London: Eat, Play & Stay
Restaurants
Gymkhana – Gymkhana turns up the heat in Mayfair, where bold Indian spices meet Michelin-starred elegance in a space that feels equal parts clubby and opulent.
Hoppers – Hoppers brings the vibrant chaos of Sri Lankan street food to the table with bold curries, punchy flavors, and serious soul. The signature hoppers? Crispy-edged, coconut-rich, and comfort in every bite.
Noble Rot – A wine bar with cult status, Noble Rot pairs its deep cellar of rare bottles with beautifully executed seasonal plates. It’s the kind of place where you linger, swirl, and lose track of time. Lambs Conduit is its original location, but there are various locations around London.
St. John – The godfather of nose-to-tail dining. Expect bold flavors, minimalist plating, and an unforgettable bone marrow on toast.
The River Café – A London icon where Italian simplicity meets riverside elegance. Expect seasonal pastas, wood-fired meats, and a wine list that reads like a love poem to Tuscany and Piedmont.
Rice Error – A playful offshoot from the Bao team, Rice Error blends Taiwanese street food with edgy design and creative cocktails. Think rice bowls, bold flavors, and a sake list that surprises.
BAO – London’s bao game-changer—fluffy buns stuffed with everything from Taiwanese fried chicken to silky beef shortrib. Fast, fun, and impossible not to crave again the next day.
Dishoom – Part Bombay nostalgia, part London cool, Dishoom delivers old Irani café vibes with charm to spare.
Le Relais de Venise – Steak frites, done the French way: no menu, no fuss—just a green salad, sizzling entrecôte, and addictive secret sauce. An old-school Parisian vibe in the heart of Marylebone.
Paradise – Contemporary Sri Lankan fare in a sultry Soho setting, Paradise layers smoky spice with sophisticated flair. Think turmeric crab curry, hoppers, and cocktails kissed with jaggery and coconut.
Gunpowder – Modern Indian small plates served in a cozy, industrial-chic space. Don’t leave without trying the spicy venison and vermicelli doughnut.
Brigadiers – Restaurant inspired by Indian army mess halls. It serves smoke, spice, and swagger. Come hungry—this one’s a feast.
Kolamba – This gem brings the bold, home-cooked flavors of Colombo to Soho. The jackfruit curry and coconut sambol transport you straight to the tropics.
Kricket – A vibrant blend of Indian street food and British ingredients, Kricket nails the balance between rustic and refined. Their Keralan fried chicken is legendary.
The Golden Hind – Serving London’s best fish and chips since 1914, The Golden Hind is a no-frills classic that gets everything right. Crisp batter, flaky fish, and proper mushy peas—perfection.
Tayyabs – Tayyabs is a beloved, family-run Punjabi restaurant in London's Whitechapel, renowned since 1972 for its sizzling lamb chops, vibrant BYOB atmosphere, and richly spiced curries that draw both locals and visitors alike.
Yauatcha – Dim sum meets fine dining at this stylish Soho hotspot, where delicate dumplings are paired with world-class pâtisserie. The cocktail menu and moody lighting add to the drama.
Hutong – Perched high in The Shard, Hutong serves fiery Northern Chinese fare with sweeping skyline views. Order the red lantern crispy soft-shell crab and thank us later.
The Bull and Last – Equal parts gastropub and countryside escape, The Bull and Last elevates pub fare with refined technique and farm-to-table ingredients. Ideal for lazy Sundays and hearty roasts.
Trishna – Michelin-starred coastal Indian cuisine in a serene Marylebone townhouse. The wine pairing here is as impressive as the Goan prawn curry.
Holborn Dining Room – A grand brasserie that’s home to London’s most impressive pie room. British comfort food at its most polished, complete with martinis and gilt-edged charm.
Sushi Samba – Brazil, Peru, and Japan collide 39 floors up at Sushi Samba, where ceviche, sushi, and jungle-glam design dazzle.
Caviar Kaspia – Indulgence reigns at this Parisian import, where baked potatoes are topped with caviar and champagne flows like water. A must for fashionistas and food lovers alike.
Hawksmoor – A carnivorous cathedral, Hawksmoor is famed for its dry-aged steaks, triple-cooked chips, and martinis served icy-cold. British beef, done brilliantly.
Petersham Nurseries – A romantic greenhouse restaurant nestled in Richmond, where floral arrangements meet refined rustic cuisine. Seasonal, elegant, and perfect for a countryside-style escape.
Bacchanalia – Mythology meets modern luxury at Bacchanalia, where ancient Greek-inspired dishes are served beneath grand murals and golden statues.
Sketch – Mayfair’s world-famous, three-storeyed dining emporium, Sketch is a feast for all senses—where art, gastronomy, and design collide across its Michelin-starred restaurants and whimsical cocktail bars.
Scott’s – An elegant riverside setting perfect for seafood and Champagne lovers. Scott’s brings Mayfair polish to leafy Richmond with oysters, Dover sole, and impeccable service.
Markets & Food Halls
Borough Market – Borough Market is a feast for the senses—think sizzling street eats, stacks of artisan cheese, and oysters shucked to order. It’s London’s legendary food hub and the perfect place to graze, sip, and get deliciously lost.
