LONDON: THE SAVOY GRILL GORDON RAMSAY - RESTAURANT REVIEW

We booked this through http://www.opentable.co.uk/london-restaurants, an online booking system that I cannot fault. This restaurant is nothing short of first class. I expect nothing less from a restaurant with Gordon's name against it. We had the roast on Sunday from the a-la-carte which was prime rib of beef with Yorkshire pudding. It came with potatoes and red cabbage. We ordered other vegetables on the side. Roasts on the trolley change daily and range from about £22-£30. Wednesday we saw was beef Wellington day, check before you go in case they have changed it. One of the most spectacular meals I have had. Had treacle tart for dessert - to die for, but I believe they have taken it off the menu. Service was amazing. I expect this in an establishment of this kind. Cannot be faulted on any level. Book here. You won't be disappointed.

Click here to go to the website.
Click here for the menu.

LONDON: 44 CURZON STREET APARTMENTS -HOTEL REVIEW

My mum and I stayed here over the London Olympics. All in, I was there 17 nights, my mum, still there, 21. I am a travel agent and booked this through wholesaler Infinity holidays. I booked this accommodation mainly based on location and the fact the hotel had its rates out for July 2012 in Sept 2011. Having worked in this area of London for many years, I cannot tell you how amazing this location is. 4 mins walk from Green Park Tube which accesses 3 lines. Selection of pubs and restaurants downstairs in Shepherds Market ( try Sofra, the turkish restaurant, great stuff). Walking distance from Hyde Park, Piccadilly, Oxford Street and Regent Street. There are 3 mini supermarkets around, the Tesco express to the right, just past Caffe Nero, there is a Marks and Spencers " simply food" at Green Park Tube and a Sainsburys on Berkeley Street. As mentioned in one of the reviews below, these apartments used to be Pied A Terres.  From looking at the property website, I knew that the decor was definitely olde English. It's quirky and as long as you are aware of it, you won't be expecting fine lines and modern colours with a leather suite etc. As we stayed more than 5 nights, the property provided a private arrival transfer from the airport. Lovely to be picked up and taken in a Merc to your digs for the next few weeks. Check if this is still offered  We were met by the lovely Ruth at reception who had everything ready for us. We had paid for the night before to guarantee check in upon arrival. I can happily say that all my communications with the property prior to my arrival and then all our dealings with them during our stay have been fantastic. Any minor issues have been dealt with immediately (our central heating somehow came on- and the problem was rectified as soon as we mentioned it- the staff were mortified as it was 28 degrees outside!) and any questions we had were answered. Please be aware the the reception only operates during office hours on weekdays and for a few hours on a Saturday. They do have an emergency mobile and when my Mum blew the power she called them and they were there within minutes. If you want 24 hour reception stick to a hotel. We stayed in Apartment 9 , which is a 1 bedroom at #44, on the 4th floor. The lift is small ( big enough for 2 people really, remember this is a VERY old property, so the lift is old too) but hey, it means you don't have to walk up and down the stairs. The apartment was just what we wanted, they are on European standards - spacious. The furniture is by no means modern, this adds to the charm. The bedroom had a tv as well as the sitting room. In the bedroom There was a large wardrobe and a chest of drawers. We had the beds as twin. The bed was a King Split, so you could have a big bed if you were a couple. The bathroom has a double vanity, and is a shower over the bath. The hairdryer however is one of those ones attached to the wall with not much guts, so if you want a good hair dryer, take your own :). The sitting room, which is quite spacious, has a 3 piece suite with coffee table and a dining table and chairs as well as a tv. There is an in room safe in the sitting room. The kitchenette is as you come in the front door. There is a small fridge with a freezer to make ice. The kitchenette is fully equipped with cutlery and crockery as well. There is a microwave/oven/grill combo and a 2 hot plate hob as well as a toaster and a kettle. Big enough to self cater if you wish. The maids come 6 days a week. They make the beds,change your towels, empty the rubbish and wash your dishes. They are lovely. If you are happy for them to clean while you are having a day off from events and just watching tv, then just let them know, so they know it is ok to come in. In the one bedroom we had, there is no washing machine. I know some apartments do have them but I think they are the apartments with 2 or more bedrooms and not every apartment of this category. Always ask your agent or the property and never assume. The property does have a send out laundry service which does run on hotel rates. The property has free wifi and I am pleased to say it is probably the best wifi I have ever used. It never dropped out and was VERY fast. There is also an iron and ironing board in the apartment. There was NO air conditioning (I knew this when I booked) only fans. Be aware of this. The apartment door is electric card key, but the main door to the property is a good old fashioned key. There is a trick to the opening the door, pull it towards you as you turn the key clockwise. The little gold handle inside has to turn so you can get in. Nothing major, just a handy hint. There are 4 small stairs up to the main door, so you'll need to get your bags up those to get in. Hopefully this review enables you to feel confident in staying here. It really is a fantastic property in the most amazing location. It's certainly a great alternative to a hotel which in this area is the same price if not more per night. Some of the comments below I feel are not just, but appreciate that everyone has a different experience/perception. If you check the property's website, I feel you will get a great idea for how fab this property is and want to stay here. I will now be offerring this to my clients as a preferred alternative to a hotel when in London. Thank you to the staff of this property for making my trip back London for the Olympics an amazing time. 
I have had clients stay here since I stayed here and report back that it was amazing.

