The classic charm of this cosmopolitan hub shows in its centuries-old monuments, double-decker buses, lush parks and world-class museums, and its royal family, of course, for history buffs and tastemakers alike.
Trendy Eatery
Cafe Cecilia
Opened by Max Rocha - former The River Cafe and St JOHN - Café Cécilia is already a Fashion crowd favourite. On the canal off Broadway, this East London restaurant’s modern bistro feel complements its sleek, industrial style (waiters are dressed in Simone Rocha tops). With a daily changing menu, the Guinness bread with salty butter as a starter (and dessert) is a highlight.
Canal Place, 32 Andrews Road, cafececilia.com
Rochelle Canteen
Walled off from the bustling streets of London, the cosy garden at this local neighbourhood canteen, opened in 2004, is the perfect lunchtime escape, with delicious menu options from braised squid, fennel, and aioli to pumpkin mulligatawny.
16 Playground Gardens, rochellecanteen.com
Local Food Hotspot
Lore Of The Land
Step into a haven of English tradition in this warm and cosy pub in the heart of Fitzrovia, serving seasonal dishes. With its open kitchen and rustic interiors, there’s no better place to avoid the bustle (and rain!) of London and indulge in a classic Sunday roast. After dinner, order a pint of Gritchie beer from the copper bar, sourced from owner and English film director Guy Ritchie’s brewery.
4 Conway Street, gritchiepubs.com
Charming Hotel
The Zetter Marylebone
With its antique furniture, Victorian theme, and interiors inspired by the John Soane’s Museum, this eclectic Georgian townhouse in the heart of Soho (just steps away from Oxford Street) is an ode to classic British style. Discover experimental cocktails and light bites in the parlour, from lobster brioche to truffled sausage rolls. And don’t forget to sit down for an English afternoon tea.
28-30 Seymour Street, thezetter.com
Pamper Places
Vico Skin
Dubbed “Jodie Comer’s facialist”, skin health and laser expert Jasmina Vico has worked on multiple film and TV sets, including Barbie, The Queen’s Gambit, and Killing Eve. Her signature treatments range from targeted laser therapy to microneedling and skin boosters.
6 Percy Street, vicoskin.com
George Northwood
Having worked with Alexa Chung to create the signature “Alexa” cut (an effortlessly chic, undone bob), George Northwood is one of the most iconic hairstylists in London. With an A-Lister clientele including Julianne Moore and Alice Vikander, red-carpet-worthy hair awaits.
24 Wells Street, georgenorthwood.com
Isamaya
As the brains behind turning Vivienne Westwood models into wooden puppets and former Global Beauty Director of Burberry Beauty, it is no shock that British make-up artist Isamaya Ffrench’s eponymous brand is dominating the London beauty scene. With quirky, often cheeky packaging and formulas bridging the gap between skincare and make-up, she has the next-gen hooked.
Selfridges, 400 Oxford Street, isamaya.com
Hottest Night Out
House Party
This year, acclaimed British rapper Stormzy launched House Party in Soho, a bar that feels like dancing in the comfort of, well, your home. With seven floors to explore, secret rooms, Karaoke takeovers, and last-minute sets from your favourite DJs, lose yourself in nostalgia to the beats and ‘pass the aux playlist takeovers.
61 Poland Street, thehouse.party
It Fashion Designer
Simone Rocha
A true London Fashion Week icon, Simone Rocha’s tomboy-feminine collections are a dream. She opened her first store in 2015, with interiors that perfectly encapsulate her brand's essence, and trademark bows - also Stateside in New York. The designer herself is also branching out to handmade sculptures, furniture, art, and even limited-edition books. Your wardrobe and apartment have never looked so good.
93 Mount Street, simonerocha.com
Style Hub
Dover Street Market
Adrian Joffe and Comme des Garçons founder, Rei Kawakubo, founded Dover Street Market in London in 2004. Their vision was to create a space that brought creative independent brands and luxury names like Balenciaga, Prada and Miu Miu together under one roof. Often dubbed the ‘first concept store’, and now with locations in 7 cities worldwide, it’s a household name.
18 Haymarket, london.doverstreetmarket.com
Secret Escape
Updown Farm
This 17th-century former farmstead, just outside the seaside town Deal, is now home to 10 ultra-cosy rooms. With its Gardener’s Cottage and Gatehouse, and converted stables opening out onto the gardens, this hotel is full of rustic countryside charm. Enjoy dinner, made with locally sourced ingredients, in the restaurant or sip evening drinks in the serene kitchen garden.
Updown Road, updownfarmhouse.com
London's Most Buzzing Bar
The Emory Rooftop Bar
This Belgravia hotel, overlooking Hyde Park, boasts a striking bar on its 10th floor, designed by interior architect Rémi Tessier and manned by one of the world’s top bartenders, Renato ‘Tato’ Giovannoni. Enjoy 360-degree views of the skyline whilst sipping signature drinks, along with a selection of seasonal snacks from chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten’s “Mood Board”.
Old Barrack Yard, the-emory.co.uk
Also Read:
https://ellegourmet.in/travel/japan-travel-tokyo-city-guide-9373377
https://ellegourmet.in/travel/travel-guide-ho-chi-minh-vietnam-9331166
https://ellegourmet.in/travel/elle-editors-recommend-the-hottest-spots-in-mumbai-9059874