Hello from Carolyn in London.  

After two years of staying close to home in Atlanta, I accepted the invitation to teach for four months at the Florida State University London Study Centre. From January through April I became a Londoner.  2022 marks the 50^th Anniversary of the FSU’s London program, so as an alumnus I’m thrilled to be celebrating with students and staff  ‘across the pond’.  As soon as I arrived I began my research on things to do, what to see and where to eat and drink.  

Here’s a round up of what’s new, notable and not to miss in London now. 

London Now

As international travel restrictions lift and the pandemic fades in the United Kingdom, it’s even easier to visit and enjoy the lovely and lively city of London.  Theaters are staging new productions, museums are launching grand exhibits, iconic events are back such as the Chelsea Flower Show and Royal Ascot, the world-renowned culinary scene is hopping and it’s Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee celebrating her 70^th year on the throne. 

If you’ve always loved London or have had it on your travel list, now is a great time to plan a visit as the city ramps up with resilient spirit and style. 

“It feels like every London attraction and the hotels took advantage of the pandemic to do renovation projects,” says Emily Kanders Goldfischer, founder and editor of www.hertelier.com and London correspondent for www.luxurytraveladvisor.com

She says, “From refurbished guest rooms to the new restaurants, even roof top pools, every hotel I have been to recently is in top condition and the staff are eager to welcome back international travelers.” 

Newbies on the London hotel scene include the Great Scotland Yard Hotel, The Londoner and the Pan Pacific.

Meanwhile, tradition continues to reign supreme in the hotel market with historic favorites such as the architecturally amazing Fitzroy on Russell Square, the elegant Langham in Marylebone, the tony Connaught in the heart of Mayfair and almost secretly situated Stafford Hotel near St. James Palace. London’s luxury hotel greats are all spruced up to retain glorious appeal as “your residence whilst in London” which is printed on many of the hotels’ calling cards.

Even if you’re not staying there, most luxury hotels have sophisticated, buzzy and welcoming cocktail bars. The American Bar at the Stafford Hotel is definitely on my not to miss list. Get to know the staff at the Stafford and you may just be invited to tour the hotel’s wine cellar situated below ground in in a series of tunnels used as a bomb shelter during the Second World War. 

Other hotel highlights include The Charlotte Street Hotel, cheerfully appointed in the heart of Bloomsbury district with an in house screening room, a cozy drawing room for guests to relax complete with an honesty bar to mix your end of day “G & T” or perhaps sip a British sparkling wine from the chalky soils of south-east England.

Another small beauty is The Beaumont Hotel, with Art Deco glamour and its new Le Magritte Bar and Terrace. The dark walnut paneling and deep red leather club chairs set the perfect scene for a whimsical list of cocktails and a bar menu featuring miniature corn dogs and French toast bites topped with black truffles. 

Located on a quiet garden square, The Beaumont was refurbished in 2021 by New York based designer Thierry. You’d never know that this elegant building was once a parking garage for Selfridge’s department store located very nearby. 

Culinary Adventures Abound

Even on a rainy night, the stars are shining all over London’s vibrant and inventive dining scene. There’s a myriad of mealtime experiences from cutting edge contemporary bistros to world-renowned Michelin starred restaurants to cozy neighborhood spots specializing in everything from Turkish to Thai to Italian cuisine.  And now that restrictions are lifted the famous food markets, such as the historic Borough Market founded in 1756 are coming back to life filled with a locally produced bounty of cheeses, honeys, seafood, and freshly baked breads and pastries. 

Veggie Chic is in Fashion

Vegan restaurants and menu options are blooming all over the UK. One of the most progressive is Farmacy in Notting Hill. It’s all vegan, all of the time from soup to nuts to hand crafted cocktails.https://farmacylondon.com

“London is one of the most international cities in the world, you can find any type of cuisine prepared expertly at pretty much every price point”, says Goldfischer. “It’s an incredible city for foodies.”  

Here’s a sampling of my favorite foodie finds in London.

Super New: 

Il Borro Tuscan Bistro:  So new even some Londoners don’t know about it yet, this sleek and modern new restaurant on Berkeley Square is an extension of the famed Ferragamo family’s Il Borro country estate in Tuscany.  This is Tuscan Italian cuisine as its most fashionable and finest. https://ilborrotuscanbistro.co.uk

Ivy Asia: The newest member of the Ivy Collection of restaurants, all well situated in London’s best neighborhoods, Ivy Asia Chelsea with jade green floors and riotously colorful décor is a garden of delights. If reservations are hard to secure, grab a seat at the bar and watch the dance of bartenders shaking, stirring and crafting cocktails including an Asian-inspired Negroni served in a wood-smoked cloche. Ready for a late nigh? DJ’s spin on the weekends. https://www.theivyasiachelsea.com

Ottolenghi Chelsea:  The newest culinary outpost of London restaurateur and international best selling cookbook author Israeli-born chef Yotam Ottiolenghi, the Chelsea location is a one of his ‘delis’ serving expertly crafted foods to take away or enjoy in house presented on signature white counters in displays of salads, savories and cakes.  

https://ottolenghi.co.uk/restaurants/chelsea

Super Notable: 

These are some of my all time favorite foodie finds.

The Wolseley:  It’s always a good idea to go to The Wolseley. Celebrated for their breakfasts, lauded for lunch and a destination for dinner as well as cocktails and bites in the bar, this all day café in the European tradition on London’s iconic Piccadilly keeps on wowing the well-heeled crowds.  We saw Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber dining there with his little dog. https://www.thewolseley.com

The Gun:  Their tag line is ‘get to the Gun’ and you’ll enjoy the journey if you hop on a Thames boat and cruise to Canary Wharf and find The Gun in the Docklands overlooking the Thames.  The building dates back to the 18^thcentury when Lord Horatio Nelson frequented it to visit with Lady Emma Hamilton in an upstairs room.  Today it’s a gastro pub with exceptional food and drink. There’s a fireplace to enjoy a whisky and a gin garden when the weather’s right. https://www.thegundocklands.com

Berners Tavern: The wow factor of the floor to ceiling art in gilded frames on every wall of this huge room alerts you to memorable moments ahead.  The Dover sole deboned and served from a tableside trolley with a view of the chef brigade working seamlessly in the open kitchen at the back of the room is all the theater I need in London. http://www.bernerstavern.com

Pied a Terre: Located on the storybook restaurant row of Charlotte Street in Bloomsbury, this Michelin star restaurant is a jewel box filled with the food art of Executive Chef Asimakis Chaniotis who presents fine French cuisine through the lens of his nature loving Greek heritage. You’ll also find a vegan tasting menu voted number one experience in the UK. https://www.pied-a-terre.co.uk

Let’s Do London!

An audience with the Queen awaits you. Well, at least an audience with her home, Buckingham Palace, which is scheduled to be open for tours once again from July 22 to October 2, 2022.  Book online to see inside the grand palace and its gardens. 

“There is no better time to embrace Britain’s royal heritage and regal experiences including our grand stately homes and royal and historic walking tours,” says Paul Gauger, Senior Vice President for the Americas, Visit Britain. 

One of the year’s biggest celebrations will be in June for the official kick off to HM the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee followed by special exhibitions throughout the year including the Tower of London’s Superbloom display of meadow flowers planted in and around the moat and the reopening of The Royal Mews, showing the Queen’s carriages, cars and horses. 

“There is lots of excitement and anticipation for the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee,” says Goldfischer. “Nobody does pageantry like the English!”

Maybe I’ll stay just a little while longer.