Eat, drink and shop - how to get the VVIP treatment in Britain
Britain has a diverse fine dining scene showcasing sensational, seasonal and local produce. Jam-packed with Michelin-starred eateries and exclusive chef’s tables, you’ll find out-of-this-world dining around every corner. For centuries Britain has also been at the forefront of high-quality craftsmanship, brilliantly bold designers, and luxury experiences at top end stores and boutiques. With the Coronation of King Charles III coming up, now is the time to treat yourself and make yourself feel like a royal during your stay in Britain. From businesses that supply the royal household and are Royal Warrant holders to newly opened luxury businesses, Britain has so much to offer the discerning visitor – don’t miss out!
Restaurants
Check out one of London’s latest new restaurants Wagtail, London
The luxury rooftop dining and drinking experience Wagtail has opened in May 2022 in the heart of London in a magnificent 1920s building. The elegant and heated rooftop terrace bar offers 360° views of some of London’s most iconic landmarks such as the Shard, the Gherkin, Tower Bridge and St Paul’s Cathedral. Classic dishes showcasing the best of Britain’s seasonal produce are part of their brunch, lunch and dinner menus, served in their beautiful dining room. Their drinks menu was created in collaboration with London’s best mixologists, wine merchants and local distilleries.
Experience one of London’s quirkiest Michelin Star restaurants, London
The brasserie restaurant ‘sketch’ in Mayfair is a quirky tea room which transforms into a cocktail lounge at night. Housed in a 18th century townhouse, the restaurant is joyously colourful and lavishly decorated, creating a very special ambience. The venue is known for its elegance, attentive staff and flavourful dishes. The restaurant with chef patron Pierre Gagnaire received three well-deserved Michelin Stars in 2019. For Pierre food is art, not just to taste great but presented as ‘poetry on a plate’ with mouth-watering flavours and creative dynamism.
Treat yourself to a Royal Afternoon Tea at Cliveden House, Buckinghamshire
Tuck into an indulgent afternoon tea at Cliveden House. Playing host to every British monarch since King George I, this country house has got serious royal credentials. Dip into decadent sandwiches and sip on golden teas as you look across the Parterre Gardens which are part of the National Trust gardens surrounding the house. The afternoon menu was inspired by flowers that grow in the Kings’ Royal Gardens and include the finest products from Sandringham’s farm which is part of the much-loved country retreat of the British Royal Family.
Indulge in authentic Italian food at Carluccio’s
In 1992, Antonio and Priscilla Carluccio opened a food shop in Neal Street to bring quality Italian food to the capital. The shop was such a success that they started serving hot food and eventually opened more and more locations all over Britain and Ireland including London, Manchester, Leeds and Cambridge. The all-day Italian restaurant is now a Royal Warrant holder appointed by King Charles III. Carluccio’s’ coffee not only tastes good but it also does good as the business is partnering with the Rainforest Foundation UK which donates money to protect the rainforests and their inhabitants.
Try Britain’s best cheeses at PAXTON & WHITFIELD, London & Bath
Another Royal Warrant holder worth a visit is Paxton & Whitfield, Britain’s oldest cheesemonger. The family run business sources and matures the very best cheeses from well-known and up-and-coming artisan producers from across Britain and Europe. They support small suppliers and promote traditional, artisan methods of production to keep local traditions alive and profitable. Making a positive impact on people and the planet is part of the ethos of the company and they have taken various steps including launching new re-usable hamper boxes and changing their delivery services to reduce their carbon footprint.
Drink
Refine your brewing skills with a masterclass at Twining’s, London
The British tea brand and Royal Warrant holder offers 2-hour masterclasses for visitors from all over the world to uncover the secrets of Britain’s favourite drink at their flagship store on the Strand in the heart of the city. Follow the tea plant’s journey from bud to cup and learn about different brews and flavours, how to brew the best tea and how to become a master of tea. Run by an expert ‘tearista’ who will lead a tasting of six categories of tea.
Unwind in the luxurious yet intimate surroundings at Bar 190 at The Gore, London
Bar 190, at the quintessentially British hotel The Gore in South Kensington, serves an extensive variety of drinks in a setting with a history of its own. Their signature menu was created by their master mixologist Santo Borzi and explores the hotel’s past and includes contemporary influencers with a focus on events and personalities that have graced the hotel in the past. The bar has a distinct rock’ n’ roll vibe with images of the famous Rolling Stones album launch party which took place at the hotel in 1968 decorating the walls.
Have a cup of tea at the world-famous Betty’s tea rooms, Yorkshire
Opened in 1919 by a Swiss baker and confectioner, Betty’s tea rooms has made a name for themselves as the go to place to enjoy a cup of tea in Yorkshire. Their sister company Taylors of Harrogate, which is proud holder of a Royal Warrant granted by King Charles III, provides the range of incredible teas and coffees served at the tea rooms. Betty’s are committed to fair-trade and buy local produce wherever possible. Betty’s has supported the planting of more than 5 million trees over the last 30 years and donates to conservation projects in Britain and in tea and coffee growing regions around the world.
