ENGLISH ROSE

Just back from a sojourn to her hometown of London, Toronto Editor
Athena Tsavliris reveals a few of her favourite destinations.

stay
Nestled in the heart of SoHo, The
Hazlitts (named after William Hazlitt, the writer who died here in
1830) is one of Londons most discreet hotels. Oozing with old-school
charm, all 23 rooms feature grand Victorian mahogany furnishings,
generous floor-sweeping drapes, and wonderfully soft sheets and pillows.
Dont miss out on the cozy living room boasting a library of signed books
donated by the hotel’s famous guests such as JK Rowling and Michael
Ondaatje. From 390 for a double room, breakfast is optional ($18). http://www.hazlittshotel.com/

eat
Owned by London restaurateur Tom Conran (son of
famous restaurateur Terence Conran), Crazy
Homies serves up tasty Tex-Mex fare and Micheladas (a mix of Sol
beer and lime juice in a salt-rimmed glass with a hint of chilli) out of
a super kitsch two-floor bar/restaurant in Notting Hill.

shop
With more than 370 stalls, showrooms, and
workshops, its worth leaving plenty of time to trawl your way through Alfies
Market. Expect to find anything from 50s silver ice cream spoons to
antique lace collars to Vincenzo Caffarella lighting. Dons miss Joel
and Son Fabrics up the street for the most amazing materials (Pucci
silks, Ungaro damasks) in the world.

do
With its eye-popping views, there is no better
way to take in the city than from Londons beloved Ferris
wheel. Tip: book your tickets on-line to avoid endless lineups. www.londoneye.com/