Story Ed Salvato; photo courtesy Pride London
'Tis Pride season the world over. For something truly
different, check out London's annual Pride Festival and Parade, June 19-July 3. The parade, though huge, feels more
grass roots and politically charged than many of its American counterparts,
which some complain have gotten a bit overly commercialized.
You'll see the traditional red double-decker buses crammed
full of young socialists or the firemen's union or orderly phalanxes of
openly-gay marines marching proudly under the Union Jack. Sigh, one day we'll
be there. For now, get a vicarious thrill seeing what is in some ways a more
fully integrated community showcasing simultaneously its similarities to and
differences from its heterosexual counterparts.
Though London is cheaper than it's been in a long time
(thanks to a more favorable exchange rate), it is still an expensive city. Book
your air as soon as possible. There are still inexpensive seats to be found or
consider cashing in some of your reward miles. The very traditionally English
yet contemporary Stafford London by Kempinski tucked away in the heart
of St. James is offering 20% off
published prices when you book 30 days in advance. Click here to learn
more. (Update: Please note that the advanced booking rate is subject to availability and according to a Stafford spokesperson as of right now it may not be available for the festival dates.) Even if you
don't stay here, be sure to have a brew or Scotch at the award-winning American
Bar (pictured at left; home to a fascinating collection of artifacts, memorabilia and oddities),
a lively, yet sophisticated setting with an adjacent outdoor heated lounge for
those cool London evenings.
Straight but gay-savvy Head Concierge Frank Laino of this LGBT-friendly hotel,
voted "Best Concierge Worldwide" by readers of
Luxury Travel Advisor
Magazine, has pulled together a guide for the
first-time gay visitor, which he shared with us. (This is Frank in the photo at right posing in front of the hotel.)
Three tastes in one
Begin at the “it” place to dine: Aqua London on Regent Street. With three separate
restaurants all in one location, this hip and stylish newcomer (opened
October 2009) is attracting the see-and-be-seen set. Start with contemporary Japanese fare at Aqua Kyoto, followed by tapas at
Aqua Nueva, and a drink
at Aqua Spirit's
cocktail and champagne bar featuring live live music and a roof terrace.
London style
Pick up a little number (clothes, that is) at the recently
opened Westfield Shopping Center ,one
the largest urban shopping centers in Europe, offering pretty much every style
from cutting-edge urban fashion to high-end designers.
Parade viewing
Show off your new threads at a prime viewing spot along the
parade route in Trafalgar Square, one of London’s most famous attractions.
Franks inside tip: "Arriving early is key as this party place gets packed
before dawn." If you are not a morning person, Frank offers this advice, "Nearby
Regent Street, the longest street of the route, doesn’t require an early wake
up call and is a good alternative to catch all of the action."
Supper club
For the late-night set, party after the parade at a great
venue for music lovers. The Pigalle Club
evokes a 1940’s supper club with an edge. Expect to dance until dawn as this
swanky restaurant transforms into a late night club featuring big name live
performances and great DJ nights.
Story Ed Salvato; photo courtesy Pride London
'Tis Pride season the world over. For something truly
different, check out London's annual Pride Festival and Parade, June 19-July 3. The parade, though huge, feels more
grass roots and politically charged than many of its American counterparts,
which some complain have gotten a bit overly commercialized.
You'll see the traditional red double-decker buses crammed
full of young socialists or the firemen's union or orderly phalanxes of
openly-gay marines marching proudly under the Union Jack. Sigh, one day we'll
be there. For now, get a vicarious thrill seeing what is in some ways a more
fully integrated community showcasing simultaneously its similarities to and
differences from its heterosexual counterparts.
Though London is cheaper than it's been in a long time
(thanks to a more favorable exchange rate), it is still an expensive city. Book
your air as soon as possible. There are still inexpensive seats to be found or
consider cashing in some of your reward miles. The very traditionally English
yet contemporary Stafford London by Kempinski tucked away in the heart
of St. James is offering 20% off
published prices when you book 30 days in advance. Click here to learn
more. (Update: Please note that the advanced booking rate is subject to availability and according to a Stafford spokesperson as of right now it may not be available for the festival dates.) Even if you
don't stay here, be sure to have a brew or Scotch at the award-winning American
Bar (pictured at left; home to a fascinating collection of artifacts, memorabilia and oddities),
a lively, yet sophisticated setting with an adjacent outdoor heated lounge for
those cool London evenings.
Straight but gay-savvy Head Concierge Frank Laino of this LGBT-friendly hotel,
voted "Best Concierge Worldwide" by readers of
Luxury Travel Advisor
Magazine, has pulled together a guide for the
first-time gay visitor, which he shared with us. (This is Frank in the photo at right posing in front of the hotel.)
Three tastes in one
Begin at the “it” place to dine: Aqua London on Regent Street. With three separate
restaurants all in one location, this hip and stylish newcomer (opened
October 2009) is attracting the see-and-be-seen set. Start with contemporary Japanese fare at Aqua Kyoto, followed by tapas at
Aqua Nueva, and a drink
at Aqua Spirit's
cocktail and champagne bar featuring live live music and a roof terrace.
London style
Pick up a little number (clothes, that is) at the recently
opened Westfield Shopping Center ,one
the largest urban shopping centers in Europe, offering pretty much every style
from cutting-edge urban fashion to high-end designers.
Parade viewing
Show off your new threads at a prime viewing spot along the
parade route in Trafalgar Square, one of London’s most famous attractions.
Franks inside tip: "Arriving early is key as this party place gets packed
before dawn." If you are not a morning person, Frank offers this advice, "Nearby
Regent Street, the longest street of the route, doesn’t require an early wake
up call and is a good alternative to catch all of the action."
Supper club
For the late-night set, party after the parade at a great
venue for music lovers. The Pigalle Club
evokes a 1940’s supper club with an edge. Expect to dance until dawn as this
swanky restaurant transforms into a late night club featuring big name live
performances and great DJ nights.
