Did you know that summer is peak time for Middle Eastern tourists to head to London? Known for their discernment and love of luxury, here are the venues they love and why.
Coffee shops
1. Ralph’s Coffee is a firm favourite because it brings the typical American coffee culture to London and is conveniently situated in Ralph Lauren’s Bond Street Flagship store.
2. 1/2 Million on Oxford Street. This is a Saudi-owned brand has finally come to London and can be found close to Bond Street. Don’t be surprised if you make a lot of Saudi acquaintances there.
3. Tiffany Blue Box Cafe in Harrods. This is a classic – a branded cafe is always a hit with Gulf visitors but this one combines elegance and coffee culture.
4. Peninsula Coffee Shop. The newest hotel on the block has become a firm favourite for Gulf visitors to have coffee, afternoon tea or watch the world go by.
Food
1. Borough Market. This has become a fast favourite for all foodies especially the younger generation who love trying different cuisines.
2. Fait Maison – renowned Executive Chef Yvonne Osman (better known as Om Waleed to her friends and followers) has opened several of these gorgeous places all over central London and the food is absolutely outstanding.
3. Le Deli Robuchon. A hidden gem that became am instant hit with TikTokers who would queue for ages for their famous cubes, this is also high on the list with the Gulf crowd especially as it offers their favourite flavours – pistachio, vanilla and chocolate.
Fashion
1. Loro Piana is a Qatari favourite clothing shop famous for their trainers – once the Ruler wore them everyone did!
2. Asprey – Saudi princess Nourah Al Faisal even collaborated with them on a new colourful range of bags
3. Alexander McQueen – become a huge hit with Gulf fashionistas from the moment the Princess of Wales wore its designs.
Hotels
1. The Peninsula London. Situated alongside Hyde Park Corner and Wellington Arch, the newest hotel on the block has become a firm favourite for Gulf visitors as it’s just steps away from Kensington Gardens and other iconic attractions.
2. Mandarin Oriental. Iconic, understated and with Feng shui perfected rooms, this is the perfect hideaway for visitors who don’t want to attract attention. The fact that you can step straight into Hyde Park makes it a firm favourite.
3. Lanesborough. This is a classic – think opulence and old school glamour. It reminds clients from Saudi of their traditional Majlis in their palaces.
Corina Goez is CEO of Star-CaT, which aims to bridge the gap between Western and Middle Eastern culture and help clients achieve business success and prosperity in the Gulf.
- Corina Goetz