Page 8 October 2015 Rosa Lewis Article & Photos by Patrice Raplee
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The fabulous Cavendish London Hotel, situated in the heart of his- toric St. James's on Jermyn Street, is one of the city's most centrally located hotels. With a fascinating 200-year history, royalty and art- ists to actors and politicians have visited the hotel. Today, this chic and modern property owes its illus- trious heritage to a famous British chef, Rosa Lewis, who was once a humble, domestic cook. The inception of the Cavendish Hotel began in the mid-nineteenth century with the surrounding streets home to generals, bankers, princes and viscounts. This posh area grew to a fashionable location and the hotel would boast guests from the members of the Irish aristocracy to the elite of British society. In 1899, after years of cui- sine apprenticeships and cooking for London's influential, Lewis won over British society and Edward, Prince of Wales, with her French inspired cuisine. She had her own catering service and recognized that the distinguished Cavendish Hotel was a perfect venue for her headquarters. She then moved her catering service to the hotel and a few years later, purchased the property. Within years, Lewis combined adjoining properties to the hotel and modernized the Cav- endish with her personal warmth, and celebrated flair. Lewis was passionate about the hotel and her cuisine and she flour-
Patrice Raplee's Travel Excursion - London, England
Cavendish London Hotel boasts fascinating 200-yr history
Patrice Raplee is a monthly columnist for the Award-Winning "Offbeat Travel" and a travel radio correspondent, as well as a member of the North American Travel Jornalists Association, International Food Wine & Travel Writers Association & Recording Academy
ished in her element. She would host, as well as cook, for German Kaiser Wilhelm II, Lord and Lady Churchill with their son Winston, George Bernard Shaw, artist John Singer Sargent and a bevy of famous actors and notables. For 46-years, Lewis devotedly presided over the famous Cavendish that would stay the course of two world wars, a dam- aged hotel (WWII) and a depression. Her remarkable story of ascending domestic service and successful, early 20th century female entrepre- neurship is fascinating and inspiring! Lewis's legacy lives on in the Cavendish London with its chic style, warmth and hospitality that attracts visitors from around the globe. The hotel features 15 floors with lovely rooms that range from Classic and Superior Rooms to Executive and Penthouse Suites. Each room or suite offers excellent views of fashionable St. James's, as well as many rooms that sport panoramic skylines of Central Lon- don with Big Ben and the London Eye. The modern, well-appointed room decor is elegant and harmoni- ous with blissfully comfortable beds and the bathrooms, a divine study in sleek luxury. Whether you require a fine, Classic Room or a spacious Executive Room with a Nespresso coffee machine, you can expect the same attention to detail, fine linens and luxurious room decor. The Cavendish's Petrichor Res- taurant is exquisite and boasts two AA Rosettes. The Petrichor is dedicated to sustainability and supports local British farmers. In addition, the restaurant serves an amazing and indulgent English breakfast from a large buffet or a menu for ordering. Try the sublime, fresh-baked pastries and organic preserves or the hearty egg dishes paired with thick bacon and tasty sausages. Of course, lunch and dinner menus are equally brilliant and are accompanied by an envi- able wine list. Moreover, if you desire pre or post theater refresh- ments or just wish to chat in a styl- ish and cozy lounge over a drink, visit the hotel's Rosa Lewis bar located adjacent to the lobby. If Afternoon Tea is on your agenda, the Cavendish's Lounge is an ideal setting for a modern twist on this afternoon repast. Pil- lowed armchairs and plush sofas grouped in intimate settings pro- vide a comfortable and tasteful ambience to enjoy your preference of a Traditional Afternoon Tea, Champagne Tea or Celebration Tea. The delicacies, beautifully served on a tiered tea stand, in- clude gorgeous pastries, macar- ons, scrumptious scones with clot- ted cream and organic preserves with dainty finger sandwiches and a steaming pot of Fair-Trade tea or coffee. In addition, the hotel's divine Afternoon Tea offerings rank among the best priced in the city. Central London is the mecca for the city's shopping and the Caven- dish London in St. James's lies at its exciting heart. Step outside the hotel and Fortnum and Masons is located across the street, with Pic- cadilly located just a block away and Regent Street five minutes farther. Stroll along Jermyn Street and you'll find Floris, one of the city's finest British perfumeries since 1780 and numerous fashion and specialty shops to entice you. In fact, the entire area around St James's offers fantastic boutiques and shops that are quintessentially British. In addition, several pubs lay in close proximity with Che- quers on Duke Street, a small but local favorite. And, fascinating his- torical sites, such as St, James's Church and St. James's Palace, built by King Henry VIII, are a short walk from the hotel as well.
The Cavendish London fea- tures the best of contemporary hotels and hospitality, yet retains the captivating and historical qualities that visitors traveling to London yearn to experience. For additional information on the Cavendish London, visit www. thecavendish-london.co.uk.
Afternoon Tea Junior Suite Bed Loch Duart Salmon Junior Suite
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