Rafayel suggests…Indulge your appetites

London is a great big melting pot that integrates diverse cultures and flavours, while retaining its authenticity.

It will always earn a spot in one’s must-visit list. Never mind that your hands are full of “touristy” things to do when visiting, everyone needs to eat! Whether it be casual or fine dining, London offers a wide platter of cuisines to pick and choose from, and for the “foodie,” it’s nothing short of paradise!

If you are looking for fine restaurants, other than our Banyan on the Thames, Rafayel recommends these restaurants for the month:

1. Murano
(http://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g186338-d1137197-Reviews-Murano-London_England.html)
Cuisines: European, Italian, Mediterranean
20-22 Queen Street, London W1J 5PR, England
020 7592 1222

2. Le Gavroche
(http://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g186338-d719688-Reviews-Le_Gavroche-London_England.html)
Cuisine: French
43 Upper Brook St. | Marble Arch, London W1K 7QR, England
(020)-7408-0881 | www.le-gavroche.co.uk/

3. Chez Bruce
(http://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g186338-d718485-Reviews-Chez_Bruce-London_England.html)
Cuisine: British
2 Bellevue Road, London SW17 7EG, England
020/8672-0114

4. Santini
(http://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g186338-d680359-Reviews-Santini-London_England.html)
Cuisine: Italian
29 Ebury Street | Belgravia, London SW1W 0NZ, England
020-7730-40-94

5. Zayna
(http://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g186338-d1367698-Reviews-Zayna-London_England.html)
Cuisines: Indian, Pakistani
25 New Quebec Street | London W1H 7SF | England
020 7723 2229

6. Roka
(http://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g186338-d720452-Reviews-Roka-London_England.html)
Cuisines: Japanese
37 Charlotte Street, London W1T 1RR, England
020 75806464

7. Scott's
(http://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g186338-d796521-Reviews-Scott_s-London_England.html)
Cuisines: Seafood
20 Mount Street, London W1K 2HE, England
+44 (0)20 7629 5248

8. Zuma
(http://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g186338-d732975-Reviews-Zuma-London_England.html)
Cuisines: Japanese
5 Raphael Street | London SW7 1DL | England
+44 (0)20 7584 1010 | www.zumarestaurant.com/zuma_uk.html

9. Noura
(http://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g186338-d720173-Reviews-Noura-London_England.html)
Cuisines: Lebanese
16 Hobart Place | Belgravia, London SW1W 0HH, England
(020) 7235 9444

10. Kai Of Mayfair
(http://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g186338-d1016431-Reviews-Kai_Of_Mayfair-London_England.html)
Cuisines: Chinese
65 South Audley St, London W1K 2QU, England
(020)-7493-8988

Rafayel recommends: places to visit and things to do in London

Aside from the numerous wonderful iconic attractions London has to offer, there is so much more to explore in the city. Rafayel recommends places to visit and things to do in London
(Compiled from www.tripadvisor.com popularity index)


1. Gren Tours http://www.tripadvisor.ca/Attraction_Review-g186338-d1307598-Reviews-Gren_Tours-London_England.html
Attraction type: Tour

Glen Portch is a qualified London 'Blue Badge' tour guide. For personal tours of London and Britain, whether on foot, by car or by Bus, the perfect guide to show you around. For more information, go to: http://www.grentours.co.uk Or call: 44-07949-185140

2. Fat Tire Bike Tours - London http://www.tripadvisor.ca/Attraction_Review-g186338-d1022732-Reviews-Fat_Tire_Bike_Tours_London-London_England.html
Attraction type: Biking trail (road), Tour

Provides safe, active, and leisurely sight-seeing on comfortable California "beach cruiser" bicycles. With a license to move through the Royal Parks and knowledge of London cycle routes, leave it to them to show you the sights in an exciting and interactive way via two different tours. Check them out and contact them at: http://www.fattirebiketourslondon.com / London@FatTireBikeTours.com or call +44(0)788.233.8779

3. Cycle Tours of London http://www.tripadvisor.ca/Attraction_Review-g186338-d1459439-Reviews-Cycle_Tours_of_London-London_England.html
Attraction type: Biking trail (road); Tour

…offer guided sightseeing tours by bicycle every day of the year. We are a family run business and take pride in showing London at its best, including famous landmarks and hard to find wonders. Contact them: http://www.biketoursoflondon.com/ info@biketoursoflondon.com
Address: 63 Shoe Lane London EC4A 3BE England
Tel: 020 7738 6310

