When I Have More Money: Three London Hotel Happenings This Autumn

Friday, October 26, 2018

Three London Hotel Happenings This Autumn

As the weather get chillier, there’s nothing better to do in London than head to one of the hotels and check out a unique experience – here’s three that I tried recently!

1.The new spa menu at St Pancras Renaissance Hotel

I’ve been a fan of the St Pancras Renaissance Hotel for a long time now. With its iconic architecture, movie history and unique location next to St Pancras Station, it one of the most famous hotels in London. I’ve had the opportunity to stay at the hotel and enjoyed the Christmas festivities but my latest visit here marked my first time checking out the spa for the launch of the new treatment menu.
The spa is inspired by the Victorian era and is located in a space that once housed the hotel’s steam kitchen. The pool area is gorgeous and lined with pretty mosaic tiles and plants – there are lots of little areas to relax and a sauna and steam room in the pool complex. There’s even relaxing background music.

I was there for a bloggers’ event and led through to a zen-like relaxation area where we were treated to champagne and healthy canapés. As part of the event I had the opportunity to try three mini-versions of the new beauty treatments in half an hour slots. The first therapy was Carita’s Cinetic facial which is designed to firm and lift the skin by using special technology that helps the reactivate energy flows responsible for healthy cell renewal. The deeply relaxing Himalayan Hot Salt Rock massage left my skin feeling fabulous and my final treatment, the De-stressing Aromatherapy Associates Massage left me feeling on cloud nine and perfectly prepared for a relaxing night’s sleep!

You don’t have to be a hotel guest to check out the spa, you can book in for a day pass and for £60, guests can enjoy all the facilities for four hours. Or book one of the signature spa journeys maybe combined with afternoon tea or lunch at the Booking Office.

2. Art of the Wild at The Mandrake Hotel

The Mandrake Hotel, a super stylish boutique hotel in Fitzrovia, is currently playing host to the Art of The Wild in collaboration with Perrier-Jouët. A couple of weeks ago I headed to the hotel to find out exactly what this entailed!

The hotel is home to a private terrace usually available to guests only but open to the public for a short time during this installation. The ‘Jurema’ terrace is full of lush plants and florals and up until the 3rd of November will feature a table installation of tropical flowers to create an immersive experience.
I tried a delicious tasting menu paired with Perrier-Jouët led by the house’s ambassador as part of the experience starting with these amazing scallops.
The whole terrace feels a little like a mid-Autumn night’s dream and I highly recommend booking in.

3. World Pasta Day at The Hari

Yesterday was World Pasta Day and I popped to Il Pampero at The Hari Hotel for a press lunch and the opportunity to sample a few items on the menu. Sadly like Christmas, World Pasta Day comes but once a year but Il Pampero is seriously good and I recommend heading down there any day to try everything on the menu.
One of the best things I’ve tried this year was the Tonnarelli, roman pecorino and black pepper, prepared in a parmesan wheel. Basically the pasta is mixed up inside the wheel and melts into it making it perfectly cheesy. It’s sheer heaven!

Seafood fans will love the Orecchiette pasta with turnip tops, fresh chilli and clams.
While tagliatelle with porcini mushrooms is a great vegetarian option, even better with truffle grated over the top.
We also tried a selection of Il Pampero gorgeous Italian desserts including the Tiramisu and chestnut profiteroles in chocolate sauce.
The restaurant itself is a gorgeous space and the Hari is an absolutely stunning modern boutique hotel. The restaurant is definitely now one of my favourite Italian restaurants in London, I really recommend heading down and don’t miss the Parmesan wheel!