Alternative Restaurant Experiences in London

Looking to escape the formal dining scene amongst London’s best hotels? Not to worry London boasts a vibrant and eclectic dining scene offering patrons a host of differing experiences. Below are some of our favourite unusual restaurants in the city.

Lima

31 Rathbone Pl, London W1T 1JH

Lima is extraordinary in the fact that it is London’s first Peruvian restaurant to win a Michelin Star. The menu is quite unlike any other in the city, with thoroughly original dishes crafted by one of Heston Blumenthal’s understudies - Bunmi Okolosi. From sea bream ceviche to Peruvian scallops, roast guinea pig to slow cooked suckling pig, each dish dances with colour and bewilders with taste.

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Dans Le Noir

30-31 Clerkenwell Green, London EC1R 0DU

Diners in Dans Le Noir (In the Night) enjoy their meals in complete darkness. Escorted to your table and served by blind people, the unique experience was created in order to enhancing visitor’s sense of smell and taste – by making them rely on them. The obscurity also helps to aid social interaction too according to the owner by ‘killing shyness and bringing an open minded conviviality.’

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Archipelago

53 Cleveland St, London W1T 4JJ

Bored of the usual steaks, fish and chicken? Archipelago is an exotic and mysterious restaurant serving unfamiliar meat from all over the World. Expect to find crocodile, wildebeest, garlic crickets and seared zebra. The decorations are just as wacky as the menu with a maze of funky Buddha’s, fertility idols and peacock feathers creating a strangely intimate space.

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Inamo

134-136 Wardour St, London W1F 8ZP

Probably the most technologically advanced restaurant in London, Inamo aims to put diners in firm control of their entire experience by letting them order from illustrated menus projected on their table surface. The interactive system allows guests to set mood, browse the local area and even order a taxi home. Cuisine wise a host of Pan-Asian dishes are on offer.

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Sarastro

126 Drury Ln, London, Greater London WC2B 5SU

Sarastro brings theatre to the dinner table, quite literally – the inside is flamboyantly decorated with ten individually styled opera boxes complete with velvet drapes, rainbow colours and all the other theatrical quirks. It is highly recommended to book a table on either Monday evenings or Sunday when a live opera and string quartet preform.

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Circus

27-29 Endell St, London WC2H 9BA

Having dinner in here is like having dinner in a washing machine, in a good way. Superb pan-Asian cuisine is served whilst fire eating dances bring wine to your table and acrobats swing from hoops on the ceiling – quite an experience that has guests dancing on their own tables by the end of the evening.

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La Bodega Negra

16 Moor St, London W1D 5NH

Visitors to La Bodega Negra will arise plenty of suspicion as they enter – the outside of the restaurant is decorated loudly with Neon Lights advertising a sex shop containing ‘Adult Video’ & a ‘Peep Show’. Upon entry guests are escorted down some dingy narrow stairs by an eccentric character, adding to the confusion, before entering an excellent Mexican restaurant full of atmosphere and burritos.

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Beach Blanket Babylon

45 Ledbury Rd, London W11 2AA

As the strange name suggests there is nothing ordinary about this place. The eclectic Georgian townhouse that it occupies is split into distinctive areas each as peculiar as each other; ‘The Crypt’ – hidden away in the buildings vaulted cellars, ‘The Chapel’ – an arched sanctuary, and ‘The Scullery’ - a dungeon like nook. The seasonally changing menu is reflective of Beach Blanket Babylon's colonial British heritage.

The Best Hotel Party Suites in London

Despite being a favourite of the rich and famous for many years there can be no hiding from the fact that London really has lagged behind other global cities in terms of hotel suites built for a party. Thankfully the city is quickly catching up with a series of ‘hip’ hotels opening their doors in the past couple of years - namely the W, Café Royal and Me hotels. We guess you could say that London has just turned up late to the party.

1. E Wow – W Hotel

Dining Room | Jacuzzi | DJ Booth | 1 – 3 Bedroom | Jacuzzi | 150sqm+

Taking inspiration from London’s movie, music and fashion scene, the W-hotel have done a formidable job of making this arguably the best suite in which to host a party in London. The party piece is a giant revolving chesterfield sofa in front of a bespoke Union Jack wall – at the touch of a button the whole sofa (and its occupants) spin round 360 degrees, presumably so everyone can get a view out of the floor to ceiling windows towards the stars in Leicester Square. Music is provided by a top of the range DJ booth, drinks by a fully stocked bar and on demand butler, and cleaniness? by a four person shower and Jacuzzi. For the Hugh Hefner's of this world limited edition William Tempest Pyjamas are thrown in too.

