London City Guide
When thinking of international hot spots, there are a few that always come to mind. That list may vary depending on whom you speak with. However, you will most likely think of Paris, Rome, Berlin, New York, and no list would be complete without London. A mix of tradition and innovation, London has long been a global superpower with history dating back to the Roman Empire. The capital city of the U.K. blends rich history with a modern pulse that we find quite captivating. Recently the world has watched as the city struggled, and our hearts poured out for those affected by tragedy. Through it all the city came together to keep calm and carry on. We thought no time like the present to pay homage to this fabulous city and some of our favorite destinations.
Restaurants
1) Isabel Mayfair
Neighborhood: Mayfair
Isabel is the beautiful sister restaurant to Notting Hill’s Casa Cruz. The gorgeous décor, be sure to check out the hand painted wallpaper in the bathrooms, serves as the perfect compliment to the menu of delectable small plates fused with Mediterranean and Argentine influences.
Website: http://www.isabelw1.london
2) Cecconi’s
Neighborhood: Mayfair
In a world full of gimmicky restaurants, it’s always refreshing to find one that combines modern decor with classical cuisine. Cecconi’s offers its diners sumptuous Italian dishes like handmade ravioli and veal Milanese in a beautifully appointed dining room.
Website: http://cecconis.co.uk
3) Lucio
Neighborhood: Chelsea
Lucio is a neighborhood trattoria serving classic Italian staples in a warm, friendly environment. This is the kind of spot every neighborhood needs!
Website: http://www.luciorestaurant.com
4) Le Caprice
Neighborhood: Piccadilly
For over 35 years, Le Caprice has been delighting diners with their menu of modern British classics, and international flavors. The classic black and white décor is enhanced with images from iconic British photographer, David Bailey. Be sure to check out their Sunday Jazz Sessions.
Website: https://www.le-caprice.co.uk
5) Bentley’s Oyster Bar & Grill
Neighborhood: Piccadilly
Bentley’s has been serving the freshest seafood and steaks for over 100 years. Whether you stop into the oyster bar for their fabulous assortment of oysters and caviar, or enjoy a classic Dover sole, this historical restaurant is not to be missed.
Website: http://www.bentleys.org
6) Berners Tavern
Neighborhood: Fitzrovia
Berners Tavern offers simply elegant dishes served in a gorgeous space. Their “contemporary British menu”, perfectly blends classic techniques with modern flair.
Website: http://www.bernerstavern.com
7) 5 Hertford Street
Neighborhood: Mayfair
Private members clubs are not hard to find in London. However, none of them are as mesmerizingly chic as 5 Hertford Street. Inside you will find roaring fires in most rooms, a cigar shop, a handful of bars, and a fabulous restaurant. Once you have had your dinner, head to Loulou’s the downstairs nightclub to dance the night away.
Website: http://www.5hertfordstreet.co.uk
8) Chiltern Firehouse
Neighborhood: Marylebone
Situated in the gorgeous Chiltern Firehouse Hotel, is the restaurant by Michelin-starred chef Nuno Mendes. The beautiful design of the dining room make it the perfect environment to enjoy anything off the menu which offers “reimagined classics” with a focus on seasonal offerings and healthy, yet delicious food.
Website: http://www.chilternfirehouse.com
Pubs
1) The Scarsdale Tavern
Neighborhood: Kensington
No visit to London would be complete without a stop in a pub. The Scarsdale, is brimming with classic charm. The chefs take great pride in their food using local, seasonal produce to put their signature on every plate served.
Website: http://www.scarsdaletavern.co.uk
2) The Thomas Cubit
Neighborhood: Belgravia
Dedicated to one of London’s legendary Master Builders, The Thomas Cubit is a modern pub with classic roots. Enjoy perfectly prepared pub food fused with modern touches in a beautiful dining room. Be sure to stop by on a warm day and sit at one of their outdoor tables.
