• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
  • Home
  • About
  • Contact
  • Californians at Home
  • Home & Decor
    • Our California Remodel
    • Shop My Home
    • Lake Tahoe Cabin Style
    • Books I Adore
  • My California Closet

Northern California Style

Northern California Style

  • Home
  • About
  • Californians at Home
  • Home & Decor
    • Our California Remodel
    • Shop My Home
    • Lake Tahoe Cabin Style
    • Books I Adore
  • My California Closet
  • Shop My Home
    • Bloglovin
    • Email
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter

#hamyardhotel

A Week In London

August 21, 2019 By kimwheeler 15 Comments

Sorry monster post here.. You may want to check out now..I’ve been away so I owe you guys and am trying to make up for it with my next few blogs. Hope you’ve all had a good summer!

Earlier this month Max and I spent a week in my favorite place on the planet, London. Our kids were busy with camps and other things so we took the opportunity to make a quick trip without them. Though I love traveling with my guys, it was freeing to go not worrying about what everybody’s needs were for sleep, eating and preferences each day of vacation. I had forgotten how it is to do just what we wanted and I have to say it was really nice for a change.

Arriving in Heathrow after what seemed a pretty easy overnight 9+ hour flight on British Airways from San Jose to London. Love the umbrellas!

We woke when we wanted, wandered the city all day. We ate lunch when we wanted. We had late dinners and early cocktails. We sauntered through the National Portrait Gallery, poked around at the V&A and immersed ourselves at The Imperial War Museum, had scones and tea every afternoon, perused Portobello Road antique shops, and browsed for English treats at Fortnum & Mason and Liberty- all things that I love and would not have been as appreciated by our sons.

I thought I’d share the highlights and photos as it’s just the loveliest city to me architecturally and aesthetically. London loves flowers and they are everywhere for those who appreciate that sort of thing like myself. They also always have some wonderful exhibition going on. This time it was the Dior show at the V&A.

We stayed at The Ham Yard Hotel a beautiful and unique spot right in the center of Soho. It is a Firmdale Hotel and I’ve been lucky to stay their Covent Garden Hotel also a few years ago.

Kit Kemp, owner and designer has fashioned all her properties in a distinctly English way with a beautiful mix of prints, antiques and modern art along with the most luxurious appointments in each room. She creates eclectic and inviting gathering spaces in her hotels along with wonderful bars and restaurants. London has five of their hotels, and New York is lucky to have two.

I have her books and I love how she decorates. More of her books here.

The Ham Yard was nestled right into the action in Soho, at the end of a charming lane and just steps from a historic pub, Regent street and the Theatre District. It’s a gathering spot for the whole area as people come to the Ham Yard’s charming front patio in the evenings for drinks and conversation.

The area surrounding it is called Ham Yard Village and there is also a Japanese restaurant, a tea shop, a hair salon and some beautiful clothing stores.

On top of The Ham Yard is the rooftop garden which runs the expanse of the building and also holds an apiary. It’s also used for private parties and you can order food and drinks up there too if you wish.

One thing I love about the Firmdale Hotels is personal attention and kindness from everyone.

How fun is this? An Honesty bar tucked off one of the two libraries.. You can make yourself a nice G&T after a long day out or try one of their house made cocktails in a bottle- or just grab a coke and chips. You just write it down on the list and go. In the basement there is a bowling alley and they also have a spa, a fitness center and a theatre that has fun film events.

A few pics of our room which had a very large balcony with a quintessential London view.

How cute is this headboard? I want one! Kit mixes fabrics and prints like no one else.

Every night you get a glass bottle of water and they give you a relaxing pillow spray to keep from Kit Kemp’s bath collection.

The Orangery at The Ham Yard where you can have high tea or just a cocktail.. We did the High Tea.

The breakfast buffet with the most delicious yogurt, granolas, and fruits.

Breakfast! I was in love with the china which was specially designed by Kit for her hotels. This pattern is Wedgwood’s Sailor’s Farewell which is so darling. I also love her Mythical Creatures China that The Covent Garden Hotel uses. Both patterns can be found here on Wedgwood, which incidentally ships free to the U.S.! I would love to have a set of one of these someday. Also how cool are those English toast holders?? More about those in Part 2!

