Surveyors House at RICS Westminster is a magnificent Victorian building featuring original charm. Enjoy the London Summer on the Terrace with stunning views of Parliament Square, the London Eye and Big Ben. Get in touch with the team today
Phone: 020 3911 6116
Email: events@surveyorshouse.co.uk Minimum number and Terms and Conditions apply.
Be amongst the first to experience Searcys new Bar and Brasserie in Westminster. Enjoy curated cocktails, English Sparkling Wines, and Searcys Champagnes, paired with a seasonal menu of light bites and sharing plates. Open Monday to Friday for lunch and dinner.
Phone: 020 3911 6116
Email: reception@searcysatwestminster.co.uk
SPRING
6 News
Local author honoured with blue plaque
8 Ballot outcome
The Victoria BID secures its fourth term
10 What’s on
Photographs of the 1980s go on show
15 Food news
A Korean supermarket opens in Victoria
20 Food
Meet the chef who has cooked for 13 prime ministers
22 Food
Culinary sensation Andrew Wong on 40 years in Victoria
24 Gift guide
Surprise Mum with a perfect present on Mother’s Day
Cover: Andrew Wong
IMAGE: JUTTA KLEE
Right: Lush rose soap, gift guide
27 Social
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3D discoveries
Westminster Abbey is planning to use 3D technology to scan its effigy of the head of Henry VII, the first Tudor monarch. One of the highlights of the abbey’s collection, this unusually realistic death head was originally part of a straw and wood effigy of the king that was carried on top of his coffin. With the help of 3D modelling, the abbey hopes to establish whether the head is the work of Italian sculptor Pietro Torrigiano, and whether it was moulded directly from Henry’s death mask.
Cafe culture
The latest happenings in and around Victoria
BY ALICE CAIRNS
Westminster’s iconic Regency Cafe is up for sale. Located at 17-19 Regency Street, this traditional cafe has been open since 1946 and is a favourite with locals and tourists alike, featuring in films such as Brighton Rock, Pride, Layer Cake and Rocketman. Westminster City Council has vowed that the cafe, which is on the market for £170,000, will continue to operate as a traditional caff.
The newly renovated OWO on Whitehall has unveiled a new luxury threebedroom residence, which is available to buy for £16 million. Designed by Sims Hilditch, the spectacular home has views over the OWO’s iconic turrets and features a marble fireplace, an emperor-size bed and a bespoke brass and oak chandelier. It’s one of 85 Raffles-branded private residences at the OWO, which also features the 120room Raffles Hotel, a Guerlain spa, a 20-metre pool, a wellness centre and nine acclaimed restaurants. s s
Home sweet home
s
s
I do!
Did you know that Hummingbird Bakery (40 Buckingham Palace Road) now makes wedding cakes? Available for next-day collection throughout London, these romantic creations are available in red velvet, chocolate and vanilla, with prices starting from £36.
s
An excellent woman English Heritage has announced that it will be honouring the novelist Barbara Pym with a blue plaque at 108 Cambridge Street, the Pimlico address where she lived and worked. Pym’s bittersweet social comedies (including Excellent Women, A Glass of Blessings and Crampton Hodnet) captured the spirit of postwar London, and in particular the lives of women –with subtly feminist themes and sympathetic portraits of homosexual relationships.
In conversation
St Martin in the Fields has launched The Conversation, a series of weekly talks in which some of the UK’s most prominent thinkers and experts discuss big topics of the day. The series runs until April 22, with speakers including director Nicholas Hytner on Shakespeare (March 18), Norwegian war correspondent Åsne Seierstad on the return of the Taliban (April 1) and environmental writer Gaia Vince on Earth Day (April 22). Audience members are encouraged to ask the speaker questions at the end of each talk, with tickets priced at £15.
Five more years of Victoria BID
The Victoria BID has secured a 97 per cent vote in favour of its fourth term
BY ALICE CAIRNS
Victoria BID has been successfully renewed for a fourth term, achieving a turnout of 56 per cent and an emphatic 97 per cent ‘yes’ vote.
As part of London Heritage Quarter, Victoria BID supports a landmark area of London, spanning Victoria Station, Buckingham Palace Road, Victoria Street, and surrounding areas. Home to a diverse mix of businesses, cultural institutions, and transport hubs, the area welcomes millions of visitors, commuters, and workers each year.
This result reflects member confidence in the BID’s impact and future vision. It ensures
a strong mandate to deliver the 2025-2030 Business Plan which prioritises placemaking, destination marketing, security, and business support. Through close collaboration with partner BIDs in London Heritage Quarter, enhanced services, investment and strategic initiatives will continue to ensure the district remains a world-class hub for business and tourism.
The BID says “a big thank you to Westminster City Council and our business partners for their ongoing support. We look forward to working together over the next five years to further enhance Victoria’s prosperity and vibrancy.”
