“Bayeux mania” is officially sweeping the art world, meaning there has rarely been a better time for history lovers to visit London.
The legendary Bayeux Tapestry made its highly anticipated public debut at the British Museum on 10 September, marking the first time the 11th-century masterpiece has been displayed in the UK.
The approximately 68-metre-long embroidered work depicts the events leading up to the Norman Conquest of England and the Battle of Hastings in 1066.
Demand to see it has been extraordinary. The initial ticket release generated queues lasting several hours, with the exhibition setting a new British Museum record for tickets sold in a single day.
The museum is itself one of London’s top attractions, many of which can be seen during a tour of the UK capital aboard a classic London double-decker bus.
Afternoon tea on the move
One of the more novel tours is operated by Brigit’s Bakery. The difference is that passengers can also enjoy another Great British tradition: afternoon tea.
The experience offers the chance to soak up the city’s culture, history and famous landmarks from a classic Routemaster bus.
The tours started in 2013 and last around 90 minutes. Setting off from Victoria, passengers are soon immersed in the history of London and Britain, passing places such as Knightsbridge, home to the world-famous Harrods and some of the most expensive property in the country.
The route also passes the Albert Memorial, dedicated to Queen Victoria’s husband and located opposite another London landmark, the Royal Albert Hall.
Three major museums can also be seen along the way, including the Science Museum.
It is good fun and a pleasant way to take in some of the city’s most famous sights.
A taste of India at Bulbul
After traipsing around one of the world’s great cities, you will most likely have worked up quite an appetite. If you enjoy Indian food, one of the capital’s newest additions is Bulbul.
Having opened this summer, the restaurant in Blackfriars is the first London venture from Indian restaurateurs Rohan D’Souza and Twinkle Keswani.
Its location alone is fascinating, just around the corner from famous Fleet Street, once the home of the UK’s newspaper industry, and close to the offices of some major companies and law firms.
A great deal of time and effort has clearly been invested in the restaurant, extending even to authentic furniture and design elements sourced from India.
The minute you venture down the steps, you are greeted by an impressive water fountain, creating a sense of entering the courtyard of an Indian house.
The décor features a large ceiling mirror that lends depth to the space, while bespoke carpets come from Jaipur Rugs. Bulbul also features a private dining room for celebrations and special gatherings.
The eye-catching uniforms worn by staff were created by Mumbai fashion label Papa Don’t Preach.
But, of course, any newcomer to London’s highly competitive restaurant scene is ultimately judged on its food and drink.
Cocktails are taken seriously here, with the drinks designed to complement the food and draw inspiration from different regions, ingredients and culinary traditions across India.
Dishes include Jim Corbett Hunter’s Murgh Mussallam, rustic Mughlai chicken slow-cooked with warm whole spices, and Nilgiri Beef Short Rib Korma, slow-braised beef short ribs enriched with coriander, mint and aromatic spices.
Some dishes have been named after members of D’Souza’s family and are marked as such on the menu.
Those who prefer less spicy food can also find plenty to choose from, with the wider menu showcasing the considerable diversity of Indian cuisine.
Bulbul is the first UK restaurant from D’Souza, whose hospitality portfolio includes ventures across India.
Together with Keswani, named Young Restaurateur of the Year by India’s Economic Times in 2023, D’Souza aims to offer “vibrant small plates, inventive cocktails and immersive design”.
The pair developed their menu after travelling across India, drawing inspiration from regional cooks, home kitchens and local markets and exploring recipes and techniques that rarely travel beyond their places of origin.
The team also includes experienced restaurant consultant Rajesh Suri, formerly of Grand Trunk Road, who played a key role in the opening.
Launching a restaurant in London’s crowded culinary landscape is no small undertaking, particularly at a time of economic uncertainty.
But a visit to Bulbul offers a journey through, and celebration of, the diversity of Indian cuisine.
Historic stay at Paddington
Of course, any visit to this ever-bustling city deserves at least one or two nights, and one option is the ideally located Hilton London Paddington.
The hotel first opened in 1854 and is steeped in history, having been designed as the grand façade of Paddington Station.
The historic property has been undergoing a major multi-million-pound renovation of its guestrooms, ballrooms and interiors, designed to preserve its Victorian character and Art Deco spirit while introducing contemporary comforts.
Original architectural details have been restored and complemented by bespoke Art Deco-inspired furnishings, refined fixtures and carefully reupholstered heritage pieces.
Bold geometric motifs, refined tilework and layered textures sit alongside contemporary elements, creating a balance between the building’s historic character and modern design.
One of the hotel’s most distinctive features is the lobby’s grand European crystal chandelier, which remains a focal point of the property.
Its event spaces include the Great Western Suite ballrooms. Great Western I and Great Western II, named after iconic locomotives, are light-filled, pillar-free rooms featuring classic architectural detailing and Venetian chandeliers.
The spaces can be combined for large-scale conferences and celebrations or used independently for more intimate gatherings.
With its ongoing transformation, Hilton London Paddington is seeking to reinforce its position as a heritage hotel combining historic architecture with modern hospitality.
Location is another major advantage. Sitting above Paddington railway station, the hotel provides easy access to the Heathrow Express and five Underground lines.
Guests also have Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens within easy reach, while the hotel offers dining, a fitness centre and an executive lounge.
London calling
With history buffs currently in their element thanks to the Bayeux Tapestry, there is no shortage of reasons to visit London this autumn and winter.
A major cultural event, a new addition to the capital’s Indian dining scene and a historic hotel undergoing a significant transformation offer three very different ways to experience the UK capital.
