City break in London | culture, food and luxury

Next to Marylebone station sits one of London’s classic railway hotels: The Landmark. I used to live nearby, and I’d always walk past wondering what was hidden behind its grand entrance. The reality is better than I could have imagined – a huge indoor winter garden with a sky-high glass roof and towering palm trees, where you can devour an impressive afternoon tea. Plush traditional rooms come with marble bathrooms – ask for a room that looks over the winter garden for the best view.

One of my favourite buildings in London is St Pancras Station, and inside this grand pile sits the St. Pancras Renaissance Hotel, a lavish and lush hotel that was restored to its former glory after closing down in the 30s because it was too expensive to run. Inside, you can see why, everything is what you’d want from an English great: gold leaf, ornate stonework, a starry painted dome ceiling and a marble staircase that looks like it belongs in a cathedral. Rooms are just as fancy, the Chambers Wing rooms have vaulted ceilings and features like freestanding bathtubs and fireplaces. Cocktails in the old Kings Cross ticket hall are a must, the menu is inspired by Victorian apothecary, could we be more British?

I used to live in the hipster East. Back then it was a burgeoning blend of cultural neighbourhoods; now it’s filled with stylish destinations like the Town Hall Hotel. Found inside a majestic Edwardian building, this modern design hotel is perfect for exploring East London. Grand marble and art deco interiors await inside, with mid-century modern furnishings, a black-tiled basement pool and the peaceful Corner Room restaurant. There’s even a hotel dog, a magnificent greyhound called Dizzy.

Heading more towards the city is The Boundary Project, an interior haven designed by Brit legends Terence and Vicki Conran. Every space in this hotel looks like it has been pulled from an interiors magazine. The rooftop is a local fave and there’s often a queue – I’ve joined it many a time to get my summer seafood fix – but you can skip it if you stay here. Each room is inspired by a design movement or a designer, the Eames room is my favourite, I do love a slick mid-century chair…