We know that these days you might not be in the area every day – or you may just visit us occasionally – but you still want to keep up-todate with what’s happening locally So why not sign up to receive the digital edition of Mayfair Times and we’ll send you the latest edition as it is published
THROUGH THE LENS
Against the backdrop of strikes, the Aids epidemic and political uprisings, photography was used as a tool for activism during the 1980s. This exhibition reveals how photographers reshaped Britain by capturing everything from the black arts movement to the queer experience, forming photography collectives and founding innovative journals. Until May 5.
Tate Britain, Millbank
From 1980s photography to scenic half marathons, fill your calendar with local events
BY ALICE CAIRNS
EDWARDIAN ELEGANCE
From April 11, explore the Edwardian age with this exhibition at The King’s Gallery. You’ll discover more than 300 opulent objects, including jewellery, letters and works by celebrated artists such as Edward Burne-Jones, John Singer Sargent and William Morris. Leave with a new appreciation for this brief age of elegance between the industrial growth of the Victorian era and the devastations of the First World War.
Buckingham Palace
HOLDING OUT FOR A HERO
This musical adaptation of children’s book The Lightning Thief follows a New York teenager who discovers that his dad is the Greek god Poseidon. Now Percy must navigate a world of mythical monsters and epic adventures, as well as facing the familiar teenage dramas of growing up, fitting in and making his parents proud. Until August 31.
The Other Palace, 12 Palace Street
The London Landmarks half marathon returns on April 6, sponsored by London Heritage Quarter. The route starts outside Downing Street and finishes at Trafalgar Square, with roads closed to allow participants to run freely and enjoy spectacular views of London’s skyline and landmarks. The event supports Tommy’s charity, which funds research to save the lives of babies.
Visit llhm.co.uk
WESTMINSTER’S WOMEN
Throughout March, visitors to Westminster Abbey can take part in a Fascinating Women tour. From spies to social reformers, a number of fascinating and pioneering women are buried in Westminster Abbey. What better way to celebrate Women’s History Month?
Dean’s Yard
KARAOKE QUIZ NIGHTS
Bam Karaoke has launched a pop quiz night, which will take place on the second Wednesday of every month. The music-themed quiz will be hosted by the Bam DJ and will include rounds of “finish the lyric”, blindfold karaoke and music bingo. The lucky winners could earn exciting prizes including free karaoke rooms, £100 bar tabs and more!
74 Victoria Street
IMAGE: RABANUS FLAVUS / WIKIMEDIA COMMONS
Scan
TAKING TRAVEL TO
TAKING TRAVEL TO EXTRAORDINARY HEIGHTS
EXTRAORDINARY HEIGHTS
TAKING TRAVEL TO
EXTRAORDINARY HEIGHTS
We invite you to find out more about Scott Dunn Private, a community of globally-minded members who live for every moment and always expect the best. Scott Dunn Private delivers a lifelong relationship as the trusted choice by our members for their ultra-luxury, leisure travel. Our Private Relationship Managers will get to know you and be able to get you access to the exclusive destinations, newest openings and not-to-be-missed events that will enrich your life story.
We invite you to find out more about Scott Dunn Private, a community of globally-minded members who live for every moment and always expect the best. Scott Dunn Private delivers a lifelong relationship as the trusted choice by our members for their ultra-luxury, leisure travel. Our Private Relationship Managers will get to you and be able to get you access to the exclusive destinations, newest openings not-to-be-missed events that will enrich your life story.
We invite you to find out more about Scott Dunn Private, a community of globally-minded members who live for every moment and always expect the best. Scott Dunn Private delivers a lifelong relationship as the trusted choice by our members for their ultra-luxury, leisure travel. Our Private Relationship Managers will get to know you and be able to get you access to the exclusive destinations, newest openings and not-to-be-missed events that will enrich your life story.
SDP Recommends
SDP Recommends
SDP Recommends
We proudly partner with One&Only who epitomise exclusive luxury with their exceptional one-off resorts in the most inspiring locations around the world. For sublime Greek getaway pair the One&Only Aesthesis, a haven on the Athenian Riviera with the One&Only Kea Island, a short private speedboat ride to luxurious seclusion.
We proudly partner with One&Only who epitomise exclusive luxury with their exceptional one-off resorts in the most inspiring locations around the world. For a sublime Greek getaway pair the One&Only Aesthesis, a haven on the Athenian Riviera with the One&Only Kea Island, a short private speedboat ride to luxurious seclusion. Benefit from a seamless travel experience, with all the finer details catered to, when you choose One&Only with Scott Dunn Private.
Benefit from a seamless travel experience, with all the finer details catered to, when you choose One&Only with Scott Dunn Private.
We proudly partner with One&Only who epitomise exclusive luxury with their exceptional one-off resorts in the most inspiring locations around the world. For a sublime Greek getaway pair the One&Only Aesthesis, a haven on the Athenian Riviera with the One&Only Kea Island, a short private speedboat ride to luxurious seclusion. Benefit from a seamless travel experience, with all the finer details catered to, when you choose One&Only with Scott Dunn Private.
