquot or a glass of So Jennie Blanc Dry (non-alcoholic)… enough to make the queen turn in her grave!
Vegan and vegetarian afternoon tea: from £85 to £95 per person. Through February 12, 2026
Hotel Café Royal
10 Air Street, London W1B 5AB, United Kingdom
Photo credit ©Arbes Production
Enjoy London calling at the bar You Call the Shots
Happy-go-lucky folks ahead. After livening up evenings at The Plough and Prince Arthur, two pubs beloved by London's youth, the band Tiny Dancer (composed of Emma Piggott and Jonathan Mercer) returns to swing East London with this new venue that's not lacking in character. Neither quite a wine bar nor quite a pub, this new venue prefers to call itself a "good time bar," which says a lot about its intentions. Here you can enjoy sublime cocktails such as the Spitfire Smash (with gin and elderflower flavors), as well as a flawless wine list. When it comes to food, the bar plays it safe by offering small plates that are as trendy as they are quirky, such as lemon-flavored popcorn and devilishly delicious crab donuts.
You Call the Shots
13 Morning Lane E9 6ND
Photo credit: @YouCallThe Shots