LONDON: JAMIE'S ITALIAN- RESTAURANT REVIEW

We ate at the one in Stratford just at the Westfield Shopping Centre right at the Olympic Park, twice. I had the bolognese both times - go large as this is the main size. Entree size is quite small. Mum had Jools tuna pasta one day and the vongole dish the next. The vongole has quite a lot of chilli so if you don't like chilli ask for no chilli. Polenta chips, ok for a novelty, but won't have them again, nothing wrong, just not my thing. Side veg ok. They don't take bookings but even during the Olympics the longest we waited was 8 minutes for a table. The restaurant is 2 stories and has ample seating. Service is good but varies between waiters. Good value though and great for a meal post/ pre event at Olympic park or during a days shopping at Westfield.
I also thought it was really well priced and good value.
Click here to go to the website. 
Click here for the menu.
Click here to view other UK locations.

MY FAVOURITE CITIES: TOP 6

Most people have a top 5. I have had a top 6 for many years now (I have always been different). I just can't take out that one extra city. These cities have helped form who I am in one way or another. Each of them holds special memories, be it from the people I have been there with, the things I have done there, or the people I have met there. The first 4 are cities I keep going back to often. I know them like the back of my hand but continue to return because there is still unchartered territory in each. They are cities I feel at home in from the minute I arrive and it often pains me to leave because I wonder when I can get back there to "be at home" again. The last 2 are cities I would be quite happy to go back to. They are off the beaten track and require all sorts of ridiculous hurdles to get in there.

1) NEW YORK- My absolute #1 favourite town by far. Nothing can beat it. I can't put my finger on what makes it so mesmerising, but I just have a love affair with this town.

2) LONDON - Holds special memories as it was my home for over 6 years. A city with magnificent history Plenty to see and enjoy.

3) TOKYO - Capital of the country I spent a few years living in. Now I fly here, base myself here and  explore all this city has to offer. I am known also to escape the insanity and jump on a Shinkansen to a restaurant 3 hours away for lunch and then come back again.

4) LAS VEGAS - The Paradise of Vice in the middle of the desert. I was a casino dealer in the UK and on cruise ships for 12 years. I love this place. I love to play poker. I just love being here.

5) MOSCOW - A city still shrouded in a little mystery as the Russians make you jump hoops to get in, but full of fabulous history. A must for those who have been to the European staples and are looking for something a little more off the beaten track.

6) RIO DE JANEIRO - I spent my 27th birthday here visiting Copacabana Beach and the Christo Redentor. Nothing beats a visit to Carnavale in February or a meal at Porcao in Ipanema.