Entering the promised land of members-only clubs at Milk & Honey, London

May 16, 2012

LONDON, UK – London’s many members-only clubs, a popular choice for locals seeking non-tourist-tainted nightlife in the city, tend to break down like junior high school cliques.  There are clubs for media types, hard-core partiers, jocks, and old money brats alike.  Into this fray steps Milk & Honey, one of… (more)

Take a long, hard look at everyone at Long Bar, London

May 14, 2012

LONDON, UK – The backs of the mod Phillipe Starck bar stools at Long Bar in the Sanderson are adorned with images of shadowed eyes — a quirky continuation of the “see and be seen” theme that runs throughout the hotel.  In the guest rooms, glass walls and sheer white… (more)

Warming Up at The Windsor Castle

June 30, 2011

LONDON, UK- It was a chilly November day in London when a friend and I decided to explore the town. We had a full schedule planned- tea at Harrods, shopping at Topshop, a play in the West End. Of course, there’s nothing I love more than taking in the sights… (more)

Tiki to the Max at Mahiki

February 23, 2011

LONDON, UK – Dreary winter days seemingly without end can definitely have a girl longing for a tropical beach, even while on holiday in London. The other night, I realized the closest I’d get to the tropics was imbibing a sultry cocktail and, as such, decided that something Polynesian was… (more)

Premeditated indiscretions at Loungelover

September 12, 2010

LONDON, UK – I’ll always remember London for the time I had a “Night of Passion” followed by a “Bit on the Side.” No, no, dear reader, don’t misjudge me–these weren’t scandalous affairs. They were fabulously fresh, torridly named cocktails at the hipster cool Loungelover. Housed in a former meatpacking… (more)

Ain’t nothing like the real thing at Jerusalem Tavern

July 2, 2010

LONDON, UK – Authenticity.  That’s what Jenn and I seek when we travel — an authentic experience of place unblemished by tourist trappings. Yet it’s so often difficult to hone in on “the real deal.” Once a local secret is out, the masses pounce and ruin it for everyone. Not… (more)

“Dame” Dorchester: always ready for its close-up

April 27, 2010

LONDON, UK – I tend to think of The Dorchester as the Judi Dench of London lodging:  a Grand Dame who’s classy, elegant, inherently British, and scene-stealing in every role it plays.  This doyenne has certainly earned its stripes, having first opened in 1931, with refurbishing in 1990 and a… (more)

Down the rabbit hole at Commercial Tavern

April 10, 2010

LONDON, UK – Going out solo for a pint in London can feel a tad lonely if you’re stuck in a brooding dark wood tavern. Seeking something a little more cheerful, I took myself without a plus one to the delightful Commercial Tavern one fine afternoon. This stylish spot departs… (more)

A sip of literary history at Gordon’s Wine Bar

February 9, 2010

LONDON, UK – I have to admit, it was more the literary romance of Gordon’s Wine Bar — the oldest wine bar in London — than the wine itself that drew me to this fabled spot. The bar dates back to the 1890s, when Rudyard Kipling lived in the building… (more)

Picture perfect at The Donovan Bar at Brown’s

January 14, 2010

LONDON, UK – A weekday night in London, and I’m hoping for a classy lounge, a quiet corner for conversation, and a soothing nightcap to end the long day. Jenn and I found all that and more at The Donovan Bar tucked inside Brown’s Hotel. We arrived just after 10:00pm,… (more)