Friday 29 March 2013

Delicious Greek Gourmet Foods From Verlina

We are really excited about our latest find, a company called ‘Verlina’ selling delicious Greek gourmet foods and wines.

Verlina has a new online shop offering the UK market limited production and very unique, Greek gourmet foods and award-winning boutique wines. They are so confident about the unique taste, quality and health benefits of their foods, that they branded them with their own name.

Verlina works together with artisan farmers, family businesses and small co-operatives on the island of Thassos in North Greece and the surrounding mainland area of Kavala.  These producers have been cultivating olive groves and honeycombs and producing wines for generations and their experience and expertise can undoubtedly be perceived in Verlina’s products.

Verlina sells a unique olive called Throumba, which is left to dry naturally on the tree and then dry sea salt is added in the next step, which allows the olive to wrinkle. The EU has classified Thassos Island Throumba Olives as PDO (Protected Designation of Origin), which is only ever awarded to quality foods and identifies their origin and their distinctive characteristics. Apart from an exceptionally unique ripe olive flavour, Throumba has many health benefits. Tests show, that when compared to other olive varieties, Throumba contain a significantly higher amount of oleuropein, which has been proven to be a potent antioxidant with anti-inflammatory properties.

Throumba additionally produces an excellent extra-virgin olive oil with a delicate taste, a ripe olive aroma and very low acidity. In fact, the current production of Verlina’s Extra-Virgin Olive Oil has an acidity of only 0.28. It is also certified PGI (Protected Geographic Indication) and possesses all of the health benefits unique to the Throumba olive, making it far superior in health aspects and flavour to other olive oil varieties.

Thassos Island is an optimal environment with perfect conditions for bee-keeping, which is why honey is one of the island’s most desired products. The multitude of pine trees on Thassos lends a distinctive aroma to Verlina’s honeys, producing a magnificently rich, unique flavour with the colour of caramel. Apart from its wonderfully satisfying taste, honey contains enzymes, which are necessary for every function of the human organism and so has many, many health benefits.

The growing conditions in the North of Greece produce excellent grapes and excellent wines. Unbeknown to many, Greece has a long-standing tradition of wine-making, but has often only produced sufficient quantities for its domestic sales. However, its wine industry is growing as wine lovers everywhere are recognising the superior quality of Greek wines. Verlina has discovered the award-winning wines of the Simeonidis Winery and is proudly introducing them to the UK market.

Verlina predominantly sells wines produced from universal grape varieties. However, for the more adventurous wine lover, they also sell Greek varietals.

Verlina’s gift boxes make a wonderful present for those hard to please lovers of food and wine.   We are recommending Verlina to many of our luxury London apartments too as welcome hampers upon arrival for our guests.

For our full range of London Serviced Apartments visit us at www.jandkapartments.com 

London Serviced Apartments - The J&K TOP 10

The J&K Apartments TOP 10 London Serviced Apartments

For A Luxury Summer in London


With the English weather as it is at the moment, it might not feel as if Summer is around the corner, but with only a couple of months to go until June arrives, it’s really not that far away!

London, being the wonderful city that it is, is such a popular summer destination for many families.  With such a diverse choice of things to do and see, London remains one of the top 10 cities in the world.  We at J&K Apartments are delighted to be on hand to recommend the top 10 London Serviced Apartments to ensure that your summer vacation is luxurious, memorable and truly wonderful.

If you are looking for a fantastic Mayfair location, within walking distance of Green Park, Hyde Park, Bond Street, Piccadilly and Oxford Street, look no further than Arlington House.  Located just a couple of minutes walk from The Ritz and with breathtaking views over Green Park, Arlington House is situated in one of the best locations in central London.  Here you can choose from a range of luxurious 1, 2, 3 and 4 bedroom serviced apartments, which also happen to be amongst the most spacious in London!  With its own private landscaped gardens and 24 hour concierge, this certainly makes our top 10!  Another great place to stay in Mayfair is at The Metropolitan Apartments, tucked away in a quiet street just off Park Lane.  These 2 bedroom serviced apartments offer sumptuous living accommodation with the added benefit of 5* hotel services including 24 hour concierge, 24 hour room service, spa, restaurant and a private members bar.  Of course we also have to tell you about the latest 5* serviced apartments in Mayfair – Grosvenor House Apartments by Jumeirah Living.  This is luxury at its best.  With a range of 1, 2, 3 and 4 bedroom apartments, along with two 5 bedroom penthouse apartments, this is one of the most incredible new serviced apartment properties in London.  Attention to detail is amazingly good.  You can live the high life with 24 hour concierge, 24 hour room service, private dining and even your own private butler.

