All you need is love… and Stylebible’s Valentine shopping guide, by Ellie Pratt
13-02-2006
If you’ve got the love bug, don’t lapse into a romantic-induced panic at the mere thought of impressing your Romeo or Juliet. Let Stylebible lend you a hand in the love department. We’ve gone all out on the luxury stakes, and carefully handpicked our favourite lingerie shops, hotels, bars and restaurants and florists. Showering your loved with affection has never been easier. Sit back and watch as cupid’s arrow strikes.
Feeling saucy? Visit one of our three most favourite lingerie shops:
Agent Provocateur
5 Royal Exchange, London, EC3
Telephone: 020 7623 0229
The home of incredibly saucy window displays, and product lines to make prudes blush – anyone can find something here to make them feel sexy. Boys, take a hint from Stylebible, the FiFi range, made from luxurious pleated tulle and French Chantilly lace is a must-purchase this Valentine’s Day.
La Perla
163 Sloane Street, Knightsbridge, SW1 9QB
Telephone: 020 7245 0527
Set yourself a budget and prepare to blow it because La Perla’s undies will turn even the meekest church mouse into a raging dominatrix this Valentine’s Day. Well, okay, maybe not that far but if you don’t feel sexy in this stuff then get thee to a nunnery! (Also stocks clothes, hosiery and accessories.)
Web: www.laperla.com
Myla
4 Burlington Gardens, London W1S 3ER
Telephone: 020 7491 8548
Naughty, but nice, Myla makes the act of buying a vibrator seem like popping to the shops for a pint of milk – unless of course you’re there to purchase the world’s most expensive fun stick – the Bone – more objets d’art than battery-operated friend, it’s a whopping £199! Overall, Myla is discreet and sweet, but definitely not for nice girls! Go on, drive your partner wild!
Web: www.myla.com
Three restaurants for the ultimate cosy and romantic tête-à -tête:
Boxwood Cafe
The Berkeley, Wilton Place, SW1X 7RL
Telephone: 020 7235 1010
A Stylebible top pick. Why? Impeccable service, glorious surrounds, comfy chairs and exquisite food – that’s why. Gordon Ramsay oversees the menu, but head chef Stuart Gillies works his magic with top treats such as goat’s cheese fondue, salmon and lobster pie and a phenomenal suckling pig. If it’s a romantic sultry setting you want, you’ve got it. Kick back in an enticing velvet glove of an interior, full of deep browns and greens with artfully placed antiques and photography. Being that it’s nestled in the Berkeley hotel helps to give it an extra frisson of sophistication.
Web: www.gordonramsay.com
Floridita
100 Wardour Street, London, W1F 0TN
Telephone: 020 7314 4000
Expect music, dancing and fine fare, Floridita is always a fun choice for some romance and frivolity. Indulge in delightful starters including smoked salmon, warm blinis and keta caviar, watercress and crème fraîche, in addition to a great choice of main courses; roast fillet of Argentinean beef braised cavalo nero and green peppercorn sauce, or charcoal grilled Langosta – a spiny lobster, imported live and direct from Cuba – served with fresh limes and garlic and parsley butter. And it doesn’t stop there: there is a veritable chocolate feast for dessert including chocolate and coffee tart and white chocolate ice cream. This special Valentine’s Day menu costs £66, which includes a cocktail upon arrival and a glass of champagne. (Stylebible members pay just £52.00).
Boulevard Kitchen and Bar
50-59 Old Compton Street, Soho, London, W1D 6HP
Telephone: 020 7287 0770
Located in the heart of Soho, this is a recent addition to Stylebible. Its Valentine’s menu includes everything from oysters to goat’s cheese salad, and delectable main courses such as risotto, fresh mullet and Beef Wellington. Jake the restaurant manager will look after our members and the cocktail list is powerful too – a Stylebible favourite for a laid back and indulgent Valentine’s Day. Don’t forget to tell Jake that we sent you when you book a table.
Nothing spells romance like a night in a sexy hotel:
The Soho Hotel
4 Richmond Mews, W1D 3DH
Telephone: 020 7559 3000
Situated in the heart of London’s entertainment community, The Soho Hotel exudes decadence – the ultimate venue for a night to remember. There are 85 bedrooms and suites, as well as six private apartments – all perfect for snuggling up in for the night. If your partner really deserves a treat – and your wallet is bulging – each of the four penthouses on the fifth floor has a beautiful tree-lined terrace and sweeping views across London. Granite and oak bathrooms complete with walk-in showers will help make your night even more special. For an extra touch, on Valentine’s night, you can wine and dine at the hotel’s restaurant Refuel, then settle down to watch Pride and Prejudice in its sexy and intimate screening room – all for a superb £40.
Web: www.firmdale.com
Baglioni
60 Hyde Park Gate, Kensington, London, SW1
Telephone: 020 7368 5700
Overlooking Kensington Palace and gardens – where better to go for some love in the city. The Baglioni’s theme is very Italian, and the design of everything from the bedrooms to the menus reflects this. Of the 66 rooms, there are 50 suites – including two presidential – and 20 of them have fireplaces, which should keep the chill off as you get cosy.
For an extra special gesture, treat your loved one to the hotel’s Valentine’s Day special offer. For £420 you will receive one night in deluxe double room, full English breakfast for two, a bottle of champagne and flowers in your room. A Valentine’s evening dinner will be served at the Brunello restaurant and while you enjoy dining, your butler will choose some romantic background music, lay rose petals on the bed and light candles. The use of the spa and steam room will also be yours.
Web: www.baglionihotellondon.com
The Hempel
31-35 Craven Hill Gardens, Notting Hill, London, W2 3EA
Telephone: 020 7298 9000
Whisk your favourite person away for a luxurious night in West London’s stunningly beautiful boutique hotel, the Hempel. Tucked away in a leafy enclave and separate from the hustle and bustle of High Street Kensington, it has plenty on offer this Valentine’s Day. From rose petals on the bed, cocktails delivered to your room, relax and laze with the one you love amid minimalist chic.
Web: www.the-hempel.co.uk
Last but not least, treat your sweetheart to some exquisite blooms:
Wild at Heart
49a Ledbury Road, Notting Hill, London, W11 2AA
Telephone: 020 7727 3095
Renowned for supplying spectacular flowers to private clients, the fashion industry, boutique hotels and the media, the Wild at Heart client list is testimony to the diversity and constant high quality of work. When flowers arrive from this shop, a girl knows about it. Stunning, beautiful works of art and highly recommended by the Stylebible team.
For orders over the phone call 020 7727 3095 but a stop in their stunning shop is always worth the visit, Westbourne Grove. The website is currently being updated.
Web: www.wildatheart.com
