Restaurant

Bar La Rampa

Photo Credit @charliemckay Bar La Rampa london restaurants thethreedrinkers.com the three drinkers

Bar La Rampa, sitting snug on Market Place, is a Cuban delight, celebrating the heritage and culture of 1950s Havana. Entering to the sound of live Cuban music, you’d be forgiven for forgetting you were thirty seconds off of Oxford Street. The Havana theme really shines through in the small plates menu, developed by Ana Gonçalves and Zijun Meng of TĀTĀ Eatery, their reimagined Cuban dishes bringing Latin America to London in a stylish but authentic way. Bar La Rampa also prides itself on its extensive, rum heavy, cocktail menu, often featuring Eminente, a special new Cuban rum imagined by Cesar Marti, the youngest Cuban Maestro Ronero. 

The Elote Corn Ribs with vegan chipotle mayo and lime is a simple yet immensely flavoursome dish, and a must try on the menu. This is what Bar La Rampa does so well: simple dishes with bold flavours and an almost addictive quality. The moreish devil on the menu is the seemingly unassuming ‘Corn and Beans’. Though it may seem to simply be a black bean dip with tortilla chips, do not underestimate this dish. It’s less of a ‘sharing’ plate and more of a ‘fight to the death to get the last scoopful’ plate. Even if you’re only picking up a couple of cocktails, get the Corn and Beans: you won’t regret it. The Sandwich Cubano, a twist on a classic Cuban sandwich, is again a flavoursome treat. There’s both a classic and a vegetarian option - so you won’t be caught short if you don’t eat meat.

When it comes to cocktails, Bar La Rampa is not playing around. Not to be missed are the ‘Hemingway Special (Papa Doble)’, a sweet and sour daiquiri said to be the author’s personal favourite, the ‘El Presidente’, reminiscent of a smooth Negroni with a bolshy rum undertone, and the ‘Mango Colada’, a refreshing and fruity cocktail for those with a sweeter tooth. 

Bar La Rampa is certainly modern and stylish, however, the live Cuban music from the house band playing almost every night reminds you of where it all began: Havana. If you’re looking for big flavours in food and cocktails with a bouncy atmosphere, Bar La Rampa is the place to be.

Address:  7-8 Market Place, W1W 8AG
Telephone: 020 3840 5555
Website: www.barlarampa.com 

Shangri-La Paris

No other city in the world does luxury, elegance, and history quite like Paris and when you stay at Paris’ historical Shangri-La Hotel, you will experience luxurious royal treatment in a place that used to be home to well…royalty. With 63 rooms and 37 suites, you’ll never be too far from all of the history, culture, and mesmerizing views of the City of Lights. Home to two Michelin star restaurants, Shangri-La knows how to put on the Ritz. Built inside of the palace of French Imperial Roland Bonaparte, the hotel was originally constructed in 1896.

Shangri-La Hotels acquired the palace in 2006 and took four years to renovate. They took the time to restore all of the palace highlights to their 19th century glory while at the same time incorporating modern updates, making the transition into a luxurious 21st century hotel complete. The renovation was painstakingly put together, going as far as to remove original wood floors slat-by-slat and then putting them back together. Shangri-La Paris is perfect for a romantic getaway, a conference, banquet, or a storybook wedding.

The restaurants L’Abeille, Shang Palace, and La Bauhinia offer French, Chinese, and a blend of French and South-East Asian cuisines respectively and they are prepared to fulfill any appetite. Sitting across the Seine in front of the Eiffel Tower, nestled near the Champs-Elysees, avenue Montaigne, and world renowned museums, Shangri-La Paris is the ideal place to stay for locals and tourists alike.

If you are lucky enough to stay in the La Suite Gustave Eiffel, sitting on the sixth floor, be sure to take plenty of selfies on the balcony. Your friends will be green with envy when they see your views of the Eiffel Tower. Or if rooftop terraces are more your style, stay on the fifth floor in La Suite Chaillot, boasting 1650 square feet of amazing views and decadent lounge areas for up to 6 guests. Another suite, La Suite Shangri-La, was built with the breathtaking views in mind. Constructed with a 46-foot-long panoramic window, this suite has photo-ops galore, looking over Napoleon’s Tomb, Notre Dame, the Pantheon, and the Eiffel Tower.

