London Guide: A Concierge’s Summer Hot List

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The view over Mayfair, London, from the penthouse balcony at Grosvenor House Suites

There’s no better source for what’s hot then a top-notch hotel concierge. Here, the ultimate insider’s guide to 10 not-to-be-missed London hot spots.

In 2015, we travelled nearly 100,000 miles around the world in search of the best places to go, see, stay and eat for you.

One thing we know for sure: there’s no better source for what’s hot then a top-notch hotel concierge. So, when we thought about London, England, we thought, why not ask for a summer-themed version of Chief Concierge Dan McCaskie of Grosvenor House Suites by Jumeirah Living. The suites are perfect for a long weekend in the city, or a home base for a longer stay.

Click through for Mr. McCaskie’s top 10 favourite things to suggest to guests to do for a weekend or the whole summer in the English capital, with the Grosvenor House Suites (above) as home base. Look at him and his staff like your insider guides to Mayfair, the popular neighbourhood in which the hotel is located, and London in general.

  1. “The weather is not always as nice as we would like so why not head to the cinema? The Electric in Notting Hill is one of London’s oldest cinemas and definitely the most romantic. Owned by the Soho House group, it’s been beautifully restored, with luxurious leather armchairs, footstools, lush cashmere blankets and waiter service delivering cocktails to your chair. And why not grab a bite to eat before the viewing by visiting the Electric Diner. Evoking a sort of chic US railway car diner, the spot easily delivers on atmosphere.

2. Little Venice – Afternoon Tea – One of my favourite things to do in the summer is to head to Little Venice and take a canal boat ride to Camden Market for a nice lunch.  The market is amazing with a truly eclectic mix of stalls … and people.

3. Richmond Park horse riding. I myself am terrified of horses but my girlfriend loves to ride when possible. Richmond Park is so magnificent in the summer with its deer and wide open spaces that experiencing this on horseback is not to be missed. We have in the past arranged picnics to be prepared and customised for delivery once finishing the ride.  Seeing the guest in the sun eating strawberries and cream with a huge smile is just magical.

4. A bit of adventure in Central London Battersea park.  Go Ape has proved popular when the sun is out and it is truly a wonderful way to spend a few hours.  The award-winning high wire tree top adventure has never been available in central London until now. There are also Recumbent cycles that can be hired and of course you can hire a boat to paddle around the ponds. It’s a really beautiful park and makes a change from the more busy but no less beautiful Hyde Park.

5. “Singing” cab tour! This is so unique and really totally different to anything offered before. Walking down your own personal red carpet to enter London’s famous black cab, you are then met by Aiden, dressed in a tuxedo. Once inside you will find a bottle of Champagne, or a nice chilled drink of your choice, a specially adapted music system, mood lighting and a stylishly upholstered interior. Flowers, chocolates juices and anything else you can think can of course be arranged by us at the Concierge Desk. It is just the best way to start a night out in London. Your first class drive through the capital is accompanied by Aiden, a professional solo artist in his own right, singing tracks previously chosen by yourself. He has a voice like Frank Sinatra and can make the hairs on your skin stand up!

6. Study Art & Fashion: My favourite current exhibit is the Wildlife Photography of the Year exhibition at the Natural History Museum. For visitors interested in fashion, there is also the Vogue 100: A Century of Style exhibition at the National Portrait Gallery, which is on until October. Guests will see a range of photography that has been commissioned by British Vogue since its founding in 1916. After this exhibit, with inspiration flowing, travelers should hit the streets to shop for London’s best styles. We can assist with shopping appointments at J&M Davidson or Harrys – great for a pair of English loafers!

7. Families: Families will want to explore the ZSL London Zoo, which opened the Land of the Lions exhibit in March. It will visually transport guests to India’s Sasan Gir. Families will walk around the almost 27,000-square-foot exhibit, exploring Indian-themed areas like a train station, crumbling temple clearing, guard hut and more. The zoo’s four lions will be visible, once Land of the Lions opens.

8. The Hidden Experience: Most travellers don’t know about the centre run by The Magic Circle, which now offers magic shows and host events.

 

9. Eat: My favourite new restaurant is the M Restaurant. It provides guests will ample space and includes a grill and RAW bar. Plus, there is also a wine bar and lounge with DJs. As for what to order, we hear that there is a very rare Blackmore Wagyu wine. If you’re in the mood for live music, try 100 Wardour Street, which serves delicious food alongside live music.

 

10. Stay at Grosvenor House Suites by Jumeirah Living, of course! While you are there, don’t forget to say hello to the property’s GM, Renato Moretto, who knows hospitality well, and food even better. Moretto is also a chef! “Grosvenor House Suites by Jumeirah Living is the only ‘hotel residence’ of its kind in London. My team and I look forward to welcoming you to what we hope will become your ‘home away from home’; a private, discreet and luxurious haven,” says Moretto. Ready to check in? Tell Renatto that Zoomer sent you!

https://www.jumeirah.com/en/hotels-resorts/london/grosvenor-house-suites/