Over to Knightsbridge and here we have 3 wonderful properties to recommend to you.   The first is Beaufort House, which is tucked away in a no-through road in the heart of Knightsbridge, just steps away from Harrods.  The 1, 2, 3 and 4 apartments here have recently been refurbished to the very highest of standards and make for elegant yet homely living.  Many of the apartments have either a private balcony or patio too for al-fresco dining.   Another great place to stay is at Claverley Court, a superb new 5* serviced apartment property in a quiet cul-de-sac just a few minutes walk from Harrods.  These apartments have been designed with luxury living in mind and offer a choice of 1, 2 and 3 bedroom serviced apartments and penthouses.  We couldn’t leave Knightsbridge without mentioning Cheval Knightsbridge.  With their range of newly refurbished serviced apartments, mews houses and townhouses, this really is a wonderful choice for couples and families alike.

Kensington is sometimes overshadowed by Knightsbridge, but we think it’s a great location, within walking distance of Kensington Palace & Gardens, Kensington High Street and South Kensington, it really is a super location.  One of our Kensington favourites is Cheval Gloucester Park, a wonderful property offering a choice of 1, 2 and 3 bedroom luxury serviced apartments.  With 24 hour concierge, private parking and a private gym, this is a great place to stay.   We have to say that staying here is an absolutely pleasure and the wonderful staff go out of their way to ensure that your stay is perfect and memorable.  130 Queensgate is also another great place to stay in Kensington – newly refurbished, these are a great choice and very popular!   If you are looking for a spacious penthouse apartment with private balcony in a quiet garden square location, look no further than The Collingham Apartments – a great choice for families!

A firm favourite of ours is of course the renowned 51 Buckingham Gate.   Located just a few minutes walk from Buckingham Palace, Green Park and St James’s Park, this amazing property offers a range of serviced apartments and signature suites.  You may have heard of the incredible Jaguar Suite which was recently launched here – fast becoming THE serviced apartment to stay at in London!   51 Buckingham Gate offers luxury living and with 24 hour concierge, 24 hour room service, gym, spa, restaurant, private dining and butler service on offer, this really does make it firmly into our Top 10!

So, there you have it – our Top 10 London Serviced Apartments for a luxury Summer in London.  Contact us at enquiries@jandkapartments.com for further details and superb discounted rates.  You can also view our full range of apartments at www.jandkapartments.com  We look forward to hearing from you!


Stay in Luxury at The Metropolitan Apartments, Mayfair


130 Queensgate in Kensington

Claverley Court, Knightsbridge

Beaufort House, Knightsbridge

The Beautiful Gardens At Arlington House

The Jaguar Suite at 51 Buckingham Gate

Thursday 21 March 2013

London Serviced Apartments with Private Gyms, Pools and Spas

A Little, Yet Luxurious Secret!

Many of our London Serviced Apartments

Have Their Own Private Gym and Spa


Many years ago when the Serviced Apartment was the latest new thing in luxury accommodation, the novelty was just that – the serviced apartment itself.  A wonderful alternative to regular hotel accommodation, serviced apartments slowly but very surely became the ideal choice for the discerning traveller.  The trend in luxury accommodation shifted towards the serviced apartment and in London over the last 10 – 15 years, we have seen a huge increase in a number and range of serviced apartments on offer.

Things have moved on a little since those early days……..

As serviced apartments have become the ideal choice for the large majority of families and business travellers, so things have changed and the ultimate in luxury accommodation has been born, namely the serviced apartment with all the benefits of a 5 Star Hotel.  You can now experience the privacy, space and luxury of your own serviced apartment……..yet still benefit from all those wonderful 5 Star services we all love – 24 hour concierge, room service and of course the gym and spa.

