As the crisp November air ushers in the charm of the upcoming festive season, the Pillow Hotlist presents an exclusive selection, celebrating the exceptional and the exquisite. This month, we traverse the realms of luxury and heritage, starting with the opulent Raffles London at The OWO, a sanctuary where history meets modern sophistication. Venture into the spirited world of fine spirits with Broken Clock Vodka, perfect for your festive cocktails. Then, immerse yourself in the transformative Gucci COSMOS Exhibition, a visual feast for the fashion-forward. For tech aficionados, the latest MacBook Pros with their game-changing M3 chips exemplify cutting-edge innovation. As the year winds down, embrace the renewed grandeur of George, the epitome of Mayfair’s member’s club luxury, fresh from its remarkable refurbishment. From the tactile allure of Bottega Veneta’s Pillow Cassette Cross-Body Bag to the aromatic journey offered by Diptyque’s Temple des Mousses candle, November’s hotlist is a tribute to the senses and a toast to the timeless.
A Mayfair gem polished to modern perfection
George
Recently unveiled, the refurbishment of George in London’s Mayfair redefines the members’ club experience. Beyond its chic terrace lies a realm where traditional charm meets contemporary flair, a place that pays homage to its storied past while embracing the beat of the modern city.
Why you should apply for a membership at George
George’s recent transformation blends the allure of heritage with the pulse of present-day London. Led by the discerning vision of Richard and Patricia Caring, this club encapsulates an air of exclusivity while welcoming the camaraderie of its cherished members. The space is a tribute to conviviality, adorned with Hockney’s vibrant art and an inviting basement bar that beckons with its Art Deco elegance and signature cocktails. Perfect for the festive season, George remains a sanctuary of luxury, its every detail whispering of tradition and innovation entwined. Here, the spirit of the original club is not only preserved but revitalised, offering a haven of timeless sophistication for the city’s discerning social circle.
Address: 88-89 Mount St, London W1K 2SU
Website: georgeclub.com
An Edwardian icon reimagined for contemporary luxe
Raffles London at The OWO
As the city prepares for the festive season, Raffles London at The OWO emerges as a beacon of luxury. It’s a blend of Edwardian heritage and modern-day indulgence, with rooms crafted by Thierry Despont, exuding a sophistication that tells of their storied walls, now basking in a new era’s glow.
Granville Bedroom | The Pool at Raffles London at The OWO
Why you should stay at Raffles London at The OWO
Raffles London at The OWO is a key entry in our November Hotlist for its exquisite meld of legacy and luxury. Here, the whispers of Churchill and echoes of Bond intertwine with contemporary chic. Culinary artistry awaits at the tables of star chefs, while wellness finds a new standard within the tranquil expanses of the Guerlain Spa. Embrace a stay that’s an homage to heritage, yet firmly planted in the now.
Address: 57 Whitehall, London SW1A 2BX
Website: raffles.com
An enclave of viticulture elegance
Nebbiolo dinner at The Dorchester
Savour an evening of regal oenology at The Dorchester on the 9th of November. In an intimate Wine Vault gathering, connoisseurs will be ushered into a world where the storied Nebbiolo grape reigns supreme. Culinary director Martyn Nail’s five-course culinary masterpiece, paired with eight varietals, promises to unfold the rich narrative of Langhe’s terroir.
Why you should book for the Nebbiolo dinner at The Dorchester
The Nebbiolo dinner at The Dorchester offers an exclusive passage into the esteemed heritage of Piedmont’s winemaking. This rare event, graced by Giovanni Gaja, is a testament to a 150-year-old vintner legacy, meticulously pairing a selection of Nebbiolo that could only be heralded as vinous royalty. The experience is a journey through time, with each pour and dish crafted to honour the Gaja family’s devotion to viticultural excellence.
Address: 53 Park Ln, London W1K 1QA
Website: dorchestercollection.com
A Southern American charmer in East London
lowcountry
Step into lowcountry, where Savannah’s spirit meets East London’s cosmopolitan pulse. With Ryan Sheehan at the helm, this intimate bar invites patrons to explore the deep-rooted legacy of American whiskey. Here, innovation meets tradition; seasonal cocktails crafted from counter 71’s kitchen surplus herald a new chapter in sustainable mixology, all while paying homage to time-honoured Southern American indulgence.
lowcountry | Rebecca Dickson
Why you should spend an evening at lowcountry
Venture into lowcountry for an authentic taste of the American South refined by London sophistication. With its culinary-inspired ‘Signature’ concoctions, such as the inventive Hot Tomato, and the rich, bacon-infused Fat-Fashioned, this establishment marries the art of drink with sustainable practices. Nostalgic ‘Historical’ mixes sit alongside reimagined ‘Classics’, offering a tipple for every palate. The space itself, a blend of warm woods and rich reds, encourages a convivial atmosphere, making it an inviting destination for an after-work respite or a pre-dinner flourish.