Scan to discover more
THE BIG EGG HUNT
London Heritage Quarter will be taking part in the Big Egg Hunt 2025, a collaboration with Clarence Court that raises funds for the Elephant Family’s crucial conservation efforts. More than 100 beautifully decorated eggs will be hidden across London for six weeks between March 24 and April 27, with the public encouraged to take part in the search. Each egg has been designed by a world-renowned artist, designer, architect or jeweller, and will be auctioned off at the end of the hunt. With six eggs hidden around London Heritage Quarter, download the Egg Hunt app for clues and rewards.
This
Visit the Biscuiteers School of Icing on April 19 to ice your own collection of Easter biscuits. Decorate bunnies, eggs and daffodils with the help of the expert instructors, who will teach you techniques including colouring, piping, feathering and flood icing. At the end of the session you can pack your creations away in your very own complimentary biscuit tin.
14-15 Eccleston Yards
year, Easter will be celebrated on April 20.
We’ve found some eggcellent local events (plus some tempting treats) to put a spring in your step...
BY ALICE CAIRNS
Easter events
GET CRACKING – THE BEST EASTER TREATS
JELLYCAT
For a different take on the egg try this cuddly creation, featuring fine cord legs and fluffy slippers.
£28, Scribbler, Unit 36a, Victoria Station
The cracking pistachio egg went viral last year – crack open the creamy milk chocolate shell to reveal a second egg full of crunchy pistachio nibs.
£17, Bressenden Place
LUSH
Two bath bombs in one, with a sweet and fruity blackberry scent and an infusion of marshmallow root powder to leave your skin silky smooth.
£12, Unit 42b, Buckingham Palace Road
Did you know that Hotel Chocolat offers next-day delivery on all its Easter treats? It means that even if the Easter bunny has left it to the last minute, you can still get your chocolate fix.
133 Victoria Street
HOTEL CHOCOLAT
WAITROSE
Spectacular steak
Flat Iron has opened at 22 Terminus Place. Known for its signature flat iron steak, the restaurant also serves succulent sides such as beef dripping chips, truffled macaroni cheese and crispy garlic mash. There will be a rotating board of specials, including a wagyu steak of the day, as well as a curated wine menu, draft beers, cocktails and house fizzes.
Chocolate heaven Chocoholics need to know about the Ostrich egg (£90) from Hotel Chocolat – an indulgent Easter treat made from more than a kilo of high-cacao chocolate. The dimensions are based on a real ostrich egg, which the team measured and replicated in ultra-thick chocolate. The egg comes in a reusable tin along with 20 tasty truffles.
133 Victoria Street
A flurry of new openings means there’s plenty to taste in Victoria this spring, from Korean delicacies to sweet Scandinavian buns
BY ALICE CAIRNS
Word of mouth
Tempting tapas
Camino is opening on Victoria Street, with a soft launch from March 24 to 26 during which all food will be 50 per cent off. Chef Nacho del Campo will whip up delicious tapas including roasted aubergine with ajo blanco sauce, patatas bravas and manchego with quince jelly. Every Saturday between 12 and 4pm there will be a bottomless brunch for £40 a person – unlimited sangria, anyone?
68 Victoria Street
La dolce vita
Beloved Italian restaurant Gustoso has reopened as Al Duca. Run by chef Gianni Andolfi, the menu features traditional Italian cooking made with fresh ingredients – think homemade pasta, garlicky bruschetta, baked burrata and arancini. There’s a smaller room for private parties that can seat up to 12 guests. 35 Willow Place
Korean crush
Korean supermarket Oseyo has opened its newest store inside Victoria Station. Oseyo is the largest Asian retailer in the UK and is packed with Korean staples – inside you’ll find everything from specialist skincare and stationery to bubble tea, matcha Kit Kats, sushi bites, kimchi, dumplings, talking rice cookers and much more.
115 Victoria Place
Scandinavian surprise
ScandiKitchen will be opening at 42 Buckingham Palace Road at the end of March. It’s a Scandinavian cafe and shop offering tasty store-cupboard items as well as cakes and pastries, meatballs, open sandwiches and more. Experience the spirit of hygge with a warm drink and a semlor bun – a cardamom yeast bun filled with marzipan and whipped cream, served until Easter.
ALOO TAMA NEPALESE RESTAURANT
Nestled in a quiet nook of Westminster, our family-friendly restaurant invites you to experience the rich flavors of Nepal. Indulge in authentic Nepalese delicacies made with fresh, locally sourced ingredients, and savor the unique taste of our signature dishes. Enjoy warm hospitality and a cozy ambiance. Embark on a culinary journey that will delight your senses and create unforgettable memories.