4. smallcarBIGCITY http://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g186338-d1568864-Reviews-SmallcarBIGCITY-London_England.html
Attraction type: Group tour/boat, Tourist/visitor center

…provide retro tours of London in classic Mini Coopers. Your private chauffeur will be dressed in period 1960 attire and play a chic sound track from the decade… Contact them on: info@smallcarBIGCITY.com
Address: 23 Ivory House Plantation Wharf London SW11 3TN or call Tel: +44 (0) 2075 850 399

5. Grant Museum of Zoology http://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g186338-d638483-Reviews-Grant_Museum_of_Zoology-London_England.html
Attraction type: Natural history museum

The Grant Museum is the only remaining university zoological museum in London. It houses around 62,000 specimens, covering the whole Animal Kingdom. A fabulous secret gem… absolutely unique, educational, interesting and worth going to. http://www.ucl.ac.uk/museums/zoology/
Address: The Grant Museum of Zoology, Malet Place, University College London, London WC1E 6BT

6. The Blood and Tears Walk http://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g186338-d1383076-Reviews-The_Blood_and_Tears_Walk-London_England.html
Attraction type: Tour

A psychological Horror and History walk around the city of London…Meet at Barbican underground station and finish at Holborn underground…£8 for adults, £6 for children (12-14) - book online for cheaper rates … Wednesdays at 7pm and 9.45pm / Thursdays at 7pm and 9.45pm / Fridays at 2pm and 7pm: http://www.shockinglondon.com/

7. Shakespeare's Globe Theatre http://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g186338-d187726-Reviews-Shakespeare_s_Globe_Theatre-London_England.html
Attraction type: Theater, Historic site, Architectural building, Theater district

Founded by the pioneering American actor and director Sam Wanamaker, Shakespeare's Globe is a unique international resource dedicated to the exploration of Shakespeare's work and the playhouse for which he wrote, through the connected means of performance and education. http://www.shakespeares-globe.org/
Address: 21 New Globe Walk London SE1 9DT England
Tel: 020 7902 1400

8. Billy Elliot http://www.tripadvisor.ca/Attraction_Review-g186338-d1023043-Reviews-Billy_Elliot-London_England.html
Attraction type: Performance

A must-see musical… http://www.billyelliotthemusical.com/index1.html
Address: Victoria Palace Theatre, Victoria Street London SW1E 5EA, England

Tel: 0870 895 5577

9. Mamma Mia http://www.tripadvisor.ca/Attraction_Review-g186338-d643093-Reviews-Mamma_Mia-London_England.html
Attraction type: Performance

Another fantastic production for theatre lovers… http://www.mamma-mia.com/london/london.asp
Address: Prince of Wales Theatre, Coventry Street London W1D 6AS
Tel: 0870 850 0393

10. Royal Albert Hall http://www.tripadvisor.ca/Attraction_Review-g186338-d211780-Reviews-Royal_Albert_Hall-London_England.html
Attraction type: Performance, Theatre

If you’re coming to London, you have to include a visit to the Royal Albert Hall… http://www.royalalberthall.com/
Address: Kensington Gore London SW7
Tel: 020 7589 8212

11. Barbican Centre http://www.tripadvisor.ca/Attraction_Review-g186338-d553600-Reviews-Barbican_Centre-London_England.html
Attraction type: Neighbourhood; Library; Educational site; Theatre; Art gallery

The Barbican Centre is the largest multi-arts centre in Europe, featuring art, film, music, theatre, dance and education all under one roof and under one creative direction. There's a great choice of eating and drinking at the Barbican, with something to please every taste. http://www.barbican.org.uk / info@barbican.org.uk
Address: Silk Street London EC2Y 8DS
Tel: 020 7638 889

12. Borough Market http://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g186338-d260500-Reviews-Borough_Market-London_England.html
Attraction type: Flea/street market Activities: Shopping, Dining

An amazing food market dating back to the 13th century…http://www.boroughmarket.org.uk/
info@boroughmarket.org.uk

13. Victoria and Albert Museum http://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g186338-d187556-Reviews-Victoria_and_Albert_Museum-London_England.html
Attraction type: History museum; Art museum; Children's museum; Museum; Specialty museum / Activities: Group tours/walking tour, Arts and crafts

