London

A car pulls up on Piccadilly in London, 1955. Slim Aarons, © Getty Images

London, the capital of England and the United Kingdom, is a 21st-century city with a history stretching back to Roman times. At its center stand the imposing Houses of Parliament, the iconic ‘Big Ben’ clock tower, and Westminster Abbey, site of British monarch coronations. Across the Thames River, the London Eye observation wheel provides panoramic views of the South Bank cultural complex and the entire city. Here is our travel guide to London.

STAY

THE GORING A charming 106-year-old family-owned hotel located just a stone’s throw from the royal gardens and Buckingham Palace. It also happens to be where Kate Middleton, the Duchess of Cambridge, spent her last night before her wedding. We especially love the hand-painted Fromental wallpaper in the lobby, the cozy bar with a fireplace, and the private garden where guests can play croquet and enjoy afternoon tea. 15 Beeston Pl, Belgravia; thegoring.com

THE CONNAUGHT HOTEL The Connaught might be our favorite escape in London. Located next to Mount Street Gardens, which is lined with shops like Matches, Goyard, and Christian Louboutin. Enter the red brick exterior facade into the dark, plush interior of the lobby. A wooden spiral staircase takes you upstairs to the rooms, but our favorite places remain on the ground floor— 3 Michelin Star French Chef Hélène Darroze has an eponymous restaurant as does Jean-Georges, where where afternoon tea is served. The cozy Connaught, Coburg, and Champagne room are also options, but we recommend the recenlty opened Red Room, which showcases a collection of creative works in red by four female visionaries, including Louise Bourgeois whose “I am Rouge” painting presides over the marble fireplace. Carlos Pl., Mayfair; the-connaught.co.uk

BLAKES HOTEL LONDON Touted as the "original boutique hotel," the property comes with Bang & Olufsen products, free-standing tubs, and classic decor. 33 Roland Gardens, Chelsea; blakeshotels.com

CLARIDGE’S The Art Deco hotel is known for hosting visiting royalty and guests of the Royal Family, which has led to it sometimes being referred to as an "annex to Buckingham Palace." In addition to Claridge’s Bar and The Fumoir, the hotel recently debuted the The Painter’s Room, a rose-colored bar designed by BOS Studio with a striking intricate stained-glass mirror, created by London-based artist Annie Morris. Don’t miss afternoon tea in the Foyer, served on signature mint green and cream striped porcelain by Bernardaud, accompanied by live piano and violin music. If you are lucky enough to visit during the holidays, you will see the famous Christmas Tree (past designers have included Christian Louboutin, Kim Jones, Diane Von Furstenberg, Karl Lagerfeld, and more). Brook St., Mayfair; claridges.co.uk

BROWN’S HOTEL Brown's has epitomized British luxury since the Victorian era. The Rocco Forte hotel also has one of our favorite afternoon teas, served in the Drawing Room. Request the Kipling Suite— legend has it this is where The Jungle Book was written. 33 Albemarle St., Mayfair; roccofortehotels.com

CHILTERN FIREHOUSE The décor comes courtesy of the French Studio Ko, who seamlessly integrated original features like the fireman's pole, brick and tilework, and fire doors with velvet seating, marble bars, and old-fashioned, flower-print carpeting. The bar and restaurant are open to the public during the day, but reserved for guests come evening. 1 Chiltern St., Marylebone; chilternfirehouse.com

HOTEL CAFÉ ROYAL Opened by a Frenchman as a restaurant in the mid-1800s, the Café Royal came to be known for its wine cellar, which at the time was the largest in the world, and also as the intelligentsia's favorite watering hole. Everyone from Oscar Wilde (the green glass-tiled absinthe bar is named after him) to Rudyard Kipling, Virginia Woolf, D.H. Lawrence, and later, David Bowie, Princess Diana, and Mick Jagger were regulars. Architect David Chipperfield renovated the hotel and it reopened as a hotel and private club. Nowadays, the hotel, café, bar, and club attract a new kind of intelligentsia, namely fashion and media types around fashion week, Frieze, and PAD. If you're splurging, book the Dome suite on the top floor, which boasts a terrace overlooking Regent Street, and the Akasha Spa. 10 Air St, Piccadilly; hotelcaferoyal.com

ROSEWOOD HOTEL London's first Rosewood Hotel has a grand courtyard entrance. Have a classic cocktail at Scarfes Bar (featuring illustrator Gerald Scarfe’s humorous wall murals). 252 High Holborn, Holborn; rosewoodhotels.com

MANDARIN ORIENTAL The perfect respite after shopping at Harrods or Harvey Nichols in Knightsbridge. The grand, red-brick hotel features the famed restaurant, Dinner by Heston Blumenthal, as well as The Roseberry and The Mandarin Bar, and an excellent spa. 66 Knightsbridge, Knightsbridge; mandarinoriental.com

THE CADOGAN, A BELMOND HOTEL A collection of five connected townhouses where the doorman greets you in a bowler hat and the halls are filled with over 400 original artworks. One of the townhomes is the former residence of Lillie Langtry, a mistress of King Edward VII (at the time the Prince of Wales), and once upon a time, Oscar Wilde got arrested in room 118. 75 Sloane St, Chelsea; belmond.com

THE LANESBOROUGH The impressive, stone-columned, lantern-laden exterior here is hard to miss. Overlooking Hyde Park Corner, the lobby and rooms are done in grand Regency-period style, complete with original artworks and handcrafted furniture. There is also an the incredible rooftop spa and gym and a secret cigar lounge called The Garden Room, which has a vast selection of Cuban and pre-Castro cigars as well asThe Lanesborough Paradis – a collection of some of the rarest and finest Cognacs and Armagnacs in the world, some dating back to the 18th century. Hyde Park Corner, Grosvenor Cres, Knightsbridge; oetkercollection.com

CORINTHIA LONDON Occupying an ornate building with a glass-domed lobby, this luxury spa hotel has two restaurants and two bars, along with an elegant lounge serving afternoon tea, plus a fitness center, indoor pool, and a 17-room spa with beauty and wellness treatments. The location can’t be beaten— central London and an easy walk to Leicester Square, Piccadilly Circus, Covent Garden— right off of the Thames and across from the London Eye.Whitehall Pl; corinthia.com/london

COVENT GARDEN HOTEL A 58-room boutique hotel brimming with character, from the individually designed rooms, to the screening room and film club, to the great seasonal-produce-focused Brasserie Max. 10 Monmouth St., Covent Garden; firmdalehotels.com

CHARLOTTE STREET HOTEL One of the highlights here is the high tea, which is served all day. This is the sister hotel to The Crosby in New York City. 15-17 Charlotte St., Fitzrovia; firmdalehotels.com

THE ARTIST RESIDENCE This townhouse-turned hotel is tucked away on a singularly quiet, residential street in Pimlico. Each of the ten rooms is decorated with quirky, colorful finds, and limited-edition prints. The all day café is excellent as well. 52 Cambridge St., Pimlico; artistresidence.co.uk

ZETTER TOWNHOUSE The Zetter Group operates Hotel Clerkenwell, Townhouse Clerkenwell and Townhouse Marylebone. Each property is artfully quirky and comes complete with its own unique restaurant and bar. 28-38 Seymour St., Marylebone; thezetter.com

THE RITZ Opened in 1906, The Ritz London is perfectly located in the heart of London overlooking Green Park. For over 110 years, it has long been the choice for royalty, aristocracy, dignitaries, and countless other discerning guests. The beautiful bedrooms and suites all feature Louis XVI-style interiors. It also has the Royal Warrant awarded by His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales for Banqueting and Catering Services, the only hotel to receive such an honor. Have a coupe of champagne at the Rivoli Bar, designed to look like a cabin on the Orient Express, or afternoon tea in the gilded Palm Court. On Fridays and Saturdays, the Michelin-starred Ritz Restaurant offers dinner and dancing, with a four-course supper and a live band. Don’t skip the tableside Crêpe Suzette. 50 Piccadilly, St. James's, Mayfair; theritzlondon.com

