Search cool hotels and hot restaurants around the world, selected by leading style magazines and trendsetters. |
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Search results reflect our thorough review of all sources' travel writings since November 2005.
To see our detailed listings by source, please click search by source.
+ ELLE DECOR, TATLER, DAILYCANDY
44 20 7434 1775
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In November 2009, DailyCandy announced the launch of Soho's Dean Street Townhouse Hotel, a 39-room hotel and restaurant in a Georgian house, by the team from Soho House. "The decor is fabulously granny chic (poster beds and hand-painted wallpapers). The restaurant... is similarly old school, with vintage armchairs, chandeliers and dishes such as pheasant goujons with Oxford sauce." [DailyCandy] In December 2009, Tatler mentioned Dean Street Townhouse in its Travel: Newsflash column. In April 2010, Elle Decor featured Dean Street Townhouse Hotel in its What's hot! news. Good value (tiny) rooms from 95 pounds.Learn more in the attached DailyCandy review of Dean Street Townhouse Hotel and Restaurant.
Last Update: April 07, 2010 | Created: November 25, 2009
+ TATLER
Tatler writes in March 2010, "East London could have never imagined such a roaring revival. Suddenly, there is nowhere hotter to hang out -- to tuck into frogs' lists at Terence Conran's Boundary, to sip Cosmopolitans on the rooftop at Shoreditch House and now to bed down at the most eclectic hotpot, 40 Winks." Located on the "edgier" part of Mile End Road, interior designer David Carter turned his home into a two-bedroom boutique hotel. "It's potty but beautiful, with an eclectic mix of old and new." "[40 Winks] is London Fashion Week's favourite [hotel]." [Tatler] Good value, from 130 pounds a night including breakfast.
Last Update: March 04, 2010 | Created: March 01, 2010
+ FINANCIAL TIMES
44 20 7499 7070
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The legendary Connaught has been given a stylish facelift which won the praises of the FT in February 2010. Of particular note is the new Aman Spa on the hotel's ground floor -- "it marks a major arrival to the city for Aman Junkies and aficionados of top-notch therapies -- not least because it's the first and only Aman spa outside Asia." [How to spend it: Travelista, February 2010]
Last Update: March 03, 2010 | Created: February 17, 2010
+ WALLPAPER
44 20 7589 6300
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Wallpaper praised the decor of The Kensington Hotel, a new luxury boutique hotel in London, set in four grand Victorian townhouses at Queen's Gate in Kensington. "Designer Denis Looby and his team have used an eclectic mix of antique shop finds and British and global brands, such as George Smith Furniture and B&B Italia." [ Wallpaper, Departure Info, Kensington Hotel review, September 2009] Last Update: January 19, 2010 | Created: January 19, 2010
+ ELLE DECOR
44 20 7292 6100
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New design hotel in Soho, called "hot" by Elle Decor in June 2009. "London's Sanctum Soho Hotel features an underground cinema and a lobby that doubles as an art gallery. Art deco accents embellish guest rooms set in two Victorian townhouses." [Elle Decor]
Last Update: June 26, 2009 | Created: June 22, 2009
+ ELLE DECOR
44 20 7387 5700
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New hotel in London by super-star chef Gordon Ramsay. "Set in a refurbished 1820s John Nash building overlooking Regent's Park, York and Albany's ten rooms are sumptuously appointed with antiques and traditional British fabrics." [Elle Decor, What's hot! news, January 2009]
Last Update: January 09, 2009 | Created: January 08, 2009
+ WALLPAPER, TOWN AND COUNTRY, ELLE, VANITY FAIR
44 20 7493 6020
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Vanity Fair writes that Rocco Forte has "whisked the Brown out of it," referring to the prior "chintzy" incarnation of this classic, Mayfair hotel. In praising the new look, Town & Country remarks, "Brown's is a genuinely soothing place, allowing you to unwind to a degree that many of London's new hotels, with their ruthless elegance, do not." A good spot for tea, says Elle. In October 2008, Wallpaper admired the hotel's spa, "... [Its] signature Natural Bliss Diamond Facial is 90 minutes of pure luxury, offering the latest in skincare technology."