So many pretty spaces in this hotel.

Drinks by the fire on a rainy evening.

When we could drag ourselves away from the hotel we did a few cool things. One was seeing The Dior show at the V&A.. I will do a separate post about it.

Another morning we dashed through a little rain to The National Portrait Gallery, something I always have wanted to do, but the boys did not.

Too many stunning and historic paintings to see. We had time for only a few floors. It’s also a lovely place to have lunch as they have a great space with one of the best views in London looking right at Big Ben and the Thames.

You can see Big Ben is still under construction. It’s costing 61 million pounds and supposed to be done in 2021!

I especially loved the portraits of Elizabeth the First – or do I say Elizabeth I?

Then there were some beautiful old portraits of families from the 1500s that I was especially taken with.

And the 1600s.. Can you even believe they have survived this long and still look this good? This portrait is the Family Vyner in 1673 and he was a wealthy Lord Mayor of London at one time and lent the government money, but died penniless when he was not repaid.

The stories accompanying the portraits were almost as interesting as the paintings themselves. You can learn so much with just a stroll through here.

This family was very musical and commissioned a portrait of themselves. Much more to love here and modern paintings as well as terrific photography.

I also loved the portraits of The Queen.

After the portrait gallery, Max had booked us high tea at a London hot spot called Sketch. His work colleague sweetly recommended it and I had seen it before as it’s VERY instagrammed. When you arrive you can understand why. Don’t you love the dusty pink booths? It’s like traveling back the London of the 1930s.

It is run by a French restauranteur and encompasses four different dining rooms in a beautiful historic building.

I felt so elegant sipping champagne from a coupe while a three piece string ensemble played in the background.

This pink room is the Gallery and where you have your high tea.

The bathroom is a must see with space like pods up a circular staircase. More people Instagramming than using the facilities! A cool sunken bar is hidden between the stairs- should you wish to hang and have a drink in the bathroom!!

The pod toilets!

So not let all this pretty dissuade you from the food and service..It was superb! The food was as yummy as it was gorgeous. They have 2 Michelin stars so the service was very orchestrated, even the pouring of the tea.

We thought it was all the best tea and food of trip. We paid a bit more to have champagne tea and Max got a cocktail called a Basilco. Their cocktails are superb, so amazing and specially crafted.

They said dress ‘Art Smart, with a sense of style and character.’ I love that. I decided on a pink floral number so I matched. You can find more photos of the other gorgeous rooms and menus on their Facebook page.

On our another day we made it to the The Imperial War Museum, which has been on our list. This was a bit farther on the tube, but worth doing. The WWI floor is the best interpretive experience I’ve ever been through. If you have done the Churchill War Rooms, you’ll like this as it’s similar, but on a larger scale. Housed in the original Bethlehem Hospital (nickname Bedlam), it was begun in 1917 before the war was even over and has survived and recently been through a wonderful restoration. Much more about the IWM here. A must do if you are in London.

So much to write about it, but these photos say a lot. There is a vast collection here that brings the war experience to you on every level and viewpoint.

I could personally relate to the parts showing how much women contributed to the war efforts and also how they were affected.

These two things- the dogs given up for WWI, and the masks below were sad, but drove home how much the war affects every member of a family.

War time scarves to boost the war effort and bands worn by women during WWII.

The WWII posters made into postcards. So creative and eye catching and effective.


Before you leave you can see a section of The Berlin Wall.

Right across the street from the museum I passed by this door. Only in England! I’d like to enroll.

Another night Max booked us a gin tasting at The City of London Gin Distillery which is right by St Pauls Cathedral. I wasn’t so sure how much I would enjoy it, but it was one of the most fun things we did.

The City of London is the area that encompasses the financial district and includes St Paul’s Cathedral which the distillery’s bottles were modeled on. The distillery has been in operation since 2012 and won all kinds of awards and gold medals. They make a variety of gins and we tasted 4 while we were there and learned about the making of gin, and its history in London.