NOMAD HOTEL Acclaimed interior design firm Roman and Williams turned the former Bow Street Magistrates Court and police station into the elegant NoMad Hotel in Covent Garden. Inspired by the Victorian era and also New York’s Jazz age, expect clawfoot tubs, gilded armoires, moody Lelièvre damask wallpaper, and marble fireplaces. The former police yard has been turned into an all-day restaurant, set inside a lushly landscaped atrium with a soaring glass ceiling, flooded with natural light. 28 Bow St, Covent Garden; thenomadhotel.com/london

THE DORCHESTER In addition to the exquisite floral displays, large, luxurious rooms with views of Hyde Park, and a range of dining options, The Dorchester also has a wonderful high tea. 53 Park Ln, Belgravia; dorchestercollection.com

ONE ALDWYCH London's original contemporary luxury hotel, set in Covent Garden amongst boutiques, restaurants, and theaters. The hotel is renowned for its iconic Lobby Bar and two stylish restaurants, including Indigo, which serves innovative, seasonal dishes that are entirely dairy and gluten free, and the informal Eneko Basque Kitchen & Bar by world-renowned Spanish chef Eneko Atxa. The hotel also offers a Charlie & The Chocolate Factory Afternoon Tea for those with a sweet tooth. The Health Club offers state-of-the-art equipment, a stunning 60-foot swimming pool, a sauna, and a steam room. 1 Aldwych, Covent Garden; onealdwych.com

THE LANDMARK An oasis of luxury in the heart of Marylebone. Dining options inlcude the enchanting Winter Garden Restaurant in the hotel's central atrium, High Palms afternoon tea, and the chic Mirror Bar. The spa and health club features a chlorine-free pool. 222 Marylebone Rd, Marylebone; landmarklondon.co.uk

BAGLIONI HOTEL Baglioni Hotel offers an Italian experience in the heart of London. Located opposite Hyde Park and overlooking Kensington Gardens and Palace, near Royal Albert Hall, and the world-renowned museums and shopping of Knightsbridge. Set in an original Victorian building, the hotel amenities include complimentary Maserati chauffeur service and personalized butler service. Brunello Bar and Restaurant, inspired by the Milanese trattoria, offers traditional Italian dining. Baglioni Spa has a selection of tailor-made treatments by Natura Bissé. 60 Hyde Park Gate, South Kensington; baglionihotels.com

COMO Como is an under the radar luxury hotel group that has been operational since 1991. Their two discreet London locations include Metropolitan London and The Halkin in Mayfair. Each has a bar, restaurant, and in-room dining options. comohotels.com

THE KIMPTON FITZROY A surprisingly beautiful hotel, steps away from Russell Square, featuring a mosaic-floored, marble lobby. Taking up an entire city block, the heritage building with its turrets and flourishes contains more than three hundred guest rooms filled with antique furniture, specially commissioned artworks, and warm tones. Several dining spaces include Galvin’s Bar & Grill, Fitz’s, Burr & Co, and the Palm Court are also part of the property. 1-8 Russell Square; Bloombsury; kimptonfitzroylondon.com

BANKSIDE HOTEL A new boutique hotel in Southbank with the River Thames in the foreground, the Tate Modern to the left, and Borough Market nearby. The property also has a loft workspace, and a subterranean gym and spa.2 Blackfriars Rd, Upper Ground, Southbank; banksidehotel.com

FOUR SEASONS TEN TRINITY SQUARE Set in the heart of the city, overlooking Tower Bridge and the Tower of London, Ten Trinity Square is the latest Four Seasons location in London. The neoclassical property has a beautiful bar called Rotunda Lounge as well as restaurant Le Dame de Pic by 3 Michelin Star French Chef Anne-Sophie Pic. 10 Trinity Square; fourseasons.com/tentrinity

HENRIETTA HOTEL Covent Garden is one of London’s most charming, central neighborhoods, and now it finally includes a hotel. The bar downstairs is an Art Deco jewel box and merits a visit whether you’re staying or not. 9 Henrietta St, Covent Garden; henriettahotel.com

L’OSCAR HOTEL Hotel Costes sister property in London claims to be “one of London’s most romantic hotels.” L’oscar is set in a former Baptist church designed by Jacques Garcia, and featuring red velvet, Lalique fixtures, and chandeliers. Guest rooms come with yoga mats, incredible city views, and beautiful mosaic showers. We especially love the bar, which is swathed in navy velvet with wood-paneled walls, and impressively stacked bookshelves. 2-6 Southampton Row, Holborn; loscarlondon.com

THE BERKELEY On sunny days, the rooftop pool is the best spot to be in London. Dining options include the famous breakfast spread, the beautiful Blue Bar, Koffmann's bistro, and the luxe Caramel Room. The hotel also offers a Prêt-à-Portea where the season’s latest fashion collections inspire the pastries. For instance, the Autumn/Winter 2021 Prêt-à-Portea collection showcases couture cakes inspired by designers from Ganni to Gucci. Think mandarin cheesecake topped with an oversized chocolate hat or an iced biscuit complete with red lipstick and oversized glasses as tribute to fashion icon Iris Apfel’s 100th birthday. Wilton Pl, Knightsbridge; the-berkeley.co.uk

THE NED Opened by Nick Jones of Soho House, the members only club, hotel, and restaurants are set in the former Midland Bank building, designed by Sir Edwin 'Ned' Lutyens in 1924. The many restaurants include Cecconi's, Millie's Lounge, Malibu Kitchen, Kaia, Café Sou, Zobler's Deli, Lutyens Grill, and The Roof Bar, as well as the ‘Ned’s Club’, where members and hotel guests have access to a rooftop pool, gym, spa, hamam and The Vault (a bar located in a subterranean former bank vault). Non-members are welcome to order drinks (cocktails are served through the former bank teller counter) in the lobby. 27 Poultry, thened.com

DEAN STREET TOWNHOUSE Part of the Soho House family, located in Soho, with a bustling restaurant and bar, and Cowshed products. 69-71 Dean St, Soho; deanstreettownhouse.com

ROUGH LUXE HOTEL Ignore the fading yellow 'No Vacancy' sign above the entrance and walk into this boutique hotel set in a Victorian building with perfectly cracked paintwork, fading wallpaper, and impressive contemporary art. Croissants are served fresh from the famed Ottolenghi. 1 Birkenhead St, Kings Cross

THE BEAUMONT An Art Deco hotel (in what was Selfridges' parking lot back in the twenties). The (fictional) story is that Jimmy Beaumont, a successful American entrepreneur frustrated by Prohibition, moves to London in the 1920's, and opens up a swanky hotel in London. And though it's fictional, the hotel does ooze that sense of history with Deco furniture, paintings from the period, wood paneling, velvet chairs, a glamorous marble-clad spa, an old-fashioned "Cub Room" just for guests, and an American bar (serving up all those drinks Jimmy couldn't get across the Atlantic). Somewhat anachronistic for the story is the rather grand Antony Gormley sculpture that crowns the hotel—guests can arrange to sleep inside of it. 8 Balderton St, Brown Hart Gardens, Mayfair; thebeaumont.com

THE LONDON EDITION Ian Schrager’s London hotel is set in Soho and features Chef Jason Atherton’s restaurant Berner’s Tavern, which features floor-to-ceiling gallery walls, and serves a delicoius burger. The cocktail bar in the lobby is perennially packed and in-room TV yoga sessions are courtesy of the trendy Yoga for Bad People. 10 Berners St, Soho; editionhotels.com/london

SEA CONTAINERS Originally built by American architect Warren Platner to be a hotel, this building instead became the headquarters for a sea containers company that eventually went bankrupt. London's designer of the moment, Tom Dixon, renovated the building, including the restaurant of the same name and spa. 20 Upper Ground, Southbank; seacontainerslondon.com

THE STAFFORD The Stafford is a well-kept secret— hidden down a quiet residential street in Mayfair, the hotel occupies a collection of 17th-century townhouses. The rooms are decorated with beautiful vintage wallpaper and all-marble bathrooms. Fun fact: Winston Churchill’s former home is just a few doors down. 16-18 St James's Pl, St. James's; thestaffordlondon.com
GROSVENOR HOUSE SUITES Grosvenor House Suites in Mayfair combine all the comforts of home with 5-star service at this all-suite property on the corner of Park Lane and Mount Street, overlooking Hyde Park. The Atrium offers all-day dining. Park Ln, Mount St, Mayfair; grosvenorhousesuites.com