You would be amazed at how many serviced apartments there are which offer all these services.  Plus, there is a genuine range – of course we offer the 5 Star end of the market such as The Haymarket, with its range of fabulous suites and serviced apartments.  Here you can really pamper yourself with 24 hour concierge, 24 hour room service, a gym, fantastic swimming pool, award winning restaurant and fabulous bar!  51 Buckingham Gate is another example of a 5 Star property offering the most superb serviced apartments. Whilst staying here you can also indulge in 24 hour concierge, 24 hour room service, a cocktail bar, private dining in your apartment, butler service and, yes, they also have a gorgeous gym and spa.  At The Metropolitan Apartments, superbly located just off Park Lane, you have access to the excellent gym and spa at the Metropolitan Hotel.  Whilst staying here you also benefit from 24 hour concierge, 24 hour room service and access to the members only MetBar – The Metropolitan is a very cool place to stay!

However there is a choice.   You really don’t have to pay 5 Star prices just for the privilege of having a gym and spa on-site at your serviced apartment property.   A great example is Sanctum Apartments.  This fantastic property in Central London offers a range of very affordable serviced apartments, and they  indeed have a superb gym, swimming pool and spa on-site!  Prices range from just £850.00 per week for a 1 bedroom apartment and you also have the choice of 2 and 3 bedroom serviced apartments.  These are a wonderful choice for families and business travellers alike.
Another very good example is Dolphin House.  These London Serviced Apartments are located in Pimlico – a super location!  Here you have beautiful private gardens, swimming pool, gym, squash courts and spa.  There is also a lovely champagne bar and sophisticated Club Lounge as well as 24 hour concierge.  Rates are surprisingly affordable starting from £938.00 per week for a studio apartment.  You also have a range of 1, 2 and 3 bedroom serviced apartments here.  Rates are of course negotiable for longer term stays!

If you are looking for a more traditionally styled serviced apartment , look no further than The Milestone in Kensington.   The serviced apartments here are of a more traditional style and during your stay you will experience the luxury and elegance of staying is a 5 Star traditional boutique hotel.  Here you have 24 hour concierge, 24 hour room service, a super restaurant, cocktail bar, a gym, spa and resistance swimming pool!  This is a real hidden gem – do contact us for the best rates here!

Oh and another little secret……..if you stay at Beaufort House or Cheval Apartments, which are some of our favorite serviced apartments in Knightsbridge, you will also receive free membership to the fabulous Aquilla Gym and Spa, just 3 – 5 minutes walk away!  Likewise, if you stay at Greengarden House in the West End of London you receive free membership to the wonderful gym and spa at the Athenaeum Hotel, which in turn offers a range of luxurious serviced apartments itself.

We do like sharing our secrets with you!

Do contact us about any of the above apartments at enquiries@jandkapartments.com
The Gym at The Metropolitan

The gorgeous swimming pool at Dolphin House

Pamper yourself at The Spa at 51 Buckingham Gate

The amazing swimming pool at The Haymarket Hotel and Apartments

Wednesday 20 March 2013

Okay, So It's Not Actually an Exhibition.....


London has a wealth of entertainment for its residents and visitors to enjoy. Even when categorized though, they are too numerous to mention. Every guide book and review has its own comment, preference and persuasion. Not many however, would recommend you visit one particular exhibition that has caught the attention lately. The exhibition I refer to is Exhibition Road and okay so it’s not actually an exhibition but it is something worth seeing.

Let me explain. The once traffic-heavy highway runs 820 meters from Hyde Park at its northern point extending south to cross Cromwell Road and meet South Kensington Station. It passes some of our busiest museums, and is a few steps from The Albert Hall at one end and Knightsbridge at the other. Millions of visitors from around the world use Exhibition Road every year but this time last year the results of an audacious £30.00 million refurbishment project were revealed as the road fully re-opened.

In a bold move, the ‘traffic furniture’ has been completely stripped away. All of those traffic lights, railings, signposts, safety barriers, even kerbs and pavements have all gone. Instead a wide open thoroughfare has been created and resurfaced with the aim of making all road users co-exist harmoniously and safely. The entire area is a chequered pattern of pink and black cubes of Chinese granite and the street lights are now spaced along the centre line as tall elegant masts complementing the grand buildings either side.The pedestrian areas are flatter and more continuous to improve access for pushchairs, wheelchairs and motorised buggies and are separated from traffic with distinctive black iron drainage covers. These continuous lines provide a clear partition from traffic and feel heavily ribbed under foot to aid the blind and partially sighted.