This spring, The Parlour at Great Scotland Yard presents a Luxury Afternoon Tea in London, celebrating Women’s Month, Mother’s Day, and the season’s beauty. Inspired by The 40 Elephants, an all-female gang known for their daring sophistication, the tea cakes reflect strength and elegance. Infused with the romantic rose fragrance of Jo Loves, the selection balances softness and boldness. Highlights include a Veuve Clicquot-infused éclair, adding a sparkling touch to this champagne afternoon tea experience. Join us for a themed afternoon tea in London, honoring femininity, empowerment, and renewal in an unforgettable way.
The Parlour at Great Scotland Yard Hotel 3-5 Great Scotland Yard | London SW1A 2HN
Direct Line: +44 (0) 207 925 4760 www.greatscotlandyard.com
MAISON GIGI EVENT CATERING
Every great event deserves a great spread—allow us to make it deliciously perfect ! Whether it’s a special event, team breakfast, lunch buffet or a canapé reception, we’re here to help organise the perfect event for you. Available for both pick-up and delivery in the Victoria area. To place an order, email us at bonjour@maisongigi.co.uk.
Open Monday to Friday 7am to 5pm 143 Victoria Street, London, SW1E 5NH bonjour@maisongigi.co.uk
INFINITEA EXPERIENCE AT THE ORCHARD ROOM
Afternoon tea at Conrad London St. James gets the royal treatment with the Royal InfiniTEA experience, served on Wedgwood’s Wild Strawberry fine bone china — a Royal Warrant holder. Enjoy delicate finger sandwiches, intricate pâtisserie, and warm scones with Cornish clotted cream and homemade preserves. For an indulgent twist, The Orchard Room offers free-flowing InfiniTEA, where Champagne Bollinger and delectable treats are served without limit. Book Now - www.opentable.co.uk/r/the-orchard-roomlondon
The Orchard Room | Conrad London St. James 22-28 Broadway, London SW1H 0BH 0203 301 8080
Nearest stations: St James’s Park, Victoria and Westminster
A taste of Venice
Did you know that Tozi Restaurant & Bar has a dedicated negroni trolley?
Pick from one of eight twists on the classic cocktail, from “An American in Rome” featuring plum juice to a “VII” negroni infused with crème de violette. When it comes to food, the Tozi menu is inspired by the osterias of Venice, and includes buffalo ricotta ravioli, Tuscan bean soup and a pistachio tiramisu.
8 Gillingham Street
St Ermin’s Hotel is offering a special afternoon tea on March 28 and 29 to celebrate Mother’s Day. Take your tea in the Tea Lounge, enjoying fresh scones and seasonal bakes to the sound of live harp music. Every mother will leave with a curated goodie bag, including a bottle of St Ermin’s gin, loose-leaf tea and a selection of White Company travel products. Tea costs £70 per adult and £45 per child under 12.
2 Caxton Street
Make mother’s day
Searcys opens
Searcys bar and brasserie has opened at Surveyors House, with a menu inspired by fresh, locally sourced and seasonal produce. Look out for the trofie pasta with a wild mushroom ragout and the diplomat pudding, served with a cherry compote. The venue has three event spaces, ranging from an intimate private dining room seating 12 to the large events space that can accommodate up to 60.
11 Great George Street
Eat
RUBENS HOTEL
Discover unparalleled elegance and exceptional service at The Rubens at the Palace, where every occasion becomes a memorable experience. From lavish celebrations to corporate functions, our versatile event spaces, including the sophisticated Leopard Room, provide the perfect setting with personalised planning from our expert Events Managers. Unwind at The New York Bar, where signature cocktails, modern day mixology, live music, and impeccable hospitality come together in an elegant lounge atmosphere.
Indulge in our award-winning Royal Afternoon Tea, crafted by Bake Off: The Professionals finalist Sarah Houghting, offering classic British tradition with delightful modern twists. Luxury awaits at every turn.
The Rubens at the Palace
39 Buckingham Palace Road, London SW1W 0PS
Tel: 020 7834 6600
https://rubenshotel.com/
THE JONES FAMILY KITCHEN
The award-winning Jones Family Kitchen is one of London’s leading steakhouses, serving grass fed dry-aged steak from Yorkshire alongside that from its own farm in Devon. The large menu doesn’t just cater to the steak lover however, with fish arriving daily from Cornwall and the South Coast from small day boats. Situated in lovely Eccleston Yards, with a large and peaceful outdoor terrace. Jones Family Kitchen also offers a pre-theatre set menu till 6pm.
The Jones Family Kitchen Restaurant & Bar 7-8 Eccleston Yards London SW1W 9AZ 020 3929 6000
www.jonesfamilykitchen.co.uk
STICKS’N’SUSHI
Located in Victoria Nova close to Victoria Station, the Victoria Palace Theatre and the Apollo Theatre, our restaurant combines Danish “hygge” and Japanese minimalism. Enjoy classic and creative sushi along with sticks from the grill, perfect for pre or post theatre dining. Spread across two floors, mirrors and lamps highlight the nooks and crannies of the restaurant, and if you go up to the first floor, it feels as though you are walking into a church, thanks to all the elegant arches. A sushi restaurant, even for those that don’t like fish.
