EAT: The Wolseley
Stepping into the Mayfair restaurant The Wolseley, situated just next to the famous Ritz hotel in Mayfair, one might believe they have been transported one hundred years back in time. With its inspiration coming from Florence, Italy, the beauty of this restaurant lies in its mixture of styles popular at the beginning of the 20th century. A grand space framed by pillars leads into the dining area, and strong geometrical shapes such as the black and cream square marble floor mixed with eye catching baroque iron work manages to create a genuine ‘Grand Brasserie’ atmosphere.
It is not only to experience this beautiful venue which attracts guests to The Wolseley. With a carefully selected menu consisting of culinary favorites from across Europe, the restaurant is able to cater to most tastes. The Wolseley’s menu ranges from perfectly made sandwiches during an afternoon tea, to classic French dishes such as Coq au vin, or what has been called London’s most perfect burger.
Perhaps the greatest strenght of The Wolseley is its breakfasts. Open seven days a week as you would expect from a true brasserie, and with a broad selection of classic British, French or continental dishes, the menu leaves little to ask for. We keep wanting to come back!
The Wolseley
160 Piccadilly, London W1J 9EB
Tel: +44 (0)20 7499 6996
DRINK: South Kensington Club
The South Kensington Club is a new private members’ club, based in London but inspired by an adventuring, multi-cultural perspective. SKC draws together some great culinary and wellness traditions from diverse corners of the planet, whilst inspiring its members to reach outwards and explore, through reading, listening and travelling on journeys of discovery.
The bar at the SKC has an intimate yet sophisticated atmosphere and is ideal for meeting friends, after work drinks, night caps or as a space to have a drink and reflect on your own. The bar, inspired by an old hotel in Palermo, Italy, has five seats, with a mid-century Americana twist to it, made of beautiful walnut, nestled between two pillars, with a brass surround structure. There is also cosy lounge seating. Classic cocktails are served by a knowledgeable and expert team – everything from martinis to a slowly stirred Old Fashioned.
If you prefer a non alcoholic option, The South Kensington Club has launched its own range of raw juices, cold-pressed for maximum nourishment. ‘South’ juices are expertly made from the finest British ingredients, picked by hand, bottled in the South Kensington Club and served in the juice bar on the first floor by the club terrace. One, three and five day health packages will be offered with five flavours, healthy snacks and tonic shots for an extra boost.
South Kensington Club
38-42 Harrington Rd, London SW7 3ND
Tel: +44 (0)20 3006 6868
http://www.southkensingtonclub.com/
SLEEP: One Aldwych
One Aldwych describes itself as a luxury London hotel with a difference. “Big enough to excite, yet small enough to care” is how they put it and we see what they mean. This lovely urban retreat in a striking Edwardian listed building packs a lot in.
One Aldwych enjoys a fabulous location bang in the middle of London, in Covent Garden, right between the City and the West End, so it is ideal for both business and leisure travelers. Tate Modern, Somerset House (with its charming outdoor skating rink and the Courtauld Gallery with its incredible Impressionist collection), the National Gallery and the Royal Opera House are all just a stroll away. The hotel is also within a ten-minute walk of 20 West End theaters and surrounded by great restaurants and stylish shopping.
Did we mention that the One Aldwych has a Health Club? Spanning over two floors, the health club includes an 18 metre chlorine free swimming pool (with underwater music, of course), a proper gym and three treatment rooms. Flowers also play a great part in the overall look of the interior. Each day, in every guestroom and throughout the public areas, arrangements are changed and renewed by Mark Siredzuk of Flowers at One, the hotel’s inhouse florist.
Celebrated designer Paul Smith has collaborated with leading art and design publisher Rizzoli by selecting over 50 of its finest books for One Aldwych hotel’s Lounge At One. This private guests-only lounge is an ideal place to catch up over a cocktail and light bite or to hide away with a good book, a sophisticated sanctuary amidst the whirl of London.
There are not only 105 beautiful guestrooms with original artwork and discreet comfort, but also the fabulous restaurant ‘Indigo‘, a buzzing Lobby Bar and a 30-seat Screening Room. Earlier this year, the Indigo kitchen was completely rebuilt and enlarged with state of the art equipment designed to executive chef Dominic Teague’s specifications. This was an opportune moment to create a brand new menu – light, healthy dishes along with hearty classics using carefully sourced ingredients from the British Isles.
But what keeps us coming back and why we recommend this gem is One Aldwych’s unparalleled thoughtful, caring service. We think it’s because as an independent hotel the friendly staff are switched on to guests’ individual needs.
One Aldwych
1 Aldwych, London, WC2B 4BZ
Tel: +44 (0)20 7300 1000
TREAT: The South Kensington Club
Based on a unique mix of fitness, bathhouse and social spaces spread elegantly over 25,000 sq ft, the South Kensington Club (SKC) is a veritable ‘country club in the heart of Kensington’. Facilities include a gym, fitness studios, a bathhouse with hammam and banya, a Watsu pool, relaxation areas, a tea library, a Mediterranean restaurant, club sitting rooms and cocktail bar, a juice bar, a terrace and s Voyager Club Room. Members also have privileged access to clubs of a similar ethos, through SKC’s network of partnerships worldwide.
Originally built as the Queen’s Gate Music Hall in the late 1800s, SKC’s main building went on to house the Pineapple Dance Studios and later Rolling Stone Ronnie Wood’s club. The bathhouse on Queensberry Mews was Francis Bacon’s first London home and studio. The spaces have been completely redesigned using natural hardwoods, stone, lava, leather and a modern art collection to create an environment that is both warm and inspiring.
The South Kensington Club offers all the tools for an active life, based on the ethos that a fit body promotes a healthy outlook and an enquiring mind – Mens sana in corpore sano (a healthy mind in a healthy body).Three studios provide an ideal environment for yoga, hot yoga, pilates, barrecore and high- energy dance classes, as well as private fitness assessments. The first floor fitness studios also include personal and functional training areas.
After a workout, SKC encourages relaxation by enjoying a massage in the treatment cabins, a blow dry in the beauty & barber salon, sipping tea by the fire in the Tea Library or simply spending time in the Turkish Hammam and Russian Banya in the club’s Bathhouse. The aim is to consistently feel as healthy as possible and to learn to include fitness and wellbeing in our busy everyday lives.
As part of its innovative Voyager Club, Members can join unforgettable talks and workshops led by world-renown explorer Christina Franco and other specialists. Monthly, members feel inspired by incredible by the world-renowned adventurers. Tailored preparation and training programmes are created in preparation for expeditions, marathons and any adventurous goal Members aim to achieve.
In collaboration with The South Kensington Club, Sunseeker London are delighted to offer a limited number of our readers a ‘day access pass’ at SKC to enjoy the facilities. This is a great opportunity to spend a day at this private members club, book a treatment, or simply relax for the day in an beautiful and tranquil setting. To access this offer, all you need to do is email us at events@sunseekerlondon.com. Please note that this offer is limited and subject to availability.
South Kensington Club
38-42 Harrington Rd, London SW7 3ND
Tel: +44 (0)20 3006 6868
http://www.southkensingtonclub.com/
To request more information on any of the above recommendations from Sunseeker London, please contact:-
Sunseeker London | 36 Davies Street | Mayfair | London | W1K 4NF | +44 (0) 207 355 0980 | events@sunseekerlondon.com | http://www.sunseekerlondon.com