For drivers the road is a pleasing, consistent surface, the speed limit is reduced to 20mph and the new open sightline makes a remarkably positive difference to the driving experience. The open nature of the new road promotes additional caution in drivers and more engagement with fellow road users.

There is no doubt that aesthetically this is a huge step forward. As well as transforming the street into a magnificent and truly handsome version of itself, traffic volume has been significantly reduced, it certainly feels safer whether on two wheels, four or on foot. It is a much improved environment.

If this is a blueprint for the future of our cities then it may be ambitious but there is much positive evidence to be drawn from the first 12 months of the new Exhibition Road.
Stripped of all the metal and plastic, the railings and flashing lights, the kerbs and islands then apparently there is room for everybody. Traffic is thinner, slower and becoming cleaner and I suspect it must continue that way to give a scheme like this a chance to succeed.

It is a bold move though, and lessons learned in the first 12 months will already advance and encourage similar schemes. There is still some divided opinion as to the long term success of ‘shared’ open road use of this kind in London but this example will be followed, improved upon and adapted further. We are likely to see more of our streets making something of an ‘exhibition’ of themselves before too long.

If  you’re visiting The Royal Albert Hall, or staying at Beaufort House, then Exhibition Road is just around the corner…

For Further information about Beaufort House and other luxury serviced apartments in Kensington and Knightsbridge, contact us at enquiries@jandkapartments.com 



Wednesday 13 March 2013

The Geneva 2013 Motor Show

The Geneva 2013 Motor Show


The 83rd edition of the Geneva 2013 motor show concludes this weekend after offering the world another well-polished glimpse of our automotive future.

As usual the headlines were hogged by the hypercar makers and their spectacular creations. These show-stopping land-rockets are cars for superheroes or at least the super-wealthy ones. There have been some eye-wateringly expensive cars on display that will only have very limited production or ultra-exclusivity. Much less of much more. That might be one way to put it.

Even words like ‘ultra’ and ‘hyper’ no longer seem to convey enough of the madness or the exclusivity on offer in this tiny attention-seeking sector. The Swedish manufacturer Koennigsegg for example has now built 100 of its stellar performance cars. Their 100th car is an Agera S and is on display at Geneva. To mark the occasion Koennigsegg have adorned its carbon fiber body panels with 24-carat gold leaf and called it Agura S Hundra. Hundra being Swedish for one hundred. It took something like 4000 hours to hand build this one-off celebration and it has already been sold for $2million.

Speaking of special editions, the 220mph Lamborghini Veneno is impossible to miss. An unearthly looking car built to celebrate the mark’s 50th Birthday. Only 4 will be made, Lamborghini will keep one for itself – fair enough I suppose – and the other 3 cost £3.00 million. Each. And they have all been sold.

However, if you still need to drive to 60mph in less than 3 seconds, and you don’t mind only being ‘super-exclusive’ then you might have noticed Ferrari’s successor to the perfectly labelled ‘Enzo’. It is the more oddly titled ‘LaFerrari’. 499 of these stunning machines will be for sale but Ferrari say that written orders already far exceed that number. The cost of each is a rounded but seemingly irrelevant £1.00 million. Not to be outdone, Mclaren have introduced their P1 which will also launch its occupants to 60mph in under 3 seconds and will easily top 200mph. This time only 375 will be built with a price tag that is perhaps more reasonable but still inconvenient at £866,000.00 . Surely the most interesting feature of these 2 cars is that they both incorporate electric power. The P1 even allows the car to be driven for a few miles without using the twin turbo V8 at all. In this guise, it’s only a nod to hybrid power of course but it’s a welcome one and an unmistakeable sign of what’s to come from.

Back to the reality of mass-production cars for a moment. Of the hundred or so new models featured at the show, each manufacturer has sole electric or hybrid in range or in development. The Geneva Motor Show has enjoyed its ‘greenest’ atmosphere yet. The automotive industry clearly recognises not only what is desirable but what is essential.

Many of these cars and more will be on display when London’s famous business district of Canary Wharf is once again transformed to host Motorexpo later this year. The show runs from 10th-16th June and is free for all to visit. No tickets are needed, just arrive and enjoy!