Address: 71 Nile St, London N1 7RD
Website: counter71.co.uk
A textural ode to streetwise luxury
Bottega Veneta Men’s Pillow Cassette
In a confluence of high fashion and streetwear sensibilities, this new entrant encapsulates the urban ethos with its voluminous allure. The utilitarian function of the water-resistant fabric melds with a laid-back charm, courtesy of the quick-drying design, ensuring this piece is as practical as it is stylish. The iconic Intreccio quilted detailing, a testament to Bottega Veneta’s storied craftsmanship, is reinvented here, giving the piece a pulse on contemporary trends.
Why you’ll love wearing the Bottega Veneta Men’s Pillow Cassette
Its adjustable strap and magnetic fastening speak to the pragmatic; the silver-tone hardware, to the polished. Inside, a zipped pocket keeps your essentials secure, encapsulated in a recycled nylon lining for a nod to sustainability. Crafted in Italy, the Pillow Cassette is a true sartorial statement.
£1,970, visit Bottega Veneta
A manifesto of masculine allure
Gucci Guilty Elixir de Parfum Pour Homme
Gucci’s latest olfactory creation is a clarion call to embrace one’s own story with a boldness mirrored in its composition. The Gucci Guilty Elixir de Parfum Pour Homme fuses the earthiness of Patchouli with the luxuriant smoothness of Orris Butter, crafting an aroma that is both commanding and comforting. Housed in a flacon that reflects its woman’s counterpart in a dance of sleek symmetry, it stands as an emblem of modern luxury.
Why you’ll love wearing Gucci Guilty Elixir de Parfum Pour Homme
With a few spritzes, Gucci Guilty Elixir de Parfum Pour Homme transforms the wearer’s presence into a captivating narrative of self-assuredness and allure. The potent concentration of Patchouli, Gucci’s olfactory signature, is heightened by the creamy sophistication of Orris Butter. Ambrofix™ introduces a modern vibrancy, playing with Nutmeg’s shadowy warmth to elevate your personal scent story. Encased in a sophisticated green bottle, this fragrance is a powerful yet unspoken declaration of individuality and grace.
£124, visit Gucci
A sartorial ode to the classic Samba
Wales Bonner x adidas Samba
The union of adidas and Grace Wales Bonner breathes new life into the iconic Samba silhouette, merging heritage with high fashion. The Wales Bonner x adidas collaboration for A/W 2023 reimagines this classic with a nod to craftsmanship and luxury. Presented in four new colourways, each variant, from the textured ‘Core Black’ to the avant-garde leopard spots, tells its own tale, reaffirming the Samba as a staple in contemporary menswear.
Why you’ll love wearing the Wales Bonner x Adidas Samba sneakers
With the meticulous hand of London’s new doyenne of menswear, these trainers encapsulate an artful blend of utility and opulence. Whether it’s the understated elegance of the ‘Cream White’ or the daring poise of the leopard-spotted pair, these shoes offer a transcendent quality, standing out in a sea of casual footwear. The robust construction paired with the tactile delight of suede and pony hair accentuates a wardrobe with finesse. And with the rich history of the Samba at its heart, infused with the dynamic edge of Wales Bonner, these trainers are set to become the jewels of London streets and beyond.
£160, visit adidas
A pioneering leap in pro-level computing
MacBook Pro with M3
The new suite of MacBook Pros revolutionises the landscape of professional-grade laptops. Powered by the ground-breaking M3 series chips, the range promises unparalleled performance. The 14-inch model, with its innovative architecture, is a noteworthy upgrade for both seasoned professionals and aspiring creatives, commencing at a competitive price point.
Why you’ll love working with the new MacBook Pro powered by the M3 chip
Whether you’re a developer, a digital artist, or a researcher, the versatility of the M3 Pro and M3 Max models caters to the most demanding tasks. The Space Black finish adds a touch of sophistication, while the remarkable 22-hour battery life ensures you remain untethered and productive. Seamless performance with macOS Sonoma and a Liquid Retina XDR display that brings content to life make the new MacBook Pro an undeniable force in computing excellence. The commitment to environmental responsibility is the cherry on top, with a design using 100% recycled materials, aligning your tech needs with eco-conscious values.