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2. Dome Suite – Café Royal

1 – 3 Bedroom | Kitchenette | Terrace | 121sqm+

Created under the copper domed rotunda of the Café Royal’s original building the Dome suite truly is a unique venue. The historical space has been transformed into one of the best entertainment suites in London – its Edwardian designers probably didn't envisage an over-sized mirror ball bouncing light off the spherical roof, nor the spectacular sound that the roof creates when concert standard speakers are set to full volume. The outside is just as dramatic with an 85sqm terrace overlooking the dazzling lights of Piccadilly Circus – any guest would remember a party here for a long time.

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3. Suite Me – ME hotel

Panoramic Views | Butler | 99sqm

A new entry into London’s luxury hotel scene, The ME Hotel was designed from the ground up for young, trendy guests looking to have fun. It’s no wonder why London fashion week uses it as one of their main venues. Suite ME, located on the 9th and 10th floors, topped by a spectacular glass dome that has 360 degree views over London plus a sound system that’s just as immersive. The lounge not only has its own in room self-service bar but also direct access to the hotels superb Radio Bar.

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4. De Montfort Suite – Town Hall Hotel

2 Bedroom | Dining Room | Butler | 180sqm

Any guest invited to a party at the De Montfort Suite will struggle not to be impressed - Its soaring triple height vaulted ceilings give the suite a cavernous feel, which is flooded with colour from the huge arched stained glass windows. The Architects, unwilling to dissect the monumental interior, installed a series of glass partitioning and a mezzanine level to give privacy to the two bedrooms – this keeps the suite open plan and great for entertaining. What’s more the space contains one of the largest dining tables of any suite in London.

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5. The Penthouse Suite – The May Fair Hotel

2 Bedroom | Kitchenette | Roof Terrace | Views | 199sqm

Long one of London’s go to places for celebrities, the jewel in the crown of The May Fair hotels is its Penthouse Suite, featuring one of the best private roof terraces in London. The swish inside is bright and modern, with a Bang and Olufsen sound system and huge corner sofa, in fact even the guest bedroom is out of the ordinary with its circular bed. The hotels 40 seat cinema, available for private hire, provides a great way to get over the next day’s hangover too. 

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6. Penthouse – Sanderson Hotel

2 Bedroom | Kitchen | Dining Room | 158sqm

The chic Sanderson hotel, in one of London’s trendiest areas, Fitzrovia, is a home from home for all fashionista’s. The penthouse suite is the UK’s first designed by the Philippe Starck and Ian Schrager design partnership and is universally acclaimed to be one of the coolest in London. Both absorbingly weird and wonderful, the room contains a real sense of fun with its clean straight lines, industrial materials, oversized furniture and colourful oddities. Its minimalist open plan design bodes its self well for entertaining the masses.

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7. The Hamilton Penthouse – Corinthia Hotel

1 – 2 Bedroom | Kitchenette | Dining Room | Terrace | Jacuzzi | 160sqm+

Not the biggest but any penthouse with an outdoor Jacuzzi, open fire place and giant chess board on its roof terrace has to make this list, especially when it looks over Trafalgar square. Throughout the inside of the suite guests will be impressed by the lavish use of sumptuous surfaces (Especially the drink friendly Skiros marble flooring). Stars such as Justin Timberlake and Will.I.AM, Beyoncé and Jay-Z are known to stay at the hotel, and in all probability this suite, who can blame them.

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8. The Infinity Suite – Langham Hotel

2 Bedroom | Butler | Club Lounge | 236sqm

Built in the turret of London’s oldest luxury hotel the 2 bedroom Infinity Suite enjoys a spectacular lounge with high ceilings and wraparound bay windows. A 72 inch flat screen and Bose sound system bring the 19th century room into the 21st century plus a complimentary butler will be on hand to serve a martini or two. The pride and joy of the bedroom meanwhile is the hand crafted four poster bed that’s sure to keep any VIP happy once the party is over.

• For more blogs about London visit www.bluebirdtravel.com

Hotel Rooms with a Unique History in London

From haunted rooms to rooms that changed the course of history, London's hotel rooms tell a unique and fascinating story stretching back almost 300 years

The Grosvenor House Hotel - George V Suite

A Mickey Mouse suite

10 years after Walt and Lillian Disney were married they decided to go to London on honeymoon and stayed in the George V suite on the 8th floor of the Grosvenor House. Even Mickey Mouse joined in the celebration, with the above picture taken on the roof of the hotel on June 12th 1935.