Quite possibly the largest museum of applied art in the world, the Victoria and Albert displays extraordinary collections from around the world from Venetian glass and Chinese art, to high-button shoes and tapestry cartoons by Raphael. http://www.vam.ac.uk/, vanda@vam.ac.uk
Address: Cromwell Road, South Kensington London SW7 2RL England
Tel: 020 7942 2000

14. London Walks http://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g186338-d187739-Reviews-London_Walks-London_England.html
Attraction type: Tour / Activities: Group tours/walking tour

Perfect for the outdoorsy types…London’s South Bank Walk. If you want an original, unguided walk, make your way with this walk from Westminster to the Tower of London…http://www.walks.com/
london@walks.com
Address: PO Box 1708 London NW6 4LW England
Tel: 44-20-7624-3978

15. Churchill Museum & Cabinet War Rooms http://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g186338-d194299-Reviews-Churchill_Museum_Cabinet_War_Rooms-London_England.html
Attraction type: Military museum; History museum; Historic site

The underground headquarters of the British High Command served as the nerve center of Britain's war effort during World War II. http://churchillmuseum.iwm.org.uk/server.php?show=...
Address: Clive Steps, King Charles Street London SW1A 2AQ, England
Tel: 44 20 7930 6961

London IS the capital of the world!

The great Dr. Samuel Johnson concluded that "when a man is tired of London he is tired of life; for there is in London all that life can afford."

London is not only a fact of life, but a state of mind. 'It's a city to make your own.'

Times correspondent provoked a global debate with his claim that London is the capital of the world. Here he stands by his view, and leading expat London residents give theirs.

People who love London seem to love the same things about it: the sense of possibility, the openness to the world, a culture and an economy that looks in all directions — backwards, inwards, outwards and to the future. London has the geographical edge: it is the centre of the world. I can fly around two hours and be in Rome, while if I fly about the same time from New York I will be in Cincinnati.

I have been saying for the past five years that London is the capital of the world. It has acquired a “cool” tag that it just can’t shake off. This started in the 1960s with the music scene, the Rolling Stones, minis, E-type jags, Michael Caine, and those images have stuck in people’s psyches. Now, every decade something comes along. It happened in the 1970s with David Bowie and Roxy Music, then in the 1980s with new romanticism. The 1990s was about Britpop and Brit Art, culturally significant moments.

The important thing in this decade has been the explosion in design — furniture, architecture, fashion and cars. It’s also a great place to work. The atmosphere is intense but that positive pressure is good for creative people. There are three basic needs for people — food, clothes and entertainment, three things that score very highly in London.

Primrose Hill - I was reminded of a story told to me by a respected historian. At a bleak moment during the Second World War, when the city was under heavy bombardment and the mood in the country was heavy with doom, Winston Churchill took a walk up Primrose Hill. He returned to the Commons and declared what he had found: “I looked out over London,” he said, “and I found it was still there.” The
House erupted in cheers.

In 1951, Southbank Centre was the ground on which the Festival of Britain made its postwar commitment to the human imagination. The festival’s success rested on its belief in the power of multiple creative voices and a love of variety and cultural expression. Many of the artists who contributed were refugees — and their legacy is the great South Bank cultural quarter. When I went to Singapore with the Olympic Team, we bid for London’s right to host the games because we said we wanted to host the whole world. Every sector — galleries, museums, theatres, dance spaces, literature centres, music and festival venues — now knows it forms part of this creative enterprise.

For thousands of years, London as a port city was a community for all-comers. By acknowledging this unique strength, the capital has become an unrivalled cultural heartland. I have lived in London for four years. I usually don’t like big cities. I grew up in rural Spain and don’t like to feel claustrophobic but I love London. It’s my favourite city. It feels global and local; it has an ability to make you relate to history but also feel alive. It is big but has a human scale. It is a series of villages, each of which retains its character. I lived in New York — there you just felt like you were going from A to B but the unique layout of London means you are always discovering something new. It is a city which welcomes people. That’s what makes it a true metropolis. I live in Covent Garden and walk everywhere. I love the parks and food markets such as Borough, and restaurants such as St John and Yauatcha. The only thing I don’t like is being underground so I usually take a bus or taxi.

Experience life and living and keep abreast of the goings-on in the city here! http://londontown.com/

Picture courtesy: http://hubpages.com/hub/London-an-international-centre-of-culture

People ask: "Why Battersea?"

We say: Why Not?