11 CADOGAN GARDENS Near the posh shopping area of Sloane Square and occupying a series of Victorian townhouses, this boutique hotel in Chelsea has a bar full of leather chairs and dark, moody lighting for an early-evening drink as well as a library lined with old books and tables stacked with newspapers. They also have other properties in the city and countryside including The Mayfair Townhouse, The Chelsea Townhouse, Chewton Glen, Cliveden House, and The Lygon Arms. 11 Cadogan Gardens, Chelsea; 11cadogangardens.com

KETTNER’S STUDIO The one-time hangout of Oscar Wilde, Winston Churchill, and Agatha Christie has been gloriously reimagined by Soho House. Located in seven Grade II-listed townhouses, Kettner’s has art nouveau style quarters with terraces and a French restaurant. 29 Romilly St, Soho; sohohouse.com

THE SAVOY Close to the bustling Covent Garden district, this luxury landmark hotel dating from the 1880s has Edwardian style room, and the famous Art Deco American Bar — first opened in 1893 and now the oldest surviving cocktail bar in Britain. The hotel also has the Savoy Grill and The River Restaurant by Chef Gordon Ramsay as well as an indoor pool, a spa and a gym. Strand; thesavoylondon.com

DUKES Nestled in the heart of historic St. James's in Mayfair in a nearly hidden in a cul-de-sac. This luxury hotel includes Duke’s Bar as well as a Cognac and Cigar garden.
35 St James's Pl, St. James's, Mayfair; dukeshotel.com

BVLGARI HOTEL The London location of the Bvlgari chain of hotels is located in the heart of Knightsbridge next to Harrods and a plethora of luxury boutiques. There's an Italian restaurant, an elegant bar and a granite-clad lounge, plus an opulent spa with an indoor pool and a fitness centre. 171 Knightsbridge, Knightsbridge; bulgarihotels.com

THE FOUR SEASONS HOTEL AT PARK LANE A block from Hyde Park near Buckingham Palac with floor-to-ceiling windows and private terraces offering park or city views. The fine-dining restaurant serves Italian cuisine, and there's a lounge that offers afternoon tea, plus a spa and fitness center. Hamilton Pl, Park Ln; fourseasons.com

THE HOXTON A series of open-house hotels inspired by the diversity and originality of the streets and scenes that surround them. The Hoxton has three locations in London including Shoreditch, Holborn, and Southwark. Each comes with a trendy bar, restaurant, and unique vibe. thehoxton.com

SHANGRI-LA AT THE SHARD Occupying the 34th to 52nd floors of architect Renzo Piano’s iconic Shard building. Featuring floor-to-ceiling windows with city views, and suites with personal butlers. Amenities include an upscale Asian restaurant and a cafe, plus an infinity pool, a fitness centre and a bar on the 52nd floor, all featuring skyline views. 31 St Thomas St, Bankside; shangri-la.com

ST. JAMES HOTEL & CLUB Dating from 1857, this Victorian hotel and private members' club in a grand townhouse is tucked away on a quaint cul-de-sac in Mayfair with a Michelin starred restaurant, Seven Park Place, by Chef William Drabble. 7-8 Park Pl, St. James's, Mayfair; stjameshotelandclub.com

TOWN HALL HOTEL Set in a former Edwardian town hall, this chic hotel mixes modern design with art deco and period details. 8 Cambridge Heath Rd, Bethnal Green; townhallhotel.com

THE LANGHAM HOTEL A plush luxury hotel dating from 1865 with a French restaurant run by Michel Roux, a famed art deco lounge serving afternoon tea, and a polished pub. Other amenities include a spa, an indoor pool and a gym. 1C Portland Pl, Marylebone; langhamhotels.com

HAM YARD HOTEL
The chic, individually decorated rooms feature colourful decor and floor-to ceiling windows with courtyard or city views. There's a polished restaurant with a seasonal terrace and a bar, and an elegant lounge offering afternoon tea. Other amenities include a fitness centre, a cinema, and a spa, plus a 1950s bowling alley. 1 Ham Yard, Soho; firmdalehotels.com

HAYMARKET HOTEL Adjacent to the Theatre Royal Haymarket, this elegant boutique hotel in a Georgian townhouse has eclectic, colourful rooms. A refined 4-storey townhouse with a private entrance is also available. Amenities include a stylish restaurant/bar, a gym and spa services, plus a funky indoor pool. Afternoon tea is served in the restaurant or in an opulent library. 1 Suffolk Pl; firmdalehotels.com

THE SOHO HOTEL Occupying a former warehouse, this stylish boutique hotel has chic, individually decorated rooms with floor-to-ceiling windows and granite bathrooms. Amenities include a trendy restaurant and bar offering afternoon tea, along with 2 screening rooms, a gym and a day spa. 4 Richmond Mews, Soho; firmdalehotels.com

NUMBER SIXTEEN Set in a Victorian white stucco townhouse, this chic hotel has an orangery restaurant with floor-to-ceiling windows and whimsical decor, and serves an excellent afternoon teas. There is also a library-themed lounge, and a conservatory that opens onto a tree-filled private garden with a fountain and a fishpond. 16 Sumner Pl, South Kensington; firmdalehotels.com

DORSET SQUARE HOTEL Set in a Regency townhouse with refined, individually decorated rooms, and a stylish restaurant, bar, and a modern English-style drawing room, as well as afternoon tea. 39-40 Dorset Square, Marylebone; firmdalehotels.com

KNIGHTSBRIDGE HOTEL Spanning a row of townhouses on a tree-lined street, this posh boutique hotel offers colourful, chic rooms individually furnished in a modern country style. There are 2 fashionable art-filled lounges with fireplaces. 10 Beaufort Gardens, Knightsbridge; firmdalehotels.com

THE BLOOMSBURY HOTEL An elegant, redbrick Edwin Lutyens-designed building was once the Central Club of the Young Women’s Christian Association. Since being reimagined as a hotel in the 1990s, it’s undergone many renovations, most recently at the hand of Martin Brudnizki. The design is a brilliant combination of outlandish features—Art Deco curves, decadent velvet sofas, and elaborate wallpaper—and scholarly corners like the well-stocked library, a nod to the area’s literary history. 16-22 Great Russell St, Covent Garden; doylecollection.com

AT SLOANE A luxury hotel located in the heart of Chelsea. In a Victorian building, the perfect blend of British charm and French flair. 1, Sloane Gardens; Chelsea; atsloane.com

THE PENINSULA LONDON The Peninsula London offers 190 exquisitely styled guest rooms and suites by Architect and Designer of Interiors, Peter Marino. Don’t miss the hot air balloon themed lift to Brooklands Bar for views of Hyde Park. 1 Grosvenor Pl; peninsula.com/en/london

THE TWENTY TWO An intimate hotel, restaurant, and members' club in London and NY that brings a note of stylish hedonism to a genteel corner of Mayfair. 22 Grosvenor Sq; thetwentytwo.com

CAFES | BAKERIES | AFTERNOON TEA

ROCOCO A tiny confectionery with locations throughout London, but our favorite is the one in Belgravia (across from Ottolenghi). They are famous for their old-fashioned blue-and-white packaging and illustrated chocolate boxes. Try the rose and violet chocolates or pick up a box as a souvenir to take home. 321 King's Rd., Chelsea; rococochocolates.com

GAIL’S ARTISAN BAKERY With locations all over the city and some of the freshest, Gail’s is the perfect spot to pick up fresh bread before a picnic or dinner party. They have a constantly changing list of varieties as well as pastries, light salads, and prepared foods. The ingredients are all completely organic and chemical-free. Stop by on Friday or Saturday for a loaf of their famous challah. 64 Hampstead High St., Hampstead; gailsbread.co.uk

CLARIDGE’S Live piano and violin accompany the much-acclaimed afternoon tea service. In addition to a variety of small-batch Tregothnan English Estate blends, try their famous Marco Polo jelly and admire the beautiful Bernardaud custom porcelain. Brook St., Mayfair; claridges.co.uk

PEGGY PORSCHEN A colorful bakery featuring creative cupcakes, custom cakes and other sweet treats, plus high tea and champagne. 116 Ebury St, Belgravia; peggyporschen.com

