10 bars every American should visit in London

There are world-class bars in cities across the globe, but the best ones in London have a particular style when it comes to drinking. You can lift a glass in a room bedecked in period lavender cornicing or in a historic music hall that references several eras of its history all at once. For Americans, theseContinue reading “10 bars every American should visit in London”

11 best British gifts to give Americans (and anybody else)

A couple of years ago I wrote a post about the 8 best British gifts to get Americans (that I would never give to a Brit). Whoa! People went crazy for this post. It was the hit record of posts. Styles and tastes move on, so I’ve updated my (modestly) blockbuster post, featuring the bestContinue reading “11 best British gifts to give Americans (and anybody else)”

Cotswolds: Staying at Cowley Manor with teens

Take my advice when you visit Cowley Manor, the chic family hotel in the Cotswolds. Even if the Isamu Noguchi table in the sitting room is a little ill-placed, don’t try to move it yourself. Even when you know the freeform glass top merely rests on the swiveling wooden legs and even when you thinkContinue reading “Cotswolds: Staying at Cowley Manor with teens”

Afternoon tea in London: Harvey Nichols 5th Floor

The esteemed high-end department store Harvey Nichols serves afternoon tea in its light-floored fifth floor restaurant. Should you go? Here’s what the experience is like. (Be sure to check with the venue on Covid restrictions.) Harvey Nichols 5th Floor Restaurant 109-125 Knightsbridge, Belgravia, London SW1X 7RJ The menu for afternoon tea at Harvey Nicks featuresContinue reading “Afternoon tea in London: Harvey Nichols 5th Floor”

In Pictures: UK Point-to-Point races

They make movies about toffs in country houses and TV shows about vicars who solve mysteries in villages, but in my opinion to capture something indelible about Britain they should make a film about the British point-to-point races — steeplechases so-named because they would take place from one church steeple to another – from oneContinue reading “In Pictures: UK Point-to-Point races”

What to do at the London Eye & South Bank at Christmas

  The London Eye is always on my list of places to take people when they visit the city. Every time I go up in one of the capsules, I can’t help but marvel at the view, proudly showing off my adopted city and the sights up and down the Thames. At Christmastime the LondonContinue reading “What to do at the London Eye & South Bank at Christmas”

10 British gifts to give Americans for summer

Mention the British summer and you’re sure to inspire a downpour of jokes about the cold weather and rain. That’s part of its charm! In my experience there is something quite special about summer in the UK. Perhaps because the traditional hot-temperatures-and-unending-sunshine thing is a rarity, Brits do summer with a bit of flair. IfContinue reading “10 British gifts to give Americans for summer”

Point to Point horseracing: An American’s guide

There are things that every American wants to do when they visit England, with good reason. Everyone should see Buckingham Palace, the Tower of London tour is a don’t-miss and you have to take tea somewhere of course. But outside of London, during spring, there is another activity that I’ve done with several American friendsContinue reading “Point to Point horseracing: An American’s guide”

Review: K-Spa, K-West Hotel, London

You could hardly find a more incongruous spot for K-Spa, the spa with treatment rooms and wet spa facilities at the K West Hotel. The chic glass-and-metal building sits amid the tidy white Regency-style houses of West London, just steps down from the roar of buses and the alarmist hurry of Shepherd’s Bush station. ThisContinue reading “Review: K-Spa, K-West Hotel, London”

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