DINING LIKE ROYALTY: AH, LONDON.
The name alone conjures visions of pomp and pageantry. There’s London, with its many boroughs is filled with iconic buildings and places of interest. Buckingham Place, Westminster Abbey, and The Tower of London arise on the bucket lists of most visitors, but just walking through some older neighborhoods is like taking a step back to a different time in history.
Visitors can choose from a wide range of accommodations, but a trip to this unique, historic city almost begs for a stay in an equally fascinating hotel. The Rubens At The Palace, in Westminster, and The Egerton in Knightsbridge are two hotels that exemplify the flavor of Britain.
The Rubens At The Palace
Part of The Red Carnation Hotel Collection, The Rubens is ideally located just a short walk from Victoria Station and Hyde Park, and overlooks the Royal Mews at Buckingham Palace, home to the Queen’s carriages, cars and horses.
As you are welcomed at the door of this quintessential British hotel you will find it has been meticulously decorated with an exquisite eye for detail. The staff is welcoming and friendly and dedicated to ensuring each guest’s stay exceeds his or her expectations. While many attractions are within walking distance and Victoria Station is nearby, guests looking to venture further afield need only confer with the hotel’s concierges. These professionals have several years of experience and consider it a privilege to assist in making each day special.
The guest rooms and suites are elegantly decorated and many have great views of the Royal Mews. Spacious by European standards, the comfortable rooms feature crystal chandeliers or canopies over the beds. The Royal themed rooms are an ode to British royalty, with each room honoring past, current and future monarchs. All rooms feature luxury amenities, complimentary Wi-Fi and bottled water, and beautifully appointed bathrooms.
However, it is in its culinary options that this hotel shines. Right off of the lobby is the Palace Lounge, just the spot for a Royal Afternoon Tea. Delicate sandwiches, royally inspired delicacies, and a great selection of teas make this a very popular destination, so be sure to make reservations.
If you are in the mood for a pre-dinner libation, The Rubens boasts two great venues, the Leopard Bar and the New York Bar. The sophisticated Leopard Bar offers a choice of over 200 whiskies and 30 Champagnes, served with the backdrop of live jazz and swing music. Fresh sushi and sashimi are some of the tempting dishes available for those that want a bite to eat while enjoying live music.
The New York Bar, with its bright red décor, is a comfortable place for lunch or dinner. The menu includes the prerequisite fish and chips as well as several other pub-style meals, sandwiches and desserts. The professional staff take great care of their guests and offer suggestions for dining and for cocktails. This lounge features innovative, signature cocktails and gin tastings. Their house infused gins are superb, and a visit would not be complete without requesting the Gin Experience. This is the perfect spot for a pre-dinner drink before dining at the English Grill or the Curry Room.
The English Grill, recently awarded the Open Table Diner’s Choice Award 2019, provides guests with an opulent atmosphere in which to enjoy lunch or dinner. Dinner is a sensory feast served in an elegant setting by tail-coated waiters. The dining room features a window allowing guests to watch what’s happening in the kitchen.
The English Grill specialties are their top-quality meats, grilled to perfection, and fresh local produce, all procured from the same suppliers that serve the Queen. Be sure to have the Sommelier make recommendations or ask for pairings from their extensive wine list. Save space for dessert! There are several traditional choices, but the crème de la crème is the Crêpes Suzette, expertly flambéed at your table, a show in itself.
Dinner in The Curry Room is a must for lovers of traditional Indian food. The intimate restaurant is vibrantly decorated and sets the stage for this culinary journey. The three-course menu celebrates authentic flavors made with the finest ingredients and spices. Dinner starts with samosas, poppadoms, homemade chutneys, and pickles, and it is difficult not to fill up on these as they are so good. The main course is your choice of traditional lamb, prawns, beef, chicken, fish, or vegetable curries served with rice, vegetables, and naan. For those that can’t decide on just one dish, the Chef Kumar’s Thali is perfect, as it gives you the opportunity to try three different curries. The Indian ice cream kulfi is the perfect ending to a perfect meal.
Even if you don’t plan to stay at The Rubens, a visit for Afternoon Tea, dinner or cocktails in the Leopard Bar is the perfect way to have a true taste of London during your vacation.
The Egerton House Hotel
Arriving at The Egerton House Hotel you immediately feel you have found your home away from home. Part of The Red Carnation Hotel Collection, the hotel is comprised of two stately restored townhouses and is situated on a quiet street in Knightsbridge, within walking distance of the Victoria & Albert Museum. The entrance is enhanced with flowerboxes filled with blooms, which is repeated in the lobby with topiaries and an indoor garden.
This boutique hotel is the epitome of understated elegance. The lobby, Drawing Room, and bar areas provide a welcoming ambiance reminiscent of the receiving rooms of many historic homes. The décor is warm and comfortable, inviting guests to take a step back in time to an elegant, gracious period.
The impeccable staff is attentive and professional and determined to make your stay as wonderful and memorable as possible. Recommendations to the hottest new shows, planning a personalized tour, complimentary tickets to the V&A, or a special VIP shopping trip to Harrods are just some of the services that they happily provide.
The Drawing Room has a reputation for hosting some of the most soughtafter afternoon teas. The hotel offers a wide range of tea menus, catering to all diets including vegetarian, vegan, and gluten free. They are also known for their popular Doggie Afternoon Tea, with its own pooch friendly menu.
The hotel has no formal dining room, however scrumptious meals can be had in the lounge or the bar and there is 24-hour in-room dining available. The staff is very accommodating and can also arrange for intimate, private dinner parties in the dining room. This relaxed atmosphere adds to the overall comfy, laid-back charm.
Whether you’ve had a long day of touring or have arrived on a late flight, a hot meal is just a request away. The varied menu includes light fare, like salads and sandwiches, as well as more hearty meals, such as rib-eye steaks and burgers. One of the specialties of the house is Beatrice Tollman’s chicken noodle soup, and with a sandwich it’s the perfect way to relax after a busy day.
The very talented barman, Esley Gunaratne, is well versed in the art of making the perfect martini. Sit at the bar while Esley creates magic, or settle down in one of the other seating areas and have him roll his well-stocked bar cart to you so you can watch and learn from the professional. There is also the option to take the Martini Masterclass, just an hour long, but afterwards you will have a certificate (signed by Esley) and the knowledge of how to impress your friends with the secrets of the perfect cocktail.
This pet-friendly boutique hotel has 23 bedrooms, four studio suites and one master suite, all elegantly appointed. The rooms and suites are uniquely decorated in the grandeur and style that the original town houses would have been. The rooms are furnished in luxurious fabrics, antique pieces, and original artwork, and everywhere you look there are those small touches that give the overall look major impact. These sophisticated rooms are sanctuaries from the bustle of the city.
A stay at this unique hotel is a true delight. Long after you depart, you’ll remember its beauty, and the friendliness of the staff. Their warmth will ensure that you will return to stay at The Egerton House Hotel on your subsequent visits to London.
