Iconic British handbag designer, Lulu Guinness, is being honoured at the Metropolitan hotel in London from 15th - 27th February with an afternoon tea inspired by her Autumn / Winter 2010 collection, "Kiss and Make Up".

Guests can look forward to lipstick cookies, make-up palette chocolate cake, and low-fat (fashionistas don't do fat afterall) cupcakes decorated with Lulu's famous lips and Pollyanna bags.

An even more delicious offer, for fashion-hungry travellers to London, is that everyone who has the "Lulu Tea" will receive 15% off all products in the Lulu Guinness Ellis Street store in SW1.

We like the look of this travel inspired canvas handbag (£225) as a super-chic hand baggage option.

The Lulu tea is available in the Met Bar from Monday 15th - Saturday 17th February 2010, from 3pm - 6pm. Price £25 per person. Reservations must be made in advance on +44 (0)20 7447 4757.

Metropolitan Hotel, London: Old Park Lane, London, W1K 1LB; Tel: +44 (0)20 7447 1000.

Lulu Guinness, Ellis Street: 3 Ellis Street, London, SW1X 9AL; Tel: +44 (0)207 823 4828.

London seems to have gone Lebanese food crazy. Since the last time I was in the UK's capital all sorts of mezze and falafel places have cropped up, notably a new chain called LebanEats, which seems to have outlets everywhere.

If you're after the seriously good stuff though you should head straight to Comptoir Libanais on Wigmore Street. There are other branches across the city, but this is the most centrally located.

Queue up at the deli counter for takeaway wraps, mezze, salads, tagines and drinks, or grab a table and settle in. The mezze platter to share - with hommous, tabbouleh, baba ghanuj, falafel, spinach fatayer, pickles and pitta - is a bargain for two at £9.50. The wraps, especially the falafel and the super garlicky chicken taouk, are less wallet friendly at £4.50, but also delicious. Highly recommended is the fab halloumi salad, which comes with all the usual trimmings and costs £5.50. Apparently you have to try the prawn falafel (£3.50) too, although sadly I didn't have the room.

If you're in need of a pitstop post-Selfridges shopping spree, or you want cheap eats before catching a concert at the Wigmore Hall then Comptoir Libanais is a great place. You can bring your own wine too and they won't charge corkage.

Comptoir Libanais, 65 Wigmore Street, London W1U 1PZ; Tel: +44 (0)20 7935 1110. For details of other locations please visit lecomptoir.co.uk.

Image via Comptoir Libanais on Facebook.

London is a well known shopping destination, and there's a lot more to the UK's capital than Oxford Street and Topshop... Hit London's markets and you'll head home with a suitcase full of original pieces plus a slice of real London life.

Here are three of our favourite London markets to add you your travel itinerary:

Columbia Road Flower Market, E2

Every Sunday Columbia Road comes into bloom with thousands of brightly coloured flowers and plants. Barrow boys call out for customers and savvy Londoners come out in force to stock up on bargain price flowers and foliage. You can get your hands on everything from a single stem to a 10 foot banana tree, and if you're not interested in buying flowers there are masses of photo opps.

Open on Sundays from 8am until 3pm(ish). Closest stations are Old Street and Bethnal Green.

Spitalfields Market, E1

Fashionistas and foodies will love Spitalfields. It's chock-a-block with 110 stalls selling clothes, crafts, antiques, arts and organic produce. Glass roofed and weather-proof, you should set aside a good few hours for treasure hunting here. Rest assured: there are plenty of cafes and restaurants where you can refuel.

If you've got the energy, Columbia Road and Spitalfields can be done together as they are within walking distance of each other.

Open Tuesday - Friday from 10am to 4pm and Sunday from 9am to 5pm. Closed on Monday and Saturday. The closest station is Liverpool Street.

