Cheat Sheet: London
Top picks for hotels, restaurants, museums, jazz clubs, wellness & more
London has been my home-base for the past eight years, during which I've scoured this dynamic city for the best and most unique services and diversions it has to offer. So as a handy resource I've compiled my top London picks, from boutique hotels and super spas to jazz clubs and hidden gem museums, as well as restaurant faves, including my regular go-to spots in South Kensington.
Baglioni Hotel
Kensington
Dark, sexy, moody and very Italian. The drama starts as soon as you walk into Baglioni's lobby, with its dark-wood floors, votive candles, black velvet armchairs, vast vases, and striking glass-and-water feature... read more on The Baglioni Hotel
www.baglionihotels.com | Phone: +44 20 7368 5700
60 Hyde Park Gate, Kensington | London SW7 5BB England
Number Sixteen Hotel
South Kensington
This boutique hotel is located in a row of splendid white stucco Victorian townhouses in stylish South Kensington—steps from shops, restaurants and entertainment. I love Kit Kemp's smart signature English meets Connecticut-style; it's so full of homey charm ... read more on the Number Sixteen Hotel
www.firmdale.com | Phone: +44 20 7589 5232
16 Sumner Place | London SW7 3EG England
The Lanesborough
Hyde Park Corner
Polish off the Prada, because this is one stylish address. On Hyde Park Corner, just a short stroll away from London's best shopping, the 95 rooms and suites are kitted out in plush colors and fabrics, plus original Regency details—including butler service ... read more on The Lanesborough
www.lanesborough.com | Phone: +44 20 7259 5599
SW1X 7TA England
The Berkeley
Knightsbridge
This classic threw off its fuddy-duddy image years ago, and has become one of the places to stay for top fashion and business execs. There are 214 designer rooms to take your pick from; a few are in need a bit of a re-vamp, but most of them are spacious, with traditional colors and furnishings—some people like them so much they move in ... Read more on The Berkeley
www.the-berkeley.co.uk | Phone: +44 (0)20 7235 6000
Wilton Place | London SW1X 7RL England
Claridge's
Mayfair
A seamless mix of Victoriana and Art Deco glamour, this is the classic to trump all classic London hotels. The gem of Mayfair occupies an 1898 red brick building close to Hyde Park and some of the city's finest shops and restaurants. Upon entering the lobby you immediately sense the energy of being somewhere important, which is probably why the Reading Room restaurant is a hot-spot for ... read more about Claridge's hotel
www.claridges.co.uk | Phone: +44 (0)207 629 8860
Brook Street, Mayfair | London W1K 4HR England
Durley House
Knightsbridge
Durley House is a London find, an intimate all-suite hotel that's right in the heart of fashionable Knightsbridge, yet feels like an English country house. With only 11 spacious suites, each with their own sitting room, open fire, antique furnishings and plush fabric wallpapers, this boutique retreat offers the chance to enjoy the best of London in a relaxed, home-like setting. Each suite also comes with ... read more about Durley House
www.durleyhouse.com | Phone: +44 (0)20 7235 5537
115 Sloane Street | London SW1X 9PJ England
WHERE TO EAT IN LONDON
Restaurant File: London Dining Hotspots
It's not surprising to find an international clientele here on any given night. After all, the kitchen dishes up bold fusion cooking at its finest. Sit communal-style at the wood counter around the robata grill and have a gab-fest with your grub. Or nab a smaller table for a more quiet conversation ... Read more on Roka and other London dining hotspots
Restaurant File: London's Mayfair & Belgravia
As of summer 2008, this elegant, trendy newcomer is charmingly tucked away behind some of Mayfair's chicest streets. I enjoyed the Mediterranean, fairly basic cuisine, much of which is served in tapas-style portions, but I must admit, what we at my table enjoyed more was the fun people watching and buzz ... read more on La Petit Maison and other top restaurants in Mayfair and Belgravia
Restaurant File: Southwest London
Kensington, Knightsbridge & Chelsea
This Notting Hill destination has all the trappings of a standard fancy European bistro, but the food is anything but standard. Helmed by young Aussie native Brett Graham, he earned the place a Michelin star just nine months after opening. He specializes in French cuisine ... read more on The Ledbury and other favorite Southwest London restaurants
Notable Spots for Afternoon Tea
Tea afficionados should definitely try out the Tea Palace; they stock over 100 specialist blends, from traditional black teas to pretty blossoms and healthy Ayurvedic recipes. They offer Afternoon tea with all the trimmings, but it's not mind-blowing. Instead, I say go for something a little lighter from their excellent Afternoon Tea menu ... read more on the Tea Palace and other top spots for afternoon tea
