Stéphane Durand
Weekend in London: our 5 new addresses
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 renowned for their love of traditions, some don't hesitate to shake up protocol, as in the case of the Hotel Café Royal, which is inaugurating an all-vegan tea time: Shocking isn't it?
Although, for over a century, the establishment was both a bar and a restaurant, where crowned heads and Oscar Wilde himself were regulars, the hotel is proving that it knows how to keep up with the times by entrusting the reins of its tea time to Maxence Blondelle. The chef unveils his veggie creations, including a cucumber and mint sandwich and strawberry scones with tea jelly and vegan cream. What never changes is the exceptional tea served in this highly refined setting. And to add a little lightness to the affair, you can replace the Earl grey with a glass of Veuve Clicquot, enough to turn the Queen in her grave!
Vegan and vegetarian afternoon tea: £79 per person
Hotel Café Royal
10 Air St, London W1B 5AB, United Kingdom
Photo credit ©Arbes Production
Enjoy London calling at the bar You Call the Shots
Joyeux lurons en vue. Après avoir égayé les soirées du Plough et du prince Arthur, deux pubs adulés par la jeunesse londonienne, le groupe Tiny Dancer (composé d’Emma Piggott et de Jonathan Mercer) revient faire swinger l’East London avec cette nouvelle adresse qui ne manque pas de caractère. Ni vraiment bar à vin, ni vraiment un pub : telle est la devise de ce nouveau lieu qui préfère l’appellation de « good time bar », ce qui en dit long sur ses intentions. On y déguste de sublimes cocktails à l’instar du Spitfire Smash (aux parfums de gin et de fleur de sureau), ainsi qu’une carte des vins sans fausses notes. Côté plats, le lieu joue la carte de l’efficacité en proposant des petites assiettes aussi pop que décalées, à l’image de ce pop-corn salé au citron ou de ces petits donuts au crabe diablement bon.
You call the Shots
13 Morning Lane E9 6ND
Photo credit: @YouCallThe Shots
