London: My First Visit As An Adult With The Chicest Crew
London never fails to impress although I only remember it from a lens of a little girl. It was my first trip with friends and I loved every minute of it. This trip was a delightful mix of catching up with the ever-so-elegant Aunt Barbara,indulging in Michelin-starred marvels, and diving into the heart of London fashion.
London isn't quite a mirror image of the Upper East Side, but it feels almost like it. While both exude an air of wealth and sophistication, London offers a wider range of experiences. Mayfair certainly rivals the Upper East Side's luxury shopping and Michelin-starred restaurants, but areas like Kensington and Notting Hill add layers of history, culture, and a touch of bohemian charm unseen on the Upper East Side. London feels grander in scale, with iconic landmarks and sprawling parks that add a unique regality to the city's overall vibe.
On Traveling To London With My Friends For The First Time As An Adult:
Traveling with friends was an absolute dream because their varied interests meant we were constantly discovering new and exciting things. And when your friends are as chic as mine, you find yourself in the most stylish and unexpected places. They introduced me to really cool restaurants and hidden spots, and trendy boutiques with unique great finds. It was like having a personal concierge for cool experiences, ensuring every day was filled with unforgettable moments and a serious boost to my inspiration.
PS: If you know me, you know all it takes is some good fashion to inspire me.
At the Dorchester with Auntie Barbara and Cami
Mayfair Musings: Michelin Stars and Mayfair Manners
My adventures began exploring the heart of Mayfair, London's playground for the posh. This upscale neighborhood is brimming with luxury boutiques, art galleries, and world-renowned restaurants. My first stop was The Dorchester, a legendary hotel that exudes timeless elegance. Aunt Barbara, a vision of sophistication herself, joined me for a leisurely afternoon drink there and we wished we booked a reservation at the Promenade (next time!). As we sipped on bubbly and nibbled on delicate pastries, we exchanged stories and soaked in the opulent atmosphere.
For lunch, I ventured to a hidden gem tucked away in a quiet Mayfair lane - the Pavyllon at the Four Seasons Hotel London at Park Lane. This haven of French gastronomy boasts two Michelin stars and is helmed by the culinary maestro Yannick Alléno. The tasting menu was a symphony of innovative flavors, a testament to Chef Alléno's genius.
Our lunch tasting at the Pavyllon
Taking your aunt or mom to a Michelin-starred lunch at the Pavyllon is the perfect way to show her elegance meets sophistication. Here's why:
An Experience Fit for Royalty: The Pavyllon boasts two Michelin stars, the culinary equivalent of a royal seal of approval. This guarantees an exceptional dining experience with innovative dishes, impeccable service, and an ambiance that exudes luxury. It's the perfect setting to celebrate your aunt's elegance and make her feel truly special.
I’m not really into the Michelin Star experiences, but this one was super special. I honestly really liked the food, but it was more for Auntie Barbara to feel chic and celebrate a new chapter in her life.
A Symphony for the Senses: Chef Yannick Alléno's renowned cuisine is a treat for all senses. Imagine the delight on your aunt's face as she savors beautifully presented dishes that are not just delicious but works of art. The Pavyllon's tasting menu takes you on a culinary journey, offering a variety of flavors and textures that will leave a lasting impression.
The most surprising thing was celery ice cream? I mean how cool! It was surprisingly super yummy.
A Place to See and Be Seen: Mayfair, where the Pavyllon resides, is London's heart of luxury. Lunch here isn't just about the food; it's about the experience. You and your aunt can people-watch and soak up the atmosphere, perhaps even catching a glimpse of a celebrity or two. It's a place where elegance reigns supreme.
If you care to be seen, this is the spot. We chose to do lunch and basically had the whole restaurant to ourselves, which was amazing. Wouldn’t have it any other way.
Memories Made to Last: Taking your aunt to the Pavyllon isn't just about the lunch itself; it's about creating a memory that will stay with her forever. The combination of exquisite food, impeccable service, and a luxurious ambiance will make her feel truly appreciated and pampered. It's a testament to your thoughtfulness and a way to show her how much you admire her elegance.
