48 Hours in London: Tradition with a Twist

Ahhhh, London. It’s one of my favorite cities in the world. There’s so much to see and do that a lifetime there might not suffice. While iconic sights such as Big Ben, Buckingham Palace, and Westminster Abbey never get old, why not shake things up a bit and try something different? I recently spent 48 hours in London with a goal of experiencing the city in a way I never have before, yet still keeping some traditional English elements.

Leah London Phone Booth

Stay

Four Seasons Canary Wharf

London Four Seasons Thames River

It’s no secret that I’ve never met a Four Seasons that I didn’t love. I’ve also made it abundantly clear that Park Lane could possibly be my favorite hotel EVER, but my goal was to mix things up this trip. While still sticking with the Four Seasons brand, I paid Canary Wharf a visit. While not the typical tourist destination, the Canary Wharf area is one of two major financial districts in London. Headquarters to many of Europe and the world’s major corporations, Canary Wharf is quite the hub of activity on the weekdays. But on the weekends, the 100,000 people who work in the skyscrapers are gone and it’s as if you have London to yourself. I found that to be an incredible feeling.

Located on the Thames River with views of the city, Canary Wharf is ten stories of Four Seasons fabulousness. With its open, modern and sleek lobby, guests get an immediate impression of luxury. Plush chairs scattered throughout provide the perfect place to relax with a morning coffee and paper. The giant wall of windows offers superb views of the beautiful gardens. If the weather is nice, the patio is an inviting place for an afternoon Pimm’s. Canary Wharf quite possibly has one of the most beautiful indoor pools in existence. Enclosed in glass along the banks of the Thames River, this 65-foot, infinity-edge pool is a sight to behold.

Β Canary Wharf Pool Four Seasons London

When in London, most dream of being treated like Queen Elizabeth. I’m certainly no exception. Being spoiled by Four Seasons is something that all guests can expect, but Canary Wharf went one step further by putting me in room 712. And what’s so special about room 712? That, my friends, is the Presidential Suite, and also starred in the James Bond film, Skyfall. Although I didn’t ask the hotel staff to refer to me as Madam President or 007, I was certainly tempted. After all, how often does someone not from the House of Windsor get to have such an experience?

Four Seaons Canary Wharf

Saying that the Presidential Suite is huge would be an understatement, and the full wall of windows with a view overlooking the pool, Thames River, and the city only add to its massive appearance. With a dining room that seats eight and a butler’s kitchen that includes a stovetop, microwave, refrigerator, sink, and Nespresso machine, the suite can easily be used for a dinner gathering. A large, chocolate sectional sofa dominates the living room and includes built-in shelves containing a TV and Bose entertainment system.

London Canary Wharf

Through the living room’s double doors lies the ultra-comfortable bedroom. The king-sized bed is draped in a down comforter and pillows. Controls for the lights and curtains are at perfectly situated above the nightstands. The massive and luxurious bathroom has everything and more that one could want. Double vanities, a full tub, private toilet, and separate shower added to the L’Occetaine toiletries help make this bathroom divine. And I mustn’t forget the closet. Just like everything else in the Presidential Suite, it is oversized and certainly something I’d love to have in my own home.

Four Seasons Canary Wharf Bathroom

As with every Four Seasons property I’ve stayed in, Canary Wharf has paid attention to every single detail with none being too small. And for me, the lemon tart delivered with the turndown service is simply icing on the Presidential cake.

Eat & Drink

A trip to London isn’t complete without a stop at a chippery for some fish and chips. I often find myself eating this typically English dish at least once a day, but for these 48 hours I vowed not to so much as consider ordering my old standby.

Gaucho

London Steak Restaurant

I’m not sure what got into me, but I was desperate for a good steak, so I hit the tube from Canary Wharf for a night in central London. Being from Texas, the mere idea of dining on beef in London is borderline blasphemy. Enter Gaucho near Piccadilly Circus. Contrary to the belief of many Texans, we are not the only place that can grill a great piece of meat. There’s this place in South America called Argentina that’s pretty famous for their steaks, and that’s where Gaucho gets all of their beef. Only grass-fed, free-range beef makes the cut here. A 35-day wet aging process makes their steaks moist and tender.

