Notes From The Editor

Week commencing 9 May 2011

This week we turn our attention to a unique offer at one of London’s most luxurious hotels, located in the city’s prestigious Mayfair district. Amongst the locals – for whom life is one big champagne experience – it’s unlikely to raise many eyebrows, but when you’re being charged £4,000-plus for some bubbly and food then you know something special’s in the offing.

The May Fair hotel has taken haute cousine to a new level with a series of packages that combines ultra-premium champagnes with the pinnacle of gastronomy, courtesy of the hotel’s esteemed patron chef, Silvena Rowe. Each offer is only available to 150 guests, making it a truly elite wining and dining experience.

If nothing else, it is further evidence that London’s hotels continue to push the boundaries, if not lead the way, when it comes to new and creative ways of attracting patrons through their doors. And with the surge of publicity enjoyed by the city since the Royal Wedding likely to draw even more visitors, the timing couldn’t be better.

Elsewhere we’ve seen the latest example of celebrity endorsement, with Hollywood actress Jessica Alba lending her charms to jewellery brand Piaget. It seems to be a marketing tool that almost guarantees success (celebrity misdemeanours notwithstanding), and with the clean-living Ms Alba on their books Piaget can expect a burst of interest in their stunning high-end pieces.

Another way of speculating to accumulate is to launch new retail outlets – and two renowned luxury brands have recently done just that. Firstly, luxury phone maker Vertu have opened up shop in Hong Kong, whilst watch maker Hublot have done the same in Beverly Hills. We feature both new stores in all their glory. Enjoy!