Ana Gherciu, Author at Hotel Café Royal

Oscar Wilde’s London: A World of Wit, Flamboyance, and Scandal

Ana Gherciu — Tue, 30 Sep 2025 16:25:14 +0000

Though he was born in Dublin and died in fin de siècle Paris, Oscar Wilde chose London as his artistic platform and playground. In honour of his October birthday, we trace the poet and playwright’s flamboyant footsteps through the capital city he knew and loved.

The streets of late 19th century London were alive with diversity, art and conversation. The West End teemed with elegant carriages and fashionable crowds, and Hyde Park-the city’s ‘green lung’-was a stage for public discourse. A time and place where the aesthetic and the hedonistic furtively met, Oscar Wilde’s London was a merry-go-round of salons, supper clubs, and soirees.
Sauntering through Mayfair and St. James’s draped in colourful fabrics, audacious hats, and queer-coded green carnations, Wilde’s wardrobe was itself both statement and spectacle. He delighted audiences with his mischievous polemics, covering themes such as architecture, literature, fashion, and How to be an artist in an age lacking in beauty-a lecture he delivered to students at the Royal Academy of Arts.

Society’s Stage
Penning the line ‘A man who can dominate a London dinner-table can dominate the world’ in his 1893 play A Woman of No Importance, Wilde’s literary output reflected the social scene he observed first-hand. A dandy with devastating wit, the playwright often held court at the hip Café Royal on Regent Street, where he’d lunch and linger in the Café Royal Grill with fellow well-heeled artists and intellectuals.

In his Chelsea townhouse-34 Tite Street, where he and wife Constance Lloyd entertained guests among peacock-feathered furnishings-he wrote the gothic novel The Picture of Dorian Gray (1890) and the drawing room play An Ideal Husband (1895). Wilde’s canon, with its enduring humour and powerful social commentary, continues to resonate today. The Importance of Being Earnest, 130 years after its debut at St James’s Theatre, has returned to the West End starring Olly Alexander and Stephen Fry.

The play’s original opening night,Valentine’s Day 1895, was a resounding success and marked the height of Wilde’s career. Yet, within weeks, Victorian London would collectively swoon as the bard’s infamous court case unfolded at the Old Bailey following a public feud. Set in motion by the Marquess of Queensberry, the father of Wilde’s secret lover Lord Alfred ‘Bosie’ Douglas, it remains one of the most talked-about trials in British history.

During the hearing, Wilde quoted Bosie’s 1894 poem ‘Two Loves’, turning the line ‘the love that dare not speak its name’ into an indictment of a hypocritical and too-rigid society. Despite being met with thunderous applause from the public gallery, this perceived admission of guilt, along with love letters left in pockets taken as evidence, saw him sentenced to two years’ hard labour. On his release from Reading Gaol, Wilde was exiled to France. London became a city he left, but one which remains forever in his thrall.

“It takes great courage to see the world in all its tainted glory, and still to love it”
London today embodies Oscar Wilde’s penchant for paradox, rule-breaking, and boundless pursuit of beauty. His presence is felt at the theatres where his plays were joyously received, the drinking dens he frequented for his signature absinthe, and in his portraits looking out with defiant sparkle as guests sip coffee in The Gallery at Hotel Café Royal.

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Top Dog-Friendly Walking Routes in Central London

Ana Gherciu — Fri, 22 Aug 2025 13:11:37 +0000

Tails of London: Exploring the City with Your Best (Four-Legged) Friend

For many, travel is only complete when shared with our most loyal companion. At Hotel Café Royal, dogs are welcomed with the same care and comfort as their owners, with bespoke bedding, gourmet treats, and even pet-friendly dining experiences that ensure every stay is as indulgent for them as it is for you. Beyond the lobby doors, our city opens up into a world of walkies, where the most discerning of dogs can stretch their paws while you soak in London’s storied streets.

