I have just returned home from a week in London…. one of the most beautiful and culturally rich cities in the world! I tagged along with my daughter Beau and her fiancé James Fay to James’ sister’s 30th Birthday Party, held at the world famous Serpentine Galleries. I am so thrilled I joined on this adventure… and so thrilled to spend an evening at the Serpentine Galleries. In Part One today, I have a few photos to share… a few “Must-Sees” and a “Must-Eat,” and a “Must-Stay” on our list …. Let’s get started!
The Beaumont Hotel
Let’s start with my favorite brand new boutique hotel…. The Beaumont. Located in the heart of Mayfair, it allows guests walking distance to some of the best shops, galleries and restaurants in London. Boasting exceptional style reminiscent of the 1920s….it’s intimate, luxurious and service oriented. When I say service-oriented… I mean coffee delivered within 7 minutes to my door at 6am! The restaurant had some of the best and freshest food in London. With a true intimate neighborhood feeling…. accommodations include state-of-the-art technology, beautiful antiques and art, fabulous amenities and – best of all – the most reasonable pricing on rooms for a hotel of this caliber.
THE BEAUMONT HOTEL
MAYFAIR, LONDON W1K 6TF
44-20-7499-1001
OUR LOCATION
The Beaumont, Brown Hart Gardens,
Hampton Court Palace
Beau and I took a little day trip (45 minutes outside London) to Hampton Court Palace. Talk about history! Renovated for Cardinal Thomas Wolsey in 1515, this stunningly haunted castle was used by King Henry VIII for all of his major celebrations… and, after Wolsey fell out of favour, the King enlarged the palace for himself. I am not a fan on any level of tourist attractions… but Hampton Court called to me… and I am so glad that it did. The gardens are some of the most beautiful in England with a celebrated maze. The patio hosts a beautiful little restaurant overlooking the fountain lawn where you can dine on high tea and lunch. For those Tudor fans… this is a must see.
East Molesey, Surrey KT8 9AU, United Kingdom
+44 844 482 7777
Sketch London
My all time favorite dining spot in London! With several different restaurants in one… this beyond hip dining spot is an absolute must see when in London. The gallery dining room hosts an amazing art collection that changes yearly and Chef Gagnaire’s culinary genius has inspired the menus throughout sketch. His eponymous Michelin three-starred Paris restaurant has a distinctive menu style, which Gagnaire had adapted for Sketch. Executed by his acolytes, the food is imaginative, bold, ground-breaking and delicious. My favorite part of Sketch besides the food… are the restrooms. Yes!!! You heard me right… the restrooms are pods. Single pods make up each toilet and there are 5 per side… mens and womens. This brilliant dining spot is a must see for anyone visiting London this summer!
9 Conduit Street, London W1S 2XG, England
+44 20 7659 4500
Lavender Sleep Patches
The jet-lag going to London is pretty rough due to the 8 hour time difference. For those sleepless nights… I found a solution in a local pharmacy – Lavendar Sleep Patches by BodyTox. Pop an all natural lavender filled patch on each foot before bed… and drift off like a baby! They really do work… and help with the jet-lag!
17.00 Box of 6
www.amazon.co.uk
The London Outfit
We celebrated summer in London with our 4th of July inspired outfit with fabulous photos taken by Beau Dunn. Jeans are by Flying Monkey… Star denim button down by Rails and crazy red glitter boots by Comme Des Garcons purchased at Selfridges. Our backdrop is an old English power station directly across the street from The Beaumont. Stunning!
Happy 4th of July Weekend…. and no matter where you travel to this holiday weekend…. Please be safe and have an Amazing 4th of July!!
Pip Pip, Cheerio…. God Save the Queen!!
Laura Dunn
P.S. If you wish you borrow my red glitter boots… Size 9!
hahahahaha
You are the epitome of fabulous!!!
I love the name of the hotel! Very appro-po for Beau!!
This is just the kind of hotel that tickles my fancy! Quaint but all the posh amenities.
I agree with you on not really loving tourist places! Crowds and plain tours! Not my thing but I’ll take a private tour of these places any day!
I have always wanted to go to London…you’ve inspired me to start saving my pennies!
I like your style! You travel well, dress well and have the best blog on the Internet!
You look smashing in that outfit and the red shoes top it off!!
What a fun trip! I love Mother Daughter trips!
London is my hometown and I’m so glad to see you talking about all my favorite places from home!
I adore the picture of the London cityscape.
London is a city that captures your heart!
One of my most favorite places in the world to shop! And the fashion is just unlike anywhere else!
The gardens remind me of the maze scene in Alice In Wonderland.
Haunted! That just adds to the thrill of visiting somewhere new! I love the history of the UK!
Tudor style houses and castles are amungst my favorite styles of architecture.
I’ve heard the food in London is rather bland so thanks for the food tips for us foodies!!
Toilet Pods?? I am going on google right now to learn what these things are!!!
I love the interior decor in Sketch! It looks very classy and I must say I love the pink velvet touch.
Flying Monkey jeans are jeans I can’t live without! Excellent choice!
You are my official go-to for all my jet-setting needs!
I am surprised the Queen didn’t stop you for being so fabulous!
Even being on vacation right now, envy your vacation!
Darnnit, I’m a size 7!!!
I surely hope they compensate you nicely for referring their amazing services to me after I just booked a room!
I like the picture of the Rolls Royce..that’s just how I like to make an entrance!!!
What a Fabulous, Stunning get-away!!!
I am vicariously living thru U!!!
Awwwww must have lavender pads, they sound delecious!!!
Beautiful pictures! It sounds like it was a great trip! Thank you for sharing with us!
I love London! One of my favorite places in the world!
London is calling! I’ve always wanted to go there for a visit. These pictures are beautiful and makes me want to go even more!
Both my parents are from London. What a great city! We try and visit as much as possible. I love it there! I’m glad you enjoyed it too.
I am going there on my honeymoon! I can’t wait!
I studied abroad there for a year. Best experience of my life. I try and go back as much as possible. I have made many great friends there. The people are fabulous in London!