Seven shots from the British capital.
Notting Hill Colors © Felix Carretto
Carnaby Street © Felix Carretto
Colors © Marcin Chirowski
Bookmarket in Soho © Herman Hooyschuur
St James Park © Agata Urbaniak
London Evening © Marek Bernat
Sunset in London © Ben Cardy
Earlier in October I was interviewed by Guido, owner of the luxurious Haagsche Suites, at his blog Happy Hotelier. Today, his questions about past travels and memorable food experiences once again got me thinking and I couldn’t resist writing down my thoughts.
A couple of shots from London Fashion Week. Enjoy!
Have you ever dreamed of seeing your travel shots on the cover of Lonely Planet? Now’s your chance. Until September 8, 2008, Lonely Planet and the photo-sharing website Pikeo are holding a travel photo competition open to people in the UK, France, Spain, USA and Canada.
Lamps in the Grand Bazaar, Istanbul
Submit your most inspiring and unique pictures of London, Paris, Barcelona and Istanbul. The four winners can see their pictures on the cover of Lonely Planet’s new ‘Encounter’ guides to each city, plus they will receive a free Intrepid Travel trip to India, Russia, Morocco or Kenya.
When the guides go on sale next year, the winning pictures and Lonely Planet and Pikeo’s favorite shots will be showcased at a gallery exhibition in London.
To enter the competition, visit http://lonelyplanet.pikeo.com and follow the instructions.
This week’s photo was taken by a German photographer at the carnival in London.
Long Day © Nils Merkel
Neal’s Yard, a cosy courtyard near Covent Garden, shouldn’t be missed during a London visit - whether it’s your first or tenth time in the British capital. The easiest way to get there is from Monmouth Street near Covent Garden tube station. You can also step off at Tottenham Court Road, or Leicester Square, and take an extra five minutes walk. Once there, order a lunch at one of the eateries and enjoy the hopefully sunny weather.
In Veggie & Organic London, the author Russel Rose describes the World Food Café (at 14 Neal’s Yard) with “Regrettably, eating here is not great value for money overall, but then it is a great tourist vantage point.” I agree, the food is a tad too expensive. The main reason to go there is the location. Instead, opt for Neal’s Yard Salad Bar and pick one of their tasty vegetarian salads, an exotic fruit drink, and sit down under the parasols outside. A perfect spot during warm spring days.
Who doesn’t like free events and places with free entrance? Luckily, Europe has a lot of them.
For example, in the lobby to the National Theatre in London you can listen to live music (often jazz) Monday to Saturday evenings. Upcoming artists include the Japanese singer Eriko Ishihara, Pete Letanka, Gustavo Marques and classic jazz and soul vocalist Julie KcKee. More information at Foyer Music.
Galeries Lafayette © Wouter Pinkhof
In Paris, Galeries Lafayette holds a fashion show each Friday at 3pm. And in Madrid, Museo Nacional del Prado - where you can enjoy paintings by Rubens, Boticelli and Goya - has free entrance every Sunday. The only part I’ve seen of Madrid so far is the airport so the next time I’m in the Spanish capital I will definitely visit Museo del Prado.
Sevilla © Oliver Brandt
If you happen to pass by Seville in south Spain, remember that Seville Cathedral has free entrance every Sunday 2.30- 6pm.
In case you visit London this spring, don’t miss the latest offer Hop into Spring from Maybourne Hotel Group. A hotel stay at Claridge’s or The Berkeley will definitely not disappoint.
If you prefer design hotels, check out Morgan Hotel Group’s Spring Has Sprung. Their St Martins Lane hotel in the heart of Covent Garden has the friendliest staff I have ever met, stylish minimalist rooms and delicious food at the Asia de Cuba restaurant.
I love Shepherd Market. It was too bad they closed my favourite store, REN skincare, but there are lots of other good stores and restaurants worth a visit here.
Shepherd Market is best reached from Curzon Street in Mayfair or by following White Horse Street from Piccadilly.
Pamper yourselves with an exclusive Valentine’s stay at Grosvenor House, Park Lane, the finest address in London. Arrive to a flower adorned room and indulge in a glass of Dom Perignon with your loved one before having afternoon tea in the elegant Park Room. The skilled Chef offers various delicious treats such as heart-shaped cup-cakes, mille-feiulles or rich, dark chocolate cake.
A romantic promenade in Hyde Park might be just what you need before taking a seat in the sumptuous Red Bar where you can sip cocktails and enjoy each other’s company, a perfect Valentine’s delight.
Later you can order an appetising course from room service and spend the evening in privacy in the comfort of your own hotel room.
The Valentine’s package costs £1,200 (excluding VAT) and can be booked through reservations on +44(0)20 7399 8008. Full payment in advance is required and rooms are subject to availability.
After serving as a private home for the Grosvenor family, Grosvenor House opened to the public in May 1929 and quickly became the hotel for a high-profile circle. Its current four year multi-million pound renovation finishes this year when Grosvenor House will acquire the status as the European flagship for the JW Marriott brand.
For more information about the hotel, visit Grosvenor House.