The crème de la crème is without a doubt L’Appartement Prince Bonaparte, which is the largest suite in the hotel and used to be the private apartment of Prince Roland Bonaparte. In this suite, the prime example of mixing 19th and 21st century style is in the bathroom, with marble bathrooms giving way to heated floors. The suite can also connect to two other rooms for a total of 3,770 square feet and three total bedrooms. But if your luck fails and you can’t stay in one of these premiere rooms, not a problem, as 40 percent of the rooms and 60 percent of the suites in the hotel look out directly over Paris’ most well-known monument. That’s right, almost every room offers a stunning and unique view of la tour Eiffel. No matter where you stay in Shangri-La Paris, pack a crown, and be prepared to live like royalty.

Address: 10, avenue d'Iéna, Paris, 75116, France
Telephone: (+33 ) 1 5367 1998
Website

Hotel Bel-Air

Though you might be in the craziness of Los Angeles, you’d instead think you were tucked away on your own private island. The Hotel Bel-Air is burrowed into the canyons of Los Angeles, just a mile west of Beverly Hills and even closer to Sunset Boulevard. As you approach the hotel, you know you’re in the land of the wealthy and the famous. Multi-million dollar estates line the roads to the Hotel Bel-Air. With your stay, you’ll be living like kings and queens for as long as you’ve chosen.

For over half a century, this magnificent property has been welcoming guests through its doors. The Hotel Bel-Air is more equivalent to a luxurious hideaway than your everyday, average hotel. The upscale hotel officially opened in 1946 after a hotel entrepreneur, Alphonso E. Bell, took the dream of the Bel-Air Estates, its original identity, and developed it into what you see today. Over the years, Hotel Bel-Air garnered respect from the hospitality industry and a mainstay for the rich and the famous. In 2009, the property underwent extensive refurbishing to modernise without sacrificing the reminiscences of Hollywood’s Golden Age.

Before even entering the hotel, you’ll notice 12-acres worth of impeccably maintained lush gardens. Foot paths lined with coast redwoods, birds of paradise trees, and a lovely variety of floral touches will guide and wind you through the grounds; you’ll be surprised by what’s hidden here for guest use. For starters, the canyon is a very obvious and notable backdrop. Pictures are certainly encouraged. On the front lawn, Swan Lake completes the essence of the hotel. The resident four swans floating effortlessly and gracefully through the ripples embody the romance and elegance of Hotel Bel-Air. For those who enjoy a good sunbath and water soak, the onsite pool is the perfect relaxation venue. When the Stone Canyon stables were closed in 1946, Mr. Bell paid homage by transforming the riding ring into a legendary oval pool for everyone to appreciate.

Now that the tropical surroundings have totally drawn you in, pass through the entrance doors of the pink-stucco buildings. There are 103 guest rooms and suites available for your stay. Each room features integrated technology to enrich your experience, while the general ambiance of the room invites a pleasant, luxurious atmosphere. The rooms feel more like individual bungalows rather than part of a larger building. Not to mention, the pillows, like clouds, will lull you into the best night’s rest you’ve had in a long while.

To further increase your Zen, book some time at the Hotel Bel-Air Spa. With both men’s, women’s, and couples facilities and options, the spa is able to cater to the treatment you desire. You’ll find a 24-hour fitness studio open to guests as well.

When you’ve completed your workout of the day or are ready to decompress for the night, the Wolfgang Puck at Hotel Bel-Air is the perfect onsite spot. Open for breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea, and dinner, Wolfgang Puck fosters a charming, flirtatious atmosphere complimented by a Californian and Mediterranean inspired menu. Evening tipples can be had at the Bar & Lounge along with casual late day and dinner fare. Live music is a staple and creates the perfect vibe. Hotel Bel-Air has found a way to ensure every nook and cranny has the right feeling for everyone.

Address: Hotel Bel-Air, 701 Stone Canyon Road, Los Angeles, CA 90077
Phone: +1 310 472 1211

108 Brasserie

The chic residential area of Marylebone hides away a delicious secret. 108 Brasserie is located just off Marylebone High Street at the top of Marylebone Lane. Aiming to bring the Marylebone neighbourhood some hearty yet uncomplicated food combinations, 108 Brasserie serves dishes for all three meals in a tranquil environment meant to spark culinary creativity. This hip space features two distinguished seating areas: the bar and the dining room.

