London is undeniably the best city in the world. Okay, so the traffic is atrocious, everything is expensive and the weather isn't exactly perfect, but it's still a beautiful city—an eclectic mix of old and new, modern and traditional—steeped in history, yet continually transforming. It might be a major fashion capital, but London city has always had its own unique sense of style. So you can find independent boutiques next to department stores, not far from street markets and vintage shops. When it comes to eating out, the restaurant scene is buzzing to the point that it's hard for even the most dedicated foodie to keep up with the choice of international cuisines, as diverse as London's melting pot of inhabitants. As for the rest—the countless museums, galleries, theatre productions, food markets, parks, bars and more—the city offers more than one can find the time for. As Samuel Johnson, the great English writer, said: “When a man is tired of London, he is tired of life.”
HOTELS IN LONDON
Chiltern Firehouse If you want your finger on the pulse There's no hotter spot in London than the bar at André Balazs Marylebone hotel, so checking into a room upstairs not only guarantees you access to the bar but gives you somewhere (very) close to crash after a big night. Rooms have an Apple TV, DVD player, iPod dock, Bang & Olufsen speakers, stocked bar and fridge—everything you need for an after party. Chiltern Firehouse, 1 Chiltern St, Marylebone, London W1U 7PA, UK; Chilternfirehouse.com; Tel: +44 20 7073 7676
The Laslett If you want to experience local life Named after the founder of the Notting Hill carnival, this hip boutique hotel is spread across five Victorian townhouses in West London. Expect modern design details, a quirky art collection, curiosities from local antique dealers on nearby Portobello market, a mini bar filled with ‘good' and ‘bad' snacks and books supplied for bedtime reading. The Laslett, 8 Pembridge Gardens, London W2 4DU, UK; Living-rooms.co.uk/hotel/the-laslett; Tel: +44 20 7792 6688
The Connaught If you want to indulge in old-world charm You can't go wrong at this classic Mayfair hotel—the perfect mix of traditional and modern. Everything from the original shoe shine station to the impeccable service, elegant cocktail bar and Michelin starred restaurant will make you feel like you are staying at Downtown Abbey. And don't miss the indulgent Aman Spa hidden in the lower ground floor—the decadent black granite pool is the perfect place to recharge. The Connaught, Carlos Pl, Mayfair, London W1K 2AL, UK; The-connaught.co.uk; Tel: +44 20 7499 7070
Nobu Hotel Shoreditch East meets west Go east to find the Nobu group's first London hotel. The brand new luxury spot is a mix of Nobu's signature understated elegance combined with the cool industrial feel at the heart of the area. Added bonus: you'll find all your favorite Japanese dishes on the room service menu as well as new Nobu breakfast and brunch options. Nobu Hotel Shoreditch, 10-50 Willow St, London EC2A 4BH, UK; Nobuhotelshoreditch.com; +44 20 7683 1200
Little House Apartments If you're looking for an extended stay Book well in advance to secure one of these four apartments occupying the floors above Soho House's members' club in Mayfair. Two or three bedroom flats with plenty of entertaining space are each finished with an eclectic of modern and contemporary furniture. Room service in the mornings, a daily housekeeper and concierge are available to residents as well as access to the downstairs club and restaurant. Little House Apartments, 12 Curzon St, Mayfair, London W1J 5PA, UK; Littlehouseapartments.com; +44 20 7961 1200
Ham Yard Hotel If recreation is as important as your stay You won't care about sleeping once you discover the original 1950's bowling alley, screening room, spa, roof garden and tree-line piazza at this colourful Soho hotel. The 91 rooms and suits, each with floor to ceiling windows, have some serious design flair. Staying a while? Opt for one of the hotel's residential apartments complete with Boffi kitchens. Ham Yard Hotel, 1 Ham Yard, Soho, London W1D 7DT, UK; Firmdalehotels.com/hotels/london/ham-yard-hotel; Tel: +44 20 3642 2000
WHERE TO SHOP
