More Hot Spots

A few more gems I would urge you to try if you get the chance...

High Tea Recommendations London
My family started a tradition that for every birthday my mum would come to visit and we would have high tea somewhere fabulous. It started when I turned 30 and we were lucky enough to have a return performance.

• The Ritz

This was the location of our first beginning to this tradition and thanks to a very kind F/B manager Jeremy Dover (thanks again) we came back the next year again. The tea room/ garden court is stunning at the Ritz. Definitely a wonderful experience.

Source: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/

• Claridges

This is a London instituion and I might as well add the second part of our tradition - the part I like best - is after all the sweets and delights we head to the hotel bar for an amazing cocktail. I consider it a much deserved pick me up. Claridges scores high on both counts. And whilst you are there have a wander through the hotel - there are pictures everywhere of the icons of the past that have been to the hotel. Also the hotel organizes a 'Claridges Experience' for their employees so that everyone at every level realizes how much their role has an impact on the stay of a guest. Because truly that is what the hospitality industry creates - memories, stories that are part of our dearest thoughts. Thank you Claridges my experience with you is a treasure.

• Lanesborough

The stunning white house on the hill - ok maybe not the hill but at the corner of Hyde Park Corner. So lovely we went back twice. Great service, great scones just wonderful. Plus the Library Bar is always a treat in fact it was on my route home so on a few occasions if the day was particularly hard I would indulge in one Bellini and drift into a dream world of a posh hotel. Plus the people watching is always a hit.

• The Connaught

This is a hidden gem - behind Piccadilly tucked on a hidden square it is a fantastic location for any London visitor. We went when the refurbishment was just completed and I have never been treated so well. The staff was AMAZING. Just lovely and so sincerely caring. I wish it hadnt the last birthday we celebrated in London...

• and for the Sunday cheapies Harrods

This sounds all wrong but we have the Harrods scones as our emergency recovery kit. They arent as pricey as the regular high tea experience but maybe that's why they hit the spot like no other could. We even have to have our fix so badly that we know the exact location of the lift behind the luxury jewellery section that gets us there faster than you can say 'Scones please'.

Global gems

• The Viceroy

A design inspiration - just stunning. If I could travel to all of their hotels I would just to copy the interior design.

• The Soho House Group

A members club that is amazing - so many lovely locations and a great concept. Love them all!

Paris

• Le Pré

Not a trendy hotspot but my favourite start to a day in Paris with my sister. On my favourite shopping street where you get fashion inspiration behind my cafe creme - delightful and super close to Mabillon.

Cannes

• L'annex

A fantastic beach spot in Cannes - the best menu, great staff ... just the way to start your holiday that an a dip in the Med...

My Favourite Hot Spots - Worldwide

Ages ago when I first moved to London I was lucky enough to stay with a family friend. On one night out I was very impressed how my cousin was able to give this girl going on a world trip tips on places to go in HK. From then on, if I really like a place I will write it down and tell my family and friends about it. Gems deserve recognition...

London

- Cecconi's

Part of the amazing Soho House Group, this is a gem just off Bond Street. I love the interior - black and white floors, emerald green leather chairs, beautiful chandeliers and more importantly fantastic service and lovely food. A real treat! Tel. 0207 434 1500

- The Botantist

Lovely brasserie with wonderful post shopping pick me ups on Sloane Square. Caring service, great food and wonderful French Martini to do the trick!

- Crazy Bear

Both a Thai restaurant and a gorgeous cocktail bar. Hidden around the corner from the Spaghetti House on Goodge Street - funny right. It was my favourite post work hideaway! Tel. 0207 631 0058

- Brinkleys
A South London favourite haunt. Amazing wines at incredibly prices and so much fun - bar and restaurant. Plus come summer time this is the best place to be as the roof at the restaurant can be removed. The restaurant manager is the best - so lovely! Tel. 0207 3511683

Paris

- Le Cafe Marly
Old Finance department building with a view of the Louvre pyramid. My favourite place to kick-off a weekend in Paris. Maybe a little touristy but the outside seating for drinks is so lovely. They are part of the Costes Group which is a garantee for great place. Think Georges, Hotel Costes etc. Tel. 49.26.06.60

Berlin

- Sale e Tabbachi
Around the corner from Checkpoint Charlie a loft style Italian restaurant with amazing food that has vowed friends and clients each time I have been.

- Borchardt
Just off the Franzoesischer Strasse, known for their Wiener Schnitzel and ueber stylish crowd. Inspiring each and every time

New York
- The Stanton Social
My favourite restaurant in New York now for years. I still get excited when I go. Located on the LES - corner of Ludlow and Stanton. Small dishes to share and brilliant cocktails. I look the interior with the glass wine wall. FABULOUS!

- Balthazar

My brunch recovery location - best Eggs Benedict EVER! Located on Spring Street a great place to people watch and then used the new found inspiration to go shopping in Soho. Ahhh I miss New York just writing about it...

The Modern

- I hated the location of my first flat in New York except that it was a block from the MoMA on 53rd. And this restaurant was my sanctuary. Ahhhh just bliss.

More hot spots will follow...