DIAMOND JUBILEE TEA SALON AT FORTNUM & MASON Sophisticated Edwardian-style venue for afternoon tea, reopened by Queen Elizabeth II in 2012. This historic spot for afternoon tea has been an upper crust British favorite since it began importing leaves from Asia in 1707. There’s often a pianist in the corner of the elegant room, and there are 50 different blends and tea sommeliers to help you choose. 4th Floor, Fortnum & Mason, 181 Piccadilly, St. James's; fortnumandmason.com/afternoon-tea

GOOD LIFE EATERY A healthy all-day eatery, inspired by New York City and Los Angeles café culture. Order a shot of ginger lemon and an almond milk latte to start the day right. goodlifeeatery.com

MONOCLE CAFÉ Located on Chiltern Street, next to the Chiltern Firehouse, this cozy cafe brught to you by the editors of Monocle magazine serve an excellent cardamom bun. 18 Chiltern St., Marylebone; cafe.monocle.com

MILK An Aussie style café with popular breakfast, brunch, and artisanal coffee. 20 Bedford Hill, Balham; milklondonshop.uk

KAFFEINE Tucked away on a quiet street in Fitrovia, this Australian café and espresso bar serves strong coffee, and even offers coffee tasting flights, which include a "cascara" palate cleanser. 66 Great Titchfield St., Fitzrovia; kaffeine.co.uk

VIOLET CAKES Claire Ptak, who started her career at Chez Panisse, relocated to London several years ago and opened an Americana-inspired bakery on Wilton Way in Hackney. Head to East London to try her delicous Ginger Molasses cake. 47 Wilton Way, Hackney; violetcakes.com

E5 BAKEHOUSE E5 uses local, organic flour to bake incredible sourdough country breads, ryes, and perfect pastries. Founder Ben McKinnon and head baker Eyal Schwartz both left jobs in the sustainability business and neuroscience world to delve deep into ancient grains and wild yeasts. Arch 395, Mentmore Terrace, Hackney; e5bakehouse.com

FORBES & HAMILTON COFFE HOUSE With wood-lined walls and repurposed church pew seats, this café is as cozy as it gets. Serving up Monmouth brews exclusively along with some of the best pastries in town from Cocomaya and Clarke's of Kensington, this makes a great pit-stop on a leisurely day out touring the Barbican or nearby Spitalfields. 47 London Wall, City of London; forbesandhamiltoncoffeehouse.co.uk

THE LITTLE ONE COFFEE SHOP & ROASTERY As its name suggests, this café and creperie is tiny, but the coffee, espresso, muffins and crepes they dole out are top notch. They also work with sustainable, green coffee providers to bring new beans to customers every couple of weeks, and their pastries are made in-house. Try the Brazilian pao de queijo! 115 Regents Park Rd., Primrose Hill; tlocoffee.com

PEAR TREE CAFE Few things are more idyllic than a London park café, and it’s even better when the food comes from two ex-Petersham Nurseries and Spring vets. Will Burrett and Annabel Partridge serve seasonal dishes and brunch with a view. Battersea Park, Battersea; peartreecafe.co.uk

THE HUMMINGBIRD BAKERY The Hummingbird Bakery landed in Notting Hill in early 2004, and today it has multiple locations throughout the city serving “authentic American cakes and desserts” like red velvet cupcakes and carrot cake. 155a Wardour St., Soho; hummingbirdbakery.com

MARIE’S CAFÉ A casual English-style cafe with classic fry-ups by day and Thai dishes by night. 90 Lower Marsh, Waterloo; mariescafe.has.restaurant

CAFÉ DEL MARSH Fairtrade coffee is served from this café with a small courtyard, along with coffee and baked goods, plus cocktails and craft beer. 44 Lower Marsh, Waterloo

TOMTOM COFFEE A specialist coffee shop on the corner of Elizabeth Street serving single and blended artisan roast coffees, breakfast eggs, and evening drinks. 114 Ebury St., Belgravia; tomtomcoffee.co.uk

AFTERNOON TEA AT THE LANESBOROUGH The tea sommelier at The Lanesborough is there to guide you through your experience and selection of teas, many of which have been purchased at auctions. Traditional tea is served with all the beloved trimmings including freshly baked scones, thick clotted cream, and homemade preserves. Hyde Park Corner, Belgravia; oetkercollection.com

ALLPRESS ESPRESSO Nestled in the heart of Dalston in East London, this café serves a cold brew, almond milk lattes, and house-made croissants. Founder and New Zealand native Michael Allpress was so inspired by the 1980s coffee scene in Seattle that he started the first coffee cart back home before branching out. allpressespresso.com

NUDE ESPRESSO In 2008, Nude's founders opened their first café on Brick Lane, where they served ethically sourced artisanal coffee. They now have a roastery and flagship on Hanbury and another location on Bell St. nudeespresso.com

SHOREDITCH GRIND The coffee is roasted at the Shoreditch Grind roaster around the corner, and the industrial interior is lined with subway-tiles. Order one of the many lattes offer, including matcha or turmeric. 213 Old St, Shoreditch; grind.co.uk

WORKSHOP COFFEE Coffee served in an industrial-modern space, anchored by a concrete-and-marble bar. They also offer classes. workshopcoffee.com

AUX MERVEILLEUX DE FRED A French transport, Aux Merveilleux de Fred specializes in meringue as well as brioche and waffles. 88 Old Brompton Rd., Kensington; auxmerveilleux.com

FARM GIRL CAFÉ Matcha lattes on tap plus açai bowls and other healthy options are served at this Notting Hill café. 59a Portobello Rd., Notting Hill; thefarmgirl.co.uk

DAYLESFORD All produce, dairy, breads and meat from these cafés are sourced from the Daylesford farms in the Cotswolds and Staffordshire. 6-8 Blandford St., Marylebone; daylesford.com

THE GARDEN CAFÉ Set in the Garden Musuem, this cafe is sheltered under a sleek glass pavilion on an outdoor terrace planted with perennials. 4 Brown Hart Gardens, Mayfair; gardenmuseum.org.uk

FABRIQUE A Swedish import serving traditional cinnamon, cardamom, and saffron buns. fabrique.co.uk

CRUMBS & DOILIES 36 flavors of cupcakes, including mojito and Mexican hot chocolate, are served at this charming bakery. 1 Kingly Ct., Soho; crumbsanddoilies.co.uk

CROSSTOWN DOUGHNUTS A sourdough doughnut chain with flavors ranging from Creme Brulee to Belgian Chocolate Truffle. crosstown.co.uk

CAFÉ AT TATE MODERN A riverfront café serving excellent fish & chips, the perfect lunch stop after a morning at the museum. Bankside; tate.org.uk

RAW PRESS The cold-pressed juices at this Dover Street café fly off the shelves every morning, fueling the days for the art gallerists, fashion buyers, and hedge fund managers who work nearby. 3 Ellis St., Chelsea; rawpress.co

SKETCH Using bold décor choices and a selection of art from some of the city’s youngest talents, Mourad Mazouz has transformed the two floors of this restored 18th century building into an important cultural destination, complete with three lounges for afternoon tea and cocktails and two full-fledged restaurants. The Lecture Room, the space’s more formal restaurant, holds two Michelin stars, and the Gallery (famous for its plush pink chairs) features a rotating program of artworks. If you’re not up for a full meal, lounges East Bar and Enchanted Glade (which has exactly the décor you expect) are perfect spots for early evening cocktails. Note: Take a trip to the loo to see the now famous egg-shaped toilet pods. 9 Conduit St., Mayfair; sketch.london

PETERSHAM NURSERIES CAFÉ Take a day trip to Richmond to visit this beautiful nursery and equally beautiful café. Simple and modern British food with an Italian slant is served on pretty porcelain underneath gorgeous hanging plants and flowers. Church Ln., Richmond; petershamnurseries.com

THE GOOD EGG An Israeli-inspired restaurant with a babka delivery service. What more can you ask for? thegoodegg.co

OVER UNDER A coffee shop by day and cocktail bar by night. overundercoffee.com

WILLIAM CURLEY PATISSIER CHOCOLATIER William Curley is a Scottish patissier and chocolatier with location in Harrods and Soho. williamcurley.co.uk

THE DRAWING ROOM AT BROWN'S A wood-panelled cafe set within an upscale hotel where tea lovers are served by specialist sommeliers. Ground Floor, 33 Albemarle St; roccofortehotels.com

