London Fashion Week is a highlight on the global fashion calendar, attracting designers, influencers and fashion enthusiasts from around the world.  

Amidst the hustle and bustle of the catwalks, it's important to find a retreat for yourself offering both exceptional comfort and high-end dining experiences.

DUKES London, nestled in the heart of Mayfair, is the perfect choice for those attending this year’s iconic event.

A Luxurious Stay in the Heart of London

At

DUKES London

London Fashion Week

Each of our guest rooms and suites comes with special touches to ensure you have a comfortable night’s sleep. Showcasing our timeless heritage and style, our guest rooms are classically and elegantly decorated in keeping with the history of the area, while providing all the amenities the modern traveller would need.

Located in the heart of the city, DUKES London offers unparalleled convenience. Just a short walk from the vibrant fashion districts of Mayfair and Covent Garden, you’ll have easy access to runway shows, exclusive parties and fashion exhibitions. 

Dining at DUKES: A Culinary Experience

GBR (Great British Restaurant): 

Indulge in the best of British cuisine at

GBR

Whether you're starting your day with a hearty breakfast, enjoying a leisurely lunch between shows, or unwinding with an evening dinner, GBR offers a dining experience that’s as sophisticated as it is satisfying.

DUKES Bar: 

No stay at DUKES would be complete without a visit to our world-renowned

DUKES Bar

Famous for its martinis, the bar exudes an air of timeless elegance. It’s the ideal spot to relax with a perfectly crafted cocktail. 

Afterwards, retire to the Cognac and Cigar Garden for the final nightcap of a perfect Mayfair evening.

Afternoon Tea: 

Served in our elegant

Drawing Room

Expect delicate finger sandwiches, freshly baked scones with clotted cream and jam and an assortment of delicious pastries. 

Accompanied by a selection of fine beverages, our Afternoon Tea is the perfect way to relax and recharge during the frenzy of fashion week.

Why Choose DUKES London?

Our central location, luxurious accommodation and varied dining options make us the ideal choice for those seeking both style and substance during London Fashion Week. 

So, as you prepare for one of the most glamorous times of the year, make sure your stay is just as stylish by choosing DUKES London. 

Why not

book your room or suite

 During National Picnic Month, treat your faithful canine companion to a unique dining experience here at DUKES London this July.

With July being National Picnic Month and the sun finally putting in an appearance, there’s no better time to head outside for some al fresco food.

And who says picnics are just for people? This summer, treat your faithful canine companion to a unique dining experience here at DUKES London:

Let Fido Celebrate National Picnic Month in Style

The perfect excuse to embrace the great outdoors and these sporadic bursts of British summer sun, National Picnic Month is almost upon us.

Across the country, people are encouraged to lay down their blankets, unpack their baskets, and savour the simple pleasures of dining in the open air.

This year, we’re here to make sure the fun can be shared with your furry four-legged friends.

A Dog-Friendly Picnic Experience at DUKES

Given our beloved mascot DUKESY is a Dachshund, it’s a no-brainer for us to help families spend a lovely day out in London’s dog-friendly parks with their canine companions.

Nestled in the heart of Mayfair, our luxury hotel is just a stone’s throw away from two of London’s most famous Royal Parks: Green Park and St James’s Park.

Our offering is the DUKES Dog Picnic, which includes two fun toys and a duo of wet and dry food. Your dog will be kept busy whilst you relax and enjoy the scenic surroundings!

It’s National Picnic Month For Humans, Too

Here at DUKES London, we do of course have a selection of luxury picnic options for the humans of the family as well:

Classic Picnic

Smokey BBQ chicken brochette, BBQ sauce

Broccoli blue cheese and apple quiche

Roasted gammon and cheddar puff pastry pie - fig relish

Dips and seeded crackers

Beetroot and rosemary hummus

Smoked trout pate

Potato and green bean salad, English mustard dressing

Cheeses from the British Isles

Caramelised onion chutney, malt loaf

Salted caramel chocolate pot, ginger biscuits

Vegetarian Picnic

Courgette haloumi and pepper brochette, tzatziki

Broccoli blue cheese and apple quiche

Garlic and herb marinated mushrooms

Dips and seeded crackers

Beetroot and rosemary hummus

Smoked aubergine pomegranate feta

Potato and green bean salad, English mustard dressing

Cheeses from the British Isles

Caramelised onion chutney, malt loaf

Salted caramel chocolate pot, ginger biscuits

Vegan Picnic

Courgette muffins, garlic, and herb marinated mushrooms

Quinoa, carrot, roasted almond, and orange oil dressed salad

Thyme roasted vegetable brochette, tomato, and pepper salsa

Dips and seeded crackers

Beetroot and rosemary hummus

Smoked aubergine pomegranate vegan feta

Potato and green bean salad, English mustard dressing

Raspberry cheesecake

Dark chocolate and cherry cake

Little Dukes and Duchesses Picnic

Marmalade sandwich

Sausage roll, tomato ketchup

Chicken fillet nuggets, BBQ sauce

Vegetable sticks, hummus

Crisps

Chocolate mousse

Afternoon Tea Picnic

A selection of traditional sandwiches

Fruit scones and plain scones

A selection of handmade patisseries

Cake of the Day

Fine loose-leaf teas and infusions

The DUKES London Touch

Each picnic from DUKES London comes complete with a comfy rug, cutlery, and optional special touches such as flowers, truffles, or additional bottles of champagne. These little details make sure your picnic is not just enjoyable, but also memorable.

“Picnicking is a real British tradition,” our General Manager Michael Purtill shared, “ and being situated in such close proximity to two of London’s Royal Parks, we wanted to give people the opportunity to really enjoy the experience and make it a little bit special.

