London, one of the most eclectic and diverse cities in Europe, is also among the biggest fashion and gourmet capitals in the world, with exciting new restaurant and store openings every week. Admire the charming terrace of the chic Ivy Chelsea Garden restaurant while dining on the all-day English menu, get your shopping fix at Liberty London, or enjoy drinks at the Artesian bar at the Langham hotel, voted the number one bar in the world for the fourth year running. Whether you are looking to rub shoulders with London’s fashion crowd or simply seeking some new ideas for a date night, our guide is sure to inspire.
We guide you through some of the coolest places to shop, eat and drink in London. From the fashion elite’s favourite restaurants to world-renowned watering holes and top shopping destinations, discover some of London’s hotspots here
© Mark Blower 2014
Dover Street Market
Dover Street Market is a great example of London’s ability to combine fashion with art. Created by Rei Kawakubo, the founder of Japanese label Comme des Garçons, Dover Street Market is a multi-brand boutique curated like a gallery. This multi-level, artistic fashion house offers an eclectic mix of designers, each with their own concession design and layout. Shop brands such as Paul Smith, Gucci, Dior and JW Anderson, as well as the Nike Lab boutique.
Dover Street Market, 18-22 Haymarket, London SW1Y 4DG, +44 (0)20 7518 0680
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Paul Winch-Furness / Photographer
The Ivy Chelsea Garden
The Ivy restaurant is an iconic British institution in the heart of London’s theatreland, and its sister restaurant the Ivy Chelsea Garden, which opened in April 2015 in Chelsea, has also become of the capital’s most chic hotspots and a popular haunt for locals and celebrities. An extensive terrace, orangery and garden make the Ivy Chelsea Garden a perfect setting for warm summer evenings and it has become a much-favoured retreat. Classic British dishes on the menu include shepherd’s pie and fish and chips; afternoon tea is also served.
The Ivy Chelsea Garden, 195-197 King’s Road, London SW3 5EQ, +44 (0)20 3301 0300
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Liberty
Liberty opened in 1875 and has remained at the forefront of innovation and design ever since. Its traditional timber-framed exterior plays host to cutting-edge fashion labels from Burberry to Erdem to Vivienne Westwood, as well as a huge range of tailoring options for men. The department store offers one of the best shopping edits in the capital and is also shines for its wide range of beauty products, iconic floral fabrics, stationery, homewares and souvenirs. Guests can easily spend an afternoon exploring its multiple floors. With beauty services from Josh Wood, Omorovicza and Blink also available, it’s the perfect place for pre-drink pampering.
Liberty, Regent Street, London W1B 5AH, +44 (0)20 7734 1234
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Artesian at the Langham
London is famous for its pub and bar culture, with a plethora of varied drinking dens across the British capital. The city is home to famous underground haunts and historic pubs, but those looking for glamour should head to the Artesian bar at the Langham hotel. Voted number one in 2015 for the fourth year in a row on Drinks International’s list of the world’s 50 best bars, the Artesian is at the forefront of London’s sophisticated bar scene. The Dali-esque cocktail mounts have become a signature of the new menu, while the world-class bartenders ensure that this is a timeless drinking haunt and a must-visit for visitors to London.
Artesian, The Langham, Portland Place, London W1B 1JA, +44 (0)20 7636 1000
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Electric Cinema
London’s famously unreliable weather means that the British capital isn’t short of places to escape the rain. When the weather is bad, why not take a trip to the Electric Cinema? The art-deco inspired cinema has locations in Notting Hill and Shoreditch, each offering an escape from the hubbub of the city. Red velvet sofas create the perfect date location, while the top food and drinks on offer complete the cinematic experience. Head here for a mix of art-house, mainstream and classic movie programmes.
Electric Cinema, 191 Portobello Road, London W11 2ED, +44 (0)20 7908 9696
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Street Feast
Hawker House
London is famous for its impressive and diverse food markets; for something slightly different, head to Hawker House. This two-level indoor food market is surely the coolest food market in the British capital. Held on Friday and Saturday evenings, it offers a top selection of the best street food in London, with tempting fare from top food trucks and street-food vendors. The warehouse space tempts guests with an array of eats including fried chicken with mac ‘n’ cheese from Mother Clucker, lobster rolls from Bob’s Lobster and impressive burgers from Chuck Burger. Top cocktail and beer bars, music and an Instagrammable environment all help make this one of the ultimate summer destinations for foodies.
Hawker House, Canada Street, London SE16 7PJ
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Simon Brown
Ham Yard Hotel
Ham Yard has become the go-to hotel for the London Fashion Week elite. The urban-village feel of this boutique hotel seems a thousand miles away from the busy streets of Soho, yet it’s within reach of all the LFW hotspots and the approval of the cool London crowd has cemented its reputation as one of the most desirable addresses in the capital. The retro-style interior and tempting bar snacks make it the perfect place to head for pre-supper drinks, while the luxury cinema and bowling alley are among London’s best-kept date-night secrets.
Ham Yard Hotel, 1 Ham Yard, London W1D 7DT, +44 (0)20 3642 2000
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