A decadent summer staycation in Knightsbridge

The award-winning five-star hotel has a plethora of foodie delights in store for the summer. First up is a brand-new dining concept, Lucho, which pays homage to the rich culinary heritage of Chile, inspired by chef Francisco Hernandez’s beloved grandfather (whom the restaurant is named after). Then there’s the Hyde Park Garden, a lovely summery spot where visitors can enjoy a glass or two of English sparkling wine and light bites from a menu devised by the team at two-Michelin starred restaurant Dinner by Heston Blumenthal. Speaking of the maverick chef, this summer he has introduced an exciting new liquid nitrogen Ice Cream Trolley to the restaurant, inspired by pioneering entrepreneur and fellow inventor Mrs Agnes Marshall. Elsewhere, the pop-up Carousel Bar celebrates the arrival of British Summer by coinciding with the biggest events of the social calendar, including Royal Ascot (18-22 June) and Wimbledon (1-14 June). As well as offering seasonal bites and refreshing Whispering Angel Rosé, the Carousel Bar will also dish up ‘surprises’ – including the chance to win an overnight stay at the hotel. Finally, don’t be too upset if you’re not jetting off this summer as the new Grand Tour Afternoon Tea at The Rosebery (available from 5 June) promises to ‘whisk you away on a sensory adventure’ to the likes of Barcelona, Paris, Greece and Lake Como. Bon voyage…

Take a trip through time as The Lanesborough promises to take you back to the Regency era with its latest Bridgerton-themed afternoon tea. One can imagine rubbing shoulders with Penelope Featherington et al with this newly launched experience, where dainty sandwiches, scones and pastries inspired by the hit Netflix show are served in style under the exquisite glass dome and crystal chandeliers of The Lanesborough Grill. Fancy dining alfresco instead? Treat yourself to The Lanesborough’s new takeaway Summer Picnic Menu (available until 31 August), devised by the restaurant team, which includes sweet and savoury nibbles, a chilled bottle of Whispering Angel and an obligatory blanket. Shay Cooper, executive chef at The Lanesborough Grill, has teamed up with Laurent-Perrier this summer to host the Laurent-Perrier Grand Siècle x FT Weekend Menu (1 June-31 July), a four-course feast available for either lunch or dinner. The celebrated champagne house also makes an appearance in The Library Bar throughout June, where guests can enjoy a glass of Champagne Laurent-Perrier Vintage 2015 paired with King’s Fine Food Oscietra caviar. Just in case you plan to make summer 2024 your most decadent to date.

It’s not every day that your neighbourhood gets a new architectural landmark but the arrival of The Emory hotel has done just that. This swanky modern hotel was designed by the late, great Richard Rogers and Ivan Harbour and is London’s first all-suite hotel. There are 61 suites – to  be precise – all flooded with natural light from floor-to-ceiling windows and individually designed. If your budget doesn’t quite stretch to a staycation at The Emory (prices start from £2,040 – but there is currently a special offer that includes £100 daily credit on Junior Suite bookings and £300 on other suites, as well as a complimentary cocktail) you can always treat yourself to a meal out instead or drinks with friends. Celebrity chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten has just launched abc kitchens at The Emory, the UK debut of his acclaimed dining concept, with an exciting all-day dining menu and Damien Hirst artwork lining the walls. The Emory Bar, meanwhile, is a light and airy space filled with tasteful mid-century furnishings, luxury tipples and the poshest bar snacks imaginable – think oysters, lobster brioche and marinated white asparagus. Those lucky enough to be guests of the hotel (or visitors of said guests) can enjoy Knightsbridge’s newest rooftop hangout in the form of Bar 33 and The Emory Cigar Merchants, where you can enjoy a drop of rare wine or champagne, a fine Cuban cigar and the best views in the city.

Whether you’re looking to seriously upgrade your picnic this summer or make a big impression at your next soirée, you need to get your hands on ‘The Collection’ from acclaimed patisserie Cédric Grolet at The Berkeley. Launching this June (and available online), this special collection box includes five show-stopping pastries of the moment (or, rather, du jour) including a raspberry tart, a crunchy almond praline delicacy and even a vegan strawberry pastry with strawberry basil gel, fresh strawberry, and vegan basil ganache. If you are planning a stay at the modern five-star hotel, then take advantage of the summer sun by enjoying the stunning rooftop swimming pool and indulge in a touch of luxury at the newly launched Surrenne spa; a 2,000 sq m behemoth set over four floors with health, fitness and beauty services including the capital’s only studio from US fitness guru Tracy Anderson.

The term “hidden gem” is one that’s often overused but it’s a most fitting description for Knightsbridge Hotel – a boutique bolthole from the ever-chic Firmdale Hotels Group. Tucked away in beautiful Beaufort Gardens – just a hop, skip and a jump away from Harrods – the hotel is the creative brainchild of Firmdale founder Kit Kemp MBE so you can expect to find the acclaimed designer’s characteristic style in each of the 44 bedrooms as well as in the charming drawing room and library. New at the hotel for summer 2024 is the Knightsbridge Afternoon Tea, a playful celebration of the ‘colour, craft and pattern that can be found throughout the hotel.’ There’s classic mini sandwiches and scones with clotted cream and jam alongside joyful pastries such as the ‘peace & love’ vanilla Swiss roll and signature mannequin brownie cheesecake with matcha cream. What’s more, the afternoon tea is a complete steal at £45 per person – or £57 if you throw in a glass of Rathfinny Rosé.