Tag Archives: Travel

London Shopping, Art and Bar

Here is my ultimate London shopping, art and bar review: check my spring summer issue! For new comers: my city walks are one of the hallmarks of my blog (you can find all the city walks, full of exclusive address and tips in DESTINATIONS). I walk for hours and hours to capture, watch and take the pulse of the city. This time, I start to Piccadilly Circus, where was my hotel. Not really my usual London, I’m definitely more Portobello and East End than Soho or Covent Garden. Pictures 2 & 7: incredible, after so many trips to London, I’d never been to the National Gallery! I’m a big fan of the Tate Modern and the Victoria & Albert Museum (coming up post and if you like contemporary art, check my interview with Gilbert & George). In the picture 2, this piece of art (in gold or it looks like gold) of Elmgreen & Dragset  is placed in front of the  National Gallery. Honestly I don’t like it and I don’t dislike it, let’s say it intrigues me a bit. Picture 3: don’t miss the Radio Rooftop Bar, located on the top floor of the ME London (a newly opened hotel). For a drink or dinner with a panoramic view of the city … hoping you have a better weather than me (LOL!). Picture 4: totally by chance, on the side of Mayfair, I found in the lobby of a company’s building, my favorite work of the Portuguese artist, Joana Vasconcelos! I had the great opportunity to visit her workshop few years ago and see one of her famous giant sandals under construction! Small world! Picture 6: the most iconic London department store, Liberty! Beautiful wooden interiors,  in addition to excellent fashion selection and home selection, the place has  lots of character. A must do, I had the chance to photograph a famous London based blogger there. Pictures 8, 9, 4 & 1: Anglomania! In Soho, a poster of  the theater that displays a show about the Queen. Picture 9: I’ve always been impressed with all the mix of colors, patterns and materials of the English. Unique! Beautiful or not beautiful, that is not the question! Picture 1: beautiful Burberry‘s window in Regent Street. Where you must stop by the huge store of Anthropologie, if you want to shop for your home. Very nice design both contemporary seriously boho, a little regressive (LOL) and very colorful (plates, bowls, candles, furnitures …). In the store, I also like the great wall covered with plants. Picture 10: This small pedestrian street is full of shops and  leads to a nice place a little apart, with some (crowd out) terraces, St Christopher Place. Enjoy!

Photos : Mademoiselle Le K – copyright 2013, tous droits réservés. 

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Sofitel Saint James: A Room With A Breakfast @ The Balcon

Just arrived in London St. Pancras station 

and 4 tube stops later, I’m on Piccadilly Circus, 2 minutes walk from the Sofitel Saint James located away from the crowd, in a little place that I didn’t know. The hotel is housed in an heritage building: a former imposing bank with incredibly high ceilings!

After a warm welcome at reception desk by a French-English bilingual staff, I discover my room: simple, elegant and spacious, in a range of black, white and brown. The decor is stylish with black and white photographies on the wall. Lovely bathroom with the old faucet and tiled black and white checkered. 

What a pity amenities are limited to one soap, shower gel, shampoo and conditioner … all Hermès okay! But for short stays, to lighten my bag I bring the bare minimum like a mini make-up and cleanser, because I usually find everything else in the room. Damned, this time I didn’t take my toothbrush, toothpaste nor body cream (LOL!): thankfully Boots is in Piccadilly Circus!

Otherwise leaving my room with its so cozy vibe and “you’re in London Baby!” exotic view (picture 3) and comfortable king size bed, is a huge challenge my dear (lol)! Photo 4: a regressive wallpaper in the entrance to the room (picture 4).

And for lasting this cozy atmosphere, a breakfast full of vitamins at the beautiful Balcon, the relaxed chic brasserie of the hotel (pictures 6 & 7). Too hard to leave it to go to my meetings! Picture 5: amazing chandelier ceiling of a hotel suite.

MlleLeK Sofitel Saint James 2

Photos : Mademoiselle Le K – copyright 2013, tous droits réservés.    

www.sofitelsaintjames.com 

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I was invited by the Sofitel Saint James London. Many thanks to the Sofitel Saint James London and these are my opinions. 

Back To London in The Eurostar Standard Premier

I tested the Eurostar Standard Premier Class

Yep I’m back to the real things, back to the blog, I’ve missed you! Fashion weeks go by and I’ve been back and forth: no time to post. But let’s start with a nice surprise I had for my last round trip to London. I tested the Eurostar Standard Premier Class. It’s always nice to travel with a heavy camera equipment in a more comfortable class than the Standard one.

Arrived at the station 30 minutes before – I was panic cause I forgot to print my tickets (!), I passed the check in and customs and I directly went to the train: no waiting! The cabin seemed smaller and more airy than in Standard: finally I have space for my legs! Great choice of magazines: Wallpaper, Condé Nast Traveller, Jalouse … which is something to keep busy my hyperactive person  for a good part of the journey. Followed by a snack (attentive service) and already the Channel Tunnel!

The trip lasted 2 hours, the time of a traffic jam during peak hours (LOL!). Arrived in London St Pancras “fresh as a roach” (French way to say super fresh), I go to recharge my Oyster card (which is the London transportation card). I am now in less than 10 minutes on the Piccadilly Line, 4 stops from my hotel, SO great!

The good tip for anyone who travels two and more: Eurostar Plus. Upon presentation of the Eurostar ticket, you can receive 2 tickets for the price of one in eight of the largest museums in London. Interesting: many exhibitions in spring, like the Roy Lichtenstein retrospective at the Tate and the Bowie resptrospective at the Victoria & Albert Museum (“Fa-fa-fa-fashion! Beep-Beep”).  

Photo : Mademoiselle Le K – copyright 2013, tous droits réservés.

Informations 

www.eurostar.com  

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