V&A CAFÉ The Victoria & Albert museum café just might be one of our favorites with its classic menu, mosaic ceiling, stained glass windows, occasional piano or harp music, and lovely courtyard garden. Cromwell Rd, Knightsbridge; vam.ac.uk

PRÊT-À-PORTEA AT THE BERKELEY The Berkeley Hotel offers an afternoon tea with pastries inspired by the season’s latest fashion collections. For instance, the Autumn/Winter 2021 Prêt-à-Portea collection showcases couture cakes inspired by designers from Ganni to Gucci. Think mandarin cheesecake topped with an oversized chocolate hat or an iced biscuit complete with red lipstick and oversized glasses as tribute to fashion icon Iris Apfel’s 100th birthday. Wilton Pl, Knightsbridge; the-berkeley.co.uk

THE ORANGERY AT KENSINGTON PALACE The dining room is set in a garden pavilion built for Queen Anne in 1704 on the grounds of Kensington Palace, and one of our favorite places for lunch or afternoon tea. Kensington Palace, Kensington Gardens; kensingtonpalacepavilion.co.uk

FLOR All the baked goods and bread are made from the finest British wheat milled at sister restaurant Lyle’s. The café becomes a wine bar in the evening and serves French and Spanish inspired small plates. 1 Bedale St., Southwark; florlondon.com

CARAVAN A popular café serving coffee, which is roasted on-site. caravanrestaurants.co.uk

REGENT'S BAR & KITCHEN A cheerful café in Regent’s Park surrounded by picnic tables. Order carrot cake and squares of millionaire’s shortbread and a coffee and enjoy the view. The Regent's Park; royalparks.org.uk

BAR ITALIA A celebrated 24 hour cafe, popular with Italian football fans and post-club crowds. 22 Frith St, Soho; baritaliasoho.co.uk

BREAKFAST CLUB A popular breakfast cafe serving classic comfort food. thebreakfastclubcafes.com

RUBY VIOLET Ruby Violet serves delicous ice cream flavors including chocolate sorbet, licorice, and masala chai. Take it to go or sit in their jewelr box of a dining room. 3 Wharf Rd., Kings Cross

HONEY & CO. Readers of the Financial Times will be familiar with Honey & Co. chefs and owners Sarit Packer and Itamar Srulovich. Their Levantine, vegetable-forward recipes feature in the paper weekly, though nothing beats tasting the chefs’ dishes themselves. Self-described as a Middle Eastern–style diner, Fitzrovia’s Honey & Co. is warm and inviting, with Moroccan-tiled floors, shelves heaving with jars of preserved lemons, and seats for a mere twenty guests. Order the butternut squash falafel, marinated eggplant, and braised artichokes. 25 Warren St, Fitzrovia; honeyandco.co.uk

BEN’S COOKIES Giant cookies with chunks of chocolate chips, instead of chips. Originally from Oxford, there are now multiple locations all over London, and 20+ flavors. benscookies.com

26 GRAINS A Scandinavian inspired café serving wholesome porridge, smoothie bowls, bircher muesli, and coffee. 2 Neal's Yard, Covent Garden; 26grains.com

THE NATURAL KITCHEN An all day café concept serving delicious freshly prepared, healthy food. 7 Pepys Street, Trinity Square, City of London; naturalkitchen.co.uk

HEFAURE Located just off of Leicester Square; this tiny takeaway spot has Japanese souffle pancakes and bubble teas. 108 Shaftesbury Ave, Chinatown; hefaure.co.uk

CREME The miso white chocolate cookie comes recommended at this Soho bakery. 4 D'Arblay St, Soho; cremelondon.com

TOWPATH CAFÉ A seasonal café (March to November) on Regent's Canal with outdoor tables and a chalkboard menu. Order a flat white and a cheese toastie, which comes with spoonfuls of quince jam on the side. 42 De Beauvoir Cres, Regent’s Canal; towpathlondon.com

FLOTSAM & JETSAM CAFÉ AT CLIFTON NURSERIES This charming café nestled within Clifton Nurseries has delicious all-day brunches, afternoon tea, coffee, fresh juices, freshly baked pastries, and cakes. 5A Clifton Villa, Little Venice; clifton.co.uk

ALBION CAFÉ Housed within a converted Victorian warehouse, this all-day British cafe Albion specializes in simple British food. The menus champion the best seasonal produce and artisanal ingredients from around the United Kingdom from staples like sausage & mash and a daily pie to regularly changing salads and sandwiches.The in-house bakery produces all the bread, pastries and baked goods daily which are all available to eat in or take away. 2-4 Boundary St, Shoreditch; boundary.london

CAFE L’ETO Get the milk cake! letocaffe.com

MONMOUTH COFFEE A pioneer in the recent renaissance of café culture. Monmouth sources and roasts coffee from single farms, estates and cooperatives. monmouthcoffee.co.uk

SPECIAL GUESTS A curated selection of rare, world class and competition-level lots of coffee. 8 Aybrook St; Marylebone; specialguestscoffee.com

COMMON BREADS Born in Beirut, baked for London. 110 Buckingham Palace Rd; Victoria

BUNS FROM HOME The best hand rolled cinnamon buns with locations all over London. bunsfromhome.com

VIOLET California-style bakery in Dalston by author & chef Claire Ptak. Making seasonal cakes fresh everyday for any celebration. 17, Swan Court; violetlondon.co.uk

ESTERS Small, bright neighbourhood coffeehouse with espresso drinks & cakes, plus seasonal cafe fare. 55 Kynaston Rd; Stoke Newington; estersn16.com

BRUNSWICK East London Cafe, Urban Farm and Bakehouse, serving Australian inspired brunch and speciality coffee. Locations in Hackney and Dalston. brunswickeast.london

DUSTY KNUCKLE Light cafe fare such as creative sandwiches & salads with coffee drinks & fresh breads to-go. Abbot St; Dalston; thedustyknuckle.com

CHAI GUYS BAKEHOUSE A unique blend of Chai and pastries, baked fresh daily. Inspired by Japanese cooking techniques, enjoy a selection of French and Scandinavian pastries. 193 Portobello Rd; chaiguys.shop

C & C ICE CREAM Inspired by New Zealand style ice cream. A seasonal ice cream pop-up shop at markets across London featuring all natural British ice cream and local fruit. candcicecreamco.com

THE CONNAUGHT PATISSERIE BY NICOLAS ROUZAUD The Connaught Patisserie adjacent to the hotel offers delicious pastries and patisserie alongside expertly made coffee, artisan tea and, of course, champagne. The Connaught, Carlos Pl; the-connaught.co.uk

K. MINAMOTO Since 1997, an authentic and traditional Japanese confectionery shop at Piccadilly next to Fortnum & Masons. Try the green tea mochi! 193 Piccadilly; Piccadilly; kitchoan.co.uk

MARCHESI 1824 Owned by Prada, the original is in Milan. Experience Milanese patisserie and café culture in Mayfair. 117 Mount St; marchesi1824.com

LIFT COFFEE Lift is a coffee shop in Notting Hill with an industrial design split across multiple levels. There is also a Shoreditch location. liftcoffeelondon.com

FOREIGN EXCHANGE An aesthetic coffeeshop, newsagent and exchange Bureau! 22 Leinster Terrace; Bayswater

PUBS

THE GRENADIER Our favorite pub in London is found nestled in the mews of Belgravia, tucked away on a cobblestone street. Order the beef wellington and a pint of local beer. 18 Wilton Row, Belgravia; grenadierbelgravia.com

THE THOMAS CUBITT An elegant gastropub in Belgravia with an open fireplace and floor-to-ceiling windows that open out onto Elizabeth Street in warmer months. The menu ranges from rock oysters to a steak and Guinness pie. 44 Elizabeth St., Belgravia; thethomascubitt.co.uk

THE AUDLEY PUBLIC HOUSE Traditional neighbourhood pub open 7 days a week & set in a restored Victorian building. Filled with men in black tie en route to events in the surrounding area. Perfect for an after-work pint! 41-43 Mount St; theaudleypublichouse.com

THE LANSDOWNE Long, wooden tables fill a huge, bright dining room, which is packed with locals (and their dogs) on evenings and weekends. In addition to basic pub fare, we recommend the thin crust pizza. 90 Gloucester Ave, Primrose Hill; thelansdownepub.co.uk

