I grew up with African food, but in a Lebanese way.Let’s take my mum’s okra stew — the African version is filled with fried fish, cow foot, sheep tail, oxtail and beef all in one stew — while Lebanese cooking is quite simplistic and based around fresh salads and grills, that sort of stuff. So, the stew she’d make would have none of that, just beef, and it wouldn’t be made with palm oil. It was African food but in a tame way, because of my Lebanese dad. Whenever my mum makes it, I go absolutely mental — it warms up your belly, is full of good nutrients and is a different flavour to anything you’ve ever had before. My grandma once made it in Freetown, Sierra Leone, with fufu (pounded cassava root and green plantains, rolled into small balls) — proper authentic. I choked on a fish bone but it was the best meal I’ve ever had.
Which Luxury Hilton Hotel To Stay At In London
18.12.2023 - 15:36 / forbes.com / London
With a multitude of Hilton group hotels to stay at within the London area, it can be hard to know where to start if you want to stay at a Hilton group hotel to earn or redeem your points. It is also not always obvious which are the most luxurious properties to stay at within the Hilton group's different brands.
One of the newer Hilton's in London, the Biltmore hotel opened in 2019 on Grosvenor Square. The building was initially designed by architect Richard Seifert and constructed from 1967 to 1969 by Grand Metropolitan Hotels. Following a two-year multi-million dollar refurbishment, the hotel is now the most upmarket of Hilton's properties. If you love shopping, this is the perfect place to stay as it is only around seven minute's walk to Bond Street Tube station and Selfridges on Oxford Street.
The hotel has a boutique feel even though it has over 300 rooms. If you can, try to get a room overlooking the square. During December, the square is filled with hundreds of white remembrance flower lights, giving the garden an ethereal quality. Rooms have a timeless elegance in keeping with the age of the building. The King Grand Deluxe is the best option if you want something other than a suite. As well as offering a large sofa with a table suitable for dining, the bathroom is something special. The grey marble finish gives a sumptuous vibe, while the large bathtub is perfect for a soak to soothe your weary feet.
Even if you don't stay here, visiting the hotel's cosy Pine Bar is a must. Decadent red decor lends itself to romantic cocktails for two. The bar offers a selection of cocktails featuring vintage spirits for something extra special. If you don't fancy venturing out after a busy day, the hotel also has an elegant steakhouse, Grill 88.
The Conrad St James has a great location for exploring London, only a few steps from the St James Park tube station. It is also only a short walk from major sights such as Big Ben, Westminster Abbey and Westminster Bridge.
The hotel recently refurbished its bar and restaurant with the introduction of the Pem by celebrity chef Salley Abe. The restaurant serves approachable British fine dining and is worth a visit even if you aren't staying here. You can also enjoy a pre-dinner cocktail in the adjacent Hedgerow cocktail bar.
Rooms at the Conrad have a modern neutrality with light beige tones. Thoughtful touches such as the full-length mirror with a socket and stool for drying your hair, make all the difference. Bathrooms are finished in brown marble and offer Byredo toiletries as well as a separate bath and shower. The Executive Lounge is one of the best Hilton lounges in London, so worth the extra if you don't have Diamond status. A relaxing and classy space with muted
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