Sticks’n’Sushi Victoria 02031418240 www.sticksnsushi.com
We publish 25,000 copies of Victoria magazine every issue. A very conservative estimate is that between four and eight people will look at each magazine. To be a part of the Food & Drink Directory please email Julie@pubbiz.com
The pies have it
Terry Wiggins MBE looks back on 50 years as Parliament’s chef
BY ALICE CAIRNS
Terry Wiggins has retired after 50 years as parliament chef, leading the catering team at Portcullis House. During his career he served 13 prime ministers and received an MBE for services to parliament.
HOW DID YOU GET THE PARLIAMENT JOB?
I had a very good home economics teacher at school, and obviously I used to cook with my mum as well. When I was 16 I went along to the school careers office and they said there’s a job opening at the House of Commons. I went along with my mum, had a chat with the chef, and was very lucky to be given the position.
HOW MANY MEMBERS OF PARLIAMENT DO YOU THINK YOU HAVE SERVED?
I have fed 13 prime ministers, and I would say around 20,000 members of parliament. There are 15,000 parliamentary pass-holders, so we would organise just over a million covers a year. Which is a phenomenal amount of food! I’ve also met people like Barack Obama, Nelson Mandela, Brian May, Rick Wakeman...
SO YOU WORKED AT THE HOUSES OF PARLIAMENT FROM THE AGES OF 16 TO 66?
Yes, it was my only job. When I went in for my interview it was recess time – back in the 1970s, parliament used to close down entirely. They said to me, “Have the week off”. So I did, and I got paid £13 for that week, which was very nice. Then they decided to call a second election, so I got another six weeks off for that! Happy days. I even met my wife, Christine, at work – she was a waitress, and it was love across the hot plate. And I helped to form the parliamentary rugby team [the Commons and Lords Rugby Union team, which is open to MPs, lords and staff].
HOW DID THE FOOD YOU SERVED CHANGE OVER THE YEARS?
When I first started it was more about French food – there were snails and frog legs on the menu, smoked eel, tongue and beef on the cold buffet. Then we dabbled in nouvelle cuisine, which the members weren’t so keen on – they preferred more wholesome cooking like they got at the universities. Now there are younger and more diverse members, who think more about their health and their bodies, so we cater to that.
WHAT WAS YOUR FAVOURITE FOOD TO COOK?
The area that I looked after was street food – I enjoyed that because it gave me a large scope to come up with lots of different ideas. Our biggest seller was the jerk chicken, which became a bit famous and even had its own Facebook page. Some people would eat it three or four times a day!
MILDREDS
LONDON’S ICONIC VEGAN RESTAURANT LAUNCHES FEAST FOR TWO
Mildreds has recently launched the ‘Taste of Mildreds’ at £25 per person - an affordable tasting menu of perfectly curated range of dishes. Each dish complements the next, creating a vibrant journey of flavours. Your meal arrives in three stages: snacking dips and bread, followed by small sharing plates, including Biber Patatas Bravas (spicy triplecooked potatoes), Arancini Rosso (smoked mushroom risotto balls) and finally a delicious main centred around long-time favourite Kiri Hodi – Sri Lankan coconut curry with sweet potato. Diners can also add a dessert for £5, completing this flavourful journey.
Mildreds is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Hours: Monday – Friday, 8am – 11pm, and weekends from 9am.
Heading to the theatre? Enjoy 2 courses for £24 or 3 for £32, weekdays 3-7pm.
CHOPSTIX NOODLE BAR
If you’re bored of bland and crave a bit of different, then you’re Chopstix through and through! Come one, come all and come hungry, because the game is up! This is Chopstix, For the Flavour Cravers!!
Chopstix Noodle Bar
Victoria Place Shopping Centre, 115 Buckingham Palace Rd, London SW1W 9SJ
Ole & Steen are now offering an all new catering menu packed with Danish inspired flavours.
Choose between breakfast pastry bundles, mixed sandwich platters and sweet treat boxes all baked fresh, every day.
Chef Andrew Wong on 40 years at 70 Wilton Road
BY ALICE CAIRNS
Michelin man
In 1985, Annie and Albert Wong opened their restaurant, Kym’s, opposite a derelict bus station at 70 Wilton Road. Traditional Chinese ingredients were hard to come by, so the couple grew bean sprouts in the bathtub and endeavoured – unsuccessfully – to introduce their customers to the concept of a hot pot. (“London wasn’t ready,” says their son, Andrew Wong.)
Forty years later and there’s still a Chinese restaurant at 70 Wilton Road, though Kym’s has become A Wong, the first Chinese restaurant outside Asia to be awarded two Michelin stars. Chef Andrew is the mastermind behind a menu that blends Chinese and British ingredients while exploring lesser-known flavours from different regions of China.
