Statues of Stature: Sir John Betjeman
It was only when heading for Eurostar at St Pancras International, that I bumped into a gentleman waiting to get onto the train. This was of course a statue of the former poet laureate & founder...
View ArticleStatues of Stature: Kaspar the Cat of The Savoy London
For this episode of “Statues of Stature” we bring you an old favorite and friend, Kaspar the cat. This renowned feline is a three foot tall, beautifully carved, exquisitely drawn sculpture,...
View ArticleDate for the diary – Staunton Farm
With the Bank Holiday fast approaching, this weeks “date for the diary” is for the hole family – so let the kids loose around Staunton Farm, in Havant. The farm, based on the 1830s style ferme ormeé...
View ArticleIn the Frame: The First Folly of Spring
Inspired by last Friday’s #FriFotos topic spring, this weeks “In the Frame” is dedicated to the season of renewal. What scene is more indicative of spring than a Shire foal, less than a month old...
View ArticlePublic art for art’s sake at St Pancras International
I recently had the pleasure of re-visiting St Pancras International and was intrigued to see what was going on as this station (or its owners) have an inspirational attitude to public art. I was not...
View ArticleFive of the Best: Kensington Gardens
If you are staying around Kensington on your next London visit, why not pay Kensington Gardens a visit? There are a wide number of things to do and see within the confines of this 242 acre park, one...
View ArticleDate for the Diary – Cowdray Ruins
For this episode of “Date for the Diary” we bring you the enigmatic Cowdray Ruins. Cowdray is one of England’s most important early Tudor houses and was visited by Queen Elizabeth I and King Henry...
View ArticleThe Renaissance of St Pancras!
I recently had the good fortune of experiencing one of my bucket-list must-do’s – a stay at the beautifully restored hotel designed by Sir George Gilbert Smith – the St Pancras Renaissance London...
View ArticleShaken not Stirred: The Burlington Bertie
To coincide with the start of the summer social calendar which is Royal Ascot 17th – 21st June), we are reprising a cocktail which, although called the Burlington Bertie, was actually created...
View ArticleStrawberries, cream & the ultimate scone
With Wimbledon just around the corner, my thoughts are turning to lazy summer days, watching the tennis whilst sipping Pimms and nibbling on some strawberries, cream and scones. Thanks to the lessons...
View ArticleShaken not Stirred: Great Goodwood Punch
To commemorate Independence Day this year from, well, us Brits, we reprise the stunning Goodwood Punch devised last year by master mixologist Eric Lorincz of The American Bar at The Savoy London....
View ArticleDate for the Diary – Petworth House and Park
This summer a visit to Petworth House and its remarkable park is a must. Petworth has been a family home for over 800 years and the estate was a royal gift from the widow of Henry I to her brother...
View ArticleIn the Frame: Newlands Corner
I have just begun to discover the beauty of the Surrey Hills area, just outside of London, thanks to our new client reopening soon this September, the historic Mercure Box Hill Burford Bridge Hotel....
View ArticleDate for the diary: Glorious Goodwood
Summer sunshine and blue skies, Pimms, champagne and strawberries, panamas, linen suits and ties, floaty chiffon dresses and gorgeous statement hats – yes, it’s nearly time for that festival of fun,...
View ArticleBox Hill Centenary
On 13th September, the National Trust will be celebrating 100 years of management and ownership of Box Hill, the celebrated Surrey Hills beauty spot. Thanks to the generosity of Leopold Salomons, a...
View ArticleSecret City: The Italian Gardens
I hadn’t a clue The Italian Gardens existed until I decided to visit Kensington Gardens one fine day for a long walk around this Royal Park and chanced upon them. Essentially, it is an ornamental...
View ArticleFlower Friday: The Savoy London
Flowers are vitally important to any hotel and form an intrinsic part of any guest experience in my humble opinion. Flowers epitomise beauty and spectacle, perfume and romance so I love taking...
View ArticleStatues of Stature: Edward Jenner
You really have to search for this statue of Edward Jenner, sculpted by William Calder Marshall and cast in bronze. It’s now located in Kensington Gardens within The Italian Gardens to be precise –...
View ArticleFlower Friday – The Kennels, Goodwood
Continuing on our posts in honour of Flower Friday, sometimes the simplest arrangements can be the most beautiful. Such is the case here with these flowers seen at The Kennels, Goodwood – the private...
View ArticleStatues of Stature: Southwark Cathedral
There is a collection of three, beautifully carved, family members, kneeling at Southwark Cathedral which always catch my eye when wandering around the ancient and historic Southwark Cathedral. It is...
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