Go on… Treat yourself!

Not all of you may know about 51 Buckingham Gate, but trust me, with a little research, you will be thanking your lucky stars that you do!

This September, 51 Buckingham Gate, Taj Suites and Residences added one more accolade to the literally millions that it already has… it was awarded 5 AA Red Stars. Now, for those that don’t know, these Red Stars are not awarded to just anyone, oh no! They are awarded as the AA Inspectors Choice and only hotels that stand out as the very best in the UK and Ireland are given them.

51 Buckingham Gate was recognised for its luxurious accommodation and public areas, high quality menus and winelists and the attention of the hotel staff although you could talk for years about all of the other brilliant aspects of the property!

So for those that have not heard about the hotel, I hope that the pictures and short taster below will wet your whistle!

Combining all the facilities and convenience of a luxury hotel with the space and exclusivity of a private home, 51 Buckingham Gate, Taj Suites & Residences consists of three individually designed buildings: Kings, Falconers and Ministers.  The buildings have been beautifully restored offering 86 elegant suites each with their own separate kitchen and living area.  Located in St. James’s and just minutes from Buckingham Palace, shops and theatres of the West End, the townhouse hotel is an ideal base for a both business and leisure travellers. All of this is positioned around a beautiful, tranquil and secluded courtyard garden, certainly a rarity in central London. And don’t, worry, as the nights are getting colder, they have some of the best heaters around to keep the chill out!

for the london hotel that has it all…. a veranda

We know we’re blessed individuals. Our friends at the legendary Crowne Plaza London St James & 51 Buckingham Gate invited us for a hugely entertaining lunch at Quilon (contemporary Indian cuisine) next door to their hotel.

Yes people, this is a restaurant review, well partly. Starting with mini popodums, yours truly began with ’smonked mushroom and soya bean chop’ whilst I think most of the other guys went with the mini vegetable dosa. Ok, so I hold my hand up – I’ve eaten there before (I knowwww) and it was incredible, literally every single mouthful is an omg moment, every mouthful, and today was just as yumcious.

Following the starter was a little glass of a tomato juice with coriander, the waiter let us know it was both spicy and warm, it was, and it was lovely too, can I have another please.

The main was a fishy affair, ooooh yes. I tried to bore the table with how I am an unfortunate sole (geddit?! Ok, I’ll hold on the jokes) who never has fish at home (but they all ignored me, and moved on to holiday-tales). I had the Halibut curry (Koondapoor fish curry), as I write this in the evening I would happily have another right now. The curry is brought in a bowl whilst you grace your dish with rice & gorgeous naan bread, and grace I did. The fish was simply sublime, and even though very small portions (thankfully at lunch) the large animal inside me would have loved to have polished off a whole lot more.
Then I did something crazy, so out of character, so crazy, so strange, so earth shatteringly world changing, that I am still wondering what happened; I had dessert. I never have dessert at a restaurant (call me crazy), yet it seemed crazy not to, just look at the pic, it speaks volumes, and it came complete with space dust J

The hotel guys Darren & Simon were itching for us to go see their brand new veranda above the courtyard that marries together the Crowne Plaza London St James & the stunningly stun-acious luxury apartments that are 51 Buckingham Gate, that in just a few weeks are hosting their first landmark event; Opera in the Courtyard.

Atop of the veranda it is literally a wonder that this space was never previously used. A hugely cosy space complete with sofas and comfy chairs, and of course overlooking the equally magical courtyard (the courtyard by the way currently has a fab large TV – waterproof now that you ask – perfect for the World Cup & of course something called Wimbledon that began this week.

We’re sure that the veranda will be a great success and simply yet another fabulous USP to a hotel that already has a myriad of gems (but enough about our hosts!).

Thanks guys & see you in the courtyard.

Opera in a hotel courtyard

Galileo Galileo, Galileo Figarooooooo, ahem, me me meee, just tuning up dear. Those wonderful people at the Crowne Plaza London St James have truly prepared something special this time – behold – ‘the Marriage of Al Fresco dining & Opera under the stars’….

Exclusively for four nights only, the Courtyard will be transformed into an outdoor Opera house complete with scenes from balconies, views from the VIP veranda amidst starry skies and delightful dining.

Oh yes, even if like me, your knowledge of opera starts & ends with the middle section (or is that aria?) of Bohemian Rhapsody, this is guaranteed to be an absolutely unique experience. The courtyard which is home to both the Crowne Plaza London St James and the 51 Buckingham Gate apartments, is breathtaking & amazing enough – without any event to grace its beauty!

The packages can be booked online either as a Stalls Package at £260 inc vat (Superior double/twin, breakfast in the Bistro, & 2 Stalls Seats @ Opera in The Courtyard), or as a VIP Package at £395 inc vat (Junior Suite, bottle of bubbly on arrival, full breakfast in your suite, & 2 VIP Veranda seats). All available to book on the following dates….

Friday 30th and Saturday 31st July
Friday 20th and Saturday 21st August

Book these packages here

Performances will be provided by ‘The Covent Garden Strings Company’ who have written the performances specifically for the Courtyard taking into account the surroundings and history of the hotel as well as Shakespeare’s sylvan plays that adorn the townhouses including the famous scene from Romeo and Juliet as depicted in West Side Story.

A three course gourmet grill experience complements these performances with delights including Sautéed tiger prawns with garlic and fresh tomatoes and Whole baked sea bass with an almond chermoula. There will also be a fantastic choice of steaks and traditional western grilled dishes.

See you there!