Contrary to popular opinion, Battersea is NOT the "weakest link," thank you very much! An interesting query from one of Rafayel's guests proffered the perfect opportunity to briefly share interesting tidbits of an up-and-coming area that has enough urban and bucolic attractions to keep you here! As Cityam says: When do you know if an area is going up in the world? Normally an influx of luxury hotels and award-winning restaurants should be a good enough sign..." (Full article here: http://www.cityam.com/living/the-americans-are-coming-battersea-and-it%E2%80%99s-no-wonder)

Rafayel is proud of its spot in Battersea. Norman Foster aptly describes it as having the "luxury of a surprisingly calm style of urban living as well as its village-like feel..." quoted in an article by Peter Swain of the exclusive AMEX Platinum Centurion Magazine.

The fact that it's not directly connected by the Underground has been Battersea's biggest problem for years. It is for this reason people call it the middle-of-nowhere. But to overcome this slight impediment, Rafayel provides complimentary shuttle services to the nearest tube station, Clapham Common Underground (Northern line), which is a mere 7 minutes away, (http://www.tfl.gov.uk/assets/downloads/standard-tube-map.pdf) and to Clapham Junction.

Battersea's claim to fame - The Battersea Power Station

An impressive, now disused, art deco edifice designed by Sir Giles Gilbert Scott, built between 1929 and 1939 currently being renovated into a mass entertainment and commercial complex, with dedicated transport links, has become one of the best-known landmarks in London over the last 50 years to enjoy a celebrity status owed to numerous cultural patronages, including the filming of The Beatles' Help! or being used in the cover art of Pink Floyd's 1977 album Animals the story of which, by the way, is quite fascinating.

Photographs for the album cover were taken in early December 1976. For the photo shoot, an inflatable pink pig, made by the Zeppelin Company, was tethered to one of the southern chimneys. However the pig broke free of its moorings and rose into the flight path of London Heathrow Airport to the astonishment of pilots in approaching planes. The runaway pig was tracked by police helicopters before coming to ground in Kent. Whether the pig escaped, or was released on purpose to increase publicity, is not known, but it certainly adds to the charm of the story!

More recently, Rafayel was privileged to host the Nike delegation who were in London, in a prelude event to the 2010 World Cup, where Battersea Power Station was the perfect event venue for football players from participating teams during the Nike unveils the new Brazil home and away kit, plus 8 away kits for the other Nike-sponsored federations appearing at the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.

Sights and sounds of Battersea

Battersea is part of London on the south bank of the River Thames. Roughly triangular in shape, its northern boundary is the Thames, as it runs first north again to pass Westminster.

At its core is Battersea Park, an 83 hectare green space laid out by by Sir James Pennethorne between 1846 and 1864 and opened in 1858, and home to a zoo and the London Peace Pagoda.

Clapham Junction, claimed to be the busiest railway station in the United Kingdom and Europe.

The London Heliport, London's busiest heliport, sited on the Thames a half mile due north of Clapham Junction station.

St Mary's Church. Benedict Arnold is buried here. There are four spectacular stained glass windows, celebrating Arnold, William Blake, William Curtis and J.M.W. Turner.

New Covent Garden Market, a major fruit and vegetable wholesale market, resited from Covent Garden in 1974 (Also considered by many to be in Nine Elms).

Sir Walter St John's School, now Thomas's day school, was founded in 1700. Parts of the present building date back to 1859.

Price's Candles on York Road, was the largest manufacturers of candles in the UK, now it has been converted into residential flats.

Royal Academy of Dance, containing several studios and associated with the University of Surrey.

Some celebrities who have lived, or currently live, in Battersea

Henry St John, 1st Viscount Bolingbroke, Harry Hill (Comedian), Bob Geldof (Singer/songwriter, Political Activist), Pixie Geldof (Socialite and Model), Ronnie Biggs (the 'Great Train Robber'), Freddie Foreman (prominent figure in London's '60s gangland scene), Dannii Minogue (Musician), Donald Swann (Musician), So Solid Crew (Musicians), John O'Farrell (Writer), Jack Dee (Comedian), Greg Rusedski (Tennis player), Rick Parfitt (singer with Status Quo), Johnny Briggs (Actor), Gordon Ramsay (Chef), Vivienne Westwood (Fashion Designer), Simon Le Bon (Musician), Buster Merryfield (Actor), William Wilberforce (erstwhile campaigner against slave trade), Katie Leung (Actress), Howard Eastman (Boxer), Dervla Kirwan (Actress), Rupert Penry-Jones (Actor), Joely Richardson (Actress), Polly Paulusma (Musician).

