London encapsulates the finest traditions and conversely some of the most innovative creative spirits.
In a day you could experience the pageantry and style of Royal Ascot where thoroughbreds and guests have paraded since 1711 then confront the youthful defiance of contemporary art.
Most of the grand cultural diversions are renowned the world over, so we have endeavoured to provide details of some of the more intimate and interesting experiences that our seasoned travellers would appreciate, such as a walk through a ‘living’ Georgian home. Some fascinating and less observed sights are listed under Inside Track, while our Exclusive Services respond to our guests’ desire for privacy and distinction.
West End Theatre - 10 Minutes/1 Mile
Theatre plays a large part in London life with over 40 major venues in the Centre of London alone. The quality and variety of shows that London has to offer is matchless and with so many shows on offer it is worthwhile contacting the Concierge team for a great recommendation.
The National Gallery - 10 Minutes/1 Mile
London's National Gallery houses one of the greatest collections of Western European paintings in the world. These pictures belong to the public and entrance to see them is free.
The Natural History Museum - 2 Minutes/0.5 Miles
One of the world's finest and largest museums of natural history with hundreds of exhibits, many interactive, ranging from their annual Shell Wildlife Photographer of the Year exhibition to the Dino Jaws exhibition aimed at the young and young at heart.
Kew Gardens - 20 Minutes/7 Miles
Three hundred acres of stunning plant life grace Kew Gardens, which lies on the south bank of the Thames River between Richmond and Kew. Housing the largest living plant collection in the world, Kew Gardens also undertakes reaserch into taxonomy, economic and ethnobotany and conservation.
London Eye - 13 Minutes/3 Miles
At 135 metres above London, the London Eye is the world's tallest observation wheel, with 40 kilometre panoramic views on a clear day. The gradual 30 minute flight offers stunning views of London and its famous landmarks in a fully air conditioned capsule with bench seating.
Royal Albert Hall - 4 Minutes/1 Mile
The Royal Albert Hall is one of the most famous concert and event venues in the world. It is probably best known as the venue for The Proms, the world's largest festival of Western classical music. Our Concierge Team would be delighted to inform you of current and upcoming events.
Covent Garden - 8 Minutes/2 Miles
One of the more ambient parts of London, Covent Garden is filled with restaurants, bars, markets and boutiques and is the destination of theatergoers and Opera lovers by night.
Thames River - 13 Minutes/3.4 Miles
Zip from London in a speed boat to Greenwich in twenty minutes or if you prefer you can take a slow cruise and a more leisurely view of the main sights including the Houses of Parliament, the London Eye, the Tower of London and St Paul's Cathedral.
Things to See
Buckingham Palace - 7 Minutes/1.1 Miles
Built in 1705, Buckingham palace is the home and office of the British Monarchy. Visitors are drawn during the summer months to view some of the rooms within the palace, and throughout the year to view the Changing of the Guard ceremony.
Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens - At the rear of the hotel
Hyde Park covers around 350 acres and houses Speakers' Corner, The Serpentine Gallery and the Albert Memorial. Kensington Palace in nearby Kensington Gardens offers tours of the State Apartments, once home to Queen Victoria and Princess Diana.
10 Downing Street - 9 Minutes/2.1 Miles
The historic home and office of Gordon Brown, the British Prime Minister. This historic building has been the heart of the government for over a century as the meeting place of the Cabinet and as a reception venue for dignitaries from around the world.
Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament - 10 Minutes/2.4 Miles
The Houses of Parliament are one of the city’s finest examples of Victorian architecture and have been the subject of artworks by Monet and Turner. Another part of the building, Big Ben, is one of London’s most famous landmarks.
Tower of London - 17 Minutes/4.4 Miles
The Tower of London has been an integral part of British royal history for nearly 1,000 years. Only at the tower can you marvel at the breath-taking Crown Jewels, stand on the execution site of three English queens and be amazed by the tower's myths and legends.
Westminster Abbey - 8 Minutes/2 Miles
Both an historically and religiously important site, Westminster Abbey has been the place of marriage, burial and coronation for British monarchs since 1066, with the exception of Edward V and Edward VIII, and also serves as the burial ground for many famous politicians and artists.