Auntie Barbara quickly became the president of the Four Seasons and she was having a full on debate on which city is known for having the most delicious bread. I mean, she loved the whole thing, so I loved the whole thing. s
Pic from Mayfair as I just didn’t take many pictures :)
Kensington: Culture and Class
A trip to London wouldn't be complete without exploring Kensington. I fell in love with it because of how chic everyone is. I’m ready to move! This chic neighborhood offers a delightful mix of museums, like the Victoria and Albert Museum, and sprawling green spaces like Hyde Park. After a morning spent wandering through the Kensington Palace gardens, I treated myself to a traditional afternoon tea at The Orangery in Kensington Palace.
Yes! A baby reading! So good to see!
Notting Hill's Unexpected Charm
While Mayfair and Kensington ooze elegance, Notting Hill offers a refreshingly different vibe. This vibrant neighborhood is known for its charming streets lined with colorful houses, independent shops, and a bustling Portobello Road Market. I wandered through the market, soaking up the atmosphere and picking up some unique souvenirs before grabbing a delicious lunch at a cozy pub.
Also, when we were grabbing lunch I noticed some kids reading books instead of being on iPads and that made me so happy. Parenting done right at Notting Hill!
Pendulum x Burberry
Selfie time
A Fashion Fairytale at the Serpentine Gallery
Later during the trip, Pendulum Membership App, my secret weapon for unlocking exclusive experiences, came through in a major way. I attended a collaboration event between Pendulum and Burberry, where they previewed their newest collection at the iconic Serpentine Gallery in Hyde Park.
The entire evening was a dream. The Serpentine Gallery, a modern architectural marvel, provided a stunning backdrop for the event. The crowd was a who's who of London's fashion scene, all buzzing with anticipation for the Burberry reveal. And the clothes? Let's just say the new collection was pretty cool, but a little bit not my style. It’s perfect for someone, but don’t let me tell you. Check their revenues! Classic Burberry pieces reimagined in bold colors, and contemporary takes on their signature tailoring left me wanting everything! The night ended with a touch of pure luxury - a Rolls Royce ride home!
Inside Moet @ Harrods (Very Rabanne)
Truffle chips, anyone?
How chic is this menu?
Inside of the Prada Caffe
So cute!
Moet Champagne Tasting at Harrods
Harrods, the iconic London department store, isn't just a haven for luxury shopping; it's also a playground for gourmands.Nestled amidst the designer handbags and dazzling jewelry lies the Moët & Chandon Champagne Bar. This, the largest Moët & Chandon standalone bar in Europe, is a champagne lover's paradise. Pull up a stool at the gleaming, hand-sculpted bar and delve into the world of Moët. Sample a glass of their signature Impérial Brut, a refreshing and elegant choice, or perhaps explore their current Grand Vintage releases for a taste of celebratory excellence. With knowledgeable staff and a chic ambiance, the Moët & Chandon Champagne Bar at Harrods is the perfect place to unwind and indulge in a touch of bubbly luxury.
There is also a Baccarat Cocktail Bar downstairs and a Prada Caffe outside (weather permitting outside seating).
Dinner at Novikov
Stunning Staircase at the Home House
Asian Fusion at Novikov and Bubbles at Home House
On one of the days, our London adventure began at Novikov, the chic Asian-fusion hotspot (after a super long day of work). We dove into steaming plates of delicious dumplings, with my favorite ones being the ones with truffle, to the even tastier intel we were about to receive.
Our friend, a self-proclaimed "toxic guy guru", decided tonight was the night to impart his wisdom. Between bites, he launched into a hilarious and surprisingly insightful deconstruction of toxic masculinity, revealing the "tricks" these men use. His red flag warnings,delivered with a healthy dose of humor, were like mental armor for the dance floor that awaited us.
Fueled by good food, good friends, and a newfound awareness of dating pitfalls, we knew our night at The Home House rooftop bar, with its free-flowing champagne and electric atmosphere, was about to get even more interesting with our toxic man education.
A night to remember!
London: A City with Something for Everyone
From the Michelin-starred marvels of Mayfair to the charming streets of Notting Hill, London offers a unique experience in every neighborhood. And if you're looking to elevate your trip with exclusive access and unforgettable experiences, a membership app like Pendulum is definitely worth considering. So, pack your bags, embrace your inner Audrey Hepburn,and get ready to fall in love with the chic and ever-so-charming city of London!