Restaurant File: London's Classiest Spots for Group Dining
Amaya
Simply put, Amaya has great energy, and the community table in the dining room is the perfect place to soak up the energy—as well as contribute to it. The nouvelle Indian food lends itself to ... read more abot Amaya and other classy London spots for group dining
Simply put, Amaya has great energy, and the community table in the dining room is the perfect place to soak up the energy—as well as contribute to it. The nouvelle Indian food lends itself to ... read more abot Amaya and other classy London spots for group dining
Restaurant File: London's Casual Spots for Group Dining
Les Trois Garçons
Les Trois Garçons is a poshed up pub that's part Alice in Wonderland fantastical, part Philippe Stark stylish and entirely British glam. Even by Manhattan standards, it's super-funky, and definitely worth ... read more about Les Trois Garçons and other cozy, casual London spots for group dining
Les Trois Garçons is a poshed up pub that's part Alice in Wonderland fantastical, part Philippe Stark stylish and entirely British glam. Even by Manhattan standards, it's super-funky, and definitely worth ... read more about Les Trois Garçons and other cozy, casual London spots for group dining
WHAT TO DO & SEE
Hidden Gem Museums in London
This heritage-listed museum was once the home of Sir John Soane (1753-1837) who, as well as being the famous architect behind the Bank of England, was also an avid collector of rarities and curiosities. He actually designed the house himself and positioned a favorable glass dome ... read more on Sir John Soane's Museum and other hidden gem museums in London
Contemporary Art Museums in London
Design Museum
This is Practicality v Art contained in a neat little riverside package—a slender but intriguing collection offering a brief distraction from a Southbank stroll. When it opened in 1989, under the watchful eye of Sir Terence Conran, it was the world's ...read more about Design Museum and other contemporary art museums in London
This is Practicality v Art contained in a neat little riverside package—a slender but intriguing collection offering a brief distraction from a Southbank stroll. When it opened in 1989, under the watchful eye of Sir Terence Conran, it was the world's ...read more about Design Museum and other contemporary art museums in London
Eight Great Jazz Clubs in London
The Pigalle Club
West End, London
The Pigalle couldn't be more central if it tried. Perfect if you love Mayfair and Regent Street. Vince Power is in charge; he who founded the Mean Fiddler Group which owns a large chunk of London's music venues. Basically, he knows what he's doing. The subterranean 1940s supper club authenticity is picture perfect. Table service comes from staff dressed in costumes befitting the era ... read more on The Pigalle Club
West End, London
The Pigalle couldn't be more central if it tried. Perfect if you love Mayfair and Regent Street. Vince Power is in charge; he who founded the Mean Fiddler Group which owns a large chunk of London's music venues. Basically, he knows what he's doing. The subterranean 1940s supper club authenticity is picture perfect. Table service comes from staff dressed in costumes befitting the era ... read more on The Pigalle Club
Contemporary Art Galleries in London
Lisson Gallery
This modern, minimalist gallery is almost surreal. Its blank white walls and parquet floor lend each piece a three-dimensional frame, and it's eeriely quiet, aside from the occasional voice recording emanating from a few of the ...read more about Lisson Gallery and more contemporary art galleries in London
This modern, minimalist gallery is almost surreal. Its blank white walls and parquet floor lend each piece a three-dimensional frame, and it's eeriely quiet, aside from the occasional voice recording emanating from a few of the ...read more about Lisson Gallery and more contemporary art galleries in London
Top UK Art & Music Festivals
Glyndebourne Opera Festival
A highlight of Britain's arts calendar, Glyndebourne's opera festival is a delight. Performances start in the afternoon, allowing Londoners to head down after lunch for an evening of great music, food and wine. Best-known for ... read more on Glyndebourne and other top art and music festivals in the UK
A highlight of Britain's arts calendar, Glyndebourne's opera festival is a delight. Performances start in the afternoon, allowing Londoners to head down after lunch for an evening of great music, food and wine. Best-known for ... read more on Glyndebourne and other top art and music festivals in the UK
