I love London!
A vibrant & dynamic cosmopolitan city that never sleeps. The city is very broad made of various pleasant with districts & boroughs offering different ambiances.
London is my second home, the city where I have spent 11 exciting years working in 5* hotels as a Director.
I loved discovering the secret addresses, booking spas and high-tea experiences in hotels, visiting museums, art galleries, and living the buzz of the capital that feels like the “New York” of Europe.
My 3 tips for visiting London Safe and Happy:
- London is a great city to visit by foot but also very easily by bus and metro. The London Underground is clean and safe, I have never had any problem. You can buy your Oyster card (your travel tickets to get around) directly in the Eurostar. Buses 14 & 74 will take you through central London where from the top of the double decker you will enjoy the main sightseeing hot spots. The black cab is a great option, to go around in central London.
- In Summer, enjoy a picnic in the park, a serious hobby in London; many shops and hotels have ‘picnic options’ to take away. My favourite parks are St James’ and Regent Park.
- Go and enjoy a musical on Piccadilly Circus,
- … I have a 4th tip, go and explore Greater London Balham SW12 (Milk, named best brunch café several years in a row), Hampstead Hith NW5 for a great view overlooking the capital and Richmond Park to see the deers and hinds roaming freely. A little further get to Greenwich SE10 to visit the star observatory and see the meridian line.
My favourite spa: Akasha at Cafe Royal, Picadilly Circus. For yoga, the best teacher is Jane Robertson. There is also a fitness, beauty saloon and massage cabins and a 25m pool. An heaven right on buzzy Picaddilly Circus. The hotel offers a great choice of restaurants.
My restaurant tip: Duck & Waffle, Bishopgates known for its stunning view on the 39th floor with large windows and its opening hours 24/7.
My secret bar: Mr Fogg’s Residence, Bruton Lane W1J with a great travel ambiance inspired by and Jules Vernes. The mixologist offers very creative cocktails.
Museum visits: South Kensington museums such as the Natural History Museum with its dinosaurs, and the Victoria & Albert Museum where there is a secret courtyard for an outdoor coffee.
The Royal Academy of Art in Mayfair which showcases the finest painting exhibition every year.
Best spots in the city: The Flower Market, Columbia Road, London E2 7RG. A full floral immersion at great price. Get there by 1pm to buy bouquets on sale.
Unusual colourful Bywater Street in the middle of South Kensington, where it feels more like Ibiza than London, close to King’s Road.
Traditional british shopping: Fortnum & Mason, Piccadilly for the best teas in London, but also great English gifts to give back home. You’ll find lovely musical biscuits tins for a musical happy birthday.
Carnaby Street with the famous and traditional Liberty shop