Borough Market, SE1

Foodies and photographers will think they've died and gone to heaven... Borough Market is home to London's very best meat, fruit, veg, cheeses, fish and oh so much more. Come either to shop or to sample the delicious food, which can be eaten straight from the stalls or in the gardens of Southwark Cathedral. It's worth making the effort to get to Borough Market early as around lunchtime it gets horribly busy. Saturday is the best day to visit.

Open on Thursday from 11am to 5pm, Friday from 12pm to 6pm and Saturday from 8am to 5pm. The nearest station is London Bridge.

Photo Credits: Columbia Road Flower Market by estherase; Spitalfields Market by vertcerise; Borough Market by RedJamJar.

Hotel prices in the UK currently stand at 13% above the European average*. Though this statistic doesn't come as much of a surprise it's still beat-the-system exciting when you stumble across a unique UK accommodation experience that won't break the bank.

For travellers visiting England, the cities of London, Oxford, Cambridge, Durham, Canterbury and Newcastle all feature on the typical travel itinerary; a way to ensure your stay in these destinations is truly memorable - without having to cough up the average of £116 per night - is to book into a University room.

Pick from historic colleges in Oxford and Cambridge, plus the Universities of Newcastle, Nottingham, Leicester, Kent in Canterbury, Durham, Sheffield, University College London, Warwick, and Plymouth. Rooms are clean and many have en-suite bathrooms, internet access and power showers.

Indulge any Brideshead Revisited or Chariots of Fire fantasies you might have and from £40 per night stay in Oxford colleges such as Jesus, Balliol and Trinity College, or from £34 per night in Cambridge colleges including Christ's College, St. Catherine's and Corpus Christi. You can follow in the footsteps of famous real-life and literary Oxbridge alumni and eat in college halls, wander through the quads and college gardens, try your hand at punting, and drink in the college bar.

Things really have changed since I slept across the UK on friends' University bedrooms floors. Even as an impoverished student I would have happily paid from £28 a night to forego the sleeping bag on the cold, hard floor experience.

For more information on booking University bed and breakfast accommodation visit www.universityrooms.co.uk.

Photo Credits: Bodleian Montage by Daveybot; Oxford Punts by slack12.

*Source: trivago Hotel Price Index (tHPI), 6 August 2009.

Heading to London this month or next and itching to know what's cool in the UK capital? You've come to the right place.

The all-knowing concierge team from Claridges, the Connaught and the Berkeley, aka "the city's best-informed residents", share their advice on what to do and where to go if you're planning a trip to London.

AUGUST

Drink...

Tini: The latest venture from the team behind Whisky Mist, Mahiki and the Punchbowl is glamorous cocktail bar Tini in the ever chic South Kensington. Just a stones throw away from Boujis and Mamilanji, this new haunt should prove just as popular with the social elite.

Tini, 87-89 Walton Street, South Kensington, London, SW3 2HP: +44 (0)20 7589 8558.

Eat...

Lutyens: This summer Sir Terence Conran proves once again that he is a master of the dining room-come-bar-come-members club. Hot on the heals of his last opening, the Boundary in Shoreditch, the wily old fox has done it again with this sublime spot on Fleet Street. You'd better book now because this one could be popular: classic French cuisine with a dash of Irish flair.

Lutyens, 85 Fleet Street, London, EC4Y 1AE; +44 (0)20 7583 8385.

Party...

Michael Jackson Tribute Concert: Following the tragic passing of Michael Jackson the Tribute Concert will be going ahead at London's O2 Arena on Saturday 29th August. Who will be performing? Well that is a closely guarded secret, however I can assure you it is going to be huge! Email me if you want tickets on cbogni@the-connaught.co.uk

SEPTEMBER

Eat...

Terroirs: At first glance, Terroirs seems like just another conventional attempt to transplant a traditional French bistro to the mean streets of central London. But look beyond the old advertising posters and wooden chairs, and you realise that there's something rather special going on here. The reasonably priced food combines creativity with a respect for full-on flavours and impeccable sourcing. Oh, and the wine is ok too!