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The Langham Hotel – Napoleon Suite

A Leader in Exile

Following the disastrous defeat in the Franco Prussian war the then French Emperor Louis Napoleon III spent much of his enforced exile from France at the best hotel in London at the time, the Langham. The first floor suite in which he took his extended residence remains as grand as it was in 1870, albeit with a few modern additions. To this day it is said that Napoleon III haunts the hotels basement.

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Claridge’s Hotel - Suite 212

The only part of mainland UK ceded to another country in WWII

Throughout the Second World War the Yugoslavian Royal family were in forced exile at Claridge’s Hotel, where Princess Alexandra fell pregnant. So in 1945 Prime Minister Winston Churchill declared suite 212 Yugoslavian territory to allow Crown Prince Alexander II to be born on his own country's soil.  According to folklore, Claridge's staff placed a handful Yugoslav soil under the Queen's bed during her labor – the hotel would not comment to say if it was still there.

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The Corinthia Hotel – Room 801

The UFO Room

The Corinthia hotel occupies a grand building that housed offices for the Ministry of Defence for over 70 years. In its heyday MI9 department operated from the building, overseeing the crucial job of coordinating the vast ranks of POW escapees, resistance fighters and undercover agents across Europe during World War II. MI9 continued its clandestine operations after the war too, particularly in room 801, which was used as a highly classified depository for UFO sightings. Rumor has it that when MI9 vacated in 1992 they left behind the documents by accident, only for the hotel contractors to stumble across them 20 years later……shortly after their unintentional release MOD decided to declassify them. Coincidence?

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The Savoy - Monet Suite 618

An artist’s inspiration

The famous painting Waterloo Bridge Misty Morning, by Claude Monet, was drawn in this very hotel room over 110 years ago when the Artist took up a 6 months residence at the Savoy hotel. The stunning vantage point of the Thames was recommended to him by American artist James Whistler.  Throughout the stay Claude Monet painstakingly used over 100 canvasses at any one time, awaiting the perfect time and weather conditions to create the masterpiece. His daily routine included indulging in two English breakfasts before strolling across the river Thames from St Thomas' Hospital to the Houses of Parliament.

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The Ritz Hotel - Marie Antoinette Suite

D DAY HQ

During the Second World War then British Prime Minster Churchill, French and US Presidents De Gaulle and Eisenhower met for summit meetings at the Ritz Hotels Marie Antoinette Suite, now a private dining room. No one knows exactly what was discussed in the Room, however it is reported that this is the very room where plans for D Day initially came to fruition - the very event that signaled the beginning of the end of the war.

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Grosvenor House Hotel – Suite 804

James Bond’s Suite

At the time of playing double ‘O’ seven, Sean Connery’s favourite suite was 804 at the Grosvenor House Hotel. Unfortunately Mr Connery arrived very early one morning and the previous guest had not yet checked out so the room was not ready. The receptionist shyly explained that there was a guest in your usual room at the moment and in true James Bond style said, “Is it a girl if so I’ll take the key”.

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The Town Hall Hotel - De Montfort Suite

A room for the people

Opened in 1910 in the heyday of Edwardian Architecture and British Power the building was designed to showcase the wealth of the Borough Council – None more so that the Grand Hall that has now become the De Montfort Suite. Its impressive triple height vaulted ceiling gives the suite a cavernous feel, which is flooded with colour from the huge arched original stained glass windows.

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The Dorchester Hotel – Eisenhower Suite

The safest room in London

As WWII broke out Sir Malcolm McAlpine declared the Dorchester Hotel to be "bomb-proof, earthquake-proof and fireproof." It’s no Wonder why then that the American President chose it as his home from home throughout the conflict. The President took two rooms on the first floor where, to give him greater privacy, British Prime Minster Churchill had a wall erected between his balcony and the room next door – a wall that remains till this day.

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The Langham Hotel – Room 333

The most haunted hotel room in London

Another entry from the Langham, said to be the most haunted hotel room in London. A number of guests have claimed a sighting is of a ghost in Victorian evening wear in Room 333 during the month October. The spirit is said to be that of a German Prince who jumped out of a window before the outbreak of the First World War. It is also believed that Napoleon III, another former guest, haunts the basement of the hotel.