Argentine Empanadas London

Every bite was delicious, but the steak was extraordinary. Normally I ask for sauce, but none was required as the flavor and tenderness was perfection. That’s really saying something coming from a Texan. Somehow I managed to make it out of Gaucho without dessert. I’m not sure how that happened, but I’ll simply have to return.

Steak in England

St. James’s Hotel and Club

High Tea Menu St. James's Hotel London

Indulging in afternoon tea in London is as traditional as it comes for visitors and locals alike. Instead of settling on just any run-of-the-mill afternoon tea, why not have one prepared by a Michelin-stared chef? That’s exactly what you’ll get at William’s Bar and Bistro in St. James’s Hotel and Club. In this sophisticated, yet relaxed, environment, patrons nosh on goodies created by executive chef, William Drabble.

St. James's Hotel tea England

Choose from a variety of Jing Teas such as Earl Grey, lychee red black, and organic bohea lapsang, as well as Drury coffees. For the ultimate addition, add a glass of rose or brut Champagne. Made with seasonal ingredients, three tiers of beautiful bites are delivered to the table and include ham, salmon and egg mayonnaise sandwiches.

High Tea London

Battenberg, chocolate, almond and apple cakes, raspberry financiers, and hazelnut tarts are as beautiful as they are tasty. And an afternoon tea wouldn’t be complete without a basket of homemade scones served with homemade strawberry preserve and clotted cream. What’s more, chef Drabble offers a gluten-free afternoon tea option if you’re so inclined.

St. James's Hotel tea

Afternoon tea at St. James’s is an indulgent way to take a mid-day break from exploring London, and a glass of Champagne makes it down-right decadent.

High Tea London

Experience

Royal Observatory Greenwich

Royal Observatory Greenwich England London

Credit

There’s no doubt that London is filled with fabulous museums, including the Tate Modern, Victoria & Albert, and the British. But how about visiting the home of Greenwich Mean Time, the Prime Meridian of the World? You can do just that at the Royal Observatory Greenwich. This museum is also London’s only planetarium and is home to the UK’s largest refracting telescope.

There’s a reason why there are so many iconic hotels, restaurants, theaters, museums, and shopping districts throughout London. It’s because they’re great. But by only looking at the most popular, you miss out on a lot of great finds. The next time you’re in London, or any other great tourist city, try to do something off the beaten path. You never know what you might discover.

I was an invited guest of the Four Seasons Canary Wharf, Gaucho, and the St. James’s Hotel and Club. In no way was I swayed by perfect pastries, succulent steaks, or presidential pampering. As always, opinions are my own.

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32 Comments
  • Lisa
    May 23, 2013

    When I go to London in June, we are going to the Dean Street Townhouse for tea. Can’t wait for tea and goodies in London!!

    • Leah Walker
      May 23, 2013

      Oh, I’ll be in London in July. Just missing one another. Enjoy the tea. I’m already plotting my next outing.

  • Lance Wiedower
    May 23, 2013

    Because I have family in London I’m fortunate that I never need a hotel. This looks like a great one to visit, though. The traditional tea is a cool experience. We did it in Glasgow last year and loved it. I’m not a tea drinker or really into little cakes and biscuits, but it really is a great experience.

    • Leah Walker
      May 23, 2013

      Just close your eyes and imagine that the cute little cakes and biscuits are large, Texas sized cakes and biscuits. πŸ™‚

  • noel
    May 23, 2013

    Now that was a luxurious and tasty travel stay, what a way to enjoy London. Thanks for taking us on a sweet tour, now how can I get a glass of that champagne online?

    • Leah Walker
      May 23, 2013

      Oh, if I could figure out how to pass out glasses of Champagne I’d be a very wealthy woman. That would be nice, wouldn’t it?

  • Micamyx|Senyorita
    May 24, 2013

    Cool! I’m going back to the UK next month πŸ˜€ Bookmarking this post πŸ˜€

    • Leah Walker
      June 9, 2013

      I’ll be in the UK next month, too! Have fun.

  • Gaucho?! Now you got me hungry! Oh, I used to always went to one on Swallow Street.

