The Hidden Oasis Connaught Village

Don’t you like when you receive a shiny invitation embossed with gold stars, that’s what I received to invite me to the Connaught Village Christmas Shopping Evening. Feeling very special and inquisitive I wanted to learn more.

Connaught Village located in Marble Arch’s luxury shopping quarter offers over 45 independent shops, restaurants and independent retailers who will offer personal shopping, styling services and in-store activities. Retail heaven; Fe Hair and Beauty, Toolshed, The Place London, Judy Wu, Lucy Choi (the niece of the famous Jimmy Choo), Vitamasques, Kokoro, Connaught Kitchens, Connaught Cellars, Eliza Jane Howell, De Roemer, Abasto, Me + Em, Lyon and Turnbull, Saint Aymes. All of these retailers are offering different discounts and exclusive activities, even more of a reason to experience Connaught Village and the surrounding vicinity ahead of the exclusive Christmas Shopping event.

Finding this Oasis called Connaught Village was just what I needed, I prefer being able to shop in a calm and relaxed environment. Connaught Village offers an exclusive shopping experience, part of the Hyde Park Estate. Connaught Village offers a choice of some the best independent retailers in London. This elegant premium London village is located in one of the most prestigious post codes in London. Connaught Village have a wide variety of independent high-end brands, great food establishments from the classic pub we know and love, too the authentic Argentinean hideaway Casa Malevo. Connaught Village offer quaint cafés, where you pick up a light bite along with being able to observe galleries for the keen art collector. Connaught village offers so much for a truly luxurious and unique shopping experience. The next step was to plan my overnight visit to Connaught Village so I could discover further what this shopping Oasis had to offer. I booked to stay in the 5 stars Royal Lancaster London, just a short 15 min walk from Marble Arch.  I decided that such a unique and traditional setting requires a dining experience of that nature, so I made a reservation at Casa Malevo the menu features traditional Cocina Argentina dishes.

History of Connaught Village

The Hyde Park Estate and Connaught Village celebrate 150 years. 2018 marks 150 years of the Church Commissioners owning the historic Estate of Connaught Village dating back to the reign of George IV.

Connaught Village and its unique charm of ‘ the Village’ dates back to 1868, when the Church Commissioners leased independent business spaces to the ‘high society’ in the area resulting in a family generational boutique such as ‘Ritva Westenius’, providing the most elegant made to measure bridal wear and gowns. Lucy Choi whose shoes have graced the catwalk and seen in the contemporary editorial magazine of modern time is also providing fabulous service.

Connaught Village

Tucked away behind Georgian squares and a short walk from Marble Arch and the hustle and bustle of Oxford Circus is Connaught Village. It is an exclusive shopping and lifestyle location and is the perfect mix of residential and independent, specialist and designers boutiques offering cuisines from all around the world, something for all taste buds; whether you fancy breakfast, brunch, lunch or dinner. Connaught Village also has hair and beauty specialists and sophisticated yet quaint art galleries.  The native Londoner or International traveller, if you want to experience quality and get away from the bustle of central London, Connaught Village is an exclusive choice.

Connaught Village is home to 45 independent shops and restaurants. The village offers a great selection for everyone whether you are looking for a high-profile brand, boutique style, beauty, or mouth-watering cuisine. Exclusive Shopping; The Place London, is a one stop shop for international designers, accessories and gifts offering options for both Women and Men, Fe Hair and Beauty, perfect to tame your tresses and evoke your beauty within, Kokoro a fusion of fashion and contemporary culture, Ritva Westenius you will fall in love over and over again, a multi award winning British bridal, wedding dress designer Ritva Westenius designs will take you to a place and time, Eliza Jane Howell a fashion graduate of the Royal College of Art in London, her eveningwear, occasion wear and red carpet collection are timeless and a should be a staple piece in any ladies closet, Me + Em, flattering and on-trend versatile style solutions. These exquisite establishments are luxury made affordable, and this is just a small slice of what Connaught Village has. Connaught Village is the perfect mix for shopping, dining and lifestyle.

Connaught Village Experience

Hidden behind Georgian Squares on a bright but crisp Saturday afternoon I found Connaught Village and the first thing that struck me was how peaceful the Village is. I always enjoy exploring something new and elegant… the time will pass you by. Connaught Village is a breath of fresh air to a shopping experience you can take your time and enjoy. I had never walked through Connaught Village before so it was exciting that I was discovering something new.