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The Courthouse – Bar

A lock in Bar

Not a room, but the bar at the Courthouse is particularly of interest – its architecture contains a number of pointers to the room’s history as a magistrate’s court. None more so than the three original holding cells that are now utilized as VIP enclaves. They still contain their original layout with the prisoner benches (now comfortably upholstered) and even (thoroughly cleaned) toilet bowls. The booths can be privately booked for up to 8 people if you fancy being locked away behind their thick iron doors.

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Browns – The Alexander Graham Bell Room

Where the UK’s first telephone call was made

Going back to 1876 Alexander Graham bell demonstrated the UK’s first ever successful telephone call during his stay at the Brown’s Hotel. The room is now a private dining room, but its history is proudly honored with an antique telephone from the period and various illustrations of telephones from over the years. Another room, or suite, that has a notable past in the hotel is the ‘Kipling Suite’ – where Rudyard Kipling completed the classic jungle book novel. 

For more blogs about London visit www.bluebirdvip.com

London's Top 10 Hotel Suites

With seven of the top ten hotel suites in our list being new additions to London within the last five years, discerning travellers have never been spoilt so much; far reaching choices are on offer, from the Savoy Hotels historic Royal Suite, the David Collins inspired ultra stylish Apartment in the Connaught or the mind bogglingly big Manor House Wing in the Rosewood Hotel.

1. The Corinthia – Royal Penthouse (Approx. £20,000pn)

4 Bedroom | Dining Room | Terrace | Kitchen | Media Room | 465sqm+

The Corinthia Hotels Royal penthouse is 465sqm of more than just a piece of heaven - a superb example of how to fill a grand room with the smallest details. Featuring a crystal bound spiral staircase that feels like it has come from a fairy-tale, a walk-in wine cellar that should come with a map and a bathtub that you could dive into (not recommended) a stay here will make anyone feel out of this world….. And that’s before enjoying the spectacular roof terrace that is undoubtedly one of the finest in London.

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2. The Rosewood – Grand Manor House Wing (approx. £18,000pn)

6 Bedrooms | Dining Room | Balcony | Kitchen | 585sqm

Despite being opened for less than 6 months the Rosewood’s Grand Manor House Wing can already boast a clientele list teeming with celebrities. The vast 585sqm suite comfortably claims the title of the biggest in London with 100sqm to spare, in fact it is so large that suite has its own postcode. The Manor House features 6 bedrooms, each, of course, with its own Italian marble ensuite, several living rooms, a huge dining room and even a stunning wood panelled library.

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3. The Savoy - Royal Suite (Approx. £12,000pn)

2 Bedroom | Dining Room | River View | Kitchenette | 325sqm

Spread over the whole riverfront of the hotels 5th floor, the Savoy’s Royal Suite has one of the best panoramic views over London - from its eight enormous windows guests can see an uninterrupted vista from Canary in the East to Big Ben in the West. The inside of the suite is just as expansive with a marble entrance foyer giving way to an airy interior influenced by English formal gardens. Another stand out feature is the suites beautiful wood panelled period office, an absorbing and almost colonial feeling hide away. The opulent living room and separate dining rooms make the suite big enough to entertain eight. The master bedroom meanwhile has a walk-in wardrobe, his and her bathrooms, a steam shower and a deep soaking tub, also sharing the views.

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4. Jumeirah Grosvenor House Apartments – The Grosvenor Suite (Approx. £18,000pn)

5 Bedroom | Guest Bathroom | Cinema Room | Park Views | Balcony | Butler | 448sqm

To show that Jumeirah Living take hospitality seriously Guests of the Grosvenor Penthouse receive a courtesy Aston Martin Rapide at their full personal disposal for their entire stay. Being one of the largest suites in London, the Grosvenor Penthouse houses a separate living, dining and study area, complete with a baby grand piano. An ultra-techy room is also included with the most modern entertainment systems and on demand media, ensuring the whole family are catered for. The suites piece de resistance is a terrace overlooking the endlessly green Hyde Park. For complete secrecy access is via a private elevator that takes guests to the penthouse level.

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5. The Town Hall Hotel - De Montfort Suite (Approx. £4,000pn)

2 Bedroom | Dining Room | Butler | 180sqm

Probably the most unique suite in the list, the De Montfort Suite indulges guests in its breath-taking design. Its soaring triple height vaulted ceilings give the Suite a cavernous feel, which is flooded with colour from the huge arched stained glass windows. The Architects, unwilling to dissect the monumental interior, installed a series of glass partitioning and a mezzanine level to give privacy to the two bedrooms. A dining room that seats 20 makes the suite great for entertaining and a private study makes it practical too.

