HIS & HERS ESCAPED THE CROWDS AT A FEW OF OUR FAVOURITE OFF-DUTY LONDON HAUNTS ON REGENT STREET.
THE LANGHAM HOTEL’S PALM COURT
The opulent interior of Palm Court oozes elegance, yet is not overbearing, and paired with the sound of a tinkling grand piano, provided the perfect surrounding to indulge in Afternoon Tea. The five-star Langham hotel has been serving Afternoon Tea since 1865 and today offers a bespoke version of the tradition.
After a glass of NV Laurent – Perrier we chose from the extensive range of tea with the help of the hotel’s tea sommelier, which is served in exquisite, tailor made “Langham Rose” Wedgwood teaware. With seamless, stellar service, first came a palette cleanser of Lemon posset, before flavourful finger sandwiches including smoked salmon with avocado and peppered beef pastrami with red Leicester coleslaw were served. With a change of tea to complement the next course, we enjoyed warm, light scones. This was followed shortly afterwards by a heavenly pastry selection of white chocolate mousse, strawberry and white balsamic Victoria sponge, English rose and lychee log and a raspberry and lightly roasted pistachio financier.
From £49
www.langhamhotels.com
MOYSES STEVENS
Moyses Stevens is a small gem tucked into Regent Street. It’s full of the highest quality flowers and foliage picked from the Dartmoor countryside, which fill the space with beautiful colour and a delightful fragrance.
Innovatively designed bouquets are hand tied and gift wrapped by talented florists, making them the perfect gift to bring a smile to a loved one’s face this Spring.
There are arrangements to suit different tastes and budgets, each luxurious and bursting with texture.
Bouquets from £60
www.moysesflowers.co.uk
DRY BY
Leaving behind the bustling streets of central London, we found ourselves in salon nirvana. The blow dry and nail art studio offers a unique concept: A capsule collection of blow dry styles and nail art services, offered in quick time for modern, busy lives. They also have a sizeable collection of beautiful Shellac colours and a selection of luxurious independent haircare brands.
Opting for a mid-day hair update, my stylist had a great eye and explained which hairstyles from the menu would suit me best, and executed it beautifully.
As for the space, think chic and intimate. In muted tones of grey and dusky pink, a stripped back fireplace is counterpoised against marble surfaces and modern furniture.
Relaxed and lost in warm chatter in this inner sanctum, time flew by and I left feeling wonderful with dreamy, swishy hair.
Hair from £32, & nails from £21
www.dryby.co.uk
HEDDON STREET KITCHEN
Part of the Gordon Ramsay Group, Heddon Street Kitchen offers an impressive and modern European menu, in a relaxing, warm and cheerful atmosphere.
We were lead through the space, which is contemporary and tasteful with an industrial feel, and after being seated, presented with the excellent cocktail and wine menus. Our waiter was as friendly as he was knowledgeable, providing us with helpful recommendations for well-balanced cocktails before guiding us through the menu.
I enjoyed Butternut squash soup, full of wonderful, deep and rich flavours. This was followed by a main course of slow roasted pork belly with spiced apple sauce, which was crisp, juicy and cooked to perfection. My dining companion chose the Loch Duart salmon to start, packed full of colour, before braised lamb’s neck accompanied with wholesome root veg, which he even described as being the best he has ever tasted. Heddon Street Kitchen has a lot to offer, which left a lasting impression.
www.gordonramsayrestaurants.com
THE GLADE, SKETCH
The entrance to the converted Georgian townhouse is unimposing, but as we were guided through the hall, it quickly became apparent we were in a building of designed eclectic grandeur. We took a left turn and found ourselves in a magical decoupage surrounding that evokes thoughts of an enchanted fairy tale forest.
The cocktail menu exudes quality, providing enough variation whilst remaining a bearable read. The ‘Evil Genius #2’ comes highly recommended: A gin, elderflower and rhubarb bitters concoction with a heated twist of chilli tequila. A tried and tested flavour combination by one of the skilled bartenders.
sketch.london
For more information about what’s on offer on Regent Street head to Regent Street Online and download the Regent Street Shopping App here.
Words: Jennie Blake
Related feature: The London Adventure.
