Tag Archives: Sloane Square

Breakfast at The Botanist

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The Botanist is a lovely place to hang out for an after work drink or for lunch with friends but I never thought of this Sloane Square restaurant as a Breakfast venue. The sophisticated interior oozes Parisian charm, it is easy to understand why it’s a favourite with the King’s Road elite.

Arriving bleary eyed on a grey Wednesday morning, we were soon revived by the bright and friendly staff. I enjoyed sitting by the window, the ideal seats for keen voyeurs to inspect (and judge) the tottering fashionistas outside. Juice and coffees arrived promptly to the table. Fresh orange and strong caffeine was just what I needed and soon my brain perked up, ready to pick from the menu of morning delicacies.

Flaky, fresh and warm pain au chocolats provided a light and sweet first course. This was followed soon after by our main dishes… Sweetcorn fritters, roast vine tomato, smoked streaky bacon, baby spinach and avocado salsa (£12) for me and Blueberry buttermilk pancakes with smoked bacon and maple syrup (£11) for my hungry guest. Both were divine, homemade, straight off the stove. We argued about whose dish was better, the waiter agreed the fritters were victorious.

We sauntered off to join the sloanes, after our tasty express breakfast. The Botanist provides the perfect morning spot for friends, couples or business associates, you’ll be pushed to find a better start to the day in the area.

Served Monday-Friday: 8am – 11.30 am
Weekends: 9am – 11.30 am

More information here: www.thebotanistonsloanesquare.com

Draycott Hotel, Sloane Square

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Hidden amongst the red brick mansion flats of smart Sloane Square is a special hotel. The Draycott is perhaps the most homely and cosy place I have ever stayed. Inside it feels very traditional with antique furniture and grand decor and a distinct sense of seclusion. Staff potter around in cute aprons, not a million miles away from a Downton Abbey scenario.

Originally built in 1890, the three neighbouring properties have been extensively renovated, overseen by interior designer Rupert Lord. Further improvements have been carried out just this year, with Nina Campbell’s refurbishment of the Draycott’s Lounge and further works are planned for later in the year.

We were staying downstairs in a lovely boutique suite. Each room is theatrically themed and the Edwardian history of the building is accentuated in the decor and design. Select furniture and artwork adorn the rooms, so that each suite feels lived in and very loved. The visitor’s book was filled with warm compliments and obvious affection from past guests.

Our room had plenty of interesting vintage books and two TVs to entertain us; I can’t imagine why anyone would ever leave the house. A discreet kitchen was available in our room should we need it, I only went in to make cups of tea to accompany the delicious complimentary shortbread. The giant bed was extremely comfortable with a cute Draycott teddybear already tucked in to keep us company. Perfect for Sunday evening television viewing.

In the bathroom Penhaligon’s toiletries sat on the shelves and the softest dressing gowns hung on the door. The shower wasn’t very powerful which may annoy some visitors but I’d always prefer a bath so this didn’t bother me.

Personal touches such as free tea and homemade biscuits at 4pm, champagne at 6, hot chocolate at 9.30 and an honesty bar in the lounge, add to The Draycott’s charm. With staff on hand to help with your every need, the Draycott quickly becomes a luxurious home away from home. If I’d spent longer here I would have loved to enjoy the living room upstairs where a blazing fire warms guests.

The hotel doesn’t have a restaurant in-house (there isn’t the space or need), room service is available and a variety of great restaurants are located nearby. We visited Bar Boulud up the road for some delicious burgers before returning back to the Draycott for bedtime. In the morning breakfast is served wherever you wish, at no extra charge. We ticked our selection on the form and left it outside our door for collection in the morning. Our feast arrived shortly after 7.30am, a continental selection of croissants and toast, and a plate of Full English for my greedier guest.

The Draycott Hotel is the perfect peaceful retreat, a five star luxury home to enjoy and relax in.

More information here.

http://www.draycotthotel.com/

http://www.mantiscollection.com/

Love and Information, Royal Court

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Love and Information is another surprise from Caryl Churchill’s box of tricks. At the age of 74 this incredible playwright is still producing unexpectedly imaginative and inquisitive theatre.

16 actors play 100 characters in more than 50 separate scenes. It all happens in less than two hours with no interval. The audience are bombarded – it feels like a last minute cramming session for a very stressful exam. It is alarming, and even as you grow used to the short sharp scenes, the slight feeling of seasickness does not ease. The play is intended to reflect our constantly busy lives, the overload of information we encounter, little of which makes a lasting impression.

I enjoyed it, but couldn’t help feeling a little short-changed that, as I left the theatre, I still had lots of unanswered questions. Most of the scenes show just two people in conversation, sometimes only a few lines, and others a few pages of text. As the production progressed I began to find the longer scenes boring, and strangely they often don’t give as much insight as the briefer interactions. It is a showcase of every emotion and personality type and the sixteen performers do a great job making each scene believable, constantly switching between roles.

Love and Information is an interesting work, securely and slickly executed. If you have a short attention span this is the show for you.

http://www.royalcourttheatre.com/whats-on/love-and-information