A regal ramble in St James’s Park
Just a short stroll from the hotel, St James’s Park offers a quintessential London experience for dogs and owners alike. While you take in the grand views of Buckingham Palace, Admiralty Arch and the Horse Guards Parade, your dog can enjoy a run across the lawns – and even admire, from afar, the park’s resident pelicans. Early mornings are especially serene for pups who relish the quiet rustle of leaves and fewer crowds.

A refined escape to Green Park and Mayfair
At any time of the year, it’s a joy to see Green Park’s centuries-old plane trees cast dappled shade across its carpet of soft grass. Your dog will delight in the open space, while you find yourself just steps away from Mayfair’s polished streets. From here, enjoy a leisurely walk past renowned art galleries and flagship boutiques, knowing your companion will be greeted back at the hotel with fresh water and a soft bed to nap on after their outing.

A Soho strolls to feel the city beat
For spirited dogs who thrive on a bit of bustle, Soho is a sensory adventure. The air is filled with curious scents from eclectic restaurants and cafés, the buzz of conversation spilling from historic pubs, and the winding alleys, all making for a stimulating walk. You’ll even find select dog-friendly screenings at Shaftesbury Avenue’s Picturehouse, at a lower volume for sensitive ears, with snacks, water, and a cosy blanketed seat at the ready.

Elegance and heritage in Piccadilly
A walk through Piccadilly offers a cultural promenade for your dog. You’ll pass historic landmarks, such as the Royal Academy of Arts, refined shopfronts, from the iconic Fortnum and Mason to Hatchard’s, the world’s oldest bookshop, until you find yourself at the edge of Green Park once more. The rhythm of the city here is steady but not overwhelming – ideal for dogs who enjoy a blend of stimulation and calm.

Whether bounding through London’s Royal Parks, strutting past Mayfair’s elegant façades, or nosing curiously through Soho’s lively streets, your dog’s London adventure is every bit as memorable as your own – with a special welcome waiting back at Hotel Café Royal.

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A Hidden Sanctuary: Discovering Tranquillity Beneath the Heart of London

Ana Gherciu — Tue, 12 Aug 2025 09:57:30 +0000

In conversation with Daniela Minut, Spa Manager at Akasha Spa, Hotel Café Royal
Descend into Akasha Spa at Hotel Café Royal to discover a secret world of serenity, hidden beneath the energetic pulse of London. Every detail is considered, and a genuine sense of tranquillity washes over you. We recently sat down with Spa Manager Daniela Minut, explore her approach to nurturing such an intimate and restorative environment, and the authentic connections she builds with her team and guests.

Akasha is described as marrying ‘innovative wellness practices with ancient Eastern traditions’. Could you elaborate on this synergy? What are some examples of cutting-edge technologies or treatments Akasha has introduced, and how do they complement or transform more traditional approaches?
We seamlessly integrate Eastern traditional therapies like Ayurveda, Reiki, Reflexology, and Thai massage, alongside Moroccan Ritual with Traditional Hammam. Our hands-on treatments can be enhanced with technologies such as infrared saunas, LED light therapy, and tools from our partners Therabody, including the Theraface tool, JetBoots, Recovery air belt, and goggles. This blend allows us to offer holistic treatments that are both results-driven and deeply restorative.

Personalisation is a key element at Akasha. How do you ensure every client’s experience is truly bespoke, from consultation to post-treatment advice?
Every guest begins with a thorough wellness consultation, where we assess their physical, emotional, and energetic needs. Treatments are then precisely tailored in terms of technique and products to create an original experience just for them. Our therapists are trained to adapt and refine each treatment, ensuring it truly meets their individual requirements. Discretion is paramount, ensuring you feel safe and heard throughout your journey with us.

As a society, we are becoming increasingly informed on wellness. Has this heightened awareness impacted the types of treatments clients seek and their expectations from a luxury spa experience?
Today’s guests seek out mindfulness-based treatments, functional bodywork, and results-oriented facials. Expectations are higher than ever, with a desire for expertise, transparency, and experiences that truly align with their values. It’s our purposeful role to offer guidance and advice on the most appropriate treatments for our guests.

