Elha E's Favourite Places in London City

F7 | LIFESTYLE by Elha E.
Feb 26, 2016
4 min read

Today’s article is going to be different from what I normally write.

I had wanted to write about some of the nice places I usually go to in London, UK for a while, either for dinner or for a drink with friends and colleagues. However, I had never really taken the time to do it...Until now!

All those who really know me, know that Central London is my HQ. I am usually hanging out in Knightsbridge, Edgware Road, Marble Arch and Park Lane. I love going to rooftop bars and normal bars in some of the most luxurious hotels in the city. Bvlgari, the Mandarin, 45 Park lane, the Dorchester Cocktail Bar... However I do have my favourite places that I always go back to because the environment and especially the staff working in those places! Not to exaggerate, I feel home whenever I visit them.

Let’s start with Knightsbridge:

- 1st place in Knightsbridge that keeps me going back is definitely the BVLGARI hotel. The bar is amazing! The atmosphere is very cosy and despite the fact that the hotel is actually located in a very busy space, once in the reception, you feel completely isolated from whatever is going on outside. They usually play a very nice background music and the atmosphere is very relaxed. Another factor that keeps me going back is the staff. Very nice, genuine and passionate people whose aim is to make you enjoy as much as you can the BVLGARI experience.

- 2nd place in Knightsbridge is without a doubt the 5th Floor in Harvey Nichols. On the 5th Floor, you have a variety of food where you can try Italian, Japonese and contemporary cuisine and also some of the most amazing wines in town. However, my favourite thing about the 5Thfloor is the terrace that gives you a very nice view on Hyde Park. I have a thing for rooftops and terraces. You can also get a chance to see me too there, who knows!

Now on to Edgware Road as it is my 2nd best location for food and drinks:

- 1st choice would be SIDI MAAROUF. Sidi Maarouf is a Moroccan restaurant that offers Moroccan and Lebanese cuisine. The food is just perfect and tastes so so nice. My favourite dishes are usually Tajine Dajjaj (Chicken traditional dish with vegetables) and Kofta (meat balls with eggs). What I love about Sidi Maarouf is the Friday and Saturday nights! Yes! They have the most gorgeous bellydancers in town! You can have such a great time having dinner and having those beauties dancing in front of you. Staff is very warm and welcoming. They also have live Arabic singers performing the best of Arabic pop music.

- 2nd choice is AL DAR (The House). Al dar is one of the first places I visited when I came to London 3 years ago. I tried it once and I never departed from there. Al Dar is a Lebanese place where you can enjoy the best of Lebanese cuisine. Very cosy and welcoming environment. People are friendly and plus you get to make a lot of new friends there.

One thing I love about Edgware is the fact that while you are sitting down having your food or drinks, you can enjoy amazing shows of the most beautiful cars Middle eastern fly over to London. This is a source of motivation for me. Many things are going on in this street! Try it!

Final destination is Parklane. If you like High End lifestyle, exclusivity, or even the idea to be hanging out around very important people; When I say important people, I mean, the Kardashians, Football players from any team based in London, Royalties...These are just examples. Then Parklane is for you! Personally, I love hanging out around those people. You never know who you are going to meet, and what opportunity you will be given. Learn to train yourself to be ready and open for new opportunities.

- 45 Parklane is amazing for their food. They make the best cocktails in town! The food is great. The place is never too crowded and this is one of the things i love about 45 Parklane. I would advise you to go at least for a cup of Champagne if you do not feel like eating there. The waiters are very well informed about things happening in town and very good people to have a conversation with.

- The Dorchester Cocktail bar is also good. The place has been designed to keep its privacy. Obviously the last thing celebrities want, is to be photographed by those crazy paparazzi's chasing them. That is why the bar is covered with curtains and you cannot see anything unless you are inside. My favourite thing there, are the Ice creams! Yes I can be a big kid sometimes! They are the best i have ever tried.

Well, this sums up my lifestyle in terms of going out. Have been asked before about clubbing... I am sorry to disappoint you, but Clubbing is not cool for me anymore. An expensive quality dinner in a very exclusive place, is more than enough for me. I do party but only before 12! I know I am boring...

Now, just because I love you guys, I am sharing a couple of pictures from a last week when i went to Sidi Maarouf for a Birthday party with friends.

Enjoy!