When you get to their cool bar for the tour, which is like a speakeasy, they start you with a gin and tonic with a big slice of grapefruit.

Of the gins we tasted I liked the Christopher Wren, which is named after St Paul’s famous architect. It’s creamy and tastes unlike any gin I’ve tried before. They also had a Rhubarb and Rose gin, which was very good and popular in summer. The Sloe Gin, which some drink straight, was delicious with tonic… Something else I never had.

It’s a cool cozy place and it got quite busy later. The stills in which they make the gin are called Clarissa and Jennifer after the Two Fat Ladies cooking show. Anyone else ever watch that? I loved it.

We had the luck to meet the nicest couple, Kate and Tim from Richmond who bought us a drink afterwards in the cute bar. It was altogether the most enjoyable evening and I highly recommend it to anyone interested in more London history and to experience a real G&T London style!

Kate took our photo and sent it later. I wish I had taken one of them. You never know who you will meet doing these little tours! They had kids similar ages, and we had much in common.

Tim’s great photo of the beautiful bar here they sent me. Thank you Tim! He’s a photographer in his spare time which you can probably tell.

Stay tuned in for Part 2 – What I wore, shopping on Portobello Road, a day at Kew Gardens, The Dior Exhibit and Liberty, my favorite shop on the planet…and other bits I couldn’t squeeze into here!

Cheers Luvs,

Kim

Photos property of NorthernCalStyle unless noted.

Filed Under: travel, Uncategorized Tagged With: #england, #Firmdalehotels, #hamyardhotel, #Kitkemp, #London, #sketchlondon, #UKtravel

Primary Sidebar

Featured Posts

Signature Style- Summer Wish List

The Beautiful Mauna Kea Hotel, My New Bed and Nightstand Options

Tips to Give Your Home a Summer Vibe

Signature Style- Resort Looks and Packing Tips

Signature Style- Summer Sandal Edit

Weekend- The Cutest Beach Bags

Get My Posts by Email!

Find Me on Facebook

Northern California Style

Archives

Categories

Footer

Don’t Forget to Follow!

Blogger, writer and explorer sharing about my native California, and parts farther afield. Join me here where I chat about things to love in the worlds of design, fashion, home, travel and culture.

Currently Pinning

  • feeling all white
It’s the weekend post time again with Elizabeth It’s the weekend post time again with Elizabeth and Juliet. 🧡 

This  weekend I shared how I spiffed up the front with a few mums from the local Ace and Trader Joe’s .. Happily, these baskets I bought last year at Target are still looking good, and are available again. I link to them on the blog. 
My wreath of petrified leaves bought last fall at my local @buncheslg florist seems to have survived the garage pretty well. ( Miraculously!) 

I love these multicolored mums from Trader Joe’s. I missed them last year and they go fast!

Other fun things on the blog are an inspiring home book, some great pant options for fall, and a few cottages in Carmel that are for sale! 

Stop on by our blogs- links as always, in our bios or stories:
@northerncalstyle 
@makemineaspritzer 
@pineconesandacorns

#fallporch #mumsforfall #bunchesflorist #traderjoesplants #targetstyle #porchplants
I don’t know where I saved this from, possibly P I don’t know where I saved this from, possibly Pinterest, but I’ve had it forever.  I need to remind myself this quite often! 

Our mindset is everything and I was inadvertently raised to worry about things. My mom was one of 8 kids and her mother warned them about the dangers of everything to keep them all alive in her mind.  I think that was seeped in my dear mom’s bones and passed onto us.. by no fault of hers. 

My brain defaults to that and I have worked hard to stop that sort of internal monologue. 

Remember worrying never kept anyone safer. We don’t care more about someone by being a worrier. We just need to expect good things will happen. 

Being a person who is always worrying is not good for those around you either. It hurts your family and their own feelings of security. The more I realize this, the more I feel the need to reassure, not stress and trust all will work out… and might even be fantastic!

Hope you all have a Happy Friday - and trust things will work out! 