St Paul’s Cathedral - 16 Minutes/3.6 Miles
Completed in 1710, this spectacular building boasts panoramic views across London. Important services have included the funeral of Sir Winston Churchill and the wedding of Charles, Prince of Wales, to Lady Diana Spencer.
Somerset House - 8 Minutes/2 Miles
This magnificent 18th century building houses the celebrated collections of the Courtauld Institute of Art, Gilbert Collection and Hermitage Rooms. Throughout the year it is also the venue for numerous performances and exhibitions as well as an annual ice rink in its grand central courtyard.
Trafalgar Square - 8 Minutes/2 Miles
One of London's greatest tourist attractions and most famous square, Trafalgar Square was laid out in 1829 to 1841 to commemorate Nelson's victory at the Battle of Trafalgar in 1805. Dominating the square, on a column that is 185 feet high, is a 17 foot high statue of Nelson.
Shakespeare's Globe Theatre - 18 Minutes/4.1 Miles
An atmospheric restoration of Shakespeare's original theatre. As with the first Globe, both the stage and the audience are outdoors, limiting productions to the summer months, freeing the theatre for educational purposes in the winter.
Where to Shop
Knightsbridge - Outside the hotel
Opposite our hotel is London's chicest department store, Harvey Nichols, its most famous luxury department store, Harrods, and its most exlusive street dedicated to designer boutiques, Sloane Street.
Jermyn Street - 7 Minutes/1.5 Miles
Famous for its resident shirtmakers, all along this street one can find both 'off the peg' and bespoke shirts by designers such as Thomas Pink, Turnbull & Asser and Charles Tyrwhitt, as well as hats, shoes and other men's apparel.
Savile Row - 9 Minutes/1.8 Miles
The Row is London's major centre for traditional bespoke tailoring. Tailors include Gieves & Hawkes, Ozwald Boateng and Norton & Sons whose customers have included Sir Winston Churchill and Lord Nelson.
King's Road - 5 Minutes/1 Mile
The King's Road is a place for the young to see and be seen and has always been synonymous with fashion, with many boutiques lining the street. More recently it has also become a treasure trove of antiques stores such as the famous Chelsea Antiques Market.
Carnaby Street - 9 Minutes/1.8 Miles
Carnaby Street is home to over 30 flagship stores from some of the World’s top brands and holds the only stores in the country for Puma, Ben Sherman, Lee and Vans. Also make your way to Kingly Court to visit the inidividual boutiques which first made this street so popular during the Swinging Sixties.
Portobello Market - 16 Minutes/2.9 Miles
Consistently ranked in the top ten for most visited tourist sites in London, Portobello Market is one of the world's most famous markets, particularly recognised for its antique section on Saturdays.
Where to Dine
Foliage - At the hotel
Head Chef Chris Staines is one of London's most highly rated chefs. Serving seasonal, modern European cuisine, Foliage boasts not only unrivalled views of Hyde Park but also award-winning food and a calm and intimate atmosphere complemented by the legendary Mandarin Oriental service.
The Park - At the hotel
The Park offers a vibrant and informal setting in the heart of Knightsbridge. In addition to Asian-inspired dishes at lunch and dinner, The Park also serves traditional English breakfasts and Afternoon Teas as well as a range of European favourites, prepared using the finest seasonal produce.
The Ivy - 9 Minutes/2 Miles
One of London's most famous restaurants for celeb-spotting, The Ivy offers a diverse menu in the heart of Covent Garden. Close to the West End theatres this is a great place for for pre-theatre dinners.
Zuma - 3 Minutes/0.5 Miles
Located close to the hotel, Zuma offers a sophisticated twist on the traditional Japanese izakaya style of informal eating and drinking.
J Sheekey - 8 Minutes/1.9 Miles
Since its inception, J Sheekey has continued to marvel guests with its superb seafood menu and vibrant mix of guests, whilst maintaining an unpretentious and cosy atmosphere.
The River Café - 16 Minutes/3.9 Miles
An iconic fine-dining Italian restaurant offering a modern, open-plan kitchen & dining room with a buzzy atmosphere. A superb and constantly changing menu.
The Wolseley - 5 Minutes/1.1 Miles
Fashioned in the style of the grand cafés of Paris and Vienna, this restaurant offers an excellent menu and is most popular for its sinful pastries.
