Postcard from Kuala Lumpur
Malaysia’s capital is a melting pot of cultures. Main sectors include financial services, healthcare, oil and gas and construction
Man on the ground “Be prepared for the fast pace at which business is conducted. Try not to cram too many meetings into your day and instead take time to prepare properly. Give those in meetings your full attention and don’t be tempted to check your phone, which is considered rude,” George Anderson, an analyst, says
Refuelling Stay at the Hotel Istana, which has all the facilities you may need and you will be in the centre of the “Golden Triangle” business and commercial district. As Malaysia is a Muslim country some bars and restaurants do not sell alcohol and instead offer bottled water, fruit juices and tarik (sweet milky tea). Bars in the Golden Triangle do generally sell alcohol. Try the night markets for street food
Working lunch: Celeste at Lanesborough Hotel, Hyde Park Corner, London SW1
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Expect A lavishly decorated restaurant, with a dining room dominated by a large glass-roof and some very ornate chandeliers, a far cry from when the building was part of the original St George’s Hospital
Order Beautifully prepared international dishes using mainly British ingredients, overseen by Florian Favario, the executive chef. For good value opt for the set-lunch menu, which provides starters such as butternut squash soup with chestnut cream spaghetti or Burford brown egg, chicken and lardo di Colonnata, followed by main courses such as grilled wild Scottish salmon with seasonal vegetables and lemon butter or Norfolk Black-Leg chicken with girolles and mixed leaves. Pay £36 for two courses or add a dessert and it will cost £44 without wine but including mineral water and coffee or tea