I’ll be back tomorrow with the weekend post! 

#dontworrybehappy #qoutesoftheday #imspirationalquotes
If you missed the weekend posts with Juliet and El If you missed the weekend posts with Juliet and Elizabeth, I shared this pretty Newport Beach Home by the talented @caseyhillstudio in @fredericmagazine photos @lauraresenphotography 💕 

The Chanel slingback is also the ‘it’ shoe of the season and so versatile.. I share the original, resale options, and some very chic copies..at a lower price point.. My favorite Vuori jacket is also back and in new colors.. and lastly the fab J.Crew at 40 book I am coveting.

This is my second go at posting a Reel on the weekend meander.. The first was taken down, for unknown reasons?  So let’s hope this works!

Pop on by our blogs for all the fun and more good ideas!
Links in our bios..
@northerncalstyle 
@makemineaspritzer 
@pineconesandacorns 

Have a great week friends. 😘

#californiahomestyle #californiastyle #jcrew40 #vuori #chanelslingback #caseyhill #fredericmagazine
Had a great cappuccino and avocado toast at the mo Had a great cappuccino and avocado toast at the most charming spot @bluestonelane in Los Altos with my dear friend April. So good to catch up with her. 💕 

I think this is one of the nicest spots to meet a friend! Make a plan to catch up with a friend this fall. 

#bluestonelane #losaltos #bayareaeats  #bayareacharm
I have this quote in my closet! It is smart to re I have this quote in my closet!  It is smart to remember we may already have what we think we need to look great.

Right now the season is changing and I - like everybody else, am super excited for fall clothes, adding new things to my closet, and refreshing my look. 

Hold off though. Before we buy anything or get ‘influenced’ from people like myself, we have to first look at what we have. 

I am constantly reminded that the best dressed people have less clothes and wear great pieces on repeat! 

Get in your closet and you may see you already have that perfect fall sweater or the ballet flat that’s everywhere!! The truth is your pieces may be cooler than the new offerings that are out there- and no one else will have them. 

Make this a goal to go to your closet before you buy for fall and I promise you’ll shop smarter  and get what you really love and need.

Have a beautiful Friday!! Here’s to sweater days soon. 🍂

#fridayinspiration #fallshopping #closetinspo #quotestoliveby
I haven’t posted many house photos lately. I jus I haven’t posted many house photos lately. I just realized yesterday how very much I’m enjoying being at home especially now windows wide-open and the beautiful weather. We couldn’t be more lucky here in California when the weather is as it is now. 🧡

My tomatoes finally turned red and my new fig plant that I added to the front yard in spring already has figs on it!  Marlo is enjoying the sunshine and fresh air too. She’s nearly 18 years old. 

Nothing better than this late summer early fall…Still the goodies of summer and the promise of fun things in fall without all the heat.

If you didn’t read my weekend post there’s a  wonderful inspiring story I shared about getting together with your neighbors and creating small micro neighborhoods…. and how the French love this time of year for socializing again too.. Lots to look forward to! 

Have a beautiful day.

#california #californialiving #northerncalstyle  #serenaandlily #latesummer #earlyfall #catlife #acalifornialife
It’s that fun time when I get to talk style with It’s that fun time when I get to talk style with the fabulous Cindy and since it’s September, we are sharing our Fall Wish Lists!  Are you ready for the change of season?? I can’t wait!

I had so much fun pulling this together. I sort of had to edit myself because there’s many cool new things out there, but we just have to find the right pieces that will make what we already have work and look updated and chic.. We have to be editors! I am just giving you some ideas. 

The best part about fashion right now is there really are no rules and we just had to find what works for us and our lifestyle and our bodies! 

Pop on by the blog, and I’ll share some of the trends like longer fuller pants, suit looks, those darling Chanel style jackets, and other pretty pieces. 

Cindy as always has some beautiful ways to mix it all and create your own look.

Link in our bios as always!! 
@northerncalstyle 
@cindyhattersley 

All the links are on the post, but comment if you are missing something you see here! 