“This place is very special to me,” Andrew says. “My parents opened their restaurant here just a few years after I was born, so I’ve basically lived my life through it. Holidays, celebrations, it’s all happened here.
“My grandad had a restaurant in Chinatown, and my dad was one of the very first Chinese pub owners in the country, before he left the East End to come to Victoria to run his own standalone restaurant.
“Victoria in 1985 was very different to what it is now,” he adds. “There wasn’t much of a community feel, or much development around the area – just us, a big supermarket and a Wimpy’s with an arcade machine.”
IMAGE: MURRAY WILSON
Andrew worked in the restaurant after school and during the holidays, washing plates and picking up bar skills and phrases in different languages from the kitchen workers. He had no intention of working in the restaurant full time, however, and headed to university to study chemistry and social anthropology.
“When I was at university my father passed away. That was when I thought,
restaurant to look like – no red and gold, just a very organic looking space.”
A Wong itself has had an important part to play in changing attitudes around Chinese food.
“At A Wong, I think we’ve contributed a bit to getting people to understand that there are other ways to do Chinese food, and the fact that China is a big country – you can explore it in multiple different ways. It has 40 borders, thousands of years of history.
“I see the Michelin stars we’ve won as belonging to the community – if it wasn’t for my grandfather’s generation, my father’s generation and the amazing
in Chinatown. Then my dad had a very different approach to what he wanted his
restaurants that came before us, then we would never have been able to have the privilege of Michelin even recognising that Chinese restaurants could ever be at that level.
“Just like this area has changed in 40 years, so has this restaurant. We want to evolve as a restaurant, and to get people to move with us as we take each next step into the future.”
The ideal accessory for the coming spring, the Flower beaded stud earrings in green, £12, will go with all her upcoming garden party outfits.
WATERSTONES
The message on the front of this card, says it all really. Grab it for £2.99.
88 Victoria Street
Mum’s the word
beautiful, but the Tremella Mushroom Beauty Powder, £34.99, with organic zinc, will help to thicken hair, smooth
HOTEL CHOCOLAT
Nothing quite says you are loved like a Velvetiser, £99.95, and in copper it will stand out in any kitchen.
133 Victoria Street
NEAL’S YARD REMEDIES
The limited-edition Neal’s Yard x Morris & Co rehydrating Rose face wash and daily moisture gift set, £50, features uplifting rose otto. Unit 47, Victoria Station
42b Buckingham Palace Road
SWEATY BETTY
Water resistant and with a front pocket for carrying your purse and keys, the yoga mat carry bag, £40, is a great shout for the healthconscious mum.
Unit 10, Cardinal Place
JELLYCAT
Get her one of the Amuseables – the Olitha Orchid, £40, will last for ever on the window sill.
Scribbler, Unit 36a, Victoria Station
TOWNHOUSE
The Nourish & Glow bundle, £20, contains hand cream and cuticle oil to keep her hands smooth and nourished. Even better, the pots can be refilled
129 Victoria Street
BIRKENSTOCK
What can say “I appreciate you” more than a pair of Birks? The Gizeh metallic sandals, £80, are bang on trend.
Jones Bootmaker, Unit 19a, Cardinal Place
Colombian farmers – mum will be happy. Unit 21, Terminus Place
Sustainable style on show
London Heritage Quarter held a sustainable catwalk show at 55 Broadway, with proceeds going to support Dress for Success, Integrity International Trust and Oxfam. One of the highlights of the show was a sustainable sari, made entirely from recycled plastic bottles. The event ended with a panel discussion on the importance of sustainability in the fashion, beauty and hospitality industries.
Gymbox
Gymbox is London’s first gym to offer a series of classes created exclusively to improve mental health. Designed to help people invest in their wellbeing, the Mind series includes Breathwork – a class that teaches real and functional methods to breathe better and fight off anxiety. Cocoon allows you to take a moment to yourself with meditative stretches from the comfort of a hammock, while The Portal involves gentle movement, sound therapy and chakra-balancing for improved energy levels.
123 Victoria Street
Mindfulness is a lifelong practice. Here are some ways that we can all make a start on the journey and take some much-needed time out
BY SOPHIA CHARALAMBOUS
Mind, body and soul
Dipa Trivedi’s expertise in everything from osteopathy, rehab yoga and pilates to breathwork, mindfulness and sound healing is the reason why she has built a strong following at her private practices. Breathwork is important to recentre and help visualise how you see yourself going forward. Meanwhile, sound healing is carried out by Olimpia Loredan and uses specific sounds, chanting and instruments that can alter energy vibrations within the body and restore
Bressenden Place
MoreYoga
Offering such a broad range of classes that you will almost certainly find something you’ll enjoy, MoreYoga is also one of the most affordable studios around. The centre has a De-Stress and Unwind set of classes that is designed to support the body, mind and soul. Options include restorative, yin, candlelit, kundalini, sound meditation, mindful flow and chakra yoga.