WHERE TO SHOP IN LONDON
London's Most Fashionable Shopping Club
London is known for private members' clubs, but this one has to be the most fashionable, not to mention fun—and it's just for the ladies. In lieu of an actual clubhouse, the style savvy, card-carrying members of Fashion Forward gather at various designer showrooms and private sales throughout town ... read more
Florist File: London
Stephen Woodhams
Belgravia
Stephen's work is about drama, glamour and immaculate flowers. He has a huge customer base, ranging from housewives to famous faces—all singing Stephen's praises—and his creations are featured at ... read more on Stephen Woodham and other top London florists
Belgravia
Stephen's work is about drama, glamour and immaculate flowers. He has a huge customer base, ranging from housewives to famous faces—all singing Stephen's praises—and his creations are featured at ... read more on Stephen Woodham and other top London florists
Antiquarian Booksellers in London
Tucked away on Kensington Church street, home to some of London's finest antiques dealers, you'll find Adrian Harrington Rare Books, a treasure trove of ancient volumes on a range of subjects. Its valuable collection includes leather bound volumes and books with fore-edge painting ... read more on Adrian Harrington Rare Books and other great antiquarian booksellers
Expert Closet Organizers
Practical Princess
Founder Elika Gibbs and her super-efficient team at Practical Princess will tackle everything in your closet (and I mean everything) from clothes and shoes to belts, bags and bracelets and anything else that's been pushed, prodded and poked into the darkest recesses. After she got her hands on my over-stuffed wardrobe and drawers, I felt like I'd stepped into ... read more about Practical Princess and other top organizers
Founder Elika Gibbs and her super-efficient team at Practical Princess will tackle everything in your closet (and I mean everything) from clothes and shoes to belts, bags and bracelets and anything else that's been pushed, prodded and poked into the darkest recesses. After she got her hands on my over-stuffed wardrobe and drawers, I felt like I'd stepped into ... read more about Practical Princess and other top organizers
Top Milliners for Stylish Hats & Headwear
Philip Treacy is the king of headwear, beloved by fashionistas the world over. He was championed as a young man by the late Isabella Blow and became her hat designer of choice, responsible for the quirky decorations that always topped off her outfits. If that's not enough of a fashion pedigree, Treacy, a five-time winner...read more about Philip Treacy
WHERE TO STAY FIT & GET HEALTHY
London's Top Mind & Body Wellness Practitioners
Inner Balance Expert
If you're looking for a complete mind and body overhaul, Daniel is nothing short of miracle worker, I'm told by Celine Morrow Hall, a friend who has worked with him for years when needed. She says he understands the body inside and out, and that his technique is a fusion of western psychoanalysis, hypnosis and physical exercise, combined with Eastern and Western therapies. The goal? To ... read more about Daniel Boido and other top wellness practitioners
London's Leading Nutritionists
One of Britain's top nutritionists, with 12 years experience at her North London practice, Vicky specializes in helping women with hormonal imbalances. She will also analyze your stress and sleep patterns to determine their effects on your health. With a strong belief in ... read more on Vicki Edgson and other leading London nutritionists
WHERE TO GET PAMPERED
London's Best Beauty Experts, Spas & Salons
My shoulders and neck get far more stiff than is healthy. So, being that I adore massage (it is the treatment to which I treat myself most often). Thai massage, however, is my favorite of all faves, and I seek it out wherever I travel in the world ... read more on Thai Therapeutics and other London spas and therapists
Men's Grooming Spas & Barbers
Day Spa: Gentlemen's Tonic
Who said the girls have to have all the fun? Gentlemen's Tonic is a grooming and lifestyle pit stop for guys on the go, offering everything from great haircuts to facials, massages, manicures, reiki, reflexology, kinesiology, nutrition and image consultations. The decor and vibe is reassuringly masculine ... read more on Gentleman's Tonic and other top men's grooming experts
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Geography: London, England
Tags: hotel, restaurant, bar, nightlife, spa, shopping, jazz club, museum, contemporary art
Geography: London, England
Tags: hotel, restaurant, bar, nightlife, spa, shopping, jazz club, museum, contemporary art
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