Matches Fashion Nothing to wear? Look no further than this one-stop luxury fashion boutique (less overwhelming than a department store) stocking all the big names in designer fashion from Balenciaga to Saint Laurent and Isabel Marant, as well as new up-and-comers. Complete your outfit with something from the well-edited collection of jewellery, bags and shoes. Matches Fashion, 87 Marylebone High Street, Marylebone Village, W1U 4QU, UK (and other locations); Matchesfashion.com; Tel: +44 20 7487 5400
Alfie's Antique Market A firm favourite amongst those in the know, this is London's largest indoor market filled with over 70 dealers sells everything from mid-century furniture to vintage clothes, Art Deco lighting and antique trinkets. Alfie's Antique Market, 13-25 Church St, Marylebone, London NW8 8DT, UK; Alfiesantiques.com; +44 20 7723 6066
Liberty London The interconnecting jumble of rooms in this department store steeped in history (it opened in 1875) makes you feel like you are walking through a stately home rather than a store. While the signature Liberty print fabrics are still a must, you will also find perfect edit of the best fashion, beauty and accessories collections. Trust us, you are going to want it all. Liberty London, Regent St, Carnaby, London W1B 5AH, UK; Libertylondon.com; Tel: +44 20 7734 1234
Aquazzura Let's be honest, most beautiful shoes are not all the most comfortable. But that's not true of Florence-based Aquazzura, known not only for their impeccable craftsmanship and edgy design, but also for using the softest leather and suede making these shoes and boots easy to wear all day or night. Aquazzura, 38 Albemarle St, Mayfair, London W1S 4JG, UK; Aquazzura.com; Tel: +44 20 3828 0433
Santa Maria Novella Don't go home without a gift from this charming antiquated perfumery—an offshoot of the famous Farmacia Santa Maria Novella in Florence founded by monks in 1221. The creams, milks, lotions, potions and perfumes are beautifully packaged and made with an especially high concentration of fragrance. Pomegranate is an unusual scent and a personal favorite. Santa Maria Novella, 107 Walton St, Chelsea, London SW3 2HP, UK (and other locations); Smnovella.it; Tel: +44 20 7460 6600
The Shop at Bluebird A hip, design-led concept store in an airy converted garage in Chelsea takes inspiration from Colette in Paris, offering an avant-garde selection of designer clothes, accessories, coffee-table books, homewares. Expect edgy labels like Rick Owens, Sophie Hulme, A.P.C. and Mr & Mrs Italy. The Shop at Bluebird, 55 Duke St, Mayfair, London W1K 5NR, UK (and other locations); Theshopatbluebird.com; Tel: +44 20 7042 2770
RESTAURANTS IN LONDON
Hoppers The popular family-style Sri Lankan restaurant in Soho is a firm favorite amongst foodies serving standout dishes like bone marrow varuval with roti, hot butter devilled shrimps, chicken heart chukka, hoppers, dosas and more. The Soho branch doesn't take reservations and queues have been known to wind out the door and around the corner. If waiting is not your thing, don't worry, there's a second outpost opening in Marylebone later this summer. Hoppers, 49 Frith St, Soho, London W1D 4SG, UK; Hopperslondon.com
Min Jiang Secure a table for lunch by the window of this Chinese restaurant on the 10th floor of a Kensington hotel, and enjoy the signature Beijing Duck (remember to order it 24 hours in advance) while looking out at spectacular views Kensington Palace, Hyde Park with the London city skyline. Dim sum is particularly good at Min Jiang, but only available at lunchtime, so book well in advance. Min Jiang, 2-24 Kensington High St, Kensington, London W8 4PT, UK; +44 20 7361 1988; Minjiang.co.uk
Granger & Co. Aussie chef Bill Granger draws queues outside each of his four no-reservations London city restaurants and you'll soon understand why. Breakfast and brunch staples like coconut bread, sweet corn fritters, ricotta pancakes and the creamiest scrambled eggs and avocado salsa are worth waiting for, while lunch and dinner dishes are equally fresh and full of exotic flavours. Granger & Co., 1, Stanley Building, 7 Pancras Square, Kings Cross, London N1C 4AG, UK (and other locations); Grangerandco.com; Tel: +44 20 3058 2567
Petersham Nurseries Escape the chaos of the London city life at this beautiful and calming spot in Richmond Park. Dine on fresh, seasonal, Italian-inspired dishes in the plant-filled conservatory and then drop into the onsite store and plant nursery to buy gardening bits and pieces and gifts. If you can't make it for lunch, candle-lit dinners are equally spectacular. Petersham Nurseries, Church Lane, Petersham Road, Richmond TW10 7AB, UK; Petershamnurseries.com; Tel: +44 20 8940 5230