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6. The Connaught -The Apartment (Approx. £10,000pn)

2 Bedroom | Dining Room | Terrace | Butler | Balcony | 285sqm

Designed by David Collins, the Apartment is certainly one of London’s most striking hotel suites. Its eclectic design blends perfectly white washed walls and ceilings into a sea of blue carpets, upholstery and ornaments. Being in the buildings eaves, the Apartment is full of quirky alcoves making each room unique and giving the suite plenty of character. A dining room for 10 and a terrace overlooking the serene rooftops of Mayfair provide the entertaining options.

 

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7. The Royal Suite – Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park (Approx. £12,000pn)

3 Bedroom | Park View | Dining Room | Balcony | Butler | 242sqm

The Mandarin’s stunning Royal Suite is a kaleidoscope of modern style and the hotel’s Victorian past. It boasts eye catching centre pieces such as the fibre optic chandelier and original artwork form the celebrated Halcyon Gallery juxtaposed with the suite’s exquisite original Victorian fireplace. Space wise, the suite has a dining room for ten people, walk-in wardrobe for the master bedroom and a terrace running the full length of the accommodation overlooking Hyde Park.

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8. Claridge’s - Royal Suite (Approx £9,000pn)

2-3 Bedroom | Dining Room | Butler | 223sqm+

Claridge’s Royal Suite captivating in London that combines historic grandeur and comfortable living. Guests enter via a dramatic Victorian Age red reception hall before being welcomed into a superlatively elegant living room complete with a grand piano formerly owned by Richard D’Oyly Carte. Period double doors open out into a rich blue dining room, whose walls are covered top to toe in original 19^th century French architectural prints.

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9. The Berkeley - Opus Suite (Approx. £10,000pn)

2 – 8 Bedroom | Park View | Kitchen | Dining Room | Butler | 278sqm+

The brand new Opus Suite opened to lucky patrons in September 2013. Designed by world famous interior designer Andre Fu to combine both expansive spaces, absorbing details and natural materials. As a result the suite is a calming, clutter free space with a homely feel. Longer stays will appreciate the fully fitted kitchen, dining room and 300 square foot flame-finished Turkish marble bathroom – amongst the largest in London. For larger parties up to 8 bedrooms can be connected to the suite creating an exclusive top spec apartment in the heart of Knightsbridge.

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10. 45 Park Lane - Penthouse Suite (Approx. £8,000pn)

1-2 Bedroom | Park View | Pantry | Dining Room | Terrace | Butler | 165sqm+

The top floor Penthouse Suite in the Dorchester Hotels modern sibling, 45 Park Lane, is an Art Deco gem. Leading designer Thierry Despont used all his creativity to combine rich dark natural materials with light colours and soft textures to make the interior of the suite standout. Outside, on the wraparound roof terrace, the panoramic views of London from Hyde Park to Canary Wharf do all the talking. If the weather doesn’t comply then guests can always gaze across Hyde Park from the bath tub instead.

For hotel guides visit www.bluebirdtravel.com

London's Most Exclusive Hotel

'A Room for London' is without doubt the most exclusive hotel in London. Featuring just a single room for two people is a peculiar installation is perched on top of the Queen Elizabeth Hall on London's Southbank. Designed by architect David Kohn to imitate a 1920's steam boat; needless to say the hotel features a hull of a lot of character. Inside, the spacious main deck's bow is lined with bay windows overlooking London’s most famous sights. There's a massive bed, kitchen, dining area and its pièce de resistance – ‘the bridge’. The snug observation bridge on the top deck is full of oddities, books about London and the ships log that is filled with the stories of all guests who have stayed in the room from the last 6 months.

Potential guests can only apply to stay in the vessel via a ballot, at a cost of £300pn with a maximum stay of one night. For more information visit  http://www.living-architecture.com/the-houses/aroomforlondon/overview/

The Lanesborough Hotel Auction

The historic and much loved Regency styled Lanesborough Hotel on London's Hyde Park corner is undergoing extensive renovations from the 20th of December for a period of 10 months. The Landmark, originally constructed in 1828, was meticulously restored under supervision from the Royal Fine Arts Commission in the 90's. In order to prepare for the works the hotel is auctioning off its beautiful collection of heritage furniture, chandeliers, draperies and art works. The auction takes place from the 9th of December until the 13th. Although it is a virtual auction, meaning everything can be bid for online, viewings will be available on the weekend of December 7-8 between 10am and 4pm. Be sure to enquire so you can own a piece of history.

More details can be found at: www.thelanesboroughsale.com