In need of somewhere to stay near Canary Wharf? We have some great recommendations.   E-mail us at enquiries@jandkapartments.com or call us +44(0)1797 253 823.  You can also view our full range of London Serviced Apartments at www.jandkapartments.com


Tuesday 12 March 2013

London Serviced Apartments - Spring Savings

Special Spring Savings

At Our Top London Serviced Apartments


Spring is almost here and we have some excellent special spring savings at some of our top London apartments. 

Stay at Europa House, Maida Vale over Easter and receive L ‘artisan du chocolat eggs on arrival.  Rates from £199.00 per night + VAT.  Valid from 27th March – 1st April

We have some great savings at both 17 Hertford Street and 20 Hertford Street in Mayfair.  Prices from just £120.00 per night for April and May.  Unbeatable Mayfair location at a very good price.  Discounts also avaialble on two and three-bedroom apartments whilst stocks last.  Limited availability so do contact us quickly.

The five star Cheval Phoenix House and Cheval Knightsbridge are offering 20%  off rack rates across the board for March.  No better time to book a stay at one of these properties as these discounts are rarely availble here!

If you are in need of a three-bedroom apartment, then as of Sunday 10th March, (Mothers Day) 5 Maddox Street are offering a special rate of £450.00 per night + VAT for the three-bedroom Bartlett suite! An excellent price for this apartment.

At 11 Cadogan Gardens, Knightsbridge – a J&K favourite, we can offer a minimum of 15% off best available rates including breakfast daily.  You will also receive an Easter treat!  The BADA antiques and fine art fair is on between 13th – 19th March and this is complimentary for our 11 Cadogan Gardens guests.









Tuesday 5 March 2013

David Bowie is

23rd March – 11th August at The V&A

David Bowie has had the most extraordinary and influential career.  An icon to many and enigma to some, from the 1960s onwards David Bowie has inspired the entire music industry.  However, it is not only his music which has proven to be cutting edge, vibrant and eclectic.  His stage costumes, video imagery and artistry have also played a huge part to create the fascination which surrounds the quite brilliant David Bowie.

The V&A in London has been given exclusive access to the David Bowie Archive to hold the first and only global retrospective of David Bowie’s unique career. The exhibition, aptly named “David Bowie is” will feature over 300 items, including handwritten lyrics, original costumes, fashion, photography, film, music videos, set designs and Bowie’s very own instruments.  The exhibition will also explore his collaborations with fashion designers, artists and musicians alike.

The original “chameleon of pop”, David Bowie has experimented with many guises including Ziggy Stardust, Aladdin Sane and The Thin White Duke, to name but a few.  His artistic talent and study of art, mime and fashion has lead to incredibly diverse music and stage performances.

Compare if you will, the video for “The Jean Genie” to the video for “Wild is The Wind” – the music, fashion and presentation couldn’t be more different, however the wonderful constant in both these performances is the distinct, haunting voice of Bowie.  Another comparison to make is the production of the melancholy album “Low” recorded in Berlin during one of Bowie’s most reflective periods, against the huge 1980s pop success of “Lets Dance”.  The feel of each of these albums evokes completely different feelings and reactions, yet, again, the attraction of Bowie’s voice and image is impossible to ignore.

Bowie’s latest single “Where are We Now”  was released on his 66th birthday.  His flirtation with the shock element is clearly still very much with him!  It was reported on numerous occasions last year, that Bowie had become very much the recluse.  Several journalists even went so far as to comment that this was his latest incarnation – a husband and father, for whom music, fashion or for that matter, appearing in public, held no interest.   Then on  2013, we hear, with no build up, no advertising or media hype of his latest single.  This is typical Bowie genius.  The album “The Next Day” is due for release this month and has had excellent revues.  Form your own opinion, but one thing is for sure; Bowie is as unique, unpredictable and brilliantly talented as ever.

The forthcoming exhibition at The V&A in London is fast selling out.  We are booking our tickets this week and can’t wait to see this fascinating retrospective.

The V&A is located in Kensington, London.   If you are coming to see “David Bowie is”, we can recommend several wonderful serviced apartments within easy walking distance.

One of our top recommendations, just around the corner from The V&A is 130 Queensgate.  Newly refurbished to the highest standard, these serviced apartments are contemporary and stylish.  Another great place to stay is at The Collingham Apartments, located in a quiet garden square in the heart of Kensington.

Contact us for details of these apartments at enquiries@jandkapartments.com or call us on +44 (0)1797 253 823.