Last Update: October 15, 2008 | Created: September 23, 2007
+ WALLPAPER, ELLE, WALLPAPER, VANITY FAIR, ELLE DECOR, FINANCIAL TIMES, VANITY FAIR
44 20 7470 4000
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Wallpaper's hotel pick for business travellers visiting London. Smack in the middle of the theatre district, the Haymarket Hotel has 55 relaxing rooms/suites and a 18 meter pool, in a historic building by John Nash (Buckingham Palace). As with their other hotels, designer-owners Tim and Kit Kemp have put their talented touch on the well-designed, cozy rooms. Vanity Fair especially admired the hotel's four story townhouse structure, which provides total privacy and an expandable number of rooms available depending on the size of a group. Good chill out spot.
Last Update: September 11, 2008 | Created: September 19, 2007
+ OUR FRIENDS
Check out this cool, innovative hotel concept in London. base2stay Kensington is targeting business travellers arriving or departing from the city at all hours of the day. Guests of the hotel are now able to benefit from an "arrival and departure base." This simple idea allows guests to arrive at base2stay from their flight, go straight to their "arrival base" to freshen up, relax and enjoy all the facilities of a single room for 15 pounds per hour. Equally, after check-out guests may re-visit the hotel later in the day to rest and shower before heading off to the airport. A great alternative to paying a full or half day-rate, the "arrival and departure base" enables guests to pay only for the time they use. base2stay also offers stylish regular hotel accommodations from 89 pounds.
Last Update: February 25, 2008 | Created: February 25, 2008
+ OUR FRIENDS, ELLE DECOR
44 20 7300 1400
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With its swanky interior designed by Philippe Starck, a restaurant by Alain Ducasse and a great spa, the Sanderson Hotel is definitely a real gem. But, beware of the snootiness of the staff (and some guests).
Last Update: October 23, 2007 | Created: September 16, 2007
+ OUR FRIENDS, VANITY FAIR
44 20 7806 2000
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Located on a quaint leafy street just north of Soho, Charlotte Street Hotel is "charming, witty, friendly, and very cool." Definitely much more serene than its neighbor, the Sanderson.
Last Update: October 18, 2007 | Created: September 16, 2007
+ FINANCIAL TIMES, ELLE DECOR, BRITISH HARPERS BAZAAR
44 20 7368 5700
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High luxe "boutique" hotel. Bazaar writes, "Avid partygoers should book into the slick Baglioni Hotel." The FT announced the launch of the hotel's ultra-luxe, three bedroom suite.
Last Update: October 13, 2007 | Created: September 19, 2007
+ OUR FRIENDS, VANITY FAIR
44 20 7806 1000
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Charming, very stylish hotel in London by the Kemp team. Discreet.
Last Update: October 12, 2007 | Created: September 16, 2007
+ OUR FRIENDS, VANITY FAIR, ELLE DECOR, VANITY FAIR
Well-appointed boutique hotel right in the middle of London's happening scene. Discreet, friendly service. A 10 ft cat sculpture by Botero adorns the lobby. Vanity Fair writes about The Soho Hotel, "to get an idea of what gives the Kemps' bo-bo hotels their star appeal, think of Chateau Marmont fused with the Mercer."
Last Update: October 11, 2007 | Created: September 16, 2007
+ ELLE DECOR
"Spare, but not spartan hotel right in the middle of retail action." Elle Decor's pick.
Last Update: September 19, 2007 | Created: September 19, 2007
+ OUR FRIENDS, TOWN AND COUNTRY
44 20 7300 1000
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Rave reviews for this boutique hotel with more of a stylish contemporary feel than a trendy one. A real gem!
