London Leave - 1
In another life Franck Arnold could have, would have, been an entertainer. Thank goodness for all of us the boss of The Savoy, a Fairmont Hotel, maximises his entrepreneurial and creative skills here in London’s luxury hotel-keeping. Take his creativity: afternoon tea at The Savoy, served in The Gallery from 12 noon on, is £90, including VAT (it rises to £99 over festive), with about 50% paying extra for a glass of Laurent-Perrier. From 6pm through 9.30pm, however, The Gallery switches to ‘twilight tea’, £49 to £66, depending on the day. Yes, it’s simpler food but the price not only includes VAT but a welcome cocktail.
You never know what's going to happen in the luxury life of travelling. Girlahead was held up first of all flying into London Gatwick, and then on the train into London Victoria. She picked up a most charming older male taxi driver, who'd had soft music playing. Unfortunately, Admiralty Arch was closed, obviously prior to its opening as Waldorf Astoria, and it was necessary to take a really detailed detour, adding 20 minutes to the cab drive. The driver knew Girlahead was in a hurry and dropped her at the rear entrance of The Savoy, which is the original front door but now a ballroom entrance. The security guard, a charming young man from Pakistan, said yes he'd take her up to check in. This involved walking straight through, Rimowa wheelie and Girlahead, baseball cap and everything, through the ballroom, all ready for a charity auction. Everything was there apart from the guests. The organizers were considerably amazed to see this apparition walk through. Mr Pakistan carried her bags all the way, handed her over in the gorgeously theatrical Front Hall, or lobby – see image - to the manager, Rob, and five minutes later our increasingly peripatetic traveller was sitting in beautiful suite 622, looking out across the dark Thames at the blue-lit London Eye….