THE BULL & LAST A cozy, local pub with classic maroon leather seats, chalkboard menus, and distressed wood. Don’t miss the bread basket, homemade ice cream, and ale. 168 Highgate Rd, Hampstead Heath; thebullandlast.co.uk

THE HORSESHOE A local spot with white walls, vintage wooden tables with schoolhouse chairs, serving their own Camden craft beers and a classic British gastropub menu. 28 Heath St, Hampstead; thehorseshoehampstead.com

DUKE OF CAMBRIDGE A gastropub serving organic and sustainable fare in Angel/Islington. 30 St Peter's St, The Angel; dukeorganic.co.uk

CHURCHILL ARMS You’ll notice this pub by its flower-covered facade. Inside, Thai food is served amidst Churchill memorabilia. 119 Kensington Church St; Kensington; churchillarmskensington.co.uk

THE ANCHOR & HOPE A modern British gastropub with an ever changing menu. Standouts include the lentils with pheasant and seven-hour lamb shoulder. 36 The Cut, Lambeth; anchorandhopepub.co.uk

THE HARWOOD ARMS Exceptional gastropub fare with an emphasis on seasonal ingredients and wild game (one of the chefs actually shoots his own venison) are big draws here. Order the Scotch Egg to start. Walham Grove, Fulham; harwoodarms.com

THE DRAPER’S ARMS Hidden away on a quiet street in Islington, the Draper’s Arms is a British gastro-pub with old wooden tables, checkerboard floors, board games, and a wall full of classic orange-spined Penguin paperbacks. 44 Barnsbury St., Islington; thedrapersarms.com

THE ANGLESEA ARMS The outdoor deck makes this traditional pub the place to be when the weather is nice. 15 Selwood Terrace, Chelsea; angleseaarms.com

THE ALBION Tucked away on an idyllic street in Islington, this pretty Georgian pub boasts a garden courtyard with traditional food and Sunday roast. 10 Thornhill Rd., Islington; the-albion.co.uk

PRINCESS OF SHOREDITCH Modern British food spread across two floors is served at this Shoreditch pub-restaurant. 76-78 Paul St, Shoreditch; theprincessofshoreditch.com

DUKE OF WELLINGTON Affectionately known to regulars as the Duke of Boots, the Duke of Wellington is a cosy and inviting 19th century pub tucked away behind Sloane Square serving traditional food and cask ales. dukeofwellingtonbelgravia.co.uk

THE BLUE POSTS This Soho townhouse includes a classic pub, a modern cocktail bar, and a tiny restaurant all in one. Downstairs, you can grab a craft microbrew or cider with other locals sipping pints after work. Upstairs, you’ll find The Mulwray for mixed drinks and wine, while in the basement, there’s an eleven-seat kitchen bar, Evelyn’s Table. Order the mackerel with pickled carrots, the rich duck capelletti, and the cuttlefish ragu with tapioca crisps. The bar snacks are also not to be missed— they include peanuts dusted in harissa, a fried fish sandwich, and a classic sausage roll. 28 Rupert St., Soho; theblueposts.co.uk

THE MONTPELIER One of the most verdantly beautiful pubs in London, the Montpelier is painted a regal navy blue with flower baskets cascading down every corner and lush plant boxes on every windowsill. Inside, the same deep navy covers the walls. The traditional Sunday roast—complete with gravy and towering Yorkshire puddings—is even more excellent when accompanied by live jazz. 43 Choumert Rd., Peckham; themontpelier.net

MC & SONS PUBLIC HOUSE & THAI KITCHEN A family-run Irish pub that swaps fish and chips for spicy pad see ew. Every inch of available wall space brings you face-to-photograph with members of the McElhinney family, whose patriarch, Jack, opened its doors in the ’70s. The next generation—Ryan, Joanne, and Johnny and his wife, Lailar—now run the show. The interior was designed and built by the brothers; Ryan’s artwork is peppered throughout the pub; and the menu was created by Lailar, inspired by her Southeast Asian heritage. 160 Union St., Southwark; mcandsonslondon.com

THE COACH French bistro meets British gastro at this upscale pub. Order the mussels with thick fries, braised ox cheeks with sharp horseradish, and the pork rillettes with crisp toast and vinegary pickles. All pair perfectly with a cold beer. 26-28 Ray St., Clerkenwell; thecoachclerkenwell.co.uk

THE ENGINEER The Engineer in pastel-pretty Primrose Hill is a top choice for traditional Sunday roast— stacked high with roasted meat, buttery vegetables, towering Yorkshire puds, and port reduction jus. The space itself is named for famed English engineer Isambard Kingdom Brunel, builder of the Great Western Railway. In winter, there is a roaring fire, and in summer there is a charming patio. 65 Gloucester Ave., Primrose Hill; theengineerprimrosehill.co.uk

THE WELLS Beth Coventry transformed a run-down pub into this architectural Georgian gem. The ground floor has a bar, fireplace, board games, dog bowls and comfy sofas, and multiple dining rooms, plus an outdoor terrace. 30 Well Walk, Hampstead, Hampstead Heath; thewellshampstead.co.uk

THE PUNCH BOWL Set in a Georgian building built in 1750, this public house still retains some original features, like the dog-leg staircase and dado paneling. The upscale British fusion cuisine (think chips with aioli instead of HP) is best served with one of their cask ales or fine whiskeys. 41 Farm St., Mayfair; punchbowllondon.com

THE PHENE A converted pub with a library-themed dining room and beach bar-style terrace. During winter, the garden transforms into a posh winter wonderland, complete with fake snow, fluffy blankets, and real fireplaces. 9 Phene St., Chelsea; thephene.com

THE HOLLY BUSH Near Hampstead Heath on Holly Mount, this 18th century pub has a working fireplaces and serves generous portions of sticky toffee pudding. 22 Holly Mount, Hampstead Heath; hollybushhampstead.co.uk

THE DEVONSHIRE The Devonshire is your classic London pub — warm, welcoming, open to all, serving up homemade bar food from their in-house butcher and bakery,The Devonshire, 17 Denman St; devonshiresoho.co.uk

THE WIGMORE Elevated pub food & drinks in a stylish, retro-inspired space attached to the Langham Hotel. Delicious toasties! 15 Langham Pl; the-wigmore.co.uk

THE MARYLEBONE Modern pub with extensive cocktail menu using botanical infusions, also serving artisan coffees. 93 Marylebone High St; Marylebone; themarylebonelondon.com

THE ORANGE A 4-bedroom boutique hotel & gastropub in Belgravia, Serving a Mediterranean-inspired menu, including the best wood-oven pizzas in London. 37 Pimlico Rd; cubitthouse.co.uk/the-orange

THE JUGGED HARE The place for a proper Sunday roast. Gastropub with open kitchen, ceramic-tiled dining room with oak floors, and lots of stuffed animals. 49 Chiswell St; Barbican; etmcollection.co.uk

THE PLIMSOLL The Plimsoll is celebrated for its "amazing" Dexter cheeseburger and crispy potatoes, earning it the reputation of having "London's best burger." 52 St Thomas's Rd, Finsbury Park

THE PELICAN A buzzy, airy modern rethinking of a Victorian pub in Notting Hill with locally brewed beer and a classic British menu. 45 All Saints Rd; thepelicanw11.com

CARAVAN RESTAURANT & ROASTERY London-based restaurant, bar, and coffee roastery group. caravanandco.com

THE BLUE STOOPS In homage to the original Blue Stoops in Burton-upon-Trent, where the Allsopp family brewed from 1730, the re-imagined home of the family business will champion cask ale pulled from bespoke beer engines with high swan necks. Three of our Allsopp’s cask ales will initially be on the bar: Pale Ale, IPA and Best Bitter, with a fourth hand-pull reserved for ale produced by friends of the brewery. 127-129 Kensington Church St; thebluestoops.com