How can your treatments help with stress management or digital detoxing?
Many of our treatments are thoughtfully curated to address nervous system regulation, stress relief, and rebalancing through sensory therapies and breathing techniques. From self-healing treatments to sound healing meditation, yoga, or personal training sessions, we are here to advise and ensure our offerings are perfectly suited for our clientele. Step away from Piccadilly to the entrance of our spa, where a serene atmosphere immediately puts all our guests in the right spirit and mind for either a short 60-minute experience or a full day in our sanctuary. There’s no need to leave London to feel completely refreshed and relaxed.

How do you incorporate the principles of nature within a subterranean city spa? Are there specific design elements, treatments, or even sensory experiences that evoke a connection to the natural world?
We use natural materials, ambient lighting, and water features to evoke a sense of earth and serenity. The sensorial experience with the different brands we work with transport our clients. Our Earth, Water, Fire, and Air concept shapes the treatments and environment to mirror natural elements.

Beyond the immediate physical benefits of a massage or facial, what are the less tangible but equally profound holistic benefits clients gain from their Akasha experience? How do you measure or observe these unseen transformations?
Guests often report deeper sleep, emotional release, and a profound sense of grounded clarity following their treatments. Many return, drawn by the genuine impact on their well-being. Each team member plays a purposeful role in ensuring each guest’s journey is seamless and you leave our spa in a truly relaxed and elevated spirit. We even add special touches for celebrations, like birthdays, tailoring every experience to create truly original and memorable moments.

Guests of Hotel Café Royal are welcome to join the dynamic range of classes at Akasha. Can you tell us about some that you’d recommend, and their benefits?
Our Strength Class is exceptionally popular, focusing on resistance training with compound exercises for a full-body workout. Additionally, our Karate Box Mixed Martial Arts classes are frequently refined to align with our clientele’s evolving needs.

From your unique vantage point, what do you predict will be the next significant trends or innovations in the luxury spa industry, and how is Akasha preparing for or leading these changes? Mental wellness is becoming central to our offerings. Expect more integrative therapies that thoughtfully blend psychology, somatics, and spa treatments. This innovative approach allows for a specific coach to be paired with a tailored treatment, creating a truly holistic and personalised package for your well-being.

Can you tell us a little about your brand partnership with Valmont and how their values align with those of Hotel Café Royal?
Valmont shares our deep commitment to excellence, science-backed results, and a truly luxurious sensorial experience. Their Swiss heritage perfectly aligns with our collective values of precision, purity, and beauty rooted in nature. Together, we offer facials that are both transformational and deeply pampering, celebrating the synergy of skin health and indulgence.

Learn more about the unique approach to wellbeing at Akasha Spa and plan your visit to Hotel Café Royal for an authentic and restorative experience.

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London’s Best Theatre on Your Doorstep

Ana Gherciu — Tue, 20 May 2025 11:16:20 +0000

Explore the heart of Soho and the West End

In our pocket of London, tucked away off Regent Street and a Rolling Stone’s throw from the spirited streets of Soho, captivating narratives spill from the grand theatres just beyond Hotel Café Royal’s discreet façade. Poised like a Royal Box overlooking the capital’s vibrant arts scene, we have hand-picked a selection of new performances illuminating nearby stages throughout 2025.

Giant
The Harold Pinter Theatre, Pantiles, London, SW1Y 4AP

Meander along the elegant curve of Regent Street, through Piccadilly Circus’ raucous energy and onto the distinguished Haymarket. Here, the Harold Pinter Theatre is steeped in a rich theatrical history dating back to its opening in 1881. From celebrated performances that lifted spirits during the First World War to pioneering works by acclaimed playwrights including Pinter himself, its stage has welcomed luminaries and groundbreaking productions, solidifying its place as a cornerstone of London’s rich cultural landscape. Here, John Lithgow returns to his remarkable portrayal of Roald Dahl in Giant. Running from 26th April to 2nd August 2025, this thought-provoking play offers an intimate glimpse into the life and perspectives of the celebrated author.