Terroirs, 5 William IV Street WC2N 4DW; +44 (0)20 7036 0660.

Chill...

Spa Illuminata: Stressed? Worn out? Just need a little bit of pampering? This is quite simply the best day spa in London. Whether it's a manicure or a full body scrub you will be treated like royalty in this temple to relaxation.

Spa Illuminata, 63 South Audley Street, London, W1K 2QS; +44 (0)20 7499 7777.

Look...

Jeff Koons at the Serpentine: Inflatable toys? Check. Popeye? Check. Baffeling kitch? Check. The New York native and enfant terrible of the art world has bought this blockbuster exhibition to London. September 13th is the last day, so catch this one while you can.

Serpentine Gallery, Kensington Gardens, London, W2 3XA; +44 (0)20 7402 6075.

Luxury London hotels Claridge's, the Connaught, and the Berkeley are part of the Maybourne Hotel Group. For more information visit www.maybourne.com.

Photo Credits: Lutyens courtesy of Lutyens Restaurant, Bar & Cellar Rooms; Terroirs by Ewan-M, Jeff Coons Popeye Series by Chris Pattison.

If you're aiming for the pinnacle of London luxury next time you travel to The Big Smoke, check out The Connaught hotel's hot new offering, The Apartment.

Designed by David Collins and located on the top floor of The Connaught, The Apartment mixes art, culture and literature to create the feel of a private collector's home. The space comprises of a double height sitting-room, dining room, a master-bedroom with a dressing room and en-suite marble bathroom, a guest bedroom with en suite bathroom, and two landscaped decked terraces with views over the rooftops of Mayfair.

David Collins said he intended to create "an iconic, unique home from home". The Apartment is design for "a discerning client: well travelled, informed and with an appreciation of design and the art of living. It is a private place for a chosen few and a very personal design statement".

Distinctive touches in The Apartment include a library of twentieth century novels, art history books and rare volumes; antique and contemporary artworks; lilac leather lined cabinetry; a bespoke card table; a four poster bed; a custom designed white marble fireplace and a capsule collection of Guerlain beauty products.

Fashionistas can brief The Connaught to scour the neighbouring designer shops for goodies and have them waiting in the dressing room prior to arrival. Foodies and hosts-with-the-most can have their personal Connaught butler arrange a private dinner party, with menus specially designed by two-Michelin star chef Hélène Darroze.

The Apartment's rates are upon request so you can bet your bottom dollar luxury this serious has a price tag to match.

The Connaught, Carlos Place, London W1K 2AL; Tel: +44 (0)207 499 7070, Web: www.the-connaught.co.uk.

London's Claridges hotel has teamed up with iconic fashion house, Christian Dior, to offer guests staying in the hotel's Linley and Claridge's Suites the "Dior Dressing Table at Claridge's" experience.

The Dior Dressing Table is a bringing to life of the bygone boudoir era of 1930's and 40's Hollywood. Expect all the classic Dior fragrances on your art-deco dressing table, plus a Dior beauty kit of compacts, powders and ruby red lipstick and nail varnish.

You can float to your Dior dressing table in a cream silk Claridge's dressing gown personalised with your initials, high heeled marabou mule slippers and a rose pink cashmere eye mask (which might be better left for bed if you want to match the likes of Rita Hayworth and Greta Garbo in the style stakes).

As you make yourself up you can sip 1930s inspired cocktails served in Lalique glasses from Claridge's Fumoir Bar and listen to a playlist of songs from Josephine Baker and Fred Astaire.

If Mr. Right is running late novels by Evelyn Waugh and Nancy Mitford should distract you.

The "Dior Dressing Table at Claridge's" will be available in Linley / Claridge's suites at an additional price of £300 to the quoted room rate. The price includes all Four Dior fragrances, beauty gifts – lipstick / nail varnish / powder, personalised silk dressing gown, an Evelyn Waugh book, CD and cocktails from the Fumoir. For reservations, call +44 (0)20 7629 8860 or visit www.claridges.co.uk.