Last Update: September 16, 2007 | Created: September 16, 2007
+ OUR FRIENDS
A good-value boutique hotel with just 20 rooms, starting at 155 pounds. "Located on a residential street smack dab in the middle of Notting Hill you will totally feel like a local. Plus there’s amazing people watching off the hotel’s street-front patio and complimentary European breakfasts. Do splurge for garden suites 2 or 3." [ VitaminV.ca] Last Update: September 16, 2007 | Created: September 16, 2007
+ OUR FRIENDS
44 20 7618 5000
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The quintessential English hotel, recently given a majorly hip overhaul and renamed Andaz. Good choice if you're working in the City.
Last Update: September 16, 2007 | Created: September 16, 2007
+ OUR FRIENDS
44 20 7370 6701
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Anouska's Hempel's hotel in London is still happening and looks as stylish as ever.
Last Update: September 16, 2007 | Created: September 16, 2007
+ OUR FRIENDS, NEW YORK SOCIAL DIARY
44 20 7629 8860
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Art Deco jewel in Mayfair, recently spruced up. In August 2010, The FT praised Claridge's 20 new rooms by fashion designer Diane von Furstenberg -- "warm, colourful, sexy, but never over-adorned without sacrificing those good Claridges bones." [Read more, FT]Last Update: September 16, 2007 | Created: September 16, 2007
+ OUR FRIENDS
44 20 7584 6300
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Small, charming, well-appointed hotel, located on a quiet square away from the hustle and bustle of Knightsbridge.
Last Update: September 16, 2007 | Created: September 16, 2007
+ OUR FRIENDS, ELLE DECOR
Smart, discreet hotel in a swanky neighborhood.
Last Update: September 16, 2007 | Created: September 16, 2007
+ OUR FRIENDS
Another outstanding urban spa designed by Philippe Starck. Asia de Cuba in the lobby of St Martin's Lane.
Last Update: September 16, 2007 | Created: September 16, 2007
+ OUR FRIENDS
A good choice for budget travellers. Cute, boho hotel located in Camberwell Green, an area with a jumping art scene. Started by two brothers in the arts, the hotel is stylish and funky, with a Spanish American theme throughout.
Last Update: September 16, 2007 | Created: September 16, 2007
+ OUR FRIENDS
44 20 7259 5599
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Super-luxurious hotel in Mayfair, amazing service.
Last Update: September 16, 2007 | Created: September 16, 2007
+ OUR FRIENDS
44 20 7589 8288
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Chic, cozy hotel in London, popular with fashionistas.
Last Update: September 16, 2007 | Created: September 16, 2007
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+ TATLER, ELLE DECOR
" A grand 19th-century hall is the setting for London's Galvin La Chapelle Restaurant. Elegant bistro fare is served amid arched windows, soaring vaulted ceilings, and a glass-walled mezzanine." [Elle Decor, What's hot news! April 2010] In July 2010, Tatler named Galvin La Chapelle, "Restaurant of the Year--2010" -- "Great food, fun people and style in spades." "Very glam."
Last Update: July 07, 2010 | Created: March 16, 2010
+ TATLER, FINANCIAL TIMES
New Venetian bacaro (casual wine bar) serving Italian small plates and simple northern Italian wines in a relaxed setting in Soho. The man behind Polpo is Russell Norman, formerly general manager at Zuma and then the Ivy Club. "The finished space is long and narrow with a curved bar at the front and rows of wooden tables leading to the servery at the rear, which provides all the cold dishes. The atmosphere here is just right – simple and unpretentious." [FT] Tatler featured Polpo in January 2010 and remarked, "We loved the disparate but coherent flavours in a fig, prosciutto and mint cicheto and also the sarde in saor." Good value, around 20 pounds a person according to Tatler. Learn more in the attached October 2009 FT review of Polpo by Nicholas Lander.
Last Update: January 18, 2010 | Created: October 04, 2009
+ ELLE DECOR, DAILYCANDY
"Housed in a 1939 building [on Fleet Street] by the celebrated British architect for whom it's named, Lutyens restaurant in London features French and Irish fare served amid elegant decor by Sir Terence Conran." [Elle Decor, What's hot! news, November 2009] For more information, read the attached DailyCandy review of Lutyens.
