By Martin Banks
“Bayeux mania” is officially sweeping the art world and that means there’s never been a better time to visit London where it is now on display to the public.
The legendary tapestry has just made its highly anticipated public debut at London’s British Museum (from September 10) marking the very first time the 11th-century masterpiece has left France in its nearly 1,000-year history.
The 70-metre-long tapestry depicts events leading up to the Norman Conquest.
The museum has already sold a record-breaking 100,000 tickets and the initial ticket release in July generated £2.5 million ($3.4 million) in a single day, making it the most profitable sales day in the history of the British Museum. The online queue peaked at over 80,000 desperate buyers, with wait times reaching up to nine hours.
The museum is itself one of London’s top attractions, many of which are featured on a typical tour of the UK capital aboard a classic London double decker bus.
One of the best – and most novel – of these are run by Brigit’s Bakery. The difference with these is that you also get to enjoy another Great British tradition … afternoon tea.
It gives you the chance to soak up the city’s culture, history and famous landmarks from a classic 1960s Routemaster.
The tours started in 2013 and last 90 minutes. From the top deck of a 1960’s bus you start from Victoria bus station and in no time are immersed in the history of London and Britain, passing by places like Knightsbridge, home to the world famous Harrods and some of the most pricey property in the land, and the Prince Albert memorial, named after Queen Victoria’s husband and located opposite yet another landmark: the Albert Hall.
You also go by three famous museums, including the Science Museum which, itself, attracts over 3.3m visitors a year.
It is good fun and a pleasant way to see the city’s famous sights.
After traipsing around one of the world’s great cities you will have most likely worked up quite an appetite and, certainly if you enjoy Indian food, you cannot find a better place, currently, to sate any such hunger than Bulbul.
Having only very recently opened this is, arguably, the newest restaurant in the capital and is most certainly well worth a visit if you happen to find yoNhurself in London any time soon.
Its location in Blackfriars alone is fascinating, just round the corner from the famous Fleet Street – once the home of the UK’s newspaper industry – and with some vary famous companies and top law firms with their offices nearby.
An awful lot of time and effort has clearly been invested in ensuring this newby on the city’s culinary scene is a success and that extends to even shipping in authentic Indian furniture from India.
The minute you venture down the steps to the resto you will be impressed, not least by the fantastic water fountain that greets guests as they enter. It gives you a sense of entering the courtyard in a typical Indian house.
The décor is delightful and features a very large mirror in the ceiling that lends a touch of depth to the whole space.
The rugs are sourced from the award-winning and famous Jaipur Rugs company and the whole place has been laid out by some of India’s top designers.
Bulbul also features a ten-seat private dining room for celebrations and special gatherings.
The eye-catching uniforms, made by luxury design label Papa Don’t Preach,worn by the friendly staff are also something to behold.
But, of course, it is the food and drink that any newcomer is judged on and, here, you will certainly not be disappointed with what is on offer.
First, it is worth stating that you really should start any meal here with a cocktail as this is something the owners take very seriously. Sample one and you will see why (you will be shown the “cocktail box” which is unique way of presenting cocktails ingredients).
The talented mixologist uses modern methods methods so as to ensure his cocktails complement the food, which is, itself, is a real treasure.
Dishes include Jim Corbett Hunter’s Murgh Mussallam (rustic Mughlai chicken slow-cooked with warm whole spices) and Nilgiri Beef Short Rib Korma (slow-braised beef short ribs enriched with coriander, mint and aromatic spice), while the Flight of Bulbul will feature cocktails “inspired by India’s different regions, ingredients and culinary traditions”.
Some of the dishes have been named after one of the co-owner’s family (his mother, Dorothy and aunt, Maria) and are marked as such on the menu.
If you are not necessarily into spicy food (and not everyone is) you can also try dishes like butter chicken, prawn curry, stuffed potatoes and lentils and still enjoy a great dining experience here.
This is the first UK resto opened by Indian restaurateur Rohan D’Souza who is also behind Pisco by the Beach, After Dinner, The Lazy Goose and Blue Turtle in Goa, The Coconut Boy in Mumbai, The Backwaters in Kochi and Café Montagneleh in Ladakh.
In partnership with Twinkle Keswani, who was named Young Restaurateur of the Year by India’s The Economic Times in 2023, D’Souza aims to offer “vibrant small plates, inventive cocktails and immersive design”.
The duo formed their menu by travelling across India to ‘borrow’ ideas from regional cooks, home kitchens and local markets, “exploring recipes and techniques that rarely travel beyond their place of origin”.
A highly talented team behind this super new place also includes the well-travelled and very informative restaurant consultant Rajesh Suri.
Rajesh, former Grand Trunk Road restaurateur, has played a key role in overseeing the opening and continues to do so now.
London restos, unofficially, cover no less than 72 different cuisines (and at their best) so opening a new venture, especially in times of economic uncertainty, is a bold move and one that deserves full praise.
But any visit to Bulbul really is a “journey” through – and celebration of – the undoubted wonders of Indian cuisine.
Of course, any visit to this ever bustling city really does need at least one or two nights and a super place for any layover is the ideally located Hilton London Paddington.
The hotel, which first opened way back in 1854, is steeped in history having been designed by Isambard Kingdom Brunel as the grand façade of Paddington Station.
As it looks forward to marking 173 years of history, it is currently still undergoing a landmark multi-million-pound renovation of guestrooms, ballrooms and interiors.
The listed hotel, renowned for its royal associations and charitable legacy, will complete its first phase of renovation in spring 2026 with the opening of its newly restored rooms in the historic left wing.
Rooted in respect for the past while looking ahead, the transformation prioritises guest comfort and sustainability, preserving the building’s Victorian character and Art Deco spirit through the restoration of original architectural details. These are complemented by bespoke Art Deco–inspired furnishings, refined fixtures and carefully reupholstered heritage pieces, ensuring continuity between eras.
Bold geometric motifs, refined tilework and layered textures sit alongside discreet contemporary elements, creating a harmonious balance between historic integrity and modern sensibility.
One of the hotel’s most iconic features, the lobby’s grand European crystal chandelier, symbolised the first step in restoring the building’s historic splendour when it joined the Hilton portfolio at the turn of the century, remaining a defining focal point today.
The hotel has completed the transformation of its event spaces, including the Great Western Suite ballrooms. Comprising Great Western I and Great Western II, named after iconic locomotives, these light-filled, pillar-free rooms feature classic architectural detailing and elegant Venetian chandeliers. Designed with flexibility in mind, the spaces can be combined for large-scale conferences and celebrations or used independently for more intimate gatherings.
With this landmark renovation, Hilton London Paddington affirms its status as a heritage hotel that brings together historic architecture and modern design.
It is ideally located, just above the busy Paddington rail station and offers a seamless 15-minute train journey to Heathrow Airport and access to five Underground lines. Guests can enjoy all-day dining, handcrafted cocktails, and Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens within a half mile. It also boasts a fitness centre and executive lounge.
So, with history buffs currently in their element with the famous Bayeux Tapestry on display there is really is no better time to visit London, a perennially popular world destination.
A fantastic brand new restaurant and a historic hotel celebrating a major refurb are yet more reasons to make a beeline for the UK capital this autumn/winter.
Further info:
https://www.hilton.com/en/
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