My son is studying abroad this semester in London, so a visit will naturally be in order. I haven’t been in ages and would love to hear any favorites from readers. You always provide the best suggestions. I’m planning on splitting my time between the city and country, so any recommended excursions are welcome too.
Source: Hugo Sousa
Kelly Hale
Tea at the National Portrait Gallery (make a reservation, ask for a window table) one of the prettiest views in the city and the museum is great too.
Kensington Palace is always great fun and the Diana exhibit is worth seeing.
A Dior exhibit is coming to the V and A soon.
Jo Loves by the original Jo Malone (now owned by Estee Lauder) is special for the perfume lover at 42 Elizabeth Street in Mayfair.
The Shard Oblix West Restaurant looks back over London, bribe the hostess for a table with a great view and make a reservation. It is very festive with a crowd and the servers are excellent.
Fortum and Mason for teas and goodies to bring back. They have their own bee hives on the roof.
Ubers are easy in London, just get off the main streets to call them as the cameras will give them tickets if they are stopped too long on the large, busy streets.
Have fun! Thanks for always highlighting such great fashion.
Karima
Fantastic! Thank you. I’ve got the Dior exhibition on my list!So many good tips. I may need more time…
Lisa
Hi! I’m going to send you my long list, but here’s my short list: The Blue Bar at The Berkeley. Around the corner, the historic Grenadier Pub. Churchill’s War Rooms are not to be missed! The Connaught Bar in The Connaught Hotel is beautiful! Mark’s Bar in HIX Restaurant SOHO is so fun. I think your son will love it – my kids did. And a great and fun Steak and King Crab restaurant called Beast. – Enjoy!
Karima
Those are great tips! Thanks Lisa.
Wendy
Shopping: In Sloane Square/Chelsea neighborhood there is a fabulous new place called Boutique 1 on Sloane Street. It also has a cafe, although behind it is Granger, which is also so yummy! Have a great time :)
Karima
Thanks Wendy. Just added Boutique 1 to my list!
Cecilie
Dinner at the River Cafe is a must! or Cecconi’s :-)
Afternoon tea at the Dean Street Townhouse (not touristy).
Mayfair is a great area to stay.
paula c.
For an off the beaten track pay a visit on Friday (avoid Saturday!) to West London – Westbourne Park/Nottinghill Gate. Shopping – great independent boutiques along with Matches and Joseph. From there, walk onto Portobello Market – through the antique market then onto the vintage clothing stalls and shops – still the best-kept secret for many designers, fashion editors/stylist who visit/buy for inspiration (hello Heidi, Phoebe, ) then keep going onto Golborne road for more boutiques. If your lucky book a table at The Core.
Christina Bennett
Tina, The Tina Turner Musical, outstanding! Adrienne Warren as Tina Turner is riveting!
Angela
Wow! We’re going to have to talk ! So excited for him and you. Some quick hits not already mentioned :
Borough Green Market – amazing produce, vibe and food stalls. Historic also
Shoreditch – funky vintage underground market shopping and art
Tea at the Mandarin Oriental
Tate Modern
Sketch London tea or drinks – well known for their all pink tea room, their forest bar, and their rainbow skylight bathrooms where the toilets are in eggs
Liberty London store – all around good shopping and historic AND luxury ear piercing and jewelry with Maria Tash
Peggy Porschen Cakes – store is all pink with gorgeous flowers and good dessert and tea
L.A.Mama
Hi! We were just in London over the winter break with our kiddos and we had a wonderful time! In addition to the excellent suggestions above (we loved the Churchill War Rooms, etc.), we had a lovely high tea at the Oscar Wilde Lounge at the Hotel Cafe Royale. I would also recommend Berner’s Tavern at the Edition Hotel and Bar Boulud at the Mandarin. If you have time, try to get tickets for the Ceremony of the Keys at the Tower of London – it’s a ceremony that has been taking place for over 700 years (even during the Blitz).
Alka shah
Wow your son won’t want to ever leave London and you will love our stylish capital .London has some of the best vegan restaurants – Mildreds several locations, Farmacy (a must) and Kalifornia Kitchen . Jamavar in london is one of the best indian restaurants and you must go to Selfridges and try the new restaurant Brasserie of Light – the food , decor and atmosphere are breathtaking. Shopping at Top Man and Ted Baker for your son for trendy clothes – Dior exh is a must – get tickets early – Check out my instapage alkashah16
Karima
Thank you for the great recommendations. I’m so disappointed I didn’t get tickets to the Dior exhibit before it sold out! That was on the top of my list!
Lee Prince
This is so helpful – I’m going over myself next wk! I’d add the following spots — Avery Row, the famous Nancy Lancaster “yellow room” (orig Colefax & Fowler shop)….the bunker that Churchill lived in during WWII, incredible….Pentreath & Hall (Kate Middleton’s decorator) has TINY little shop that I”m dying to see…..any of Kit Kemp’s hotel (firmdale) are incredible there!….Bonnard exhibit at the Tate Modern….Incredible design & food at Veriswami (sp?), a high style Indian restaurant. I just bought the carryon you recommended! Thx for all your great inspiration, Karima –
Karima
We keep missing each other by days! Thank you for those suggestions. I’ll add them to my list. Have a fabulous time and report back if you find any other new recommendations.