London holds a special place in our hearts. More than a decade ago, we fell in love with it when we showcased our collection for the first time at London Fashion Week. That was the start of an incredible journey, leading to many more visits and a decade of our affiliation with the city.
As we began planning our trip back to this beautiful city, nostalgia overwhelmed us. Last time, our visit was for yet another special reason. We received the prestigious NRI Shiromani Institute’s award and went on to give a speech at the House of Lords. This time too, it was special as we were to shoot two of our cover stars viz. one for The Peacock Magazine and the other for Travel Peacock Magazine. For this issue of our travel magazine, we shot with a true powerhouse of talent: Ananya Birla. We’ve known Ananya for some time now and we knew there was no one better than her to give you travel goals and help you make the most of the beautiful monsoon season. We spoke to her about her days in England and all her memorable trips while shooting her at some of the remarkable locations in London. As for the other shoot, we can only say—stay tuned!
All those who know us, know that our travels are planned around a work-and-play schedule. We love to work when we are vacationing because that’s when we get the best of ideas and creativity flows uninterrupted. Now that we have given you a glimpse of the work part, let us take you through the play bit as well. For our stay in London this time, we chose the iconic property The Lanesborough to stay at.
Staying at The Lanesborough, perched at the iconic corner of Hyde Park, Harvey Nichols, and London’s exclusive Sloane Street and Knightsbridge, was an experience of unparalleled luxury and grandeur. This neoclassical gem, once a historic hospital, has been meticulously renovated by famed designer Alberto Pinto, blending 200 years of regency-style character with modern elegance. The hotel staff was kind enough and offered us the best suite they had. Our suite was a haven of comfort, featuring luxurious interiors, responsive technology, and a hand-cut Italian marble bathroom. The attention to detail was impeccable. The Royal Suite, which we had the chance to tour, is the largest in London, boasting seven bedrooms and bathrooms, two living rooms, and a dining room wrapped in rich fabrics and mahogany.
Apart from the architecture and the interiors, it is the culinary scene of the hotel that piques our interest. Dining at The Lanesborough was equally impressive. The Lanesborough Grill served modern British cuisine amidst contemporary artwork, while the Garden Room’s heated cigar terrace offered fine cigars and centuries-old cognacs. Their exquisite afternoon tea and decadent breakfast classics were part of the highlights of our stay. As for us, we gorged on spread after spread of vegan delights that their chefs had thoughtfully put together.
After shooting a cover out on some of the famous London streets, we headed back to our hotel to shoot our next cover for The Peacock Magazine. The hotel crew ensured we had a seamless experience without a glitch whatsoever and were at our service within a minute of us needing anything. It is through this experience that we could envision why The Lanesborough is one of the coveted properties not only in London but the world.
After the shoot, we knew we had to unwind and enjoy the remainder of the vacation by keeping work aside. For relaxation, The Lanesborough Club & Spa—one of London’s most exclusive fitness and health clubs—offers premium facilities, including a hydrotherapy pool and sauna. We were tempted to take a dip in the pool but we decided to explore the property and take a stroll through the corridors for a closer look at the interiors that have stood the test of time. We were in awe of the regal elements that are still so intact and it certainly fuelled our inspiration. There are luxe properties and then there are luxe properties like The Lanesborough which is an eclectic mix of old-world charm and modern aesthetics. This, hands down, makes it the perfect destination for anyone seeking refined elegance and historical charm.
Our holiday in London is never complete till we take a stroll around the beautiful parks and streets there. We like ‘people watching’ as well and it is a wholesome experience to see city dwellers get by their day as we walk about. A coffee in our hands and the sight of beautiful London was just how we wanted our trip in the city to end. We headed back to our hotel and requested a private dining experience in our suite. The table was laid out with food that was not only a delight to our appetites but also a feast for our eyes. We ate to our heart’s content and then called it a day.
The next morning, we headed back home while promising to come back to London and The Lanesborough when our agenda isn’t just about ‘work-and-play’ but just a good, leisurely stay.
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