Queen Mother Sports Centre, 223 Vauxhall Bridge Road
Re:Mind
A sanctuary of peace in the busy city, Re:Mind offers healing sessions either as private classes or groups to promote health and wellbeing. Some of the sessions offered include Crystal Bowls, The Awakened Heart: Cacao, Movement and Sound Healing, Sekhem and Crystal Bowls Restorative Breathwork. Founder Yulia Kovaleva wanted to create a space for people to recover and heal: “Modern society, more than ever, seeks to challenge our connection to ourselves and others, and the ways we find meaning.”
25a Eccleston Place
Hotpod Yoga
Rest and Restore is about hitting pause. Allow yourself to feel the warmth of the room and to not feel nervous about your yoga ability, because this is primarily a stretching class that is necessary for everyone to restore and recharge muscles, joints and general body systems. Focus on breath while performing long-held supportive yoga poses, and take part in guided meditation in the low-light pod. Those who struggle at night to switch off will particularly appreciate the benefits of this class.
19 Eccleston Yards
Light Centre Belgravia
The number of interesting specialist classes at Light Centre Belgravia is ideal for the yoga and mindfulness enthusiast. Upcoming for March is restorative yoga, cacao and sound therapy ceremony with Heather Hepburn, as well as reiki and flow-dance meditation. These are alongside the regular timetable of yoga classes, which are definitely worth checking out.
7-9 Eccleston Street
Loveday: A New Era of Luxury Senior Living
At Loveday, we redefine luxury care, offering an unparalleled experience that blends world-class hospitality with exceptional care. Whether you are looking for luxury residential, nursing, day club, respite or memory care, every aspect of life at Loveday is designed to bring comfort, refinement and meaning. With residences in London’s most prestigious locations including Chelsea, Kensington, St John’s Wood and Belgravia as well as Esher in Surrey, you can enjoy the best of luxury senior living in serene and sophisticated surroundings.
Discover the Loveday Experience
5-Star Luxury Care
Imagine a place where every detail is thoughtfully designed with your comfort in mind. From bespoke care plans to Michelin-style dining and enriching daily experiences, each moment is crafted to make life truly exceptional.
Exquisite living spaces
Your beautifully designed private suite offers luxury and supreme comfort. Thoughtfully curated communal spaces allow you to relax, socialise and enjoy the company of others in an elegant and welcoming environment.
Innovative Health & Care Solutions
Our dedicated team provides compassionate, unparalleled care designed to anticipate your every need with meticulous attention to detail. By blending the latest treatments and technology with a truly personalised approach, we ensure you receive highly tailored care and support in a way that feels right for you.
Bespoke wellness programmes
Your wellbeing is at the heart of everything we do. Whether you want to stay active in our gym, indulge in spa treatments or enjoy personalised beauty services, our wellness facilities are designed to help you feel your best.
Curated Events & Enriching Experiences
Each day is filled with inspiring and engaging experiences, from creative workshops and cultural excursions to music performances and wellness retreats. Whether you want to pursue a passion or try something new, every day is enriching and meaningful, curated just for you.
Dining Redefined
Savour a Michelin-style dining experience, where our expert chefs curate exquisite dishes using the freshest seasonal produce, including ingredients handpicked from our own kitchen garden. Every meal is not only a delight but also a source of nourishment and wellbeing.
Introducing New Residences:
In Spring 2025, Loveday welcomes two extraordinary new residences: Loveday Belgravia: Combining opulence and personalised service, this elegant residence redefines luxury care. Every detail has been meticulously designed to create a space that feels both extraordinary and welcoming.
Loveday Esher: Offering a sanctuary of natural beauty, seamlessly blending style and sophistication with the peace of the countryside. Set within 13 acres of landscaped gardens, it provides a unique setting and the perfect combination of natural beauty and vibrant community.
Loveday Founders Club
As one of the first Members at our new residences, you’ll enjoy a host of luxury benefits designed to elevate your experience and welcome you to your new home.
Your Loveday Experience Awaits
Loveday is now accepting enquiries and reservations. This is your opportunity to experience a new standard of luxury senior living, where every detail is designed to enrich and inspire your life.
We warmly invite you to arrange a personal tour and discover everything Loveday has to offer.
Connect with our experts today to learn more:
020 4530 4755 www.lovedayandco.com
Loveday Esher: Opening Spring ‘25
Loveday Belgravia: Opening Spring ‘25
Loveday Abbey Road
Loveday Belgravia
Loveday Kensington
Celebrate Women’s History Month by remembering the wonderful women of Westminster and Whitehall
BY ALICE CAIRNS
Soul sisters
March is Women’s History Month, a time to celebrate the contributions that women have made to our society – often in the face of prejudice and discrimination. Luckily for us, our streets are full of stories about warrior queens, fearless campaigners and boundarypushing women.