Last Update: October 29, 2009 | Created: October 28, 2009
+ FINANCIAL TIMES, WALLPAPER, WALLPAPER
Hip, new Italian eatery in London, located in a "clean, bright space" between the City and Shoreditch. Wallpaper praised the decor by architect Claudio Silvestrin as well as the food: "Mazzei conjures up dishes like zitoni, n'duja and aubergine and fish stew with Sardinian fregola, but nothing competes with his delicious home-made ice-cream flavours, such as honeycomb and blood orange." [ Wallpaper] In February 2009, Wallpaper designated L'Anima a "runner-up" in its annual award "best new restaurant." Learn more about L'Anima its head chef, Francesco Mazzei, in the attached, June 2009 FT article, The attractions of L'Anima. Last Update: June 17, 2009 | Created: August 08, 2008
+ WALLPAPER
In December 2008, Wallpaper admired this pioneering Oriental-fusion restaurant and bar by Danny Potter and Noel Hunwick in London, where control of the dining experience is placed firmly in your hands. At the core of Inamo is the interactive ordering system where diners can place orders from an illustrated food and drinks menu projected onto their table surface. You can set the mood, discover the local neighbourhood, and can even order a taxi home. In the basement bar guests are invited to enjoy the food alongside an extensive cocktail list with an oriental twist. Wallpaper adds, "And if the food isn't as innovative as the service, with 30 Asian dishes to choose from, it doesn't disappoint." [ Wallpaper]Last Update: December 15, 2008 | Created: December 15, 2008
+ ELLE DECOR
Buzzy new restaurant on Sloane Square. "Inspired by the late naturalist Sir Hans Sloane, the Botanist in London serves modern omnivorous British cuisine in a sophisticated Chelsea setting. The contemporary space features a wall of illuminated illustrations from Sloane's journals and chevron-patterned oak floors." [Elle Decor]
Last Update: August 22, 2008 | Created: August 22, 2008
+ ELLE DECOR
Swanky new restaurant in the financial district. Elle Decor writes, "Classic British cuisine like braised wild hare dominates the menu of chef Warren Lee's London restaurant, the Mercer. Perfect for power lunches, this elegant brasserie in the financial district features soaring ceilings, black-leather booths and oak floors."
Last Update: June 12, 2008 | Created: June 12, 2008
+ ELLE DECOR, OUR FRIENDS
A London hot spot, according to Elle Decor in April 2008. "Buzzy and breezy, this Bayswater dining room is swiftly becoming the new Wolseley. Perfect for Sunday lunch and people-watching. Order the parmesan custard and anchovy toast and you'll leave content." [Our London insiders UrbanJunkies.com] Average spend, 45 pounds. Last Update: March 21, 2008 | Created: March 21, 2008
+ WALLPAPER, OUR FRIENDS
"Smart, new" Japanese restaurant by Alan Yau (Hakkasan and Yauatcha) in the modern Economist building in St. James. Wallpaper admired the interior featuring "high ceilings, large windows covered with beige fabrics and dramatic timber." Our London insiders Urban Junkies.com picked it first as one of the top 10 new London restaurants of 2007 and said "it does not disappoint." (Click here to read their review) The menu features small portions designed for sharing. Last Update: March 04, 2008 | Created: March 03, 2008
+ OUR FRIENDS, ELLE DECOR
Great pick by Elle Decor, affordable with main courses from 8 pounds. All-day casual dining (and drinking!) in a lovely setting on 4 floors, featuring a 90-seat brasserie, a bar and a games room. Popular Brit dishes such as roast pork cutlet with caramelised apples, cider and grain mustard sauce, braised pigs trotter, minced beef and onion pie, goujons of sole with tartare sauce, sticky toffee pudding, and rhubarb fool. There are also French choices; charcuterie, sandwiches such as croque madames, and casseroles such as cassoulet and blanquette de veau. Good value.
