The city’s unexplored gems
We talk to hotel concierges to curate a list of the English capital's hidden gems
Ask Joe Fox, the head concierge at Hyatt Regency London - e Churchill about the most Insta-worthy spot in London, and without batting an eyelid, he says Neal’s yard — a hidden treasure close to Covent Garden, adorned with brightly coloured buildings and cobbled lanes. As someone who is considered to be the MVP in making a guest’s experience memorable at the hotel, Fox’s job as concierge is not limited within the con nes of the property, but encompasses all of London.
Although, the English capital has no dearth of unconventional sites and avantgarde locales, it takes experts like Fox to guide you on what’s worth your time.
Hence, we catch up with the head concierges at leading luxury hotels in the city, to give you insider tips on the unseen and the unexplored.
GASTRONOMICAL DELIGHTS
If the signature ame-grilled peri peri chicken at Nando’s doesn’t excite you anymore, then Christophe Caron, head concierge at e Beaumont suggests you try black cod marinated in yuzu miso at Roka. eir outlets are located in Aldwych, Canary Wharf, Charlotte Street and Mayfair among others.
Next on Caron’s list is Mr Fogg’s Residence in Mayfair for cra cocktails. He suggests you try their silk sojourn, a jasmine ower-infused Bombay Sapphire gin concoction with white aperitif blend, lavender syrup, fresh lime juice, electric bitters and matcha green tea soda.
Another place you must visit in this a uent London neighbourhood according to Caron is NAC (North Audley Cantine), a French bistro where you can enjoy seared tuna tostada with avocado and black sesame mayonnaise.
If you’re around Kensington Gardens, Oscar Fernandez, head concierge at Intercontinental London Park Lane recommends e Orangery Restaurant. Located next to Kensington Palace, this dining space, set in a garden pavilion was built for ueen Anne in 1704.
Today it o ers British fare, tea and cakes in a sophisticated setting. Pique your senses with their Orangery a ernoon tea with special lemon and raisin scones served alongside Cornish clotted cream and strawberry preserve.
For those looking for options in Maida Vale and regions around it, Mahmoud Bakri, concierge manager at London Marriott Hotel Maida Vale suggests Morso. At a walking distance from the hotel, the restaurant serves traditional Italian cuisine with a modern twist.
e Waterway, a gastro pub with a gorgeous terrace overlooking a canal; and e Summerhouse, a oating seafood restaurant in Little Venice are some of his other suggestions.
London has no dearth of unconventional sites and avant-garde locales
RETAIL GUIDE
Whenever I am on a business trip, the question that bewilders me the most is what to shop for my folks and friends back home. Especially in a shopping Mecca like London, you are bound to nd yourself in a x.
However, Charles Maw, supervisor for the concierge desk and rooms division manager at Millennium Hotels and Resorts that manages Copthorne Tara Hotel London Kensington has a host of tips for retail debauchery.
According to him, “Portobello Road Market is an exceptional venue that o ers everything from vintage products to food and current fashion.” Here, the antiques market is held on Saturdays with shops and restaurants in the area open all week. Post a satisfying purchase, relish delicious food here which according to Maw is quite possibly one of the best street food markets that you can nd in London, closely rivalling Camden Town.
He also recommends King’s Road, Chelsea. Once a private road for King Charles II, this is now an exciting area for shopping. Walk for a mile through ve districts and check out over 300 stores, restaurants, cafés and galleries. Lastly, for high-budgeted travellers, according to him, Harrods would be a good choice, where you can nd diverse designer fashion labels inside this circa 1849 Knightsbridge departmental store.
Additionally, Fernandez directs us to Dover Street Market, a multi-storey clothes emporium with luxury labels; Burlington Arcade in Mayfair, a modern shopping mall; and Fortnum and Mason, known for its gourmet groceries including tea and posh preserves.
MUST VISIT NEIGHBOURHOODS
Have you been to Hampstead village? A personal favourite of Fox and Fernandez, this stunning urbane village in London is hemmed by its quaint little alleyways and beautiful Georgian houses. Take a walk across Hampstead Heath, London’s largest ancient parkland, and visit some nearby attractions such as Keats House and Freud Museum London.
Bakri’s options of interesting neighbourhoods include Little Venice which is an endearing spot with its beautiful canals, narrowboats and restaurants; Abbey Road Studios famed by e Beatles; Lord’s Cricket Ground and the world’s oldest scienti c animal establishment, London Zoo.
Interesting neighbourhoods include Little Venice and Abbey Road Studios
PRETTY WALKS
London’s transport system is one of nest in the world, but sometimes, when the weather permits, locals and tourists prefer jaunting through the city on their two feet.
e city is lled with lovely walking routes and one amongst these is Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial Walk. is is a sevenmile-long walk charted by 90 plaques set in the ground takes you through four royal parks — St. James’s Park, Green Park, Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens. “With sights of famous must-see buildings and locations associated with the Princess during her life which is the Kensington Palace, Buckingham Palace, Clarence House, St. James’s Palace and Spencer House, this walk is an exceptional tribute to her,” says Maw.
Caron believes a walk along the South Bank, from Tate Modern to the London Eye, is something you should try. Grab an espresso at one of the co ee trucks by the Southbank Centre and continue towards the London Eye while soaking in the views of Houses of Parliament and the Big Ben.
The city is lled with lovely walking routes