The Hotel

Royal Lancaster London in celebration of its 50th anniversary relaunched in 2017 following a mind blowing £85 million renovation. This renovation meant a complete refurbishment of all 411 rooms and suites, plus a brand new grand showpiece entrance and lobby. The most amazing feature is a splendid sweeping staircase, created from 300 square meters of white Carrara marble, a stairway of luxury at its very finest. The new guest rooms are beautifully designed with comfort and style in mind. The most amazing features of Royal Lancaster London are the breath-taking views from some of guest rooms across the London Skyline.

Opened in 1967 and one of the most iconic hotels in London, Michael Caine filmed the ‘Italian Job’ right in the heart of the hotel, so nostalgic. Royal Lancaster London has hosted a number of events by the royals, old and new, and the chosen after-party venue for The Beatles ‘ Yellow Submarine’ film premiere. What’s not to love about this fine 5 star treasure.

Royal Lancaster London has a chilled and relaxed feel, perfect to escape with friends or your loved one in the heart of London, a stone throw from the major shopping districts, and the perfect choice for my Connaught Village experience.  The hotel has a calming yet luxurious ambience and the elegant Hyde Bar named after London’s most famous park is beautifully decorated, warm and inviting. Hyde Bar offers Champagne, cocktails, coffee and light bites, which are served throughout the day.

The Thai owner Jatuporn Sihanatkathakul is evident throughout the new renovation with the beautiful painting of trees, teal furnishing and rose gold accents. The redesign of Nipa Thai, the hotel’s award winning restaurant is testimony of the Thai influence.

We were warmly greeted upon arrival they were expecting us! Guest liaison told us we were booked into an executive suite on- 17th floor amazing! The allocated room was simply stunning, cream, browns and white comfortable and spacious with a large seating area. The bathroom took my breath away, luxurious marble with a waterfall style shower and my favourite ‘white company toiletries and a sumptuous King size bed. The room provided all the standard features you expect from a hotel of 5 star standard, but nothing prepares you for the view it was stunning, you literally can see the London skyline in all its grandeur, I even spotted the famous ‘Shard’ in the distance. Royal Lancaster London is the perfect location whilst in Central London, to explore and to be treated to truly charming hospitality and top-level quality.

Two interesting facts!  One – Royal Lancaster London is also big on sustainability, the Island Grill in the hotel serves modern, locally sourced British dishes with a focus on sustainability. The restaurant won the Sustainable Restaurant Award 2015.  Two – Throughout the hotel you will notice that the carpets have hexagons designs these represent Royal Lancaster London installing beehives on its roof, amazing!

Dinner at Casa Malevo

A rustic Argentinean restaurant located in the heart of Connaught Village, Central London. Casa Malevo offers authentic Cocina Argentina, serving popular dishes from the different regions of the country. We were greeted by the host for the night and given recommendations for food and wine. The entire wine list from Argentina too, perfect for pairing with the restaurants speciality prime quality beef. We had worked up an appetite during the day exploring Connaught Village, and we were excited to check out the menu.

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To open our appetite we chose Campari, shaken with fresh lime, lemon, orange and sprite, refreshing and light. We chose our starters; Buffalo mozzarella, tomato and avocado purée salad, Lamb sweetbreads with grilled mushrooms and pea puree, tasty and tender. To accompany the main we were recommended Luigi Bosca 14% Mendoza Lujan de Cuyo wine, it was fruity and light and worked really well with the steak. Mains; Bife Ancho 300gr Rib eye steak served with Chips and two fried eggs, surprisingly we didn’t feel really full. There was room for my favourite dish- desert! Polenta cake with orange marmalade and almonds moist and not too sweet, lemon tart and Italian meringue, which literally melted in the mouth and sent my taste buds into a frenzy!

The conclusion

The Connaught Village shopping experience was both luxurious and exclusive I felt very special strolling around the shopping quarter. Connaught Village is the perfect destination for your Christmas Shopping and future needs. The stay at Royal Lancaster London was relaxing and luxurious and as expected first class, it should be your first choice for your stay-cation; luxury breaks with family and friends and loved ones.

The Casa Malevo was authentic and reminiscent of Argentina, rustic and warm with a great atmosphere, attentive and knowledgeable hosts and food cooked to perfection.

Connaught Village is an exclusive and premium experience, perfect balance between luxury and lifestyle. You will discover new and exciting independent shops, high end and boutique style, art galleries and dining from all around the world. Connaught Village should be your first choice for the coming festive season and beyond. Date for your diary Thursday 22nd November 6-8pm exclusive Christmas shopping evening.

W: Connaught Village