Our picnics have something for everyone. So, if you don’t have a dog, you can treat your children, partner, or just yourself to some rest and relaxation this summer.”

Whether you’re planning a family outing, a romantic date, or a solo escape, DUKES London has a picnic for you. Get in touch to book your basket and celebrate National Picnic Month in style with us this July!

Portobello Road Food Market is an open-air street market located in Notting Hill. Before visiting, it’s helpful to have all the necessary information at your fingertips.

Nestled in the heart of Notting Hill, the Portobello Road Food Market is a quintessential London experience. It combines the charm of a traditional British market with the vibrant energy of one of the city's most eclectic neighbourhoods.

Whether you're a seasoned local or a curious tourist staying with us here at DUKES London, our guide has all the necessary information you need to navigate the market successfully:

A Brief History of Portobello Road Food Market

Portobello Road Market has been a staple of London life since the 19th century.

Originally known for its antiques, the market has evolved over the years. Today it includes a wide variety of stalls selling everything from vintage clothing to handmade gifts.

The food market in particular has grown in popularity, attracting culinary connoisseurs from all over the world!

When to Visit Portobello Road Food Market

Portobello Road Food Market is open all week except for Sundays, typically starting around 9am and winding down by 7pm.

For those who love the hustle and bustle of the city, Saturday is without a doubt the best day to visit, when the market is in full swing. If you prefer a quieter experience, however, weekdays are significantly less crowded.

DUKES’ Top Tips for Navigating the Market

Navigating Portobello Road Food Market can be a bit overwhelming, especially for first-timers. To help you make the most of your visit, we’ve curated a collection of our top tips.

First and foremost, wearing comfortable shoes is essential. The market covers a long stretch of road, and you'll find yourself doing a lot of walking!

It's also a good idea to bring cash with you. While many stalls now accept card payments, some smaller vendors may not, so having cash to hand ensures you don't miss out.

Staying hydrated is important, especially as exploring the market can be thirsty work. Bring a bottle of water with you or take advantage of the many cafes and juice bars dotted along the way.

Lastly, be prepared for the British weather, which is notoriously unpredictable! It's wise to bring an umbrella or raincoat just in case. Keep in mind that many of the stalls are outdoors, so being prepared for rain will help you stay comfortable no matter what.

How to Get to the Market from DUKES London

By Tube: From Green Park station, which is just a short walk from DUKES London, take the Piccadilly Line to Earl's Court. Change here for the District Line towards Edgware Road and get off at Notting Hill Gate. Portobello Road is then a 10-minute walk from the station.

By Bus: Take the number 52 bus from Hyde Park Corner, which is also close to our hotel. The bus will take you directly to Notting Hill Gate.

By Taxi or Ride-Sharing Service: For a more direct route, hail a taxi or use a ride-sharing service. This option is convenient but can be more expensive and is definitely slower during peak hours due to traffic.

Walking: For those who would enjoy a leisurely stroll across the city first, walking from DUKES London to Portobello Road takes around 45 minutes.

DUKES London makes the perfect base from which to explore Portobello Road Food Market.  Make your reservation with us today and get ready to enjoy some of the best food in London during your stay!

Experience indulgence, elegance and tradition in the heart of London. Discover the reasons why DUKES London is the best place to have afternoon tea in London.

DUKES Traditional Afternoon Tea

Starting with a selection of savoury sandwiches, our DUKES Traditional Afternoon Tea caters for every taste.

From poached free range chicken and tarragon mayonnaise to H Forman’s London cured smoked salmon, dill, and cottage cheese, we use only the finest ingredients to create the signature finger sandwiches that we all know and love.

For those with a sweet tooth, your cravings will be satisfied by our assortment of treats, such as a chestnut, cranberry, and white chocolate gateau with salted caramel, or our cinnamon and spiced plum tart with plum jelly.

Finally, no traditional British afternoon tea would be complete without the classic scone. Ours come in both plain and sultana options, to be slathered with Rodda’s clotted cream and a scrumptious strawberry preserve.

DUKES Vegan Afternoon Tea

Here at DUKES London, we have a delightful vegan alternative to the traditional afternoon to tickle your tastebuds.

Beginning with an array of savoury sandwiches, this selection includes flavour combinations such as beetroot hummus with dairy-free feta and carrots, or cream cheese and pickled cucumber.

Those cravings for something sweet will be met by our decadent dessert options, from chocolate cherry fudge cake, to apricot mousse, to raspberry cheesecake.

Finish your meal by indulging in our vegan plain or raisin scones, complete with that same scrumptious strawberry preserve and a pot of dairy-free clotted cream.

Little Dukes and Duchesses Afternoon Tea

We’ve also transformed the DUKES Traditional Afternoon Tea and adapted it to suit the palettes of your Little Dukes and Duchesses.

With a fun twist on convention, the feast commences with marmalade finger sandwiches, ham and cheese triangles, and avocado toast.

A variety of playful desserts follow: a raspberry trifle ‘gummy bear’, a chocolate lollipop with popping candy sprinkles, and a banana cupcake swirl with cream cheese frosting.

As well as the traditional scone and jam, the Little Dukes and Duchesses Afternoon Tea culminates with a luxurious Hot Chocolate Bomb and a cuddly DUKESY toy to take home.  

Our afternoon tea is served daily from noon to 6pm in the

Drawing Room

Great British Restaurant

gbrlondon@dukeshotel.com

If this sounds like a treat that you and your loved ones would enjoy,

book a table

Alternatively, why not extend your celebrations with an overnight stay? Read our previous blog to help you plan the perfect family break in London.