Escape from the hustle and bustle at 8 at The Londoner, London
Located on the iconic Leicester Square, five-star boutique hotel, The Londoner opened its doors in September 2021. The luxurious and elegantly designed hotel features a wellness retreat and six concept eateries and bars. One of the literal highlights is the rooftop bar 8 which reimagines the traditions and informal style of Japanese drinking establishments. Visitors can unwind on the eighth floor of the hotel overlooking one of London’s most vibrant neighbourhoods. An unforgettable evening is guaranteed with their menu of innovative cocktails, fine Japanese spirits and modern Japanese cuisine.
Experience Western Europe’s highest hotel bar, Gong, London
Overlooking the city from the 52nd floor of the Shard, Gong is the perfect spot to enjoy a sunset cocktail or some drinks at night. The elegant bar offers clear views of London’s skyline to see the city from a completely different angle. The name GŎNG derives from ‘dougong’, a traditional Chinese architectural element of interlocking wooden brackets, featured in the bar’s distinctive design. For those looking for an unforgettable experience in the sky, the Gong offers Rum & Whisky masterclasses where guests learn more history and fun facts about rum and whisky.
Relax in style at The Register Club, Edinburgh
The Register Club elevates cocktails and conversation to an art form with a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere, housed in the impressive former Royal Bank of Scotland headquarters building on the 4th floor. Since opening in 2018, the venue has quickly become an unmissable stop on the Edinburgh cocktail scene. Guests can relax in comfort and style at this exclusive club which must be reserved in advance. Besides a bespoke cocktail list, they offer a Scottish breakfast menu and afternoon tea with a Scottish twist showcasing local and artisan producers.
Shops
Step into luxury at Fortnum & Mason, London
Shop for fine foods, unique homewares, beauty and fashion accessories at Fortnum & Mason’s historic Mayfair store. For more than 300 hundred years, London’s Royal Warrants holder Fortnum & Mason has been at 181 Piccadilly. It has four floors of luxury produce neatly packaged in Fortnum’s unmistakable signature Eau de Nil’s pale green-blue colours. Pick up some iconic teas, beautiful biscuits, confections and homewares, or go all out with a classic delicious and decadent F&M hamper. The store is renowned for its tea selection and runs tasting sessions in their bespoke tea room with charming in house tearistas.
Explore a Great British icon of luxury - Harrods, London
The Great British icon for luxury has to be Knightsbridge’s Harrods, one of the largest luxury department stores in the world. Explore its staggering 330 departments spread across seven floors and discover international brands like Gucci, home-grown British designers including Alexander McQueen and the huge and stunning food hall. Enter below the prominent green awnings, pick up a famous stuffed bear and walk the streets with your very own signature green Harrods bag. And if you are looking for a souvenir to remind you of your trip to London the Harrods gift shop is a must visit.
Visit the Tudor-style shopping hotspot Liberty, London
Head to Liberty London for a shopping experience steeped in British heritage. The iconic Tudor-style shopping hotspot features young emerging designers and in-house brands. There are a range of products and services available across the department store’s six floors, including fashion, homewares, beauty treatments, food hall and restaurant.
Head to one of Britain’s quirkiest looking shopping centres - Selfridges at The Bullring, Birmingham
In the architectural award-winning Bullring shopping centre, Birmingham’s Selfridges offers four floors of high-end brands. Pick out treats from Victoria Beckham, Christian Louboutin, Stella McCartney and Marc Jacobs, or shop their Project Earth Edit for planet-friendly fashion and sustainable beauty. If after that you’re feeling famished, head to their extensive food hall for something deliciously decadent.
Stoll along the luxury department stores on King Street, Manchester
King Street is known as one of Manchester’s, and Britain’s, premium shopping spots. Explore British luxury stores from Boodles jewellers to Manchester’s hand-crafted men’s outfitters Dooley & Rostron. Discover a cool art scene with Castle Fine Art and the George Thornton Gallery and eclectic dining options to refuel for more browsing and shopping.
Find established luxury labels at Multrees Walk, Edinburgh
Close to Edinburgh’s central Princes Street, Multrees Walk is the go-to spot for luxury buys. Here you’ll find Scotland’s only Harvey Nichols, plus a range of international boutiques including Louis Vuitton, Burberry, Mulberry, Canada Goose and Scottish home-grown luxury labels such as Johnston’s of Elgin. Grab a bite to eat at Harvey Nichols’ Forth Floor Brasserie which offers divine dishes and creative cocktails, along with dramatic skyline views overlooking Edinburgh’s historic Castle and Georgian New Town.
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