The Atas (Luxury) Guide to Travelling in London

If you are planning for a luxurious holiday here in London, I just might have some suggestions on where to eat and where to play in London – the atas (Singlish for luxurious upper class) version. 🙂 But first, you should get yourself situated in a comfortable hotel which offers both comfort and convenience for travelling around London – one of the 5 Star Hotels London I suggest is the Montcalm at Marble Arch.

Fine Dining in London

We have all heard of Gordon Ramsey – the vulgarities-spewing celebrity chef of the TV show Hell’s Kitchen and who also challenged our Singapore hawkers a few years back in a showdown to see who can prepare local delicacies like chicken rice better.  If you intend to check out one of Gordon Ramsey’s establishments here in London, do note that you have to make your table reservations two months in advance!  If you want to dine like royalty – do check out Mosimanns who is also the official caterer to the Prince of Wales.  The restaurant Mosimanns is an exclusive fine dining establishment and the chef and owner Anton Mosimann is known to many as being one of the best in the industry.

Other fine dining restaurants i recommend include Texture by chef Agnar Sverrisson who creates gastronomic masterpieces which are heavily influenced by his Icelandic roots, making use of superb ingredients like Icelandic cod and lamb, as well as herbs unique to the island nation Iceland.  Named after the street urchin in Victor Hugo’s famous Les Miserables, Le Gavroche has been one of London’s best-loved restaurants for many years. Serving fine French cuisine with efficient service and in comfortable surroundings, head chef Rachel Humphrey carefully creates every dish using fresh, high-quality ingredients.

For some of the best dim sum in London, the Phoenix Palace is the place to go. Located a short walk from Regent’s Park, this ornately decorated Chinese restaurant offers a huge range of dishes.You may have to queue for a table, but it’s definitely worth the wait for the steamed dumplings, crispy spring rolls and cheung fun – and be sure to try the barbeque pork buns.

Enjoying a Performance in London

One thing you should do is attend a classical opera show at the world famous Royal Albert Hall. There are daytime tours of the Hall and evening entertainment that includes musical concerts, ballet, theater and film debuts.  Another place you should check out is the Royal Opera House in Covent Garden which is the home of the Royal Opera and the Royal Ballet. It also plays host to other events throughout the year, including concerts, talks and workshops

Pubbing in London

Lovers of live music might want to check out Waxy O’connor – a fantastic spot for a night out.  After all, there aren’t many bars decorated to look like they were constructed around a giant tree! Of course, there’s more than the decor of this London hotspot and there’s live music just almost every night. Plus, with four bars spread over six levels, you’re sure to find an atmosphere that suits your mood.

Another live music venue to consider is the 100 Club on Oxford Street. The 100 Club maintains a 1970s decor and is known for hosting acts by a wide range of artists. Performances by The Sex Pistols, Travis, Sinead O’Connor, the Rolling Stones and the White Stripes are just a few examples.

You shouldn’t miss out on the pub experience in London where not only can you enjoy live music but also savour a pint of the local ale and indulge in traditional English fare such as fish and chips, bangers and mash, Ploughman’s lunch, roast beef and Yorkshire pudding.

Shopping in London

If shopping at the finest shops in London is what you desire, then you are in luck as there are many upscale shops, boutiques and bespoke clothiers on Regent, Piccadilly, Oxford, and Bond streets.  Chock-full of boutiques and high-end shops, Mayfair is a premier destination for those seeking the latest fashions or just wanting to do a bit of window shopping. The Royal Arcade and the Burlington Arcade are covered retail spaces with ornate decors and some of the finest retailers in London. Meanwhile, Savile Row is renowned for its men’s fashion.

Oxford Street is probably the most famous of Britain’s shopping districts as many of the UK’s top department stores have their flagship shops here – including House of Fraser, Selfridges, John Lewis, Marks and Spencer and Debenhams.  Kensington High Street is the main shopping district in this wealthy neighbourhood, visitors will find an array of typical high-street stores, as well as a variety of upmarket boutiques.