BARS

THE CONNAUGHT HOTEL Like the luxurious apartment on the top floor of the hotel, The Bar at The Connaught was designed by the late David Collins. The art deco interior with its black marble floor, long mirrors, and custom-made leather chairs is a testament to his sophisticated taste. Order a martini, and a server will roll over an old-fashioned "martini trolley" so you can pick from custom flavors like cardamom, ginger, or grapefruit for your drink. The Coburg Bar is an opulent snug with high-backed armchairs and classics like a club sandwich. Drinks are arranged according to the decade of their creation, from Fish House Punch (“Pre-1800”) to Penicillin (“2000s”), but our favorite is Death in the Afternoon, named after the Spanish bullfighting novel by Hemingway. The recently opened Red Room showcases a collection of creative works in red by four female visionaries, including Louise Bourgeois whose “I am Rouge” painting presides over the marble fireplace. Carlos Pl., Mayfair; the-connaught.co.uk

THE GORING COCKTAIL BAR With an impressive list of Champagnes, wines by the glass, remarkable spirits and cocktails, the inviting ambience of The Goring Cocktail Bar is perfect for a light lunch or a relaxed evening drink. Bar Manager Tiago Mira leads a team of experienced bartenders creating exquisite cocktails using over one hundred different herbs taken directly from The Goring Garden. The cocktail list features signature classics and old favourites, from the Rosehip Royale to The Goring Cup, incorporating liqueurs and spirits from fellow Royal Warrant holders. A roaring fire and live piano music complete the experience. 15 Beeston Pl, Belgravia; thegoring.com

ANNABEL’S Founded in 1963 by London hospitality legend Mark Birley, Annabel's is something of a London institution. Generations of London royalty from Princess Di and the Rolling Stones to Poppy Delevigne have turned up there to rub elbows on its intimate and tiny dance floor. If you're lucky enough to be a member (or a friend of one), do remember the dress code—men will need a jacket to get in. We highly recommend the afternoon tea around the holidays to see the eccentric decor. 44 Berkeley Sq., Mayfair; annabels.co.uk

GORDON’S WINE BAR Gordon’s is purportedly the oldest wine bar in London, and sits on the banks of the river Thames. The subterranean wine cave serves wine and cheese in a space lit by candlelight. 47 Villiers St., Charing Cross; gordonswinebar.com

BAR AT THE CHILTERN FIREHOUSE Marylebone is full of bakeries, bookshops, and quiet residential streets, despite its proximity to bustling Oxford Street. One of our favorite stops is the bar at the Chiltern Firehouse. Nearly all the seats and sofas are embellished with colorful florals, and dozens of trailing green plants form a cornice around the room. Afternoon tea is a special treat— a silver tea tray stacked with chocolate and coffee éclairs is presented by the stylishly attired staff. After 8pm, it becomes a members or guests only club and a DJ begins. 1 Chiltern St., Marylebone; chilternfirehouse.com

SWANS BAR AT MAISON ASSOULINE Swans Bar at Maison Assouline is a bastion of elegance and culture, nestled amongst the hustle and bustle of Piccadilly. Swans Bar invites you to explore locations from their iconic travel series, through their expertly crafted cocktails inspired by each title. The menu features a selection of fine wine and champagne, which perfectly compliment light bites such as fillet tolstoy salmon and jamón ibérico de Bellota. 196A Piccadilly, St. James's, Piccadilly; maisonassouline.com/swansbar

OSCAR WILDE LOUNGE AT HOTEL CAFÉ ROYAL Nestled between the elegance of Mayfair and the creativity of Soho, the Oscar Wilde Lounge is the space where great minds came together to change the world. It is in this very room that Oscar Wilde fell in love with Lord Alfred Douglas, Aubrey Beardsley debated with Whistler, David Bowie retired Ziggy Stardust and Mick Jagger, the Beatles and Elizabeth Taylor danced the night away. Dating back to 1865 and formerly known as the Grill Room, this gilded room was renamed in honour of their most famous patron. Don’t miss the gorgeous Green Bar while on site. 10 Air St, London, Soho; hotelcaferoyal.com

LAYLOW Laylow is a restaurant and memers only club nestled in a quiet corner of Golborne Road at the foot of London’s iconic Trellick Tower. Housed in a former bordello - Laylow takes the rich musical history woven into the fabric of the surrounding neighbourhood and updates it for modern times. Have dinner at the restaurant or relax on the rooftop with a glass of wine. 10 Golborne Rd., Notting Hill; laylow.co.uk

BLIND PIG The Blind Pig is a proper speakeasy. Look for the old-school optician’s sign and knock. Once you’re inside, settle into a rich brown leather booth under the dimly lit lights and order one of the tongue-in-cheek cocktails named after figures from our childhood—Peter Rabbit, Pooh, and even the Harry Potter, an alcoholic version of butterbeer. 58 Poland St., Soho; socialeatinghouse.com

HOVARDA Hovarda is an Aegean restaurant with excellent cocktails. It’s open late and serves Greek snacks like vegetable fritters and tzatziki. As the evening progresses, a DJ sets up shop and the music becomes louder. Try the yuzu margarita! 36–40 Rupert St., Soho; hovarda.london

DUKES BAR A well-made martini (from the martini trolley) is the order at this quintessentially British bar in Mayfair. 35 St. James's Pl., Mayfair; dukeshotel.com/dukes-bar

BAR TERMINI From Tony Conigliaro, the don of cocktail-making in London and founder of 69 Colebrooke Row, and Marco Arrigo, the head of quality at Illy, comes an Italian-inspired coffee and cocktail bar. Have a cappuccino at the bar—made with UHT milk, just as the Italians do—or sit at one of the tables sipping cocktails served by mixologists in elegant, crisp white uniforms. 7 Old Compton St., Soho; bar-termini-soho.com

NIGHTJAR Run like an old-fashioned speakeasy, it is easy to miss the black door that marks the entrance. However, once you’re in, it’s a true jazz age bar with some stiff, old fashioned drinks. The spicy Bloody Mary comes with a basket full of fixings so you can customize it. 129 City Rd., Shoreditch; barnightjar.com

MAGGIE’S Complete with the Iron Lady's speeches sounding from the bathroom speakers, this tongue-in-cheek club pays homage to the ’80s. Rad graffiti-style murals, Rubix Cube–inspired tables, and a smattering of Thatcher portraits lend to its kitschy appeal. 329 Fulham Rd., Chelsea; maggies-club.com

LYANESS This botanical bar that crowns the Mondrian's Sea Containers on the Thames is stewarded by mixologist of the moment, Ryan Chetiyawardana. The Tom Dixon-designed space also offers unparalleled views of the Thames both on the top floor of the hotel, and downstairs. 20 Upper Ground, Southwark; lyaness.com

EXPERIMENTAL COCKTAIL CLUB This two-story speakeasy-style space in Chinatown is decorated with antiques, and mustached waiters serve classic cocktails. 13A Gerrard St., Soho; chinatownecc.com

69 COLEBROOKE ROW The lab above the bar is where resident mixologist, Tony Conigliaro, concocts recipes for his unique and delicious cocktails. Despite being open seven days a week with live jazz every Sunday night, the vibe is relaxed and cool. Make sure to reserve beforehand, as it’s a small space, or try the offshoot at the Zetter Townhouse. 69 Colebrooke Row, Islington; 69colebrookerow.com

BERKELEY BLUE BAR The David Collins–designed space is true to its name, with blue hues and contemporary furnishings throughout. The cocktails are as good as you would expect from the Berkeley, complete with a liquid amuse-bouche. The Berkeley Hotel, Wilton Pl., Knightsbridge; the-berkeley.co.uk

FRANK’S CAFE Frank's Cafe—a bar located on top of a parking garage in Peckham—has been the neighborhood's main hub for summertime drinking and sunset views. 95a Rye Ln., Peckham; boldtendencies.com/franks-cafe/

SEYMOUR’S PARLOUR The lobby bar at the new Zetter Townhouse in Marylebone is a characterful representation of its fictional owner, Wicked Uncle Seymour. It's a dark room packed with his collections of antiques, curiosities, and stolen mini bar bottles—presumably from many slightly seedy hotel stays across the globe. The short menu of drinks designed by Tony Conigliaro, is full of wonderful, perfectly balanced tipples that each boast a story. Try the Sphinx, a delicious and light champagne cocktail named after Uncle Seymour's favorite bordello in Paris. 28-30 Seymour St., Marylebone; thezetter.com