The bar presents a flavorful and extensive drink menu coupled with small plate offerings. Whether wine, cocktails, or beer strikes your tipple fancy, you’re sure to have plenty to choose from. Plus, those looking for non-alcoholic alternatives without sacrificing taste or quality should check out the Juicery menu for enriching and nutritious freshly juiced blends. 

Using their spirits knowledge, 108 Brasserie crafted their very own gin aptly called 108 Gin. It is distilled in-house and endearingly nicknamed “Isabella” by the staff. Guests can engage with the distillation process, ask questions, and even sample a taste neat or in a cocktail. The gin is rich in bright, light botanicals with a smooth, simple finish.  Take a bottle for the road to relive your time here. 108 Brasserie sure does seem to have it all. 

For the full dining experience, ask to be seated in the Brasserie. Here, you’ll discover a menu filled with seasonal, modern British and international dishes created with the freshest ingredients on the market. Stop in for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and/or dessert. From eggs benedict three ways to intricate fish-focused plates to decadent chocolate indulgences, 108 Brasserie can cater to your hunger and cravings without a second thought.

Reservations are of course encouraged, though 108 Brasserie will do their best to seat every pop in. 108 Brasserie has brought to life a friendly, relaxing atmosphere for everyday gatherings around food and drinks. Just remember to ask for Isabella by name.

Address: 108 Marylebone Lane, London W1U 2QE
Telephone: +44 207 969 3900

Burns Night at Duke's Hotel

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“Fair fa' your honest, sonsie face,
Great chieftain o the puddin'-race!”

In case your Gaelic isn’t as fluent as mine, a translate of the rousing opening lines of Burns’ “Address to a Haggis” is: 

“Good luck to you and your honest, plump face,
Great chieftain of the sausage race!”

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Duke’s hotel, one of my favourite Mayfair hotels, has some lovely treats with which to banish the January Blues, and celebrate the birthday of the Bard of Ayrshire, Robert Burns. Duke’s has teamed up with The Exceptional Scotch Whisky and cigar makers Hunters and Frankau to put together some great fun for Burns Night 2020. Hunters and Frankau are the exclusive UK distributor for all Havana cigars in the UK.

On 25th January, birthday of the Bard, they are hosting a Burns Night supper in GBR (Great British Restaurant) – the restaurant at Duke’s. Their famous Head Bartender, Alessandro Palazzi, has created a new take on an Old Fashioned. The inspiration was from a memory of homemade boozy cherries in his grandmother’s larder, he told me. The central spirit is The Exceptional Blended Malt, one of the featured whiskies of the night. Alessandro muddles orange peel at the same time as the brown sugar before adding the sugar syrup and the bitters that he makes himself, the whisky and then finally a garnish of two glossy cherries in Kirsch.

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Once you’ve supped on your Old Fashioned to the sounds of a live Bagpiper, supper awaits. Executive Head Chef, Nigel Mendham, has created a four course menu to enjoy paired with counterpart whiskies. It gives a contemporary twist on Scottish dishes to make them light and delicious, without losing the traditional taste elements that make up a proper Burns’ Night supper. Alongside the haggis, of which I am very fond, the salmon from loch Duart is amazing and the cranachan is divine.

For cigar and whisky fans, there are two whisky and cigar pairing evenings on Wednesday 23 and Thursday 24 January in the Drawing Room at Duke’s. Starting at 6pm with Alessandro’s fabulous Old Fashioned, there follow three expressions of The Exceptional whiskies and canapés – the Grain, the Malt and the Blend. Each is excellent and beautifully balanced, the Grain having marmalade and crème brulee flavours, the Malt being a fuller bodied whisky with lots of dried fruit flavours and the Blend a perfect balance of young and old whiskies with complex fruit and oaky flavours. However cold it might be, Duke’s cosy walled cigar terrace is always kept toasty with heaters and snuggly blankets so you can enjoy a Monte Cristo Number 2 in comfort. The whisky does its bit too, warming you from the inside out.

I think these are great value for an evening of fun at Duke’s. The Burns supper is £65 per person and the whisky, canape and cigar nights are £55. Worth every penny.