#fallfashiontrends #falllooks #fallfashioninspo
Hello happy weekend! It’s that time for Meanderi Hello happy weekend! It’s that time for Meanderings post with Juliet and Elizabeth!  This week I am sharing this cute bar basket from @hudsongracesf my friends bought for me, and fall items that I am excited to add to my closet.

I am also chatting about the new movement to connect with your neighborhood and create smaller communities -and ideas on how to do it! 

Fall is a perfect time for this and in France it’s called la rentrée and it means the start of a new exciting season of getting back together with others after summer. 

More on the blog- along with my favorite fall soup I’ve made forever from @marthastewart . 

Stop on by our blogs- links as always, in our bios or stories:
@northerncalstyle 
@makemineaspritzer 
@pineconesandacorns

#fallstyle #fallvibes #fallsoup #larentrée #microneighborhoods #onlyconnect #trench 

P.S… This is my first time adding music to a static post.. Is this fun or annoying??
My motivation for Friday! I love @therealdvf and s My motivation for Friday! I love @therealdvf and she is still out there working and inspiring women. 

This quote! Only we can make ourselves truly happy and as women we so often taught to look outside of ourselves for that and that’s never a good thing. We have to learn to ask for what we want without apologizing and go for it ourselves.🩷

Happy Friday friends!

#inspiringquotes #quoteoftheday #dvf
What do you do when it’s rainy and cool in Tahoe What do you do when it’s rainy and cool in Tahoe? Well someone asked me today and  actually there is a lot to do and it’s one of the best times to go! 

Last weekend it was a cool 48 degrees and it felt like November even though it was Labor Day weekend. We enjoyed some sun and breezes so being layers!

You can pack a lot in the two days with great hikes and walks..and food!  Two good hikes- one at Ward Creek, another at Sugar Pine Point.. are perfect for now! Have some lunch by the river @riverranchlodge, take a walk on the lake and a drive on 89, end it by playing games and have a cozy dinner in with pot pies from Tahoe House bakery. ( SO good!) 

Tahoe when it’s shoulder season is the best kept secret. Though normally Labor Day would be hot here. Make some plans to enjoy the fall here! 🍂

Here’s to an early fall! I added a few autumn touches to our tiny cabin while I was there..

Yes I snapped that 🐻 bear! He was crossing the road. This is their season to bulk up so you leave no food in your cars..

#tahoe #westshoretahoe #sugarpinepointstatepark #wardcreektrail #shoulderseasontravel #ourgoldenstate #californiatravel #tahoeweekend #westshorebestshore #tahoetravel #fallintahoe
I can’t let this date go by without a tribute to I can’t let this date go by without a tribute to Princess Diana, my original style idol.  I recently found this book my dear mother bought me way back in the 80’s. Tucked inside was this torn page from American @vogue about this new girl’s style….Oh if they only knew what this young woman would be to the world. …

She was so much more than what she wore. She was a real life princess in her heart as well as title- touching so many lives. Who didn’t she care about or show kindness towards? She had it in her heart and that radiated in her face. 

These are a few photos that are my favorites and a few that show her fun personality that always shines through.. 🩷 Of course everything she wore is back in style again like this vest - the caps, the blazers, and floral prints. 

This day makes me hugely sad. 
If it wasn’t for the nasty British press ( who are still horrific), and paparazzi she would be here. 

#dianaspencer #princessdiana #ladydi
The weekend post with Juliet and Elizabeth is up. The weekend post with Juliet and Elizabeth is up. I have my 40th reunion this weekend so I’ve got what to wear to a reunion, an excellent book on rethinking how we age by the chic @annagmurphy , and  the story of how San Francisco’s Nordstrom changed the city and its unlikely success story. 

It’s all on the blog! 

Stop on by our blogs- links as always, in our bios or stories:
@northerncalstyle 
@makemineaspritzer 
@pineconesandacorns 

#whattowear  #highschoolreunion #highschoolreunionlook 
#bayarea  #northerncalstyle #californiastyle #agingbackwards #destinationfabulous

Copyright © 2023 · Northern California Style· Blog Design by Little Blue Deer