I returned to Brooklyn from London and Paris last weekend and finally feel free of jet lag. My first stop was in London and during this trip I made visits for lunch and dinner to the recently opened Ham Yard Hotel in Soho, which along with several small boutiques in the courtyard is collectively known as Ham Yard Village.
As with others in the Firmdale luxury hotel empire, the interior design at Ham Yard is by co-founder Kit Kemp, whose signature style comprises of a vibrant color palette, unexpected textures, amped-up patterns and whimsical English eccentric touches.
My favorite restaurant this trip was Dinner by Heston Blumenthal at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel. It's named for the main meal of the day, which in Britain in centuries past could be as early as 1:00 pm. and the unique menu is of historically inspired British dishes.
Discovering Dinosaur Design was a very pleasant surprise - loved the jewelry and table-top accessories.
Liberty London isn't new as such, but it's always re-inventing itself and I can never resist stopping in. It's a little bit of Barney's, Jeffrey and Dover St Market rolled into one and the florals at the entrance are always a pleasure for the senses.
The elegantly appointed library at Ham Yard Hotel is certainly more chic than shabby
The hotel reception area has these rather fantastic wingback chairs in vibrant hues and a whimsical pattern - they're comfy too...
In the dining room I particularly love the back lighting along the walls emitting a sensual glow
Embellishments are everywhere including the frames of the windows in the bar giving a Orientalist palace-like effect
I came across this beautiful jewelry and accessories store Dinosaur Designs situated in Ham Yard Village. The door handle's artfully decorated with an armload of resin-type bangles
The jewelry and table top accessories at Dinosaur Designs are fabulously artsy made from precious metals of sterling silver, brass, copper and resins. Yes, I treated myself to a necklace I just couldn't resist!
We had the good fortune of dining at the very highly regarded and difficult to get a reservation to Dinner by Heston Blumenthal in the Mandarin Oriental Hotel.
It was so worth it - this bone marrow appetizer was amazing!!
Liberty London always has the most beautiful selection of fresh cut flowers available at the store entrance. Although it was rather damp the day I stopped by, seeing these pretty arrangements reminded me that Spring was actually here