The buzz may be all about the recent pedestrianisation of busy Oxford Street, but in the British capital, there’s always something new (or old but new again) to discover.
NoMad London in Covent Garden has beautifully theatrical interiors in a former magistrates’ court. Perfect for exploring central London, with breakfast at nearby Toklas Bakery a must.
Sol’s, Bayswater, is a cosy neighbourhood wine bar and deli with a wonderfully intimate atmosphere. Always good for a glass of wine that turns into an entire evening. For old-world European charm tucked away in Mayfair, go to Dorothy’s on Savile Row. I love its nostalgic interiors and the contrast with the surrounding history of British tailoring.
Spend the afternoon gallery-hopping, browsing independent boutiques and people-watching on Chiltern Street, Marylebone, before heading to DIVE, a beautifully designed underground listening bar, for cocktails and music. Couverture & The Garbstore in Notting Hill offers an eclectic and beautifully curated selection of independent fashion, homewares and design objects.
I always discover something unexpected. Alfies Antique Market, also in Marylebone, is a treasure trove of vintage furniture, lighting and decorative things. As a furniture designer, I find it endlessly inspiring. Chiswick High Road Antiques Market is great too.
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But my ideal Sunday morning is spent at Queens Park Farmers’ Market; seasonal produce, flowers, independent producers and a wonderful neighbourhood atmosphere. For a great day trip, try Richmond Park, with its ancient trees, roaming deer and expansive landscapes. It’s one of the loveliest ways to escape the city without actually leaving it.
Firmdale Hotels are my absolute favourite hotels, in both London and New York. Hotel Ham Yard in Soho and Number Sixteen in South Kensington are standouts – the rooms are bright and beautifully decorated by Kit Kemp. For a great dinner recommendation, I like The Anglesea Arms, my local and go-to pub around the corner, and The Hawthorn. Two exceptional gastro pubs. Julie’s Wine Bar is full of local charm and character, and Strakers has magnificent woodfire cooking by Thomas Straker. It’s worth the hype.
With its exceptional trees, Kew Gardens is a lovely place to visit when you’re in town. Leighton House and The Arab Hall, too. It’s a beautifully colourful former home of the artist Frederic Leighton, built in the early 1880s. We have plenty of historic houses in London; another beauty is Dennis Severs’ House – particularly delightful during the festive season when the whole house is beautifully festooned in Christmas treasures.
To shop, I often take people to Petersham Nurseries, which has an exceptionally eclectic mix of homewares and antiques, and a delicious restaurant as well. Cloth Shop on Portobello Road is a sensationally charming, somewhat old fashioned haberdashery. And if you like that sort of thing, Alice Palmer & Co is just off there, on Golborne Road, and has wonderful lamps, lampshades and fabric. Act like a local at Westbourne Grove, a high street near Portobello Road that’s less touristic but full of great shops and perfect for people watching.
And if you’re looking for a great day trip, head to Great Dixter House & Gardens or Sissinghurst Castle Gardens. Both are wonderful National Trust gardens.
For the most luxurious stay, it’s The Emory . Get pastries from the Cédric Grolet ordered to your room. The Standard, Kings Cross isn’t renowned for views, but being up high and opposite the British Library is a flex. Plus you’re round the corner from Granary Square, one of the happening new areas.
Carbone is new to London; the veal chop parmesan is like a schnitty but better. Breadstall Pizza is for mate dates and, being in the heart of Soho, often has a celeb in the queue. There are few bars I’d recommend more than Three Sheets Dalston, be it for a nightcap or a cocktail before dinner. If, like many Londoners, you’ve made drinking Guinness your personality, The Devonshire serves around 20,000 pints every week.
When I want to feel like a tourist, I head to South Bank, hit the food markets and watch the skateboarders. My pick of museums is the British Museum. The Bayeux Tapestry is the main event at the moment, on loan from France until July 2027. Forget Selfridges and Harrods, the best department store is Liberty London. Every year I leave the Boxing Day sales happy. Walk along Regent’s Canal, from Little Venice in West London to Hackney. It’s proper pretty in places and gritty in others, exactly the best thing about the city for me.
Deal, Margate or Whitstable – there are plenty of gorgeous little day trips to the coast with great vineyards to get nicely sloshed at in summer. Kent isn’t called the Garden of England for nothing. Do lunch at The Sportsman in Seasalter if you can blag a table.
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