London

GC:LUXURY London

With the end of summer here and after a couple of years of disruptive travel, what better way to spend all that money you have saved from not having a great deal to do, than going to one of the world cities... London.

Stay

Dukes Hotel - Mayfair

With its heritage style and warm hospitality, Dukes is a sophisticated home-from-home in the heart of the city. Its Victorian exterior evokes a time when artists and writers rubbed shoulders with royalty in fashionable St. James, London. Open the door and discover all you need for an inspiring break.

You’ll find elegant rooms and suites, where antique furnishings sit alongside the latest technology. For the ultimate in luxury, book The Duke of Clarence Suite for grand views over Green Park. Downstairs, this boutique hotel offers something for any mood or time of day. If you’re feeling energetic, work out in the exclusive gym, followed by a steam in the Italian marble steam room. Savour seasonal British cuisine, and unleash your inner Bond at DUKES Bar, and sip the most famous martini in the world.

Browns Hotel - Mayfair

Unmistakably Brown’s, splendidly English, thoroughly cosmopolitan. In the heart of London’s elegant Mayfair, Brown’s Hotel is an iconic luxury hotel where history and 21st century sophistication come together. The retreat of choice for royalty, presidents and literary greats over the centuries, Brown’s Hotel is an enduringly distinguished destination in London.

Unmistakably British, our inviting rooms and luxurious suites offer exceptional comfort and style, marrying heritage features with contemporary touches. Our warm, personal service will make you feel right at home.

The Mayfair Townhouse

Curious, engaging, witty and effortlessly intuitive: we are a new generation of lifestyle hotel delivering the unexpected in the heart of Mayfair. A stylish, imaginative home for the modern traveller, we redefine what it means to be a London hotel.

Inspired by the whimsical characters of our past and present, we are flamboyantly dressed, yet carefully understated. Our beauty seekers have a palette for curiosity. We leave all the frills behind and deliver the services of a high-end hotel in a warm, convivial setting. Embracing our whimsical roots, our rich heritage has been revived to create something remarkably memorable overlooking Green Park. Above all, we are Dandy, welcome to The Townhouse.

Visit

British Museum

Curious, engaging, witty and effortlessly intuitive: we are a new generation of lifestyle hotel delivering the unexpected in the heart of Mayfair. A stylish, imaginative home for the modern traveller, we redefine what it means to be a London hotel.

Inspired by the whimsical characters of our past and present, we are flamboyantly dressed, yet carefully understated. Our beauty seekers have a palette for curiosity. We leave all the frills behind and deliver the services of a high-end hotel in a warm, convivial setting. Embracing our whimsical roots, our rich heritage has been revived to create something remarkably memorable overlooking Green Park. Above all, we are Dandy, welcome to The Townhouse.

Founded in 1824, it houses a collection of over 2,300 paintings dating from the mid-13th century to 1900 in Trafalgar Square,it is regarded by many as the most representative sampling of European painting in the world. Free to enter, this is a must see for any London stay over.

Thames cruise

The Thames is the lifeblood of London, bringing industry to the city for centuries. It is England’s longest river, leading into the North Sea at its end. It has been the base for settlements since prehistoric times, and was a strategic importance to the Romans and English Kings, as well as during both World Wars.

There are a number of companies in London offering cruises across the Thames. Cruises run as regularly as every 30 minutes from several key locations. The cruises pass several key sightseeing locations, including Tower Bridge, the Houses of Parliament, and the London Eye.

Borough Market’s rich heritage – around 1,000 years of history – is part and parcel of its appeal, but our focus is very much on the here and now. The Market, which is run by a charitable trust for the benefit of our community, has never stopped evolving. A few decades ago, it was a wholesale market serving the greengrocers of south London; now it acts as a beacon for sustainable food production, short supply chains and social connection, drawing visitors from far and wide.

Our stalls, stands, shops and restaurants are all completely distinctive – unique in the food they sell and in the people who sell it. Between them they offer a dizzying diversity of British and international flavours. What all our traders have in common, though, is their level of knowledge and expertise, their commitment to doing things the right way and the emphasis they place on making or sourcing the best food they possibly can.

Eat

Core by Clare Smyth

Previously head chef at Restaurant Gordon Ramsay, Clare Smyth struck out on her own and has since established one of the best restaurants in London. Core was widely tipped to gain a coveted third star in the 2020 Michelin Guide but was instead held on two stars to the surprise of industry experts. Still, it seems only a matter of time before Smyth joins her former boss, Ramsay, at the three-star table.

