Situated just around the corner from the Royal Albert Hall lies the famous Gore Hotel. Otherwise known as 190 Queensgate it does what London does best: a refuge for visiting tourists and a popular haunt for locals.
The Gore boasts 50 bedrooms, an elegant dining room and a sexy cocktail bar. In recognition to it’s grand neighbours interior is a regal and decorative affair: antique furnishings litter the hotel foyer while the walls are crowded with faded tapestries, charming watercolours and rich oil paintings. I had to be careful when climbing the narrow staircase not to knock anything off the walls- so perhaps go easy on the cocktails before heading up to bed….
And what beds! The antique theme continues into the rooms themselves, each one with a different personality. You could sleep in a gilded Judy Garland bed (apparently she was a past regular) or reside in the chic Dame Nellie and admire its leopard print chairs. I was lucky enough to be shown the hotel’s pride and joy: The Tudor Room. It felt as though I’d stepped back into the sixteenth century! Dark wooden panels lined the walls while a minstrel’s galley overlooked a huge four-poster bed and enormous stone fireplace. Anne Boleyn herself would have felt quite at home sitting by the fire protected from a winters evening by richly coloured stained glass windows. Perhaps best of all was the bathroom tucked away behind a secret panel. A stunning copper clad shower and roll top bath offered the best of both old and new. It came as no surprise to learn the Tudor room is also a favourite film location and retreat for celebrities.
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There’s a lot of controversy that surrounds this hotel no thanks to previous management. The name itself ‘Cotsworlds88hotel’ is a little unusual if not quirky… and well fitting it is too.
We recently went along for the night to see what all the positive and negative fuss was about but as soon as we were greeted in the hotel reception, we knew we were we in for a treat! What hits you from the moment you enter the building is the atmosphere – it’s incredibly welcoming and calm. The first thing I will say is that you’ll either love it or hate it. We loved it ... however, we do pride ourselves on having a artistic/creative flair, but if you are of an older generation and slightly conventional then this possibly isn’t your bag. Don’t get me wrong, there isn’t anything whatsoever offensive about this hotel unless you are of the opinion that contemporary design doesn’t have a place in a classic building. Cotswolds88hotel is simply a matter of taste and we have to say we loved every nook and cranny of it!
Every room is different and we must advise you to ask for a tour of the vacant rooms if you get time, the decor is simply inspired and the realms of interior design explored. We stayed in Room 10, a delightful four poster bed wit a view to die for.
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If you’ve had turkey to see you through till next xmas you could do worse than venture into Goodman, a recently opened steakhouse in London’s Mayfair. Although a Russian owned restaurant you’d be forgiven for believing you’d stepped straight into a swanky Chicago Saloon. My dining companion joked she could picture the cast of Mad Men in one of their dark leather booths knocking back a bourbon! The interior is dark and masculine with a long wooden bar serving beers & cocktails running alongside the main dining area. We started the evening here with an old fashioned G&T and prepared ourselves for a hearty meal, if there is one thing you need to be at this place it’s hungry….
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I’d never experienced anything like this before but I loved the sound of combining an evening with an all-new food experience with a heady fusion of irresistible theatrical acts – Madame Zingara sounded like such fun and just up my street!
Founded in 2002 by Richard Griffin, Madame Zingara was a famous restaurant right in the heart of Cape Town renowned purely for it’s gastronomic delights. Over the years it attracted visitors from all around but in 2006 sadly this iconic restaurant was lost to a fire, leaving little more than a burnt out shell.
Over the last few years Madame Zingara reinvented itself as the Theatre of Dreams, which not only offers a unique dining experience but a truly exhilarating theatrical show!
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The Island restaurant and bar is just a five minute stroll from Lancaster Gate tube and lives up to its name as an oasis in grey and damp old London.
The cool and contemporary interior is split into two levels encouraging diners to arrive early and enjoy one of the many fabulous tasting cocktails. My friend and I felt very glamorous perched on our leather stools as we were served kir royals and little bar snacks by the friendly and attentive staff. Behind us couples began to fill out the drinks area which was both buzzy and intimate at the same time. It seemed the perfect place to catch up with an old friend or even pick for a romantic date.
After enough fizz to feel festive we were shown to our table which sat opposite floor to ceiling windows that enjoyed views of London’s Hyde Park. Whilst we examined the menu our waiter arrived with a basket of warm bread that quickly disappeared! It was hard to decide what to choose with a menu that offered both classic British cuisine and more cosmopolitan dishes.
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