‘It’s a Square World in London’ PackageIn keeping with our theme of bringing you insider tips from cities around the world, this week we visit London under the local guidance of the concierge at the famous Dorset Square Hotel.
Historic Dorset Square, the original home of Thomas Lord’s first cricket ground, is nestled in the heart of Marylebone. Centrally located between Baker Street and Marylebone underground stations, the square itself is private to residents and hotel guests. The hotel was built in 1817 and is regarded as one of the finest in London, celebrating English tradition and enjoyment of the finer things in life: luxury, style and truly individual service.As part of a package, the Dorset Square Hotel concierge team has compiled a booklet celebrating some of London’s most interesting squares. Just like Dorset Square, many others have great historic stories, fantastic restaurants and bars, and places of cultural interest.
Together with the booklet, the package includes: city maps, a pre-paid Oyster card (valid on the London Underground and buses), and daily full-English breakfasts to kick start your day of exploring! The package is available all year on Splendia.
SOHO SQUARE:
One of the most expensive places to work in the world, per sq
uare foot per annum, it was built in the 1670s and was originally called Kings Square for Charles II and was considered one of the most fashionable places to live. Nowadays, it is home to famous companies, such as 20th Century Fox and Paul McCartney’s MPC Communications. Today, Soho Square is changing – it will soon be home to London’s Overground transport system. Work is due to take place until 2017 and will make Soho Square one of the most centralised places in London!
uare foot per annum, it was built in the 1670s and was originally called Kings Square for Charles II and was considered one of the most fashionable places to live. Nowadays, it is home to famous companies, such as 20th Century Fox and Paul McCartney’s MPC Communications. Today, Soho Square is changing – it will soon be home to London’s Overground transport system. Work is due to take place until 2017 and will make Soho Square one of the most centralised places in London!Where to eat: Arbutus, 63-64 Frith Street – Anthony Demetre and Will Smith’s outstanding venue continues to set the gold standard for classy cooking at remarkable prices.
Where to drink: The Edge, 11 Soho Square.
Place of interest: The Riflemaker Gallery – it was from here that Charles Dickens took his inspiration for A Tale of Two Cities. It is actually the second Riflemaker’s Gallery, the first having been in Baker Street.
EATON SQUARE:
One of the largest squares in London, it is a very fashionable address – especially since World War II when other areas, such as Grosvenor Square and St. James’s Square, were converted for commercial or institutional use. Many important figures in British history have lived in Eaton Square, namely former Prime Ministers Stanley Baldwin and Neville Chamberlain. It was also home to Vivien Leigh, the actress famed for her performance in Gone with the Wind.Where to eat: Olivamare, 12 Belgrave Street – the owner has a few similar Italian restaurants in the area, which are very popular with locals and residents.
Where to drink: The Goring Hotel has much history but, more importantly, excellent afternoon tea!
Place of interest: Pimlico Farmers Market – around 25 stalls offering free tasting and snippets of advice on the best way to cook the ingredients on offer.
MANCHESTER SQUARE:
In Marylebone and probably best known for its
mansion, Manchester House, which is home to the national museum, The Wallace Collection. Its most famous former resident was the German composer, Julius Benedict.
mansion, Manchester House, which is home to the national museum, The Wallace Collection. Its most famous former resident was the German composer, Julius Benedict.Where to eat: Trishna, 15-17 Blandford Street – modern Indian food with a focus on seafood, upmarket but unpretentious.
Where to drink: The Marylebone, Marylebone High Street – go on a Tuesday and get free cheese boards with your wine.
Place of interest: The Wallace Collection is a must see – home to the finest collection of art amassed by one family with tours, talks, art classes and workshops.
RED LION SQUARE:
Bordering Holborn and Bloomsbury, it fascinates historians. Some sources still believe the body of Oliver Cromwell and two other regicides were placed in a pit to the side of the square. It also has one of the finest gardens in London.
Where to eat: The White Swan, 108 Fetter Lane – great pub grub.
Where to drink: Grab a milkshake at the All Star Lanes in Bloomsbury, one of very few bowling lanes left in the capital.
Place of interest: The London Silver Vaults, 53-64 Chancery Lane – a collection of 40 shops holding London’s largest collection of silver.
BERKELEY SQUARE:
Designed by William Kent and still one of the most famous squares in London, its name follows that of the Gloucester family who owned it. One of the houses, formerly used by Prime Minister George Canning, is reportedly the most haunted house in Britain. Winston Churchill also grew up here as a child at number 48.Where to eat: Benares, 12 Berkeley House – Atul Kochhur is one of the few Indian chefs to have received the prestigious Michelin star.
Where to drink: Gunter’s Tea Shop – founded in 1757, it is the longest running tea shop in London.
Place of interest: Handel House Museum, 25 Brook Street – a live music venue and museum offering an insight into Handel’s life, 18th century culture and music.
To book a stay in London, click here. For more information about Splendia or to see our worldwise collection of unique Luxury & Character Hotels, click here.
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