If your travels are taking you to London this summer enjoy a quintessential English experience with Pimms or a pint at The Carpenter's Arms on Whitfield Street.

Just off Tottenham Court Road, this pretty pub is home to a brilliant roof terrace that's the perfect spot for a tipple in the sunshine. If the terrace is full there are tables outside on the pavement, plus the pub's interior is light and airy if the London weather is a letdown.

If you're planning a get together you can hire out the roof terrace and the adjacent Belle Bar for a party (a minimum spend of £500 is required).

The Carpenter's Arms, 68-70 Whitfield Street, London, W1T 4EY.

Tel: +44 20 7580 3186; Website: www.thecarpentersarmsw1.co.uk; Opening Hours: Sun 12-10.30pm, Mon 12-11pm, Tue, Wed & Thurs 12-11.30pm, Fri & Sat 12- midnight.

Photo Credit: Carpenter's Arms, Fitzrovia, W1 by Ewan-M.

By Helena Iveson

Wondering where to eat in London? From traditional British cuisine to contemporary Japanese dining, check out these London restaurant recommendations and make sure you're eating stylishly next time you're in town.

Taking afternoon tea with a twist

What could be more English than an afternoon spent in a beautiful lounge sipping tea and eating dainty cakes and elegant crustless sandwiches? Plenty of hotels in London put on a fantastic spread to revive even the weariest of shoppers, but The Berkeley hotel's Prêt-à-Portea is currently the number one choice for celebrities thanks to its designer take on traditional fare. Look out for everyone from supermodel Kate Moss to Sharon Stone.

Held in the aptly-named Caramel Room, guests feast on a dainty collection of cakes and fancies in the colours of the latest fashion season accompanied by designer English tea. Try out the Valentino signature red chocolate coat biscuit accessorized with gold buttons, the Alexander McQueen fromage blanc chiffon dress balanced with raspberry meringue or the Smythson "Maze Bag" banana Madeira cake with gold leaf clasp, to name just a few. They are all served on fine-bone china by Paul Smith for Thomas Goode. In these gloomy economic climes, at just £35 per person (or £43 to include a glass of Laurent Perrier Champagne), it's a much more affordable way to keep up with the latest fashions.

From 1pm - 6pm every day.

The Berkeley, Wilton Place, Knightsbridge, London SW1X 7RL; Reservations call +44 (0)207 201 1619.

Sunday roast at Borough Market

Come Sunday, ovens across England are turned up to the max while a joint of meat is lovingly roasted... Well that's the dream anyway, but nowadays in our time-poor society, a traditional roast can just seem like too much effort. That's why people in the know book a table at the suitably named Roast restaurant in foodies' favourite London Bridge hangout, Borough Market.

The founder is intent on rescuing England's bad reputation for over-cooked roast meat served with watery vegetables and does just that, as the crowds of city workers, ladies who lunch and tourists looking for a beautifully cooked meal testify. The gorgeous dining room is light and airy and looks over Southwark Cathedral and bustling Borough market. All meat, and most other ingredients, served at Roast are from Britain. If the cold poached Devon sea trout and roast leg of lamb with capers is on the seasonal menu, order at once! Be warned though – portions are huge – though few diners will be able to resist a sliver of their famous Bakewell tart and cream.

Roast, The Floral Hall, Stoney Street, London SE1 1TL; Reservations: +44 (0)20 7940 1300.

A class act in Japanese dining

You'd expect a restaurant that is just around the corner from the Ritz to be on the snooty side, but Japanese restaurant Sake No Hana serves up great food without any snobbishness, even though the place attracts more than its fair share of the jet set (Kelly Osbourne was there when we sat down to eat).