Address: Duke’s London, 35 St. James’s Place, London SW1A 1NY
Telephone: +44 (0)207 491 4840

By Caroline Hampden-White

Jumeirah Carlton Tower

One of London’s best hotels, no really Jumeirah Carlton Tower was bestowed five glistening stars, sits like a beacon in the city’s central area. On Sloane Street, the hub of Knightsbridge, Jumeirah Carlton not only offers 216 luxurious guest rooms but also one of London’s most exclusive health clubs, The Peak Health & Spa. Whether you’re staying overnight or having yourself a little pampering session, Jumeirah Carlton is the place to be. Plus, Hyde Park and the city’s finest shopping at Sloane Streets boutiques, Harrods and Harvey Nichols are all within easy walking distance. City life, shopping, and relaxation all contained in one reasonably sized area—what could be better?

Well that’s just it, it does get better. Aside from incredible rooms and prime time location, Jumeirah Carlton Tower also offers guests a 20 meter indoor swimming pool, three restaurants, a golf simulator featuring 30 of the world’s greatest courses, and extensive fitness facilities. Everything seems pretty self-explanatory except the restaurants, so let’s delve into the fine dining options.

Matching the majestic views with healthy foods, The Club Room offers a relaxed yet sophisticated atmosphere up on the 9th floor. Order some light meals, nutritious snacks, or a lunch buffet with a fruity cocktail or smoothie while gazing off into the mesmerizing panoramic city view. The all day, all-around Chinoiserie is a tranquil setting for breakfast, a happening spot for afternoon tea, and distinctive venue for nighttime ventures. Drawing in a diverse mix of guests, Chinoiserie is the perfect spot for casual conversation and watching life go by. Earning three AA Rosettes and becoming an iconic restaurant in London, The Rib Room Bar & Restaurant holds onto its 50-year history with a 21st Century flare. Here, you’ll be treated to the best of traditional British cuisine using only fresh, seasonal produce and a choice from a collection of over 450 wines and champagnes.

So really, what more could you ask from a hotel?

Address: On Cadogan Place, Knightsbridge, London SW1X 9PY, UK
Telephone: +44 20 7235 1234
Website

The Wellesley Knightsbridge Hotel

For the past seven years, The Wellesley Knightsbridge Hotel in London has offered its guests a sanctuary decorated by classic adornments with chic and modern twist. Its extravagance and classic décor has wowed London’s elite since first opening its doors back in 2012. The Wellesley features beautiful rooms and amenities worthy of high praise, with attractions like live jazz music, a world class cigar selection, dedicated Rolls Royce chauffeur service for guests and (of course) the best of the best in customer service. It is no wonder that the Wellesley has catapulted itself into the stratosphere of luxury lodging.

Amongst all of these remarkable attractions however, there is one in particular that we are particularly enamoured with: their awe-inspiring crystal bar. This breathtaking lounge area features a marvellous 1920’s décor style. The speakeasy type of atmosphere, coupled with an impressive crystal display of some of the finest spirits this world has seen, makes for a awe-inspiring lounge area that calls for pure celebration.

Address: 11 Knightsbridge, London  SW1X 7LY United Kingdom
Telephone: +44 20 7235 3535
Website

Mango Tree Belgravia

Mango Tree is nestled in the heart of Belgravia. Like its original location in Bangkok, Mango Tree offers exquisite and authentic Thai cuisine right near Buckingham Palace. Guests will be greeted by a warm and spacious environment and be seated in a stylish venue reminiscent of restaurants in Thailand.

The space has been feng-shui designed to ensure guests have a comfortable and enhanced dining experience. Mango Tree offers classic Thai cuisine of the highest caliber while also being innovative. The finest ingredients are sourced both locally and abroad and each culinary region produces a particular flavor for each Thai dish.

The north provides rich and mild dishes, spicy dishes come from the east, the central region provides mild dishes influenced from Chinese style, and the south produces the hot and spicy dishes. Guests can enjoy a wide variety of Thai dishes like the Pla Plow. Pla Plow is a grilled fillet of sea bass artfully wrapped in a banana leaf and fresh lemon grass. Savor an explosion of flavors that includes spicy lime sauce, larb pla tuna, and corn-fed chicken in green curry. Stop in for an exquisite bite of authentic Thai cuisine and enjoy the genuine Thai hospitality.

Address: 46 Grosvenor Place, London SW1X 7EQ
Telephone: 020 7823 1888
Website