Winter style buys from cufflinks to new knitwear, plus travel ideas and spa news
Renowed for classic timepieces, British watchmaker Bremont has added accessories to its name, launching a simple and modish gentleman’s range to ensure that your phone, cuffs, keys and desk, as well as your wrist, can all be graced with unique Bremont style.
Cufflinks, £125 (0845 094 0690; www.bremont.com)
Wilde about tea
‘Tea is the only simple pleasure left to us,’ observes Basil Hallward in The Picture of Dorian Gray, but there’s nothing simple about the London Royal Tea at Café Royal in Piccadilly. The Oscar Wilde Bar named after the writer who dined there daily is celebrating all things British with a new menu of edible London icons, such as London Underground macarons and a signature Oscar tea, a rich blend of Lapsang Souchong.
From £42 per person (020–7406 3310; www.hotelcaferoyal.com)
To celebrate 30 years in the business, jewellery designer Cassandra Goad is giving away gifts for each of the 12 days of Christmas. Email elf@ cassandragoad.co.uk to enter the competition open from December 26 until January 6 and have the opportunity of winning one of the beautiful jewels pictured on the company’s Advent calendar. Twelve winners will be chosen at random on January 7 (020–7730 2202; www.cassandragoad.com)
If you’re looking to give something a little different this Christmas, look no further than these luxurious spa treatments: London’s Bulgari Spa is the only spa in the world to offer the new Mauli treatments: traditional Indian healing and ayurvedic therapies dating back 5,000 years. From £150 (020–7151 1010; www.bulgarihotels.com/london). Book in to Lime Wood Hotel’s Herb House Spa for the recently launched Herb House Total Body Signature Treatment, 90 minutes of relaxation at £150, and day packages from £95 (above, 02380 286999; www.limewoodhotel.co.uk).
Bamford Haybarn Spa at The Berkeley brings a little slice of the Cotswolds to Knightsbridge with its divine treatments. Signature facial, 55 minutes, £105 (020–7201 1699; www.the-berkeley.co.uk)
All wrapped up
As the cold sets in, the layers go on and Winser London’s new Christmas knitwear collection is perfect for cosying up by the fire. If you’re looking for something a little more formal, the Milano coat looks fabulously festive in red (left), but also comes in black and mink. Previously only available online, Winser London clothing is now stocked in Fenwick on Bond Street.
Milano midi coat, £350 (0845 600 1521; www. winserlondon.com;www.fenwick.co.uk)
Clothes should wear in, not out, says Spoke London, which has created a service that takes the hassle out of badly fitting clothing. Its collection of subtly coloured chinos and cords offers 10 times the size range of other brands and, by simply entering your waist and thigh size they’ll even send you a free tape measure the website will calculate your build and size so you can choose the perfect pair.
Gift vouchers are available for Christmas, £79 (www.spoke-london.com)
Sitting on one of the most romantic spots in London, restaurant Le Pont de la Tour has just been relaunched and offers a fantastic menu and extensive wine list. Perched on the edge of the River Thames with views overlooking majestic Tower Bridge, the restaurant’s interiors are ins- pired by the French cruise liner SS Normandie think smooth wood and subtle colour schemes (below). The menu, from chef Frederick Forster who has worked under Raymond Blanc and Gordon Ramsay is outstanding; the roasted Orkney scallops and succulent lobster thermidor are particularly recommended. Cocktails at the leather-ens- conced bar are a must and there are heaters outside if you’re brave enough this winter the view will be worth it.
Set menus start at £23.50 (020–7403 8403; www.pontdelatour.co.uk)
Despite the end of the series, there’s no need to wave goodbye to Downton Abbey quite yet, thanks to the launch of an exclusive air tour over Highclere Castle, where the nation’s favourite period drama is filmed. London Helicopter will fly six guests across the city and Home Counties to admire the beautiful Berkshire estate before returning to Battersea heliport, glimpsing some iconic landmarks on the way. Although there is no dress code, costumes are encouraged.
From £2,500 plus VAT for up to six passengers (020–7887 2626; www.thelondonhelicopter.com)
