The 'Last' Word - April's Highlights
- Mar 25
- 4 min read
Updated: Apr 2
The Tourism Media Group's very own hotel detective Charlotte Johnson-Last shares her thoughts on the latest London news.
"This month, my mind certainly seems to be on food (and cocktails) - whether it's a free meal (yes please), a new cosy bistro or an upgrade to one of my favourite dining experiences. Settle down with a hot cross bun and a cuppa and have a catch up on this month's gossip"
If Only I Could Run...
If you're running the TCS London Marathon this year, you're in for a treat - a free roast at the end of the 26.2-mile route. Yes, can you believe it, LAVO at The BoTree is inviting runners to rest and refuel with traditional roast, Italian-style, of course, followed by an indulgent dessert. All you have to do is book and present your medal on arrival! Simple right?
Oh, there's just the minor terms and conditions - you have to complete the marathon first! Think I'll just treat myself to a Sunday roast - far less painful.
But seriously, good luck to everyone taking part in the marathon later this month..🏃♂️🏃♂️🏃♂️
Chaos Meets Culinary Craft
I’ve always loved the sheer chaos of Faulty Towers The Dining Experience, but now there’s an even better reason to book a table. With acclaimed chef Jonathan Bradley taking the reins at the President Hotel, the food promises to be as memorable as the mayhem.
A refined take on British classics alongside two hours of brilliantly bonkers comedy? It sounds like the perfect pairing. I can’t wait to experience the upgraded menu while Basil rants, Sybil fumes and Manuel inevitably gets it all wrong.
Golden Hour, Elevated
I’m excited to see what The Derby London City, Curio Collection by Hilton brings to the hospitality landscape - particularly the cocktail scene. The hotel is due to open on Tuesday,
7 April and the daily Golden Hour ritual at 5:10pm feels like a brilliant nod to its address (5 -10 Great Tower Street) – and the perfect excuse for a well-timed drink.
I love the idea of a signature cocktail that changes with the mood of the day, adding a sense of occasion to every visit.
Paired with views over St Dunstan in the East and the buzz of a new opening, this already feels like a spot I’ll be recommending – and returning to often – maybe at about 5:10pm. 🍸🍸 Cheers!
PS. This month's Concierge interview is with Adelino Moreira, Head Concierge at The Derby London City, Curio Collection by Hilton. You can read it here.
One To Watch
I’m also looking forward to the opening of Tavern, on 28 April on Old Street!
From the team behind Nest and Michelin-starred Restaurant St Barts, it’s set to be a cosy, buzzy British bistro with amazing seasonal dishes. I have my eye on the British bluefin tuna tostada with Irish wasabi, the Brixham turbot with English sparkling wine and cobnut sauce, and maybe grab a cocktail at the counter — especially the pickle chilli martini. Yes, another cocktail! With the open kitchen and candlelit tables, it feels like the perfect spot to relax and linger over great food.
CONGRATULATIONS
To Enrique Martín-Avendaño, who has joined Sofitel London St James as Senior Concierge .
Enrique made the move at the end of March, having worked as a Concierge at The Park Tower Knightsbridge, A Luxury Collection Hotel for a year-and-a-half.
Well done Enrique, we hope you enjoy your new job and all that the new position brings!
MOVERS & SHAKERS
Richard Jenkins has moved from The Cavendish Hotel to The Londoner as Concierge.
Lee Short has moved from Como Metropolitan Hotel to The Goring Hotel as Concierge.
Filippo Targhetta has moved from Sheraton Park Lane Hotel to St Pancras Hotel as Assistant Head Concierge.
Fabrice Blondel has moved from The Lalit Hotel to Prince Akatoki London as Concierge.
Joseph Winders has moved from The Grand York Hotel to Rockliffe Hall as Head Concierge.
Rahim Ismail is leaving the Savoy Hotel and taking a career break.
Matteo Delrio has left the Nomad Hotel.
Peter Wharmby has left Mandarin Oriental Mayfair.
Justyna Kaminska has left The Society to move back to the Spanish Section, joining Mandarin Oriental Mallorca as Head Concierge.
NEW SOCIETY MEMBERS
Congratulations to the newest members of the Les Clefs d'Or® International family, who were accepted as members of The Society of the Golden Keys at the March meeting.
Claudia Saltarelli, Concierge at Peninsula London, sponsored by Sonia Vella and Stefano Trovo.
Gary Rutherford, Concierge at The Baileys London, sponsored by Ramos Tenic and Nikolas Pawlowski.
Joseph Harold Flowers, Concierge at the Intercontinental Edinburgh, sponsored by Scott Keenan and Gavin Stirling.
PSST...
Have you got some good news or hot gossip? Drop me an email at charlotte.last@tourismmediagroup.com
