London Calling!
March 26, 2015With
nearly twenty million visitors making their way through the British capital
last year, London’s reputation as the world’s most visited city - and one of the
hippest - is as solid as ever!
For a Toronto native, a visit to London,
England, is like taking a trip to your colonial motherland to finally meet your
extended family. Undeniably, the spirit of London is closely interwoven into
Toronto’s architectural and historical DNA. A walk down Toronto’s neighbourhoods
will reveal Georgian, Edwardian and Victorian architecture with street names
such as Bathurst, King and Queen. With such a diverse repertoire of cultures,
food, history and our connection as a commonwealth nation under its monarchy,
London has the charm and character to delight any Canadian.
The city is immersed in history. Home to the British
monarchy, London’s atmospheric streets reveal celebrated landmarks such as Buckingham
Palace, Big Ben, Tower of London, St. Paul’s Cathedral, Kensington Palace, Westminster
Abbey, Piccadilly Circus and Trafalgar Square which can be admired atop the city’s iconic red
double-decker bus.
However, London is much more than its past. Ever
evolving, it is a city with cutting edge creativity and striking modern
architecture that continue to transform its skyline - think London Eye, Gherkin,
Heron Tower and the Shard. This contrast of old and new has resulted in a spectacular
skyline that should be admired from Tower 42’s Vertigo 42 Champagne Bar, or cruising
along the River Thames past the city’s famed bridges and sites.
Since the time of Shakespeare, London has been
a prominent city for theatre, and with a dazzling spectrum of shows, theatre
lovers are spoiled for choice. Take in a show in the lively West End, an Elizabethan
drama at The Globe, or a summer performance under the stars at Regent’s Park
open-air theatre.
The center of London is filled with museums
and galleries, among them the Victoria & Albert Museum, the National
Gallery, Tate Modern, Saatchi Gallery and the British Museum whose collections
are as diverse as they are magnificent. Visit as many as you wish, admission is
free!
Londoners have been enjoying Afternoon Tea
for centuries. Today, this highlight of London society has been elevated to an art
form with renowned establishments offering premium teas served alongside
decadent works of art and gourmet finger sandwiches accompanied by Champagne. Warm
scones with Devonshire cream and sweet preserves are still a welcome staple. A
wonderful place to partake in this traditional affair is at the iconic LanghamHotel in London’s Marylebone. Here, afternoon tea is served on elegant china in
the grand Palm Court, as live piano plays in the background and the hotel’s tea
sommelier assists you in selecting the perfect tea. It is an unforgettable experience and one that
should not be missed!
This fashionable British city has always had
a unique sense of style. Shop the posh boutiques on Mount Street and Bruton
Street in London's Mayfair, the Luxury Quarter of Bond Street and Regent Street,
or the trendy brands along Oxford Street. Stop by Fortnum and Mason
on Piccadilly, a favorite among royalty. In Kensington you’ll find the
city’s legendary Harrods and Harvey Nicols where Princess Diana loved to shop.
Home to 300 languages, London’s cosmopolitan
landscape provides for a dynamic dining experience. Whether you want to dine on
the quintessential British meal of ‘fish and chips’ in a century’s old pub or
in a trendy restaurant in one of the city’s charming neighborhoods like Notting
Hill, Mayfair, Soho and Chelsea, London’s restaurants are some of the world’s
best. If you’re looking for an affordable way to try the creations of a
celebrity chef, head to Jaime Oliver’s Diner in Piccadilly Circus. For
contemporary British cuisine, Notting Hill’s three-story West Thirty Six is perfect
and features a bar and lounges.
The English are known for loving their
gardens and green outdoor spaces, and London is no exception, as the city is dotted
with tranquil gardens throughout. On a grander scale, visit Kensington Gardens,
Hyde Park, Regent’s Park, and Hampstead Heath where you’re sure to find the
perfect spot to relax, picnic or enjoy a stroll.
London is a fusion of art and culture,
history and architecture. It is the world’s most international city and whatever
tickles your fancy, London has something to suit.
Transportation
bsixGroup provides a discrete, safe and secure
chauffeur service for all occasions: airport transfers, a tour of London, or a
night out at the Theatre! Plus, the chauffeurs are like personal tour guides. Bsixgroup.com
Where to Stay
Described
as staying at the home of an eccentric English aunt, the eclectic and vintage Portobello Hotel is located on a quaint
street in West London’s Notting Hill. Since opening its doors in the 70’s, this
boutique property has hosted a long list of media, models and musicians such as
Mike Jagger, Van Morrison, and Johnny Depp who famously filled the Victorian bathtub
in room 61 with Champagne for his then ladylove, Kate Moss. This little jewel
is steps away from the famous Portobello Road and market, as well as lovely
boutiques and restaurants. portobellohotel.com
The
whimsical and stylish Ampersand Hotel
is located in South Kensington. Housed in a reinvented 1888 Victorian townhouse,
its modern design theme and beautifully-finished rooms are located on a posh
street, minutes away from some of the city’s best museums, restaurants,
boutiques (think Stella McCartney and Harrods) and bars. The hotel’s popular Apero
bar and restaurant is tucked down in an underground vault and perfect for
nights when you want to stay in. ampersandhotel.com
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