Last Update: February 23, 2008 | Created: September 19, 2007
+ TATLER, ELLE, ELLE DECOR
"London's most powerful restaurant, the media meets the Establishment," says Tatler in declaring it No. 1 on its list of London's most social restaurants. The banquettes in the middle are the places to be, according to the magazine. "A gorgeous room by David Collins," comments Elle Decor. A good spot for tea, says Elle. Tatler recommends the Wiener schnitzel.
Last Update: February 23, 2008 | Created: September 19, 2007
+ TATLER, OUR FRIENDS
David Tang's restaurant in the Dorchester Hotel scores high marks for its fine decor and simple, yet innovative Chinese food. It's no. 2 on Tatler's list of the most social restaurants in London. The magazine says the vibe is "Fashion bling" and it recommends the Peking duck.
Last Update: February 23, 2008 | Created: September 15, 2007
+ TATLER, OUR FRIENDS
Super hot Italian restaurant serving excellent food. No. 3 on Tatler's list of the most social restaurants in London. Signature dishes include pastas such as hand made tagliatelle with marinated sardines, grilled fish with artichoke purée and Vernaccia wine sauce. Tatler says the top tables are the banquettes in the middle (100, 200, 300). Major scene, but a very good ambiance.
Last Update: February 23, 2008 | Created: September 15, 2007
+ TATLER
Tatler's No. 4 pick in its survey of the most social restaurants in London. The vibe is "Park Avenue princesses and Euros." Table 3 is the top one, says the magazine. Officially a boulangerie, Aubaine serves a sophisticated, but relaxed reinvention of French classic cuisine. Open all day for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Check out the web site.
Last Update: February 23, 2008 | Created: February 23, 2008
+ TATLER, OUR FRIENDS
Swanky restaurant in London serving excellent contemporary Japanese food. Hard to get a table. Tatler says Zuma has a "Chelsea wives and fund managers" vibe and the magazine ranked it "5" in its survey of the 10 most social restaurants in London.
London's other top social restaurants, according to Tatler, are:
6. Scott's "Power glam"
7. E & O "Rocking Hill"
8. Harry's Bar "the old guard"
9. Petersham Nurseries "Eco-trendy"
10. Cipriani "Euroglitz and celeb" Last Update: February 23, 2008 | Created: September 15, 2007
+ WALLPAPER
Wallpaper's pick. A down-to-earth seafood restaurant in London with a bright, modern decor, featuring a Escher-inspired wall of graphic fish. Most of Olivomare's ingredients are from Sardinia as is the staff. Simple dishes, super fresh seafood. Good wine can be obtained from the deli next door.
Last Update: October 24, 2007 | Created: September 24, 2007
+ ELLE DECOR
"London's swankiest Indian restaurant," according to Elle Decor. Chef Atul Kochhar puts an innovative touch on traditional recipes spanning the subcontinent.
Last Update: October 23, 2007 | Created: September 19, 2007
+ WALLPAPER
New bar/restaurant of the revamped British Film Institute on the South Bank. Modern, well priced British fare. Eccentrically designed, "colourful" setting, with fabrics and furnishings by Charles Eames, Nina Campbell and Tricia Guild, says Wallpaper. You can see Benugo's other locations on its web site.
Last Update: October 23, 2007 | Created: September 20, 2007
+ OUR FRIENDS, BRITISH HARPERS BAZAAR
Hot Asian restaurant serving sushi, dim sung and other Asian dishes. Fantastic atmosphere and food. Hard to get a table.
Last Update: October 23, 2007 | Created: September 15, 2007
+ OUR FRIENDS
With its decor redesigned by Christian Liagre, music from Buddha Bar's Claude Challe, waitors clad in Chalayan, this 60- seat lounge is quite the spot. And the Chinese food that it serves is good also.
Last Update: October 23, 2007 | Created: September 15, 2007
+ ELLE DECOR
Haute cuisine by the world renowned chef. Elle Decor's pick. Dress up.
Last Update: October 23, 2007 | Created: September 19, 2007
+ ELLE DECOR
44 207 7747 2525
See it !
The museum café has been spruced up by restauranteur Oliver Peyton and architect David Collins. Open until 11 p.m.
