A hidden gem in London's Mayfair is Dukes Hotel and its legendary cocktail bar , which used to be frequented by James Bond author Ian Fleming and is the inspiration behind the classic line "Shaken, Not Stirred" for James Bond's martini of choice. So if you're looking for a classy post-shop cocktail (Bond Street, Regent Street and Oxford Street are all just around the corner…!), make sure you come here for a top-secret stop-off.
Meanwhile, dinner at the hotel's Thirty Six restaurant also comes highly recommended. You might need to save up for a special event – or get the boyf or parents to treat YOU (cos you're worth it!), but if it's a special occasion you're after, this is THE place to come. Sophisticated yet unpretentious, classic yet comfortable, and a British menu that caters for every possible taste, we love love love Thirty Six – and predict it's going to be a huge hit, thanks to talented head chef Nigel Mendham. The venison was cooked to perfection (ie amaaaazing!) and the lemon sole was so succulent (aka yumtastic!), this is officially one of our fave haunts for the festive season – cos we can't wait to see the Christmas menu! Plus, when you book a table at Thirty Six, you even get to have a Champagne aperitif in their oh-so-sexy PJ Lounge with a few delicious canapés to get your tastebuds going. Yep, if you're feeling in gastronomic Masterchef mode and want to spoil yourself this Christmas, Thirty Six is THE place to go.
Website: dukeshotel.com DUKES, St. James's Place, London. SW1A 1NY Tel +44 (0)207 491 4840
Meanwhile, dinner at the hotel's Thirty Six restaurant also comes highly recommended. You might need to save up for a special event – or get the boyf or parents to treat YOU (cos you're worth it!), but if it's a special occasion you're after, this is THE place to come. Sophisticated yet unpretentious, classic yet comfortable, and a British menu that caters for every possible taste, we love love love Thirty Six – and predict it's going to be a huge hit, thanks to talented head chef Nigel Mendham. The venison was cooked to perfection (ie amaaaazing!) and the lemon sole was so succulent (aka yumtastic!), this is officially one of our fave haunts for the festive season – cos we can't wait to see the Christmas menu! Plus, when you book a table at Thirty Six, you even get to have a Champagne aperitif in their oh-so-sexy PJ Lounge with a few delicious canapés to get your tastebuds going. Yep, if you're feeling in gastronomic Masterchef mode and want to spoil yourself this Christmas, Thirty Six is THE place to go.
Website: dukeshotel.com DUKES, St. James's Place, London. SW1A 1NY Tel +44 (0)207 491 4840