Perhaps the original warlike woman is Boudica, the Iceni queen who led an uprising against Roman conquerors. The statue Boadicea and her Daughters on Westminster Bridge was commissioned by another powerful woman – Queen Victoria – who felt a strong affinity with her
Funds were raised by the public, the National Heritage Memorial Fund and by Betty Boothroyd, who donated her £8,000 winnings from Who Wants to Be a Millionaire? to the cause. The statue shows 17 sets of uniform, representing the jobs that women undertook during wartime – leaving their ordinary lives behind to serve their country.
Another wartime memorial can be found on the wall of the west cloister of Westminster Abbey, remembering those who served in the Special Operations Executive during the Second World War. Established by Winston Churchill, the SOE was a group of male and female spies and special agents tasked with sabotaging the Nazis in occupied territory (one division had its headquarters at St Ermin’s Hotel). One of its most famous female Violette Szabo, a British-French spy who was captured and killed by the Nazis during a mission to occupied France, and who has since been posthumously awarded the St George’s Cross for her bravery.
This page, top: Emily Davison.
Right: Boudica in her chariot
Opposite page, top: Florence Nightingale and Violette Szabo.
Right: Edith Cavell, Betty Boothroyd and Millicent Fawcett
Visit St Martin’s Place and you’ll find a monument to Edith Cavell, a British nurse who treated wounded soldiers in Germanoccupied Belgium during the First World War. Cavell had a nursing school in Brussels when the war broke out, and chose to stay even after the German forces invaded. She helped more than 200 soldiers to escape by smuggling them to neutral Holland, before she was caught, tried and sentenced to death by firing squad at dawn in 1915. On the night before her execution, she said: “I must have no hatred or bitterness towards anyone.”
Another healer who is commemorated in Westminster is Florence Nightingale. Although Nightingale isn’t buried in Westminster Abbey, the Nurses’ Memorial Chapel was dedicated to her on the centenary of her death. An annual Florence Nightingale service for nurses is held in the chapel every May.
The suffragettes play a vital role in Westminster history – their fearless campaigning resulted in some women getting the right to vote in 1918, and all women in 1928. Emily Davison was a
in the Houses of Parliament in an attempt to campaign for her cause – once in a heating system and once in a cupboard. She died after jumping under George V’s horse at the 1913 Epsom Derby. There is now a plaque on the broom cupboard in the chapel of St Mary Undercroft where she concealed herself in 1912.
Millicent Fawcett is another suffragette commemorated in Westminster, after a lifetime of peacefully campaigning for votes for women. Her plaque in Westminster Abbey remembers her as “a wise, constant and courageous Englishwoman” who “won citizenship for women”. In 2018 Fawcett became the first woman to be commemorated with a statue in Parliament Square. She is depicted holding a banner that reads “courage calls to courage everywhere”, a quote from her rallying cry at a speech she gave in response to the death of Emily Davison.
To find out more about women’s history in the area, you can attend a 75-minute Fascinating Women of Westminster Abbey tour throughout March
Mark Field served as MP for the Cities of London and Westminster constituency from 2001 to 2019. His new book, The End of an Era, is released on March 27 and shares his memories of a life in parliament
Why Victoria?
Vicki and I bought our apartment in Carlisle Place in September 2006, so we have had a ringside seat for almost two decades as Victoria Street and the area around the station have been totally transformed. Our two teenage children have spent their entire lives here and love the bustle of the place. Even if we wanted to live somewhere else, I don’t think they would let us move!
NI S I DERS ’ GUIDE IN S I
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away happy. Then there is Lime Orange on Vauxhall Bridge Road; my love of spicy Korean food began when I visited Seoul and Busan as a Foreign Office minister. A new kid on the block is Al Duca on Willow Place, with its friendly, family feel and exquisite Italian food and wine.
Windsor Castle [23 Francis Street], which was an ideal place for discreet meetings with colleagues and journalists!
To relax: St James’s Park is such a tourist attraction that it is invariably full of people. However, first thing in the morning – especially in the summer – it comes into its own for us locals. Few things are more magical than a gentle walk shortly after dawn around the lake, watching the pelicans, swans and Canada geese starting their day.
Favourite places…
To eat: We are so spoiled for choice, but let me give a quick shout-out for the wonderful Cinnamon Club on Great Smith Street – Indian cuisine at its finest and I have always come
To shop: the peerless Cardinal Place and Strutton Ground offer virtually everything you need, as we and our fellow residents discovered during the pandemic lockdowns.
To drink: in my political days I always had a soft spot for The
What’s been keeping you busy?
Since leaving parliament I have been able to spend more time with the family as well as returning to the world of business I left on becoming an MP.
I chair a bank on the Isle of Man, serve as the senior independent non-executive director for two public companies and sit on the advisory board of a European family office fund.
The other thing that has been keeping me busy is writing my memoir, The End of an Era. The book tries to give a personal but thoughtful insight into the life and times of the UK over the past half century and what urgently needs to change.
The End of An Era by The Rt Hon. Mark Field, published by Biteback Publishing is available at Waterstones at Cardinal Place and on Amazon.
