What Matters in London: A visitor’s guide to England’s capital
To Eat: The Brits aren’t just about fish and chips. Get a taste of London at Gymkhana, a 2-Michelin-Star restaurant reminiscent of colonial India’s elite high-society clubs. The cult-classic space is separated into two floors. The first is uniquely designed to channel the luxurious ambience of India’s residential mansions; The more intimate basement, which can be accessed through a mirrored staircase, takes inspiration from north-Indian architecture. The restaurant’s design pays homage to Indian culture through original Gymkhana relics and traditional & delectable dishes like the tandoori masala lamb chops and wild muntjac biryani. If you’re looking for a more classically London, Bridgerton-esque nosh, stop into Jean-Georges at The Connaught for a light breakfast or afternoon tea. Named after chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten, the restaurant offers a modern take on traditional British tea-time. The experience is complemented by an almost whimsical setting, with walls and windows adorned with Louise Bourgeois original artworks and gorgeous stained-glass accents by Jean-Michel Othoniel. Take your tastebuds on a trip as you go from sipping on a Lapsang Souchong Tea to nibbling on a decadent Scottish Smoked Salmon finger sandwich at this royal classic.
To Stay: The Rosewood Hotel is a celebrity-favorite, located in the Chancery Court building in High Holborn. Amassing seven floors, which boast luxurious rooms, king-sized beds, and Rivolta Carmignani Italian linens, the posh destination is popular for a reason. You’ll feel like royalty – pun intended – at this ornate, Edwardian hotel. If these amenities don’t sell you, maybe the fact that Justin Bieber and Oprah Winfrey have stayed here will. Another classy option preferred by fashion and business moguls is The Berkeley, however, if you’re looking to be at the forefront of a budding trend, check out Broadwick Soho. The “disco-chic” establishment in the heart of London’s iconic Soho lands on the Hot List of 2024, per Conde Nast. The hotel’s interior mirrors the vivacious nature of the neighborhood, with maximalist trends spanning the walls and the rooms.
To Drink: You’ll probably be thirsty after hitting all of London’s hotspots – or you might just want a drink. Both are valid excuses to check out Experimental Cocktail Club, a low-key and intimate speakeasy in Chinatown. If you’re looking for a more traditional bar experience, The Fortnum’s Bar & Restaurant at Royal Exchange is a perfect place for a business meeting or a catch-up with a friend. Keep in mind that London Cocktail Week will span from October 3-13, so if you have the time, check out this city-wide festival “dedicated to specially created Signature Cocktails made in London's best bars.”
To See: Make sure to catch the Now You See Us exhibit at Tate Modern before it closes on October 13th! The exhibition highlights and celebrates women artists in Britain from 1520-1920. For fans of immersive art, David Hockney’s Bigger & Closer presents the history of his art through visual and aural experiences of large-scale projection that convey his artistic process through his eyes.
To watch: Get tickets to see a show like The Comedy of Errors at the iconic Shakespeare’s Globe this October. The comedy about “rival cities, long-lost siblings and mistaken identities” will be showing until October 13th.
To Smell: While iconic fragrance and candle company Diptyque was founded in the 1960’s in Paris, the brand has just opened a new store in the West End in May. The shop, inspired by a Paris townhouse, embodies the brand’s ideals through its decor and presentation. There’s even a Parisian-inspired dining space and a fragrance library in the multi-leveled Maison Diptyque. Embrace not only clean and delightful scents but also a Parisian lifestyle on your visit to this flagship store.
To Shop: Whether you’re a beauty brand looking to gain inspiration for your next launch or an investor looking for the newest creativities of emerging labels, London presents an opportunity to explore the European cosmetic scene firsthand. Ranging from larger department stores to smaller-scale shops, here are some beauty destinations we recommend checking out:
Selfridge’s | 400 Oxford St, London W1A 1AB, United Kingdom
Harrods | 87-135 Brompton Rd, London SW1X 7XL, United Kingdom
Liberty | Regent St., Carnaby, London W1B 5AH, United Kingdom
Glossier Covent Garden | 43 King St, London WC2E 8JY, United Kingdom
Space NK - Battersea Store | Battersea Power Station, Turbine Hall, Battersea Power Station, Upper Ground, Circus Rd S, London SW11 8BZ, United Kingdom
Earl of East | 87 Coal Drops Yard, London N1C 4DQ, United Kingdom
Les Senteurs | 71 Elizabeth St, London SW1W 9PJ, United Kingdom
John Bell & Croyden | 50-54 Wigmore St, London W1U 2AU, United Kingdom
Nature Republic | 64-66 Charing Cross Rd, London WC2H 0BT, United Kingdom
Boots | 107, 115 Long Acre, London WC2E 9NT, United Kingdom
Superdrug | 508-520 Oxford St, London W1C 1NB, United Kingdom
The Perfume Shop | Unit SU06 Victoria Place Ctr SW1W 9SJ London
The French Pharmacy | 10 New Cavendish St, London W1G 8UL, United Kingdom
Pureseoul | 70 Charing Cross Rd, London WC2H 0BJ, United Kingdom
Glam Touch | 59B Greek St, London W1D 3DZ, United Kingdom
P2bus | 21 Newport Ct, London WC2H 7JS, United Kingdom
