LONDON CALLING: 17 EYE POPPING PHOTOS FROM THE CAPITAL

 A look at the iconic Coca Cola London Eye- offers views for miles in every direction.

The 4D experience is a delight and an additional snippet of the London Eye ride.

 

When in London - afternoon tea is a must- CSL's team enjoyed a fun Alice in Wonderland themed 'Mad Hatters' tea at The Hyatt Regency Churchill that included “Mad Hatter’s” vanilla and strawberry hats, “Queen of Hearts” jam tarts, “I’m Late” golden macaroons, “Cheeky Cheshire Cat” strawberry chocolate cream, “Magical Mushroom” marshmallows and “Tea Party” Earl Grey-chocolate teacup (runs through September 8 2015).  The “Eat Me” and “Drink Me” tags that were placed on the trays, and cocktails were cute touches that added to the theme with a sense of enchantment. Cheers to Alice in Wonderland's anniversary on July 4. We also enjoyed the traditional tea available year round.

Duo of Foie Gras at two AA rosette Winter Garden restaurant at The Landmark London (left) and a look at Winter Garden - we loved the palm trees, and airy open concept with glass roof.  We tucked into our oh so comfy bed, in our spacious Marylebone suite with a cup of Nespresso and Walker shortbread cookies.

Marylebone Suites

For amazing 360 degree views of London (and a fun game of spotting the iconic landmarks - 'look there's Buckingham Palace', 'look there's the Shard', 'look there's the Walkie-Talkie') and a dedicated and informative staff (from left, Andrew Sicklin, restaurant manager, Max Merkulovs, sommelier and server Murad), Galvin at Windows, the Michelin star restaurant and bar atop the London Hilton Park Lane does not disappoint.

A beautiful dish of foie gras at Galvin at Windows restaurant at London Hilton Park Lane.   

 Not only is the dining at London Hilton Park Lane  wonderful (for breakfast at the hotel, do not miss the custard filled almond croissant!) but our Park Lane suite featured great touches like an arrangement of fresh hydrangea and calla lilies and an impressive view of Hyde Park and the London skyline.  Spa To You, is cosy and offers wonderful treatments, we had one of our best facials ever (really!) courtesy of Oceane, our therapist. For afternoon bites and cocktails we visited the ground floor executive lounge.

A look from above at St. James's Glorious Garden afternoon tea served at Conrad St. James.  Miniscule raspberry and orange macaroons were suspended above a wheat grass layer beneath while terracotta pots holding carrot cake, topped with candied carrots perched on the lawn below. Savoury crudité include mini vegetables were served with a delicious green pesto mayonnaise.  Accompanied by chilled champagne and delicate earl grey tea, this was a feast for the eyes and taste buds.

Views of Hyde Park and a delicious Tennessee Honey tea cocktail (the hotel boasts several bee hives on the premises!) at The Lancaster London.  Minutes from Paddington station (easy access to the tube), the hotel is wonderfully located, just a short walk to the Marble Arch and shops on Oxford Street. 

 

A royal palette of indigo, purple and violet at Rumpus Room, the rooftop bar and lounge at Mondrian London.  Situated on the banks of the Thames, the hotel has a sleek, modernist appeal that is not afraid of panache (think punchy cerulean sculpture in the lobby, holograms in the elevators and rooms with patios that overlook the Thames). The hotel even boasts a cinema. One night we were even privy to a fireworks display over yonder on the Thames, enjoyed with a glass of wine right from our bedside.

 Agua Bathhouse &  Spa at the Mondrian London at Sea Containers.  On the same level as the Thames, this uber-sleek spa is a white washed oasis.

 

When visiting Knightsbridge neighbourhood, we stopped into Patara fine Thai Cuisine.  We munched on traditional Thai fish and prawn cakes, with a touch of lemongrass, served with a cucumber salsa, hoyshell Pad Ped (seafood curry), and a singha beer or two.  For dessert, a deliciously silky mango cheesecake and Kaoneow mamuang-coconut sweet rice with fragrant sweet Thai mango.

Holborn Dining Room at Rosewood London features a 1920s style bar and dining.   

Nothing better than a little Parisian brekkie at Paul bakery. Our mouths watered at the window of delightful pastries, macarons, bread and tarts which made for difficult choices.  PAUL Covent Garden Le Restaurant de PAUL has a nice tucked away seating area - order the ouefs florentine, served with champagne bread!

Installation view of 'Platos Atlantis' gallery, Alexander McQueen Savage Beauty at the V&A,  2015. Victoria and Albert Museum, London

This mesmerizing Alexander McQueen: Savage Beauty at the Victoria and Albert (V&A) Museum has broken attendance records and received widespread acclaim. A collection of the late designer's works are arranged in immersive displays - in catacombs that recall the Czech ossuary of Kutna Hora, in a cabinet of curiosities so that specifically chosen pieces with feathers, encrustations and other natural elements are highlighted, and in a psychedelic light box. Although this special exhibition is ticketed, the permanent collection is free of charge.

For those with an extended stay in London, Citadines apart'hotel are a great option.  Simple, modern and close to key sites, Citadines High Holborn location was a short walk to Covent Garden and minutes from the British Museum.

Slicing the inimitable Jamón ibérico (pata negra) at Jose Tapas Bar. Business men in suits, hipsters, musicians and travellers converged in this tiny tapas bar the day we visited. Plied with delicious olives, some of the best sherry we've ever tasted (think deep notes of plum and almond) and croquetas, we left quite happy.

  
Look out for much more England in an upcoming issue of City Style and Living Magazine.

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