Website: http://thethomascubitt.co.uk
Hotels
1) Claridge’s Hotel
Neighborhood: Mayfair
Claridge’s combines timeless Art Deco style with modern elegance. Long considered one of the most luxurious hotels in the world!
Website: http://www.claridges.co.uk/
2) The Connaught Hotel
Neighborhood: Mayfair
With a rich history that dates back to the 1800’s and a fabulous new restaurant helmed by famed chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten, this hotel provides their clients with the perfect blend of contemporary style and five star luxury.
Website: http://www.the-connaught.co.uk/
3) The Berkeley Hotel
Neighborhood: Knightsbridge
Originally favored by debutantes and their beaus, the Berkeley remains a goto spot for celebrities and international luxury seekers to this day.
Website: http://www.the-berkeley.co.uk/
4) The Hari Hotel
Neighborhood: Belgravia
The spectacular namesake hotel from the Harilela family, The Hari strives to refine the experiences of their guests with their passion for service and indulgent interiors.
Website: https://www.thehari.com
Food
1) Ottolenghi
Neighborhood: Westbourne Grove and Belgravia
Yotam Ottolenghi has created a modern day empire based on making people happy through food. Stop in for a selection of beautiful Mediterranean inspired cuisines. Pop in for lunch, a treat, or a take away meal.
Website: http://www.ottolenghi.co.uk
2) Daylesford
Daylesford brings the idea of organic, sustainable practices to life. They proudly offer organically grown produce, artisan cheeses, and scrumptious baked goods in their lovely cafes. Be sure to check out their organic farm and home delivery service.
Website: https://daylesford.com
3) Baker and Spice
Neighborhood: Chelsea and Belgravia
Baker and Spice sticks firmly to the belief that homemade is best. Almost everything is house made, and infused with a true passion for the culinary arts.
Website: https://www.bakerandspice.uk.com
4) Rococo Chocolates
Neighborhood: Belgravia and Chelsea
Originally created to highlight true chocolates with unique and untraditional techniques, Rococo has been delighting customers for over 30 years. A visit to this magical chocolate emporium is a must!
Website: https://www.rococochocolates.com
Shopping
1) Vis-A-Vis London
Neighborhood: Belgravia
This is a shop for those who crave luxury for their everyday life. They offer a range of bespoke linens and home furnishing made from the finest materials available.
Website: http://lblondon.com
2) Semmalina Toy Store
Neighborhood: Pimlico
This shop is much more than a toy store. Featuring custom party bags, toys, gifts, and cakes, this is the kind of store kids of all ages dream about!
Website: https://www.semmalinastarbags.com
3) Soane
Neighborhood: Pimlico
Soane is dedicated to creating the finest, British made, furniture, upholstery, fabrics, and home decor all by their in-house design and production teams. They stay true to their roots, offering modern classics with a traditional English sensibility.
Website: http://www.soane.co.uk
4) Selfridges
Neighborhood: Oxford Street
Selfridges offers shoppers a wide mix of current styles and price points, in a one stop shopping emporium.
Website: http://www.selfridges.com/GB/en/
5) Harvey Nichols
Neighborhood: Knightsbridge
This legendary luxury department store has been outfitting chic tastemakers since 1831.
Website: http://www.harveynichols.com
6) Harrods
Neighborhood: Knightsbridge
This iconic store is a shoppers paradise. Whether you seek fashion, home decor, or wander through the jaw dropping food stalls, a visit to Harrods is a must!
Website: https://www.harrods.com/en-gb
7) Matches – Boutique
Neighborhood: Marylebone and Notting Hill
Matches brings established and emerging fashion designs to those seeking modern luxury and a seamless customer service experience.
Website: https://www.matchesfashion.com/
8) Fenwicks
Neighborhood: Mayfair
Modeled after the department stores found in Paris in the late 1800’s, Fenwicks has been a foundation of the London shopping scene to its legions of loyal patrons.
Website: http://www.fenwick.co.uk