    • Leah Walker
      June 9, 2013

      Oh really!?! I really did love it. The decor was so cool, too. I’m wondering if the one on Swallow Street is the same.

  • Anita Mac
    May 25, 2013

    Sounds absolutely decadent Leah! Have yet to try the traditional afternoon tea, but have plans to do so soon! Love that swimming pool too…looks amazing. Sounds like going off your beaten track was worth it!

    • Leah Walker
      June 9, 2013

      That pool is AWESOME! It was snowing, if you can believe it, so I didn’t attempt a dip. I’m a cold weather wimp.

  • Tawny of Captain and Clark
    May 25, 2013

    Oh, London. I miss it so much. I’m now missing Europe and its glorious food!

    • Leah Walker
      June 9, 2013

      Me too! Luckily I’ll be back in less than a month’s time. πŸ™‚ Meet me there?

  • Traveling Ted
    May 25, 2013

    Looks like a luxurious way to stay, eat, and drink in London Queen Leah.

    • Leah Walker
      June 9, 2013

      Queen Leah, I like the sound of that, Ted. I’ll be needing a jewel-encrusted fanny pack.

  • Raul (@ilivetotravel)
    May 26, 2013

    Wow, you did and ATE a lot in a mere 48 hours! Keep living grand!

    • Leah Walker
      June 9, 2013

      And what about that surprises you? I didn’t even mention the dinner at Four Seasons Canary Wharf or the snacks at Four Seasons Park Lane. πŸ™‚

  • The World Wanderer
    May 26, 2013

    I love London, but both of my trips have been too short. First, I stayed in my friend’s study abroad dorm – what an experience! The next, we were just stopped over for 16 hours, so we didn’t do much. You didn’t have a lot of time, but you sure packed in a lot, and that hotel – gorgeous!

    • Leah Walker
      June 9, 2013

      I don’t think a month is enough time in London. I can’t wait to go back in a few weeks. There’s so much more to discover.

  • Fiona
    May 27, 2013

    Oh wow, can’t wait to get back to London asap! Love this guide Leah – and what a treat to have stayed in the presidential suite!

    • Leah Walker
      June 9, 2013

      You’re telling me. I was pinching myself all weekend. That will probably never happen again, but I’m glad to have had the chance.

  • Kieu ~ GQ trippin
    May 28, 2013

    That’s a lovely view from your hotel room. And those tea sandwiches and treats… yum o!

    • Leah Walker
      June 9, 2013

      Oh, that view was hypnotizing. If the fog would have lifted I would have never left the room.

  • @mrsoaroundworld
    May 28, 2013

    Love love love this!! And the FS looks so understated, I love it! Glad I got to experience some of the parts of the trip with you!!

    • Leah Walker
      June 9, 2013

      Yes, ma’am. I’m so happy that you introduced me to some of these great finds. And Canary Wharf is as wonderful as the rest of the Four Seasons.

  • Lauren DiMarco
    May 30, 2013

    now that’s my style- being treated like a queen! nothing like a little bubbly in the afternoon to compliment your tea!

    • Leah Walker
      June 9, 2013

      It’d be a crime to have a proper English tea without some bubbly. πŸ™‚ Next time you need to be with me.

  • Joshua @ Engineer on the Road
    June 13, 2013

    How on earth did you manage to devour so much food at the steak joint yet remain soooooo svelte? Life is unfair!

    I think you made a good choice making a break with the usual London routine. There are so many nice places to discover away from the tourist hotspots, and because they’re not well know they’re so much quieter.

    • Leah Walker
      June 15, 2013

      Did you really just call me svelte? My gawd, I knew there was a reason why I love you so much (besides being fabulously Scottish). But I didn’t eat all that food by myself. I had some help from Mr. and Mrs. O. πŸ˜‰

  • Bob
    September 29, 2013

    Were you aware the latest James Bond film, Skyfall, filmed a rather special scene in the bathroom of Room 712?

    • Leah Walker
      September 29, 2013

      I knew they did some filming in the gorgeous swimming pool, but not the bathroom of 712. It is a gorgeous bathroom, so I’m not surprised. πŸ˜‰

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