The vibe at Core is different to what you might expect; Smyth calls it “casual luxury,” taking humble ingredients like the potato or carrot (the Lamb Carrot, a dish of braised lamb but with the carrot taking center stage, is one of Core’s signatures) and “flipping it on its head” to create sustainable haute cuisine.

The blend of high-end and casual is in a refreshing twist that adds to Core’s atmosphere. Smyth wants everyone who comes in to have a good time and to make sure diners relax enjoy themselves, something that she thinks is more important than winning awards.

The Golden Chippy - Grenwich

Back in 1977 Mr Chris Kanizi arrived in London with the grand ambition of studying medicine and training as a doctor. Not all dreams work out as planned and instead of learning how to operate on humans he became an expert Fish Surgeon. First opening their doors of their traditional British chippy back in 2005. Since then they have grown into becoming a local favourite and a legendary/established part of the Greenwich community.

They are very particular about the ingredients and carefully source them from trusted suppliers who offer very fresh ingredients cooked with love and, of course, the secret Golden Chippy recipe. After years of collecting glowing customer reviews and recommendations they achieved the holy grail - In 2016 The Golden Chippy was voted London’s number one restaurant on TripAdvisor!

Drink

Old bank of England

One of the most stunning pub interiors in the city of London now with a new lease of life, paired with honest pub grub and fantastic, Hertfordshire brewed beers. Our pub resides in the old Law Courts branch of the previous Bank of England which operated from 1888 to 1975, although you may not be able to get a loan with us you are bound to receive attentive service, and a unique experience in the country’s capital. The location is also famously directly between Sweeney Todd’s barber shop and Mrs Lovett’s pie shop!

The Westminster Arms

The Westminster Arms is in the heart of political London, a stone’s throw from the Houses of Parliament. It features a division bell so MPs can dash back to the House in time for the vote. As well as politicians and journalists, the pub is usually bustling with civil servants, tourists, conference delegates, actors and models and has served many famous faces including Desmond Tutu, Bill Clinton and Angelina Jolie.

The Connaught

Drop by the Connaught Bar in Mayfair and step into another world. Conversation flows over sparkling glasses and candle lit tables. Behind the bar, mixologists conjure up new concoctions and timehonoured classic cocktails.

Before you savour that first sip, take in the surroundings. Textured walls in platinum silver leaf and a cool grey bar set a stylish tone. Designed by David Collins Studio, the bar evokes English and Irish Cubist art of the 1920s, with a touch of timeless elegance.

Shop

Sloane street

Sloane Street is internationally recognised as one of the world’s most exclusive and luxurious shopping destinations. Situated in the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea, it stretches from Knightsbridge in the north to Sloane Square at the southern end.

Sloane Street accentuates the very best of London life and style. Renowned for its elegant catwalk of iconic luxury brands, unparalleled service and exclusive products, its impressive list of flagship stores includes Tom Ford, Chloe, Salvatore Ferragamo, Roberto Cavalli, Valentino, Giorgio Armani, Rag & Bone, Saint Laurent, Alberta Ferretti, Marni and Gucci.

The Street takes its name from Sir Hans Sloane, who purchased the area in 1712. Today, iconic luxury brands are interspersed with chic townhouses, beautifully manicured gardens and characterful side streets, such as Ellis Street and Pavillion Road. Part of the Cadogan Estate, Sloane Street and the surrounding area ooze heritage and pedigree.

Since its foundation in 1700, Bond Street has been a playground for society’s wealthiest, most stylish and influential people. Past residents of the street have included Admiral Horatio Nelson and Lady Emma Hamilton as well as a number of renowned authors and poets.

Today, more than 300 years on, Bond Street remains a much-loved destination for celebrities, socialites and the international jet set. Home to some of the world’s most prestigious retailers, including Asprey, Bulgari, Burberry, Chanel, Cartier, Dolce Gabbana, Hermès, Jimmy Choo, Louis Vuitton, Mulberry, Ralph Lauren and Tiffany Co.

Bond Street offers an unrivalled mix of history, traditional elegance and modern luxury. Bond Street and its surrounding area boasts a impressive number of Royal Warrant holders and is home to some of the world’s most individual and unique hotels and restaurants, including Claridge’s and The Ritz, as well fine establishments such as The Royal Academy of Art and the world-famous auction house, Sotheby’s.

Dover Street Market

Find prestigious labels alongside clothes and accessories from emerging designers at cutting-edge fashion hotspot Dover Street Market London. Created by Rei Kawakubo of Comme des Garçons, Dover Street Market’s stripped industrial space is spread over six floors and includes dedicated areas for fashion pop-ups and a bakery. Discover the latest Comme des Garçons trends, alongside established and up-and-coming designers – including the likes of Balenciaga, Gucci and Dries van Noten.