Hercules
Theatre Royal Drury Lane, Catherine St, London, WC2B 5JF

In the heart of Covent Garden, Theatre Royal Drury Lane has graced the city’s cultural landscape through numerous incarnations. A pleasant 15-minute walk from Hotel Café Royal will bring you to this iconic venue, which has borne witness to 350 years of innovation, making a visit an immersion into an enduring theatrical legacy. From June 2025, its stage will come alive with the musical Hercules, based on the popular Disney film and featuring the artistry of Alan Menken’s music, a retelling of the thrilling journey of a hero being made. Prepare for an insightful journey of adventure and self-discovery, set within the intriguing world of ancient Greece.

The Fifth Step
Soho Place, 4 Soho Pl, London, W1D 3BG

Your brief five-minute walk from Hotel Café Royal to Soho Place offers a few notable sights. Keep an eye out for the various blue plaques adorning buildings, marking the former residences of significant figures from the area’s rich past. Finally, the contemporary façade of Soho Place itself will soon appear, a modern architectural statement nestled within this historic and lively district. David Ireland’s new play, The Fifth Step, is generating considerable excitement through its humorous exploration of the journey to sobriety. Directed with an intimate in-the-round staging by Finn den Hertog, the story offers a sensitive and subtly witty new theatrical experience. Featuring a stellar cast including Jack Lowden and Martin Freeman, this production runs from 12th May to 26th July 2025.

Cabaret at The Kit Kat Club
The Playhouse Theatre, Northumberland Ave, London WC2N 5DE

A fifteen-minute stroll from Hotel Café Royal brings you into the heart of London’s theatre district, specifically to Northumberland Avenue. Step into the Kit Kat Club, a haven of liberation in a world undergoing profound change. Here in Berlin, inhibitions dissolve, and authenticity reigns. This fresh West End staging of Cabaret, one of the most celebrated musicals, reimagines Berlin’s infamous Kit Kat Club within the Playhouse Theatre, bringing to life iconic songs such as “Wilkommen” and “Cabaret” for an intimate and playful experience.

The Comedy About Spies
The Noel Coward Theatre, St Martin’s Lane, London, WC2N 4AP

A notable neighbour of the Harold Pinter Theatre, the Noël Coward Theatre has welcomed celebrated talents such as Nicole Kidman and Alan Rickman to its stage. From the artistic minds behind The Play That Goes Wrong, their new comedy journeys into the world of 1960s espionage, where bungled operations and mistaken identities create a delightfully chaotic affair. As spies from East and West descend upon London’s Piccadilly Hotel in pursuit of pilfered secrets, a charmingly unaware young couple and a hopeful actor add to the delightful mayhem. Expect a cascade of comical miscommunications and double-crosses in this uproarious escapade.

My Neighbour Totoro
Gillian Lynne Theatre, Drury Ln, London, WC2B 5PW

Weave through the lively street performers surrounding Covent Garden until the Gillian Lynne Theatre gradually comes into view. The artistic adaptation of Studio Ghibli’s My Neighbour Totoro returns to the stage from November 2025, and thoughtfully portrays the experiences of two young sisters and their enchanting encounters with amiable spirits and creatures of the forest. Following its celebrated run, the production’s imaginative stagecraft and heartfelt storytelling have already garnered remarkable critical acclaim.

Explore the best of London’s evocative theatre culture during your stay at Hotel Café Royal.

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Secret Soho

Ana Gherciu — Mon, 19 May 2025 16:01:43 +0000

Secret Soho: the hidden corners of London’s most colourful neighbourhood

Buzzing, bohemian, and never boring, Soho has long been the centre of cosmopolitan life in London. A playground for history’s hedonists from Jimi Hendrix to Kate Moss, few areas lay claim to such a rich and rebellious past. A melting pot of folklore and hidden nooks waiting to be explored, from artists’ drinking dens to hallowed music venues, step into Secret Soho.

