London is by far one of my favourite cities and I’m very lucky to live and enjoy such a vibrant and exciting city. It literally has everything you could want with its great hotels, lovely restaurants and many shops to fulfil everyone’s wishes and wants.
If you’re looking to spend a night or weekend away then London is definitely the city to choose! For somewhere that is conveniently located, not overpriced and has views so heavenly then I would certainly check out Hotel Indigo – 1 Leicester Square, which is right in the heart of London’s famous Leicester Square. This stunning boutique hotel has been open one year now and certainly exceeds all expectations, providing a stay to remember. The hotel has individually themed rooms and oozes style and sophistication along with the elegance of the theatre world. The bedrooms are a good size and the beds are very comfy with a good number of pillows available. There is a large TV in the room and complimentary tea and coffee too which is always nice when your just wanting to relax. Despite being bang in the centre of London’s vibrant Leicester Square, the noise from the outside is non existent and the rooms are extremely sound proof. All rooms comes with free WiFi and complimentary toiletries in their spa inspired bathrooms. There are a number of room types available and if you want something a little more luxury then I would definitely opt for the premium superior rooms to experience the full luxury of this hotel. You shan’t be disappointed and one nights stay will be the most comfortable and enjoyable for you.
Located on the 9th floor is a stunning roof top bar which definitely comes to life at night where you can over see the whole of london and spot some fabulous famous landmarks such as The London Eye and The Shard. Sipping cocktails couldn’t be more amazing. Located on your doorstep are many theatres, cinemas, restaurants and perfect for just enjoying London’s West End and Leicester Square. There is everything you need at your finger tips and the hotel staff are very friendly and on hand to assist with any questions you may have. This is a top hotel at a reasonable price and well worth a stay for your holidays, overnight breaks and even business trips. This hotel is highly recommended for a great nights sleep with five star customer service.
For more Hotel Indigo – 1 Leicester Square and to make a reservation, do check out their website at www.ihg.com
Restaurant wise, if you love your Chinese food like me then I would highly recommend Orient London, located in China Town, a stones throw from Leicester Square. This restaurant is beautifully designed, spacious and is simply delicious- the food is traditional Chinese food with a large menu consisting of your favourites as well as many new dishes and helpful staff on hand to give some great recommendations.
For starters, the Fried Prawns with Fruity Salad sauce were a real treat and something so new to me. They were perfectly fried and covered in lovely sauce with cucumber- worth a try if you love your seafood. If you want a larger more traditional starter to share then definitely go for the Peking Duck (served with pancakes) as this duck is small tender pieces with lovely crispy duck skin which you can enjoy on its own with the hoi sin sauce or wrap it in the pancakes with the cucumber and spring onions. This was full of taste and very moreish. The serving is a good size and definitely sets you on your way for the mains.
The Sweet and Sour pork is a dish that always brings joy and this dish was full of taste and full of goodness with tender pork pieces in batter along with pineapple, peppers and onions in a tasty sweet and sour sauce, best accompanied with steamed rice to get the full flavour. Another great dish is the Beef Ho Fun (the thicker flat noodles) – the beef was full of taste and also very tender and a good sized dish which was certainly enough for two hungry people! The menu is extremely extensive and the food is fresh and so full of taste. I would recommend stopping by Orient London if your in London and fancy some great tasting food with excellent service. The dishes are extremely affordable and are full of taste and dining out at Orient London was one of my favourites and I cannot wait to head back there for more tasty oriental food.
For more on Orient London, do check out their website at www.orientlondon.com
Whilst heading out for some fabulous shopping in nearby Mayfair, Novikov Bar & Restaurant is certainly a place to stop by for an elegant and exquisite lunch with some friends. They have a lovely authentic Italian restaurant which is just breath taking in the sense of the layout, atmosphere and the glorious array of food on display and offer. Whether you’re into pasta seafood (with a selection of King Crab, Lobster, Turbot and more) or steaks (Angus Rib-Eye, T Bone), the menu will not let you down in anyway shape or form. They have a huge selection of various pasta types on offer and the seafood selection are all on display for you to pick your favourite fish or lobster should you fancy that. The staff are all on hand to talk you through each item on the menu should you wish.
A couple of favourite dishes of mine for starters is the selection of Italian charcuterie sharing board which has a lovely array of meats to taste, perfect with fresh bread able well as the calamari – this was perfectly prepared and full of taste.
If you are after something vegetarian yet traditional I would definitely check out the burrata and Datterino tomatoes. The tomatoes are so juicy and so ripe and the burrata is just so creamy that melts in your mouth. Moving on to the mains, Grilled Salmon with roasted vegetables was a great choice, very healthy and a good sized, succulent portion of salmon with some lovely greens and fresh lemon. If you are wanting something a little different- be sure to checkout their Caesar salad in pizza dough! I absolutely loved this dish and it was the perfect size for a fulfilling lunch. It tasted great, the lettuce was fresh and crisp, the caesar dressing was creamy and rich and soaked in nicely with chicken breast pieces and the surrounding pizza dough. I love this new style caesar salad creation. For the more adventurous and hungry meat eaters, there is the offer of the Wood Roasted Kid Goat, Wood Roasted Suckling Pig and Roasted Lamb Leg or Lamb Shoulder. Another found favourite dish was the Oven baked corn fed baby chicken served with roasted potatoes.
Novikov Bar and Restaurant has a fantastic reputation for its lovely fresh food, calm environment with great service and the surroundings are just heavenly to dine in for lunch or dinner, perfect for those quiet lunches, business meetings or even family meals. For more information and to make a reservation, do checkout their website at www.novikovrestaurant.co.uk
With the Summer season ahead, enjoy London to its fullest, whether it be with family, friends or business colleagues, I am sure you will love every part of the West End and it’s offerings and I hope my recommendation will bring you much enjoyment and perfection.
By Sunny Andrea