Europe and Middle East

Exclusive guide to the best holiday destinations in Europe and Middle East. independent reviews from award-winning travel writers

jumeirah lowndes hotels united kingdom london kensington and chelsea 36411 189416orjxm

Jumeirah Lowndes Hotel Review

“Cold towel sir?” Is the perfect way to introduce a good feeling as far as I am concerned as I check in to the Jumeirah Lowndes Hotel on a hot Knightsbridge day. My good feel factor is lifted all the more as a coffee materialises next to my couch to keep me company as i wait a couple of minutes for the room to be ready.

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jumeirah carlton tower chinoiserie 01 hero

Jumeirah Carlton Tower. Knightsbridge

There are advantages for a hotel in Knightsbridge and the Jumeirah Carlton Tower makes the most of all of them. Harvey Nichols and Harrods practically on the doorstep, the designer shops on Sloane Street a mere stone’s throw away and those lovely leafy lanes away from the main drag to wander down. But the 18 floors of the Jumeirah Carlton Tower offer something else too; one of the most spectacular views you can get across London

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Arbutus interior

ARBUTUS LONDON

Arbutus London is that rare thing, a Michelin-starred restaurant in casual dress. It’s as much a place to relax and have a good time over an interesting glass of wine as to enjoy gutsy food with big flavours. No tablecloths and minimal decor, with slightly incongruous butcher-block tables playing against mirrored glass in the back […]

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Les Couilles du Chien bar sign

LES COUILLES DU CHIEN

When the name of your bar translates as the dog’s bollocks, you know you’re in for some kick-ass drinks.   Les Couilles du Chien delivers them with style in the heart of Soho.

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Portobello Drawing Room

PORTOBELLO HOTEL. London

It’s as close as you’ll get to sleeping in the same bed as Johnny Depp and Kate Moss.   Like other A-listers, including members of The Rolling Stones, they are former habitues of the Portobello Hotel. Not that you’d ever guess, from the looks of this utterly genteel hostelry a stone’s throw from Portobello market.   It’s […]

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West Thirty Six interior 2

West Thirty Six

It looks like a club, it feels like a club, but West Thirty Six is that rare thing, a public restaurant with all the intimate ambience of a private club. The fact it’s in Golborne Road is both a blessing and a curse. For those in the know, this is a charming and happening west […]

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