Lots in the news about the British pound hitting historic lows amid a new, controversial mini-budget introduced last week by the UK Government. While the pound has crept back up slightly, according to Bloomberg, experts say Britain is having an existential crisis with inflation and a stagnant economy weighing the currency down, and some bankers are even betting for parity with the dollar by the end of the year. What is bad news for Britons, is great news for foreign travelers! London correspondent Emily Goldfischer shares exciting happenings for those considering a trip across the pond:
Shopping: Prices have not changed to reflect the new exchange, so pick up luxury goods or shop some unique London brands. One I’m loving—now that the world is transitioning back to the office—is Covent Garden-based women’s workwear Dai, a certified B-corp which means it is totally green company, that uses performance four-way stretch, machine washable, wrinkle-resistant fabrics, to create beautiful and unbelievably comfortable pieces.
Theater: See theater at a fraction of Broadway prices, London theater has always been a deal versus New York, but now it is an absolute steal. See my favorites—"Six", or the "Harry Potter and the Cursed Child", or catch Helen Hunt in "Eureka Day", and of course, there's "Shakespeare at the Globe".
Luxury Train Ride: Something I love that normally comes with a steep price, the iconic Belmond British Pullman for a rolling journey in a beautifully restored train through the British countryside, is now more affordable than ever.
Wellness: A new Spa at Claridge’s opened this week! They dug down through five stories of English soil to make room for this new 7,000-square-foot haven of wellness and tranquillity featuring the hotel’s first-ever swimming pool, steam rooms, sauna, and seven treatment rooms. Designed by interior architect Andre Fu who has drawn inspiration from the East with touches of the iconic timeless glamour synonymous with the hotel—think: lots of light oak combined with black Crittal screens. Claridge’s Spa offers both a best-in-class list of resident brands including Josh Wood, Augustinus Bader and FaceGym, and an ever-evolving roster of visiting wellness masters, featuring nail artist Harriet Westmoreland and acupuncturist Ross J. Barr, ensuring guests are expertly treated, head to toe.
Eat: Have sweet tooth? You must go to the amazing new patisserie SHIOK! By Cherish Finden (star of "Bake Off: The Professionals") at the chic new Pan Pacific London. Cherish is a total star who even made the 90th birthday cake for the Queen, she tells us the most popular thing to order is the apple tin, but maybe that is because the chocolate pastry that looks like a mini teapot is too adorable? London is renowned for Indian cuisine, try the new six-course tasting menu at award-winning Colonel Saab. Notting Hill residents are excited about the opening of Akub, a modern Palestinian restaurant, whose chef Fadi Kattan already has a popular restaurant in Bethlehem, this is his first London outpost.
New hotels to consider:
- Pan Pacific (September 2021): Pan Pacific Hotels Group made its first foray into Europe at the end of 2021 with the new landmark tower at One Bishopsgate Plaza, just across from Liverpool Street train station. Designed by Yabu Pushelberg, the vibe is totally zen in this 237-room property, and despite the City location guests are a mix of professionals and families thanks to the 18-meter infinity pool and an abundance of landscaped outdoor space. Also, love the spectacular views of The Gherkin from The Signature Suite on the hotel’s 18th floor.
- The Other House (July 2022): New lifestyle brand and residents’ club The Other House, opened its first hotel in South Kensington. Featuring around 200 ‘club flats’ with beautifully designed living areas, bedrooms, and kitchens, The Other House offers guests a comfortable and stylish home away from home, along with additional amenities including private dining rooms, work spaces, a spa and a fitness center for residents and members, plus a bistro-style restaurant open to the public. The brand’s second hotel is set to open in Covent Garden in 2023. Perfect for families or longer stays.
- The NoMad Hotel (May 2021): With its first presence outside the United States, NoMad has transformed this 19th-century building into a 91-bedroom hotel with many of the original architectural features of the former Bow Street Magistrates’ Court and Police Station preserved and incorporated into the design. The hotel is definitely a place to be seen and for the scene, love the drag show at the newly opened Common Decency nightclub and the margaritas at the Mexican-themed side hustle are to die for. Located right behind the Royal Opera House, this is the place to stay for fun and culture.
- Mayfair Townhouse (May 2021): The latest property from the Iconic Luxury Hotels group (who also runs Chewton Glen, The Lygon Arms, Cliveden), the Mayfair Townhouse is situated near London’s Green Park. The hotel features 172 rooms & suites (including two Penthouse Suites and Garden Suites), a menu of signature cocktails at The Dandy Bar, a private gym and versatile event spaces. Paying stylish homage to the great Oscar Wilde, the Mayfair Townhouse offers delightfully unexpected design elements and atmosphere—whimsical, yet elegant.
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