With January coming to a close, we’ve got our eye on Valentine’s and thinking about all the things we love in London for February!
We’ve fallen for the newly redone five-star Franklin Hotel in Knightsbridge, you’d never know this cozy escape even exists, as the 35-room property is tucked away in a terrace of townhouses overlooking the quiet Egerton Gardens, yet only a few minutes walk from the Victoria & Albert Museum and Harrods. Part of luxury Italian brand Starhotels Collezione, explains how they’ve managed to lure Michelin-starred Chef Alfredo Russo from Turin to oversee the hotel's signature 30-seat restaurant. All the interiors have been reimagined by famed designer Anouska Hempel, the 19 suites and 16 rooms ooze charm—grays, patterns, and metallic finishes harmonize with the building’s Georgian heritage. Our favorite touch: hair straighteners in the bathrooms, thank you, form curly-haired women everywhere. http://www.thefranklinlondon.com/
Another stunning renovation is Flemings in Mayfair, £15 million has wisely gone into 129 rooms, with new glam art deco interiors in shades of navy, teal and gold. We love the five new studio suites they created (hot tip: room #65 has a private patio and in-room gin bar). Not to be missed is the incredible food at the hotel’s Ormer Mayfair, a new restaurant from Michelin-starred chef Shaun Rankin, featuring English produce and meats, crafted into the most delicious dishes, the best meal we’ve had this year! www.flemings-mayfair.co.uk
Can’t top this…in February guests at The Berkeley can rent out the rooftop terrace for a private screening of classic, romantic films including 'Some Like It Hot' and 'Notting Hill'. Couples can snuggle up under down feather Moncler blankets in the handmade, wooden chalet-inspired cabins, custom-made to cozily fit two people. Package includes a bottle of Laurent Perrier Rosé Champagne, mulled wine, and a selection of winter canapés. Package is priced at £280 per couple. http://www.the-berkeley.co.uk/
Nothing like fresh country air to bring a bit of romance into the mix of any London itinerary, for this, we suggest Belmond Le Manoir Aux Quat’Saisons, a 90-minute drive into Oxfordshire, for either an overnight, or even just day trip for a five or seven course lunch and stroll through the gardens, or for the ambitious, even a class at the renowned Raymond Blanc cookery school to add some heat http://www.belmond.com/le-manoir-aux-quat-saisons-oxfordshire/