Last Update: October 23, 2007 | Created: September 19, 2007
+ ELLE DECOR
London's "chicest new restaurant" (November 2007) with a "white hot interior...where tiered chandeliers sparkle against Damask walls." [Elle Decor]
Last Update: October 22, 2007 | Created: October 22, 2007
+ TOWN AND COUNTRY
Super trendy Indian restaurant, which Town & Country says "takes subcontinental hospitality to unprecedented levels of sophistication." Glitzy crowd, stunning interior.
Last Update: October 07, 2007 | Created: October 07, 2007
+ TATLER
If you're looking for fish and chips in an upscale setting, then this is your place. The longstanding restaurant just underwent a facelift and is attracting all types of fancy Brits, says Tatler. Our friends UrbanJunkies.com named it one of the top 10 new restaurants for 2007. Last Update: September 23, 2007 | Created: September 23, 2007
+ OUR FRIENDS, WALLPAPER
Excellent French cuisine by the acclaimed chef. Good ambiance but Wallpaper called the interior "dubious, 1980s inspired." Our friends UrbanJunkies.com announced the restaurant's launch of an affordable pre-set lunch menu. Last Update: September 20, 2007 | Created: September 15, 2007
+ ELLE DECOR, DAILYCANDY
44 207 7243 9818
See it !
Brasserie, restaurant, whisky bar "exuding countrified charm."
Last Update: September 19, 2007 | Created: September 19, 2007
+ OUR FRIENDS
Cozy restaurant in London serving excellent French food in a serene, modern setting incorporating natural materials and colours.
Last Update: September 16, 2007 | Created: September 15, 2007
+ OUR FRIENDS
Great brunch spot in Notting Hill. Amazing eggs benedict!
Last Update: September 16, 2007 | Created: September 15, 2007
+ OUR FRIENDS
Robust French country food served in a cozy, intimate setting. Very charming, very Parisian.
Last Update: September 16, 2007 | Created: September 15, 2007
+ OUR FRIENDS
Still going strong. Click here to read the May 2009 FT article The Secret of Le Caprice's sucess.Last Update: September 16, 2007 | Created: September 15, 2007
+ OUR FRIENDS
Excellent French/Asian fusion cuisine at surprisingly attractive prices for Gordon Ramsay. Sleek, modern interior.
Last Update: September 16, 2007 | Created: September 15, 2007
+ OUR FRIENDS
Last Update: September 16, 2007 | Created: September 15, 2007
+ OUR FRIENDS
Private Club. Must be invited by a member.
Last Update: September 16, 2007 | Created: September 15, 2007
+ OUR FRIENDS
Chic Indian restaurant in London serving excellent food at attractive prices. Good spot for both business and pleasure.
Last Update: September 16, 2007 | Created: September 15, 2007
+ OUR FRIENDS
Great spot to meet a group of friends, have drinks and enjoy London's best dim sums. Relaxing environment, attractive prices.
Last Update: September 16, 2007 | Created: September 15, 2007
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SF Chronicle, September 02, 2010 21:02:34 EST
+ NY TIMES
, September 02, 2010 07:22:01 EST
+ NY TIMES
, September 02, 2010 02:02:00 EST
+ CONDE NAST
-- Portfolio, September 01, 2010 02:42:08 EST
+ INTELLIGENT TRAVEL -- NAT. GEOGRAPHIC
, August 31, 2010 10:02:28 EST
+ NY TIMES
, August 31, 2010 07:02:01 EST
+ NY TIMES
, August 29, 2010 07:02:00 EST
+ LA TIMES/TRIBUNE CO.
-- Chicago Tribune, August 28, 2010 18:02:28 EST
Financial Times: Tyle Brule, August 27, 2010 20:43:10 EST
TorontoStar, August 27, 2010 11:05:10 EST
+ DAILY TELEGRAPH
, August 27, 2010 03:22:10 EST
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READ THE LATEST TRAVEL ARTICLES FOR LONDON BY THE TOP SOURCES