Dress up here – one of the restaurant's owners is Alan Yau, a darling of the London restaurant scene, and his followers are a designer clad bunch, but bear in mind you'll have to take those Jimmy Choo shoes off if you want to sit at the atmospheric low tables. The other owner, Evgeny Lebedev, is the son of Russian oligarch Alexander Lebedev, which might account for the number of Russian supermodel types floating around.

There is a sushi bar downstairs, but head up the sleek escalator to the main restaurant with its striking blond wood and bamboo interior. We asked our waiter to order for us and, as we sipped lemongrass and ginger cocktails, a procession of achingly beautifully Kyoto-style plates from traditional sashimi to more innovative dishes, like aubergine and sesame with bonito flakes, arrived. If you're not familiar with the cuisine, the black-clad staff will advise you, as will the sake sommelier who can recommend what version of Japan's favourite alcohol from their 50-strong list will go best with your delicate and beautifully presented meal – even the skinny supermodels seemed to be digging in.

Sake No Hana, 23 St James's Street, London SW1A 1HA; +44 (0)20 7925 8988.

Photo Credits: Roast Pork by Manic Street Preacher and Sesame Aubergine by suziedepingu via Flickr (Creative Commons).

Once the pulse of "Swinging London", the King's Road is a street of major cultural significance. In the 60s musicians like The Beatles, Jimi Hendrix and The Rolling Stones hung out in its famous pubs and cafes with the crème de la crème of the fashion, literary and film world. In the 70s the King's Road witnessed the birth of the punk movement.

Today mods and mini-skirts have been replaced by yummy mummies and "Chelsea Tractors", and the King's Road is one of London's most gentrified streets. However, shopping and boutiques are still a big obsession and the street is home to several chic shops.

If you're in London and have a couple of hours to spare, make sure you hit these King's Road gems…

If you've arrived at Sloane Square tube station (district and circle lines), cross the square and start walking down the King's Road. You'll soon see a bus stop on your right hand side. Jump on the numbers 11, 19, 22 or 319 and get off at the Beaufort Street stop.

Graham & Green

This two-storey treasure trove is home to an eye-popping array of fashion, furniture, lighting and gifts. Pick up a slinky number by DAY Birger et Mikkelsen, browse for bags and accessories for your next trip and drool over their exotic range of furniture.

340 Kings Rd, London; Tel: 020 7352 1919; Opening Hours: Monday - Saturday 10am to 6pm, Sunday 11:30am to 5:30pm.

Brora

No one does Scottish cashmere quite like Brora. A myriad of colours and designs to suit any age, from baby right through to Granny. Feast your eyes and get kit yourself out in style for the famous British weather.

344 Kings Road, London; Tel: 020 7352 3697; Opening Hours: Monday - Saturday 10am to 6pm, Sunday 12pm to 5pm.

Austique

If you're looking for a boutique that's très, très chic then look no further. Jaw droppingly hot dresses, jeans, tops, jewellery, lingerie and accessories. Don't forget your credit card, this one does not come cheap.

330 Kings Road, London; Tel: 020 7376 4555 / 020 7376 3773; Opening Hours: Monday - Saturday 10:30am to 7pm, Sunday 12pm to 5pm.

Designers Guild

Head here for fab fabrics, wallpaper, bed and bath linens, furniture, fragrance and home accessories.

267 Kings Road, London; Tel: 020 7351 5775; Email - info@designersguild.com

Cath Kidson

A great array of vintage inspired homewares and home furnishings. Kitschy prints on everything from first aid boxes to dog baskets.

322 Kings Road, London; Tel: 020 7351 7335; Opening Hours: Monday - Saturday 10 am to 7pm, Sunday 11am to 5pm.

Antiquarius

One of oldest and most famous antiques centres in London, this emporium is chock-a-block with dealers and products. You can snag everything from antique Louis Vuitton trunks and suitcases to engagement rings to showstopping one-off pieces.