Mychelle's Baketique @ Hotel Rafayel

Hotel Rafayel has a sweet tooth. It's called Mychelle's Baketique and if you haven't sampled its delicious wares you are missing out on one of London's greatest hidden secrets (although, given the rave reviews it has received from luxury concierge service Quintessentially, Elle Magazine and others, it won't remain a secret much longer!)

Mychelle's Baketique specializes in preparing delectable custom cupcakes and cakes.
It offers a full range of pastries and sweets for any occasion and happily caters to your dietary needs with their tasty wheat free, vegan, fat and sugar free, and low salt recipes.

Mychelle's Baketique is owned and managed by twenty-six year old Michelle Husserl who moved to London from New York City to pursue her culinary dream. Michelle honed her talent at London's Le Cordon Bleu Institute and soon afterwards opened the Baketique in Hotel Rafayel. Michelle's creativity, love of baking and timeless recipes were inherited from her mother, grandmother and great grandmother. It is this history, along with Michelle's love for fashion, music and art that inspire her tantalizing culinary creations.

Feel free to stop in from 11:00AM to 8:00PM Tuesday to Saturday to taste the yummy selection of fresh baked cupcakes and cakes. For special orders, please call or email us your request. Mychelle's Baketique can typically fill your special orders with 24-48 hours notice depending on how busy they are at the time. No order is too large or complex to handle.

For more details visit Mychelle's Baketique's funky web site

Panoramic views of Rafayel

You've read the reviews, you've seen the photographs, you've read the blog postings and you've visited our web site....now, via Panobase, you can see the hotel on-line in glorious panorama. Of course the true Rafayel experience can only be achieved by visiting our hotel, but these panoramic shots of various interiors provide an excellent glimpse of the Rafayel style.

We are currently pleased to offer panoramic views of our main lobby, one of our spa treatment rooms, the Crystal Bar, two bedrooms and one of our bathrooms. Please click here to view.

Rafayel's Crystal Bar reviewed on View London

The View London Review by Tim Crane, 17/03/2010

"The Crystal Bar is a new and exciting venue on the banks of the river Thames at the newly christened Left Bank, Battersea. Here you can enjoy the wizardry and expertise of mixologists who create cocktails and Martinis to order. The experience is intimate, fun and memorable with a chic coolness and laidback style to stimulate the senses. The notion of 5-star treatment at affordable prices is alive and well in SW11....

"The bar has been specially designed to offer a panoramic view of the river Thames and its glass frontage ensures an enviable vantage point. Inside, low ceilings, cool purple and green lighting, halogen candles, a long flowing bar and exquisite floral displays create a warm, relaxed environment which is stirred but not shaken by the sounds of Motown and other soulful classics. The summer months provide plenty of alfresco drinking opportunities for hotel guests, locals and passers-by looking to enjoy a chilled glass of wine or something more adventurous. The bar is ideal setting for celebrations of all occasions....

"The cocktails are fantastic. The strawberry and vanilla Champagne is carefully prepared with fresh strawberries simmered for about 10-minutes with vodka, sugar and vanilla liqueur. This mixture is then left for 48-hours before being served. It certainly provides a quirky alternative to the standard Kir Royale and the £9.50 price tag sends the right message to the Chelsea set paying considerably more.

"The Rafayel Special Cocktail consists of raspberry vodka, lychee liquer, pomegranate juice and fresh raspberries. The sprig of mint completes the resplendence and it is served over a stack of crushed ice. It is the visual representation of the word refreshing. Priced at £8.50, the Special is dangerously good and a non-alcoholic time out is on hand in the form of the Virgin Cocktails, priced at £5.95, where various fruit-based creations steady the pace.....

"The Hotel Rafayel’s Crystal Bar has the potential to become a mecca for cocktail lovers. The spectre of Chelsea Harbour need not be an intimidating one as The Crystal is not at all out of place in terms of style and sophistication. Indeed, you can imagine James Bond dropping out of a helicopter and landing effortlessly into the throng, a glass of Martini in one hand and a dazzling Martina wrapped around him. It certainly deserves to create a Battersea set at the forefront of a stylish new social setting on London’s Left Bank and could easily develop into the place to be seen."

To read the full review please click here