The Araki If you're in the mood for indulgence, look no further than this tiny Mayfair sushi bar with just nine covers. Japanese sushi master Mitsuhiro Araki was awarded three Michelin stars at his restaurant in Tokyo, which he closed when he decamped to London for a new challenge. For £300 per person, the no-frills spot with just two sittings a day offers an omakase menu of top quality sushi and sashimi which includes locally-sourced Cornish squid, salmon and langoustines. FYI: They are not interested in your dietary requirements, so don't try and go off menu. The Araki, Unit 4, 12 New Burlington St, London W1S 3BF, UK; The-araki.com; Tel: +44 20 7287 2481
J Sheekey This classic West End institution (from the group behind Scott's, Le Caprice and 34) is located in the heart of theatre land, making it the perfect spot to have a bite before or after seeing a play. Sustainably-sourced fish and seafood have been on the menu since they opened in 1896, so expect a traditional setting, although the adjoining oyster bar is more informal. J Sheekey, 28-32 St Martin's Ct, London WC2N 4AL, UK; J-sheekey.co.uk; Tel: +44 20 7240 2565
THINGS TO DO IN LONDON
Get pampered at ESPA Life at Conrinthia London city's largest spa (roughly 3,500sqft) is the absolute height of luxury spread over four floors of the Corinthia Hotel with every conceivable facility. There are heated pools with air and water jets, a large amphitheatre sauna with 360 views, an ice fountain for an invigorating post-steam room cool down, a relaxation room filled with sleep pods, heated marble loungers facing a fire, a techno-gym fitness area, plus some of the best body therapists in town and a specially designed Brain Power menu. You won't believe how good it feels. ESPA Life at Conrinthia; Whitehall Pl, Westminster, London SW1A 2BD, UK; Espalifeatcorinthia.com; Tel: +44 20 7321 3050
Soak in the art at Tate Modern There's always something to see at this free museum of modern and contemporary art housed in the former Bankside Power Station—if not just the panoramic views of the London city skyline from the cafe. Past exhibitions have included Picasso, Rothko, Matisse, and Dali. Don't miss the gift shop on your way out for the best collection of postcards, art books and prints in town. Tate Modern, Bankside, London SE1 9TG, UK; Tate.org.uk; Tel: +44 20 7887 8888
Get ready to party at The Dragon Room at Isabel
The 1970s-style decor (lots of gold, navy with silk brocade walls and a glossy red DJ booth) in the downstairs bar of this Mayfair restaurant is a perfectly decadent setting for a late-night drink. Book a table for dinner first in the upstairs restaurant owned by Juan Santa Cruz, the silver fox behind Notting Hill's Casa Cruz, before heading down for a boogie and nightcap. Isabel, 26 Albemarle St, Mayfair, London W1S 4HY, UK; Isabelw1.london; Tel: +44 20 3096 9292
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Click a picture (or 10) at Columbia Road Flower Market Open on Sundays from 10am to about 3pm, every inch of this East London Victorian street is covered with stalls selling reasonably-priced cut flowers, bulbs, herbs, hanging plants, shrubs, bouquets and bedding. Even if you're not in the mood to buy anything, it's one of the most visually appealing, Instagram-worthy spots in town. Columbia Road Flower Market, Columbia Rd, London E2 7RG, UK
Grab a martini at Dukes London Hotel James Bond author, Ian Fleming frequented this quintessential British hotel bar, and legend has it that the martinis here inspired his character's favorite beverage and famous line, ‘shaken not stirred'. Today, the strong cocktails (they have been known to cut customers off if they order more than two) are made in front of you on a trolley by white-gloved bartenders. Dukes London, 5 St James's Pl, St. James's, London SW1A 1NY, UK; Dukeshotel.com; +44 20 7491 4840
Best time to visit London: London has a mild climate through the year, making it great for a visit year-long. However, peak tourist season is between late June and September, and in December running up to Christmas and New Year. Late October to mid-December and from January to mid-March are off season for the city, so you might find better deals on travel and stay during these times.