Selfridges Food Hall – Tucked inside the legendary department store, Selfridges Food Hall is a sleek, curated feast of the finest chocolates, cheeses, and champagnes. From Harrods-level decadence to cult foodie finds, it’s all here under one fashionable roof.
Harrods Dining Hall – The ultimate in edible opulence, Harrods Dining Hall is an Edwardian temple to truffles, caviar, and foie gras. It's a place where even a casual snack feels ceremonial.
Daylesford Organic – A chic, eco-luxe food market born in the Cotswolds and beloved in London for its seasonal produce, organic wines, and wellness-forward pantry. It’s where slow living meets city style.
Afternoon Tea
The Cadogan, a Belmond Hotel – Afternoon tea here is a refined affair steeped in Chelsea charm, featuring seasonal pastries, delicate finger sandwiches, and rare teas served with timeless Belmond grace. The scones? Worth the flight alone.
The Landmark London – Enjoy your Earl Grey beneath soaring palm trees in the Landmark’s dramatic glass atrium. It’s a cinematic setting for an indulgent and traditional high tea.
Claridge’s – Quintessentially British, the Claridge’s afternoon tea is precision and poise in edible form—perfectly brewed, beautifully plated, and always impeccable. A rite of passage for lovers of ritual and refinement.
Fortnum & Mason – Historic and honey-hued, Fortnum’s Diamond Jubilee Tea Salon brings old-world charm and polished service. Their Royal Blend tea pairs beautifully with a lavender éclair or lemon posset.
Cafés
WatchHouse – An independent mini-chain redefining coffee culture with beautiful interiors and single-origin brews. WatchHouse’s dedication to detail makes every pour feel like a ceremony.
Koibird – A quirky boutique-meets-café concept, Koibird serves up fashion, flat whites, and playful interiors in one eclectic Mayfair package. It’s an unexpected delight for style-conscious sippers.
WOLFOX at LOAFT – Scandi-chic and sustainably minded, WOLFOX pairs third-wave coffee with nourishing bites in an airy, modern space. Great for a slow morning or remote work day in style.
Gail's – Gail’s is a beloved London bakery chain known for its artisan sourdough, flaky pastries, and inviting neighborhood cafés.
Sweet Treats
Ladurée Café – This Parisian export is a pastel dreamland of macarons, petit fours, and rose-scented elegance. A stop here is like stepping into Marie Antoinette’s afternoon.
Lily Vanilli – East London’s most stylish bakery, Lily Vanilli serves whimsical, artful bakes that taste as gorgeous as they look. Her cakes are Instagram legends—and sell out fast.
Cocktail and Wine Bars
42 at Gymkhana – Tucked beneath the Michelin-starred Gymkhana, this moody speakeasy is a celebration of fine spirits and Indian spice. Cocktails come with flair—and often, a chili kick.
Gordon’s Wine Bar – London’s oldest wine bar oozes character, with candlelit vaults, creaky charm, and a killer selection of Old World bottles. No reservations, no frills—just a timeless good time.
Café Kick – This kitschy-cool bar blends vintage football tables with creative cocktails and a lively, unpretentious crowd. A true East London original with global spirit.
JOIA Bar – Battersea – Perched atop the artfully designed art’otel, JOIA pairs Portuguese-inflected drinks with panoramic views of Battersea Power Station. Come for the sunset, stay for the port.
DUKE'S Bar – The martini here is a ritual—icy-cold, table-side, and famously strong. Ian Fleming’s haunt remains London’s gold standard for classic cocktails.
The Bar Below – An intimate hideaway in Mayfair where the service is discreet and the pours are generous. The mood is hush-hush in all the right ways.
The Rooftop at The Standard – Bold, breezy, and bursting with color, The Standard’s rooftop is your go-to for skyline views, DJ sets, and a fun-loving crowd. The drinks are as vibrant as the crowd.
The Lobby Bar at The London EDITION – A grand space with soaring ceilings, sultry lighting, and bartenders who know their way around a Negroni. It’s the social heart of the hotel—and the scene.
Vesper Bar at The Dorchester – Revived with retro-glam elegance, Vesper is a nod to 1930s Bond style with a menu of refined classics. Come for the martini, stay for the sparkle.
Artists’ Bar at The Dorchester – A chic, art-filled salon where Champagne towers and caviar bumps feel perfectly at home. Luxe, lively, and unapologetically indulgent.
Artesian at The Langham – Known for its avant-garde creations, Artesian pairs cutting-edge mixology with five-star polish. One of the world’s most awarded bars—for good reason.
The Berkeley Bar & Terrace – With its polished stone, creamy tones, and terrace fit for royals, The Berkeley Bar exudes quiet glamour. A perfect spot for Champagne and conversation.
Scarfes Bar at The Rosewood – Named after caricaturist Gerald Scarfe, this bar blends velvet armchairs, live jazz, and witty cocktails into a deeply cozy experience. Think British library meets bohemian lounge.
The Painter’s Room at Claridge’s – An art deco dream swathed in blush and marble, this intimate bar at Claridge’s crafts beautiful cocktails with an avant-garde twist. It’s both chic and quietly subversive.
