| | | | hotel/spa opening of the week | Corinthia Hotel London | Why? Because it's time to shake off those holiday indulgences. To be housed inside the historic Metropole building, the Corinthia Hotel London is one of the most anticipated openings in London for 2011; a £300 refurbishment will ensure it can compete with the likes of The Savoy, complete with 300 bedrooms, split-level penthouses, a selection of restaurants, bars and an in-house spa. And as if that wasn’t enough, a separate ESPA spa is being built next door for those who want to pamper and preen all-day long. Wrapping things up nicely at the hotel is its location beside the Thames, ensuring gorgeous views from wherever you look. And with a spring 2011 opening planned, you don’t have to wait too long, either. | Corinthia Hotel London Whitehall Place SW1 PHONE: 020 7930 8181 SITE: corinthia.com | | | | | | view of the week | Four Seasons Heron Tower | Why? Because you wanna get higher. For a while, the new Four Seasons Heron Tower -- scheduled to open in March 2011 -- will be housed inside London’s tallest building. That is, at least, until Renzo Piano’s Shard of Glass skyscraper in London Bridge throws open its glossy doors. But the Four Seasons Heron Tower doesn’t need such soaring accolades to win our approval; inside the hotel will comprise 190 bedrooms and suites, and 120 private residences and conference facilities, as well as an on-site gym, spa and swimming pool for those who like to balance work with down-time. And being a Four Seasons property, you can bet your bottom pound that gentlemen guests will be kept in the manner to which they’ve undoubtedly become accustomed. | Four Seasons Heron Tower 110 Bishopsgate EC2 SITE: fourseasons.com | | | | | | majumdar at the bar | Detroit | Why? Because each week in this space, Simon Majumdar of Dos Hermanos will be letting you know what to order where (as well as what to avoid). What Simon's Having: In its mid 90's incarnation, under the watchful eye of legendary bartender Dick Bradsell, Detroit helped to re-ignite London's love with stylish cocktail bars. It may have been overtaken in the style stakes since its heyday, but it remains a good start and end point for a night in Covent Garden. Try a Hedgerow Sling made with Sloe Gin or a King Kong made with four types of rum. The Chatter At The Bar: Be warned. It attracts a loud crowd, so chatter of any kind is almost impossible. | Detroit 35 Earlham Street, Covent Garden WC2 PHONE: 020 7240 2662 SITE: detroit-bar.com | | | | |