Literary Giants

Soho has always been a magnet for creative minds, with history’s most iconic literary figures finding their natural home here. From William Blake and Fanny Burney, who lived in this part of the capital when young, to others who found themselves drawn to writing and socialising in its taverns, this eclectic district is rich with storytelling.

Dylan Thomas famously misplaced his manuscript of ‘Under Milk Wood’ while out drinking in The French House on Dean Street. George Orwell celebrated ‘Animal Farm’ being selected for the American Book of the Month Club with a glass of absinthe at the Dog & Duck. And symbolist poet Arthur Rimbaud found a profound sense of belonging in Old Compton Street.

A Secret Garden

A hidden green space many visitors overlook, Soho Square Gardens are tucked away from the energy of Oxford Street and bordered by Georgian townhouses. Frequented by locals for sunny picnic lunches and friendly games of ping pong among the tulips, the gardens date back to the 17th century, soon becoming a meeting place for writers, artists, and musicians.

The mock-Tudor building at the gardens’ centre may look fairytale-esque but fulfilled a more practical purpose of disguising a substation for the Charing Cross Electricity Company when it was built a century ago. Rumoured to conceal a secret tunnel leading to Buckingham Palace, in truth it serves as a shed housing gardening tools for the well-maintained borders.

A Logo and a Love Story

During the 1920s, second Duke of Westminster Hugh Grosvenor was famously infatuated with Coco Chanel. During their decade-long romance, the Duke repeatedly asked for her hand in marriage and, as a gesture of his admiration, had the iconic Chanel symbol applied to every lamppost in Westminster, including several around Soho.

Despite the Duke’s elaborate gesture, the pair never married, with the French fashion designer quoted as stating ‘There have been several Duchesses of Westminster but there is only one Chanel’. Westminster City Council has since debunked this story, claiming the entwined CC initials as its own – even so, we’re leaning towards the love story.

Rock ‘n’ Roll Landmarks

Soho witnessed some of the most memorable moments in music history. From The Rolling Stones’ debut gig at the Marquee Club – also where The Who smashed their first guitars – to Trident Studios where The Beatles recorded ‘Hey Jude’ and David Bowie immortalised ‘The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust’, these sites are imbued with culture-defining energy.

Old Compton Street birthed British rock ‘n’ roll, punk had its heyday on Wardour Street, and jazz greats Ella Fitzgerald and Miles Davis made history at Ronnie Scott’s on Frith Street. Centuries earlier, Soho saw nine-year-old Wolfgang Mozart giving public recitals at 20 Frith Street. Music, inevitably, is in the DNA of this extraordinary neighbourhood.

Fresh Perspectives

Founded in 2019 by India Rose James, Soho Revue is a contemporary art gallery in the heart of Soho championing emerging artists and historically under-represented groups. Currently focussing on women artists, the gallery challenges industry standards by supporting talent through diversification programmes and providing affordable studio spaces.

This spring’s exhibition is ‘The Peace of Wild Things’ – a nod to the poem by Wendell Berry. Curated by Claudia Cheng, the show features intimate works by a group of women artists such as Anna Ortiz and Sara Bonache, whose practices are inspired by nature’s sublime stillness, exploring the connections between self and Earth.

A Haven of Diversity

A colourful, chaotic sanctuary for mavericks and the marginalised, LGBTQ+ communities have long found a kinship with Soho. This unique and resilient space – a mindset as much as a geographic location – beckoned a mix of contrasting souls, from flaneurs and barstool philosophers to bohemians and bon vivants.

Returning to Soho thirty years after his first visit in the 1970s, Swedish photographer Anders Petersen, known for his intimate depictions of life outside the mainstream, reported: ‘Everything has changed except for one thing: the feeling that these streets have a history, and a possibility – the energy and the secrets of life.’

Enjoy having Secret Soho on your doorstep with a stay at Hotel Café Royal.

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