LAJFSTAJL / LIFESTYLE
“LONDON IS A BAD HABIT ONE HATES TO LOSE ,” wrote au- thor William Sansom, because the UK capital is among the world’s most vibrant and impressive me- tropolises. London is exciting by day and by night, always offering opportunities to discover some new chic spot. The hotels of London are a story in their own right – the Chil- tern Firehouse ranks high on our wish list just because of its decadent bathrooms. It’s a shame that, as we read somewhere, breakfast isn’t in- cluded in the room rate of £650. And proving that sustaina- bility goes well with star-studded façades is the recently opened 1 Ho- tel Mayfair, the London branch of the 1 Hotels sustainable chain. Strict principles of sustainable construc- tion were adhered to throughout the building’s renovation works. Some 80 per cent of the materials used are recycled, while the timber flooring is made from fallen British Oak trees. The green philosophy is evident thanks to the more than 1,300 individual plants and trees placed throughout the public are- as and 181 rooms. Imagine hang- ing gardens along the exterior walls and living moss walls in the rooms. Its eco-beds use bio-bedding, while head chef Tom Sellers (two Michelin stars) has opened a raw bar in this hotel’s Dovetale restaurant. Even the Sunday roast (a British classic with plenty of roast beef and greasy roast potatoes with gravy) has an option with wild mushrooms and vegan gravy. The rule that applies to Lon- don’s hotels is also true for its res- taurants: the best things are always those that you discover by accident, because there’s always something wonderful to see and try. Consid- ering the palpable nature of Lon- don's endless multiculturalism, you should expect flavours you’ve never previously had a chance to experi- ence. Try the best Malaysian delica- cies at Satay House near Hyde Park. Logically, they have excellent satay. Israeli-born British chef Yotam Ot- tolenghi has a deli on Upper Street (Islington), where trendsetters and
MAYFAIR ONE
trendspotters drop in for breakfast with French toast and homemade granola. The same demographic adores the meze at Pitted Olive, a Lebanese restaurant close to King's Cross. And when they have some- thing to celebrate, they reserve a ta- ble at The Ivy, just because of the crazy interior. London is also synonymous with English pub food. The city’s dream pub is called The Pelican. You can drop in at around 5 pm for beer with oysters, king crab on toast and hand-cut chips. The at- mosphere is like that of a cozy local bar, but this historic pub changed
hands two years ago and the kitch- en has since been in the hands of award-winning chef Owen Ken- worthy. London’s most exclusive pri- vate members club has undoubt- edly always been, and will remain, Annabel’s. Founded in 1963 by the legendary Mark Birley and named after his then-wife, Lady Annabelle Vane-Tempest-Stewart, it was sold in 2007 to hospitality tycoon Rich- ard Caring (owner of both Sexy Fish and The Ivy). Even after relocation (two buildings down the street) and renovation (designed by Martin Brudnizki), this legendary club is still the subject of exciting gossip and juicy stories. How to enter the place remains the biggest secret, because the entrance is controlled by the strict but fair Astrid Har- bord, who chooses who may enter on the basis of fame or intrigue. If you do manage to get in, it’s high- ly likely that you’ll bump into Kate Moss or Mick Jagger, wash your hands in the famous pink toilets next to Cara Delevingne or Victo- ria Beckham, or encounter Eddie Redmayne and Damien Hirst at the bar. Photography is strictly prohib- ited, which is a shame given that there are few interiors more Ins- tagrammable than Annabel’s ver- dant jungle. And that particularly applies to those toilets that we’ve already mentioned. The pink, shell- shaped sinks with gold swan taps are something special. But don’t you dare take a picture of them or Miss Hardbord will have you promptly expelled.
THE PELICAN
86 | London » London
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