From £1,699, visit Apple
A toast to timeless English traditions
Broken Clock Vodka
Indulge in the spirit of a bygone era with Broken Clock Vodka, where each sip captures the essence of an “awfully English” Christmas. This season, their gift sets and handcrafted cocktails are a nod to the slow, refined pleasures of the 18th century, promising a taste of tradition and elegance.
Why you should add Broken Clock Vodka to your bar
The luxurious packaging, inspired by the rich tapestry of English history, from Tudor architecture to Victorian arts, makes Broken Clock Vodka a thoughtful present for the connoisseur. Each bottle is a crafted masterpiece, distilling the essence of the historic Shandy Hall’s gardens into a vodka that’s rich with the notes of English apples and botanicals. On the palate, it reveals complex layers of flavours, from Bramley apple to a whisper of white pepper, culminating in a festive symphony. This vodka is the perfect base for the classic Martini, a drink that will elevate any Christmas gathering into a sophisticated celebration. With accolades like the Best Vodka at the Bartenders Brand Awards, Broken Clock is an award-winning tribute to the English way of life.
£35.75, visit The Whisky Exchange
A whiff of enchanted forests
Temple des Mousses Refillable Scented Candle by Diptyque
Step into a serene sanctuary with the Temple des Mousses Refillable Scented Candle by Diptyque. Crafted for the discerning, this candle is a quintessence of tranquillity, blending the earthly whispers of moss, bark, and lichen with a subtle touch of matcha. Designed to burn slowly, it invites a zen-like atmosphere into any space.
Why you should light the Temple des Mousses Candle
Created by the renowned Olivia Giacobetti, its woody-green fragrance is an homage to the peacefulness of nature. Encased in a Cristine Celestino-designed vessel, the candle promises not just 60 to 65 hours of burn time but a lasting decorative statement. As you light it, the candle releases comforting notes, reminiscent of a stroll through a forest sanctuary, purifying the air with the aroma of Japanese moss temples. The attention to detail in its use extends to its aftercare, ensuring an even burn and maximum fragrance release. This meticulously designed, refillable candle from Diptyque’s Les Mondes collection brings the essence of luxurious calm to any environment.
£208, visit Liberty
A chronicle of regal elegance
Cecil Beaton: The Royal Portraits
“Cecil Beaton: The Royal Portraits” unveils the delicate craft behind the public façade of the British monarchy. Through the lens of the legendary Cecil Beaton, this volume delves into the symbiotic relationship between photographer and royalty, documenting the evolution of the House of Windsor’s public image over four pivotal decades.
Why you should have Cecil Beaton: The Royal Portraits on your coffee table
This book is a treasure trove for enthusiasts of both photography and royalty. Each page of “Cecil Beaton: The Royal Portraits” is a testimony to the transformative power of Beaton’s vision, as he meticulously sculpted the Windsor dynasty’s visual narrative. With Claudia Acott Williams and Hugo Vickers at the helm, the journey unfolds chronologically, revealing the intimate partnership between Beaton and his royal subjects. Beyond the polished prints, the compilation includes an array of unpublished materials – sketches, letters, and outtakes – offering a behind-the-scenes look at Beaton’s influential process. With over 224 illustrations across 240 pages, the book is a compelling examination of the intersection between private lives and public personas, making it an essential addition to the libraries of those captivated by the enduring legacy of royalty and the masterful art of portrait photography.
£35, visit V&A
A mesmerising journey through Gucci’s legacy
Gucci COSMOS Exhibition
The Gucci COSMOS Exhibition is a kaleidoscope of heritage and creativity, marking the Italian luxury brand’s centennial journey. Transforming London’s 180 The Strand into a theatrical showcase, this exhibition diverges from the archetypal and morphs into an encounter that blurs reality with artifice.
Why you should book tickets for the Gucci COSMOS Exhibition
The Gucci COSMOS Exhibition is a testament to the brand’s evolution, an experience where history is enlivened through a series of thematic chambers, each telling the tale of Gucci’s transformative flair. From the intimate beginnings in a ‘Portals’ room, revealing the brand’s foundation, to the ‘Zoetrope’ space celebrating equestrian roots, and ‘Eden’ offering a botanic immersion, this showcase is a narrative labyrinth. The standout ‘Archivo’ room, akin to a treasure hunt through Gucci’s illustrious archives, is a display of history wrapped in modernity. Open now until 31 December, this exhibition is a unique opportunity to delve into the essence of Gucci, offering a glimpse into the brand’s rich tapestry of design and culture.
£18, visit Gucci
