Ever since the famous and fabulous Connaught Hotel* was refurbished and the lounge and bar areas re-styled by designer David Collins — it’s not only hip, it has become one of the places de rigeur to have cocktails after work, or meetings during the day. A smart set frequents. Nice buzzy energy. (* There is no file yet as neither I nor any of my insiders have stayed here - we’ll get someone here in 2009, promise) The Christmas decorations are exquisite, the fireplaces around every bend provide that warm din, the martinis are amongst the best in London and..my favorite in the lounge/glass enclosed light filled tea room are their homemade Madelines they serve with tea and coffee. The chocolate Madelines are little puffs of bliss.
In funky, boisterous Soho, an entirely different kind of neighborhood to regal Mayfair, the new Milanese venture, Princi opened up recently with great acclaim. I haven’t seen something so unique and authentically of another culture open in London in quite a while. What I mean, in part, is that when inside, you truly feel you are in Milano! Long Marble slabs against the far right wall with small fountains pouring into the side walls, chunk block tall cubes for customers to gather around. The place is buzzy and a bit frenetic—fun! Now to the foodie delights. The whole left side of the space is a long glass enclosed case with shelves behind showing off loaves of artisanal breads, baking sheets of fruit tarts, stacked eclairs, baskets of croissants (didn’t look this was their forte) trays of small pizzas, foccacia, small italian nibbles. Hit this place for lunch on the go while in the area or a coffee and treat after a show nearby. Fabulous - I wish the proprieter the best of luck and hope he opens one closer to my home in South Kensington soon…
