London & Partners

Afternoon tea at The Berkeley
The Icebar
ITINERARY: FEEL-GOOD FACTORS
Indulgence is the name of the game this month. Our handy guide suggests some great ideas
for raising winter spirits, spoiling loved ones, or treating yourself. By David G. Taylor
1 BAG A BARGAIN
It’s amazing what a pick-me-up
shopping can be, and this month
is the perfect time to get extra
value for money with January sales
taking place across the city (p. 60).
Department stores like Harrods,
Selfridges and Liberty’s are great
places to hunt for bargains, while
there are more than 250 stores
to choose from at the glamorous
Westfield London shopping mall in
Shepherd’s Bush (all p. 62).
2 TAKE TIME TO PLAY
Bring out your inner child. Hyde
Park’s Winter Wonderland (until
6 Jan) boasts funfair rides, an ice
sculpture show and London’s largest
outdoor ice rink (Daily 10.00-22.00.
Admission free). Or enjoy a vintage
carousel rides, roasted chestnuts
and more at the Royal Botanic
Gardens (until 6 Jan, p. 30).
Hyde Park, W2. hydepark
winterwonderland.com
Ë Hyde Park Corner. Map C3.
3 ENJOY AROMAS
Luxurious perfumes, scents and
colognes are excellent for boosting
your mood. Penhaligon’s (p. 64) has
wonderful fine fragrances for women
and men, such as its gents ‘Sartorial’
cologne, inspired by London’s own
Savile Row. Elsewhere, Cire Trudon,
founded in 1643, is the oldest
candle-maker in the world. Visit its
only boutique outside France for
scented candles. Marie Antoinette
herself was a loyal customer.
36 Chiltern Street, W1.
020 7625 7952. ciretrudon.
com Ë Baker Street. Map B4.
4 GET PAMPERED
Book yourself a rejeuvenating
treatment at one of London’s
excellent spas. For women, Covent
Garden’s The Sanctuary offers
relaxing massages, facials and
more. Fellas, however, needn’t miss
out as the Nickel Spa (p. 60) is
especially for men.
12 Floral Street, WC2. 08455
214 567. sanctuary.com
Ë Covent Garden. Map B6.
5 HAVE A CHOCOLATE TREAT
Chocoholics know what a mood
enhancer it can be. Kids and
adults will love exploring M&M’S
World London in Leicester Square
(pictured right, p. 65). Meanwhile,
The Hotel Chocolat brand has
outlets all over the capital,
including The Rabot Estate
– its large Borough Market
chocolate shop and café.
2 Stoney Street, SE1. 020 7403
9852. rabotestate.com
Ë t London Bridge. Map. C8.
6 EAT CAKE
Afternoon tea is the quintessential
English tradition and a wonderful
treat. The style conscious will enjoy
The Berkeley hotel’s fashion-inspired
Prét-à-Portea. Its new Winter
Collection offers cakes, biscuits
and macaroons resembling catwalk
classics, including a designer
handbag-shaped Victoria sponge
cake (pictured). For lots more
afternoon tea ideas, turn to p. 87.
7 HAVE IT ON ICE
Don’t fight the winter chill, embrace it,
with a cocktail at the Icebar
(p. 89). Cool in every sense of the
word, inside everything is made
of Swedish ice. Experience -5°C
temperatures as you enjoy the
ambience. Then
warm-up in the
neighbouring
Belowzero
Restaurant
or Reindeer
Lounge.
ICEBAR © PAULINA HOLMGREN, FOTOGRAF PAULINA AB
10
| visitlondon.com|LONDON PLANNER|January 2013