London Fashion Week will be upon us from February 15 to 19, 2019
Here’s how to survive one of the most stressful weeks on a fashion editor’s calendar in true Brit style – courtesy of Mandarin Oriental, London
London Fashion Week will be upon us from February 15 to February 19,2019 and as glamorous as it sounds, those in the know can tell you how hectic the reality of it actually is. Getting from A-Z in time for all the shows, pounding pavements in your Matteo Mars stilettos and always having to look Instagram-worthy can take its toll on a guy and a gal. So, take a deep breath and make sure you leave yourself time for a time-out – and a handful of truly British experiences. You deserve it.
To Tea
It doesn’t get more quintessentially British than afternoon tea – and tea doesn’t get more traditional than at Mandarin Oriental, London’s Rosebery. Even the name sounds archetypal. Fittingly for Fashion Week the Rosebery is one of London’s most fashionable destinations and boasts an extensive selection of the finest teas from around the world including Oriental Afternoon Blend, Orange Pekoe from Sri Lanka and the Golden Monkey leaf from China. There’s even a dedicated Tea Master who has created a menu of bespoke blends reflective of the hotel’s heritage and commitment to quality. Of course, there’s also a perfectly Instagrammable selectin of delicacies to accompany your cuppa – created by the hotels now legendary pastry chefs.
Aim for the Spa
The Spa at Mandarin Oriental, London has reopened – music to the ears of achy Fashion Week writers whose tired bodies and weary souls are crying out to be pampered. Conveniently set in the heart of Knightsbridge there is no better place to be when you find yourself with an hour or three between shows. Now offering everything from traditional Chinese medicine to Bastien Gonzalez famed Pedi:Mani:Cures as well as powerful and anti-ageing Nescens facials, the extensive spa menu combines Mandarin Oriental’s own signature therapies with treatments using Aromatherapy Associates, Sodashi and Linda Meredith products.
Dinner, Ladies
The perfect way to round off your Fashion Week experience? Dinner by Heston Blumenthal of course, darling. Inspired by the illustrious chef’s Blumenthal’s fascination with historic gastronomy, Dinner at Mandarin Oriental, London is one of the world’s most celebrated restaurants. First conceived in the late 1990s, the idea for Dinner sprung from Heston’s fascination with the savoury ice creams of the late 1800s, the theatre of the Tudor dining experience and the dishes featured in Lewis Carroll’s Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland. It doesn’t get much more British – or more delightful – than this.
Air your Grievances
Mandarin Oriental’s enviable location next to Hyde Park means you can easily escape to the expansive leafy park to take big glugs of fresh air while walking out some of your frustrations. The vast green acres of Hyde Park contain more secrets than even most Londoners know about, from buried rivers to hidden flower gardens. The site of significant music events and political demonstrations, it’s also home to an art gallery, Speakers’ Corner, a pet cemetery, a lake and the whimsical Kensington Palace, meaning there’s always something going on and plenty to see. Hyde Park also helped inspire Peter Pan as well as playing a vital role in both World Wars. Find out more on the monthly guided walk organised by the Royal Parks.
Amit Singh
Mumbai, India
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