131 – 141 Kings Road, London; Tel: 020 7823 3900; Opening Hours: Monday - Saturday 10 am to 6pm, closed on Sundays.

R.Soles

If you love cowboy boots you'll be in heaven here. This boutique is 100% devoted to the finest boots money can buy. There's something for everyone, from classic pieces to quirky one-offs.

109a Kings Road, London; Tel: 020 7351 5520; Opening Hours: Monday - Saturday 10 am to 7pm, Sunday 12pm to 6pm.

For more on shopping across the globe click here. For more on London click here.

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Photo Credit: King's Road by C'est moi via Flickr (Creative Commons).

It's -2 degrees in London today. Although it's not snowing (yet) this shot of Big Ben under a dusting of snow seems both apt and festive!

Photo by Andifeelfine via Flickr (Creative Commons).

Great news for travel lovers in the UK and Asia suffering from the credit crunch; Air Asia X, the Malaysian long-haul low-cost carrier, has confirmed that it plans to start flights between the UK and it's Kuala Lumpur hub in early 2009.

According to ABTN, Tim Claydon, the airline's commercial adviser, made the statement at the World Travel Market in London and said an official announcement will be made in the coming weeks.

He added: "We have said we will be coming into the UK by early 2009."

The carrier is expected to fly to either Manchester or Stansted.

Air Asia flies from Kuala Lumpur across Asia, to destinations including Bangkok, Langkawi, Siem Reap, Hong Kong and Hanoi. The carrier also flies from KL to Melbourne, Brisbane and Perth in Australia.

To search for flights between the UK and Kuala Lumpur click here.

Photo by Christophe RAMOS via Flickr (Creative Commons).

Christmas has come early for Virgin Atlantic Upper Class passengers flying over the festive period. Until 10pm (GMT) on 25 November the carrier is offering up to 70% off its usual fares.

Return fares include:

• London - JFK: £1,204
• London - LA / San Francisco: £1,704
• London - Barbados: £1,383
• London - Delhi / Mumbai: £1,400
• London - Hong Kong: £2,003
• London - Cape Town / Johannesburg: £2,117

Sale prices do not include a chauffeur driven car to the airport.

Departure dates for most sale flights stretch to 31 December which means intrepid New Year revellers can cash in.

Cape Town flights can be taken as late as 28 March 2009 - perfect for an Easter getaway.

For more information visit: Virgin Atlantic Upper Class Sale.

Photo by J L Sanchez via Flickr (Creative Commons).

There will, no doubt, be huge celebrations on both sides of the pond tonight. As the US welcomes in President Obama people across England will be setting off fireworks and burning Guys on huge bonfires to celebrate Bonfire Night.

This slightly creepy replica by joathina of the Houses of Parliament on fire shows what would have happened had Guy Fawkes and the Gunpowder gang struck lucky in 1605.

One of the best things about London is eating a grilled cheese sandwich from the Cheese Man in Borough Market. These sandwiches taste especially good when eaten in the gardens of Southwark Cathedral and accompanied by cider (also available at the market).

I don't know how the Cheese Man makes those incredible sandwiches, but he told me once that he invented his very own type of cheese, Ogleshield, to do it - perhaps he was pulling my leg.

He also makes amazing raclette - melted cheese scraped over a plate of potatoes, onions and gherkins.

(The Cheese Man is the one with the goatee)

Even from 6,000 miles away I crave those delicious sandwiches and will be making a beeline for his stall this Saturday.

Toasted Cheese Sandwich Innards by su-lin via flickr (Creative Commons).

Watching over the Raclette by su-lin via flickr (Creative Commons).

If you’ve been "surrounded by airport insanity" in Heathrow's Terminal 5 you’ll appreciate this.

They lost my bags, they lost my wife too… The Guardian reported last week that Terminal 5 is still losing 900 bags per day; travellers on connecting flights have a one in 12 chance of being separated from their luggage. Nice.