A traditional horse parade passing Mandarin Oriental, Hyde Park

A concierge’s guide to London

Destinations
By Patrick O'Donoghue
July 13, 2023

From riverside pubs and royal palaces to the city’s dinosaur-in-residence, here’s where to go and what to see on your next London adventure.


London is one of the world’s great cities, with its cultural riches, trailblazing restaurant scene and roll call of iconic sights. Deciding where to go and what to do can be a struggle even for locals – which is why personal recommendations go a long way in this town. Your guide to this great metropolis is Patrick O’Donoghue, Assistant Head Concierge at Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park, London. His knowledge of the city is second to none, and he’s impeccably connected – in short, the London friend we’d all like to have.

The iconic Tower of London at night

First-time visitors to London

The Tower of London is iconic – a mighty riverside citadel, topped with grey-roofed turrets, whose history stretches back centuries. William the Conqueror built its White Tower in 1066, and these stones have seen so much, including some grisly executions. It’s a foreboding but fascinating place, with a lot to see – not least the Crown Jewels, which are worth waiting in line for. If you’re in the mood for an amble, it’s a four-mile walk back to the hotel, along the Thames, then across St James’ and Green Park.

The floral façade of The Churchill Arms pub

A classic pint

Towards Notting Hill, you’ll find The Churchill Arms, an iconic, and award-winning pub that was regularly frequented by the wartime prime minister’s grandparents in the 1800s. It’s one of the area’s most cheerful landmarks, its exterior covered in colourful floral arrangements, while the interior is packed full of Winston Churchill memorabilia. Pair a craft lager with flavourful dishes from its resident Thai restaurant.
The Winston Mathematics gallery at the Science Museum in London

Families

Few things will bring kids more delight than a horse and carriage ride around London’s royal palaces. You can arrange to be collected from the hotel’s steps in an ornate Landau carriage, trotting up to the Mall to take in Buckingham Palace, St James’ Palace and Clarence House. London’s museum quarter is also close to the hotel, including the Natural History Museum, with its snarling, animatronic T-Rex (you can swerve that section, if tinies get scared). The Science Museum is also outstanding for kids of all ages: toddlers can run riot in its basement play zone, while the Wonderlab’s mist clouds, experiments and slides are thrillingly interactive.

A tempting dish served at Dinner by Heston Blumenthal restaurant at Mandarin Oriental, Hyde Park

A taster of the city’s dining scene

Here at the hotel, Dinner By Heston Blumenthal is one of London’s most sought-after dining spots. When it comes to creativity, the menu is on another level – supremely theatrical, but also unfailingly delicious. The two-Michelin-starred Le Gavroche is another of my favourites. This place has been open for more than 50 years, and the food is very classic, very French, and exceedingly good, from the cloud-like soufflés to the butter-poached lobster tail. For a quick, more casual supper in the West End, Kiln is my go-to. It’s a small, smoky eaterie inspired by the chef’s travels in Thailand, and showcases best-of-British produce. The menu is compact and constantly changing, but the claypot glass noodles with pork belly and brown crab are a delicious fixture.

The 2022 Saatchi Gallery garden for Chelsea flower show, featuring works by artist Anthony James

A summer social whirl

The world-famous Chelsea Flower Show in late May heralds the start of British summer. If you know an RHS member, attend one of the members’ days. Otherwise, enter the ballot for tickets to the gala preview.  


In June, Royal Ascot is a classic – the late Queen’s favourite horse racing event, and one of the top flat race meetings in the world. It’s a five-day event, and a place where your outfits mean as much as your winners and losers. Look out for some showstopping hats!

All offers and experiences available at time of publication. Please contact the hotel team for more information.

Patrick O'Donoghue
About the Author
Patrick O'Donoghue
Patrick O'Donoghue is Assistant Head Concierge at Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park, London.