Soma Bar – A subterranean sanctuary of minimalism and mixology, Soma serves modern Indian-inspired cocktails with bold, inventive flavors. A Soho secret worth finding.
Stay
The Cadogan, a Belmond Hotel – Tucked into a genteel corner of Chelsea, The Cadogan marries literary history with Belmond polish. Ideal for those who want London charm with a touch of old-school glamour. Read more
Landmark Hotel – Step inside a Victorian glass atrium lined with palm trees and soft piano notes—the Landmark is a destination in itself. The rooms are spacious and serene, ideal for longer stays. Read more
The Ritz London – A paragon of British elegance, The Ritz dazzles with gilded opulence, afternoon tea in the Palm Court, and rooms fit for royalty. Classic never goes out of style.
Rosewood London – A Holborn haven with a grand courtyard, stunning suites, and one of the best spas in the city. Service is discreet, and the style is timelessly luxurious.
Bvlgari Hotel London – Understated luxury meets Italian design at this Knightsbridge retreat, complete with a subterranean spa and sleek aesthetic. The ultimate urban sanctuary for modern travelers.
The Berkeley – Bold, fashion-forward, and endlessly chic, The Berkeley is home to the iconic Blue Bar, rooftop pool, and designer-clad clientele. High style without the stuffiness.
The Dorchester – With its art deco bones and Park Lane address, The Dorchester remains one of London’s great dames. The service is legendary, the rooms plush, and the cocktails dangerously good.
Brown’s Hotel – Effortlessly refined, Brown’s offers literary legacy (hello, Agatha Christie) with contemporary comfort. Afternoon tea here is a ritual—and the suites are endlessly romantic.
The Lanesborough – A neoclassical masterpiece overlooking Hyde Park, The Lanesborough is where stately tradition meets 21st-century comfort. Butler service? Of course.
The Connaught – This Mayfair icon mixes British discretion with global sophistication. Come for the Michelin-starred dining, stay for the martini trolley and impeccable spa.
11 Cadogan Gardens (Relais & Châteaux) – This Chelsea townhouse hotel is a hidden gem of plush interiors, quiet luxury, and a sense of staying at someone’s very chic home. Understated, elegant, and thoroughly English.
Raffles London at The OWO – Housed in the former War Office, this new Raffles property redefines grandeur with sweeping marble halls and a dramatic sense of history. A bold new landmark for luxury lovers.
One Aldwych – Contemporary, central, and subtly stylish, One Aldwych is a theater district favorite with a stunning lap pool and buzzing cocktail bar. Modern London at its best.
Dean Street Townhouse (Soho House) – This 39-room Georgian gem blends Soho House style with West End character—plush rooms, vintage details, and a restaurant buzzing with London creatives. It’s intimate, stylish, and steps from everywhere.
Nobu Hotel Shoreditch – Sleek and sultry with an East London edge, Nobu Shoreditch blends Japanese minimalism with bold local energy. It’s the place to stay when you want to sleep late and dine even later.
Spas
Aman Spa at The Connaught – The only Aman spa outside Asia, this tranquil sanctuary offers minimalist design and deep therapeutic rituals. It's as exclusive as it is restorative.
AIRE Ancient Baths – Step into a candlelit labyrinth of thermal baths, inspired by Roman and Ottoman traditions. AIRE is pure escapism in the heart of Covent Garden.
Claridge’s Spa – Newly unveiled and utterly serene, Claridge’s Spa is a subterranean oasis with Japanese design influence and impeccable treatments. The kind of place where time seems to pause.
Parks
Hampstead Heath – Wild and romantic, with sweeping city views from Parliament Hill and secret swimming ponds.
Regent’s Park – A manicured dream with rose gardens, boating lakes, and the elegant Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre.
Hyde Park – Hyde Park is London’s iconic urban oasis—home to leafy promenades, serene lakes, and centuries of royal history, perfect for a morning stroll or afternoon escape.
St. James’s Park – Royal gardens with postcard-perfect views of Buckingham Palace and a charming café on the lake.
Kensington Gardens – Regal and serene, Kensington Gardens pairs manicured lawns with cultural gems like the Serpentine Galleries and Kensington Palace.
Primrose Hill – A chic North London perch, Primrose Hill delivers postcard-perfect views of the city skyline and a celebrity-studded village vibe.
Kew Gardens – A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Kew Gardens is a lush botanical wonderland where Victorian glasshouses meet global plant collections.
Museums
British Museum – A grand temple to human history, the British Museum houses treasures from every corner of the globe—from the Rosetta Stone to ancient Greek sculptures. Its soaring glass atrium and neoclassical façade make it as iconic as the artifacts within.
Victoria and Albert Museum (V&A) – Located in South Kensington, the V&A is renowned for its extensive collections of fashion, textiles, and decorative arts. Don't miss the beautifully designed museum café, considered one of the most beautiful in the UK.
Tate Modern – Housed in a converted power station on the South Bank, Tate Modern showcases contemporary and modern art from around the world. Its Turbine Hall has hosted some of the most ambitious art installations in recent history.