NOBLE ROT A popular wine magazine by the same name opened this wine bar in Bloomsbury. The bar itself has been around since the early 18th-century, cozy fireplace included, but under the ownership of Noble Rot founders Dan Keeling and Mark Andrew, it's been updated with a delicious, seasonal menu and an extensive wine list. 51 Lamb's Conduit St., Bloomsbury; noblerot.co.uk

COMPAGNIE DES VINS SURNATURELS From the infamous "Quatre Garçons," a group of French dandies known for their splashy bars and eateries, comes this pitch-perfect wine bar known as the CVS for short. The extensive wine list covers pages of mostly European bottles, and the snacks include an excellent charcuterie and cheese boards. 8-10 Neal's Yard, Covent Garden; cvssevendials.com

THE FUMOIR BAR AT CLARIDGE'S Tucked away off of the lobby, the Fumoir Bar is an Art Deco–style nook with velvet seats and honeyed lighting. The cocktail list includes ringers like the Bee Pollen Crusta, a lowball with vodka, vermouth, and chestnut honey; and the Saffron Sidecar, mixed with cognac and pear juice. Claridge's, Brook St, Mayfair; claridges.co.uk

RONNIE SCOTT’S Soho’s premier jazz venue on Frith Street, and generally hosts two sittings a night—everyone from Nina Simone to Pharaoh Sanders has played here. Ronnie’s Bar is a smaller more dance oriented venue upstairs. When the music ends, head across the street to the 24-hour Bar Italia. 47 Frith St, Soho; ronniescotts.co.uk

BENJAMIN’S
A cocktail and whiskey bar on the lower ground floor in the Menswear section of luxury department store Harvey Nichols. It feels like a speakeasy, and highlights include the Meadow Sweet Martini made with hand-foraged meadowsweet, vodka, and dry French vermouth; a Nettle Leaf Negroni of nettle-infused gin, Campari, and sweet vermouth; and an exceptional Fig Leaf High Ball with a mix of fig leaves cordial, Scotch whisky, and soda. Harvey Nichols, 109-125 Knightsbridge, Knightsbridge; benjamins-bar.com

A BAR WITH SHAPES FOR A NAME A Bauhaus-inspired dive bar tucked away in Haggerston. Founded by Artesian alumni Remy Savage and Paul Lougrat, it attempts to do for mixology what the 20th-century German-born movement did for the arts – delivering a streamlined, affordable menu built around just 20 bottles and an extensive library of homemade distillates. Every element of the bar takes its cues from Bauhaus teacher Wassily Kandinsky’s fabled three shapes – a yellow triangle, a red square, and a blue circle – while the staff uniforms nod to Bauhaus legend László Moholy-Nagy’s preferred working uniform. 232 Kingsland Rd, Whitmore Estate.

PLANQUE A wine members’ clubhouse tucked under a pair of railway arches, boasting a French menu, in a striking dining room painted in Yves Klein Blue. There is alos a Colette-inspired shop filled with gourmet delights to take home with you at the end of the night. 322-324 Acton Mews, Haggerston; planque.co.uk

CRATE BREWERY A warehouse bar and brewery with wood fired thin-crust pizza served canal-side. Unit 7, Queen's Yard, Hackney; cratebrewery.com

THE BOUNDARY ROOFTOP The Boundary Hotel has a rooftop bar and restaurant, set under a canopy of grape vines. You'll also find a kitchen garden upstairs, along with an outdoor lounge around a wood-burning chimney. 2-4 Boundary St., Shoreditch; boundary.london/rooftop

RUM KITCHEN A Caribbean inspired bar and restaurant in Brixton, Soho, and Shoreditch. therumkitchen.com

PENNETHORNES An elegant, high-ceilinged space with a marble-topped bar, serving small plates, wine, and cocktails in Somerset House. Somerset House, Covent Garden; pennethornes.co.uk

HARRYS BAR Located within easy reach of Oxford Street, Harry’s Bar brings a slice of the “dolce vita” to London’s Marylebone. harrys-bar.co.uk

LOULOU’S LouLou’s is the downstairs club within 5 Hertford Street, a members only club. Order a gin fizz and enjoy the people or royal watching. 2-5 Hertford St, Mayfair.

MR. FOGG’S There are multiple Mr. Fogg’s bars in London. The original was inspired by Around the World in 80 Days by Jules Verne, and each includes eclectic decor and unique craft cocktails. mr-foggs.com

EVAN AND PEEL DETECTIVE AGENCY A speakeasy with a Prohibition-era vibe and a detective agency setup serving classic cocktails and American eats. 310c Earls Ct Rd, Earl’s Court; evansandpeel.com

CAHOOTS A prohibition-style speakeasy in Soho, set inside an abandoned train station. Afternoon tea is also served. 13 Kingly Ct, Carnaby; cahoots-london.com

SCARFES BAR AT THE ROSEWOOD LONDON Refined bar at the Rosewood Hotel offering whiskies, cocktails & food in clubby digs. Rosewood London, 252 High Holborn; scarfesbar.com

SPY BAR AT RAFFLES LONDON The basement level speakeasy bar at The Raffles London hotel where residents can enjoy a nightcap in utmost privacy, in the subterranean bar, housed in rooms once used by MI5. 57 Whitehall; theowo.london/the-spy-bar

5 HERTFORD STREET 5 Hertford Street (5HS) is a private members' club in Mayfair, London, which was described in a 2017 Observer article as London's most secretive club. 5 Hertford Street; Mayfair; 5hertfordstreet.com

SAGE & WILDER Rustic-chic bar & kitchen spotlighting cocktails & wines, plus contemporary British fare. 93 Hackney Rd; Hackney; sagerandwilde.com

40 MALTBY A wine bar located in the warehouse of Gergovie Wines under the railway arches in Bermondsey, on the other side of the tracks from the St John bakery shop. 40 Maltby St; Bermondsey; 40maltbystreet.com

SIDE HUSTLE Latin American Inspired Bar & Restaurant in The Nomad Hotel. Old Police Station Entrance, 28 Bow St; hilton.com/en/hotels/lonnmnd-nomad-london

FRENCH HOUSE Compact bar hung with photos, where literary crowd prefer wine to beer and embrace the no-tech rule. 49 Dean St; frenchhousesoho.com

107 WINE SHOP & BAR Formerly P.Franco Natural wine bar and shop in east London. The vibe is more like a pub than a wine bar, with Clapton hipsters filling each of the 15 seats around the communal table. 107 Lower Clapton Rd, Lower Clapton; 107wine.co.uk

DINING

AMAYA Nestled in the heart of Belgravia on the charming Motcomb street, Amaya is a top spot for Indian food. Most of the dishes are grilled and bite-sized, which is the perfect excuse to order an abundance of their tasty sides. Order the grilled fish, the duck, and the grilled aubergine. Halkin Arcade, Off Lowndes St, Belgravia; amaya.biz

RAIL HOUSE CAFE A bustling contemporary brasserie with a varied menu of modern European and Asian dishes. 8 Sir Simon Milton Sq, Victoria; railhouse.cafe

FARMACY A vegan restaurant with seasonal green bowls, plant based specialties, and delicious juices. 74 Westbourne Grove, Notting Hill; farmacylondon.com

COCOTTE A French restaurant with a delicous roast chicken and mash. mycocotte.uk

CAFÉ CECILIA As the brother of Simone Rocha, Max Rocha’s first restaurant venture was always going to be a stylish affair. Named after Max’s grandmother, this is a true family business. Not only did Simone help out with the design (including the uniforms), but the menu is largely inspired by the dishes their Irish mother Odette prepared during their childhood in Dublin. Max’s years in the kitchens at both The River Cafe and St John Bread & Wine can be felt in the breakfast and lunch offerings, including Guinness bread and homemade terrines, braised artichokes, and fragrant possets.  32 Andrews Rd, London Fields; cafececilia.com

SESSIONS ARTS CLUB  Set within the judges dining rooms at the beautifully restored 18th-century Sessions House in Clerkenwell, its kitchens will be headed up by Florence Knight, with an elegantly pared-down menu featuring dishes such as grilled friggitelli, sea bream and fig leaves, and nectarine sorbet. Events, workshops, and dinners are held around the marble horseshoe bar or rooftop infinity pool. The majority of the furniture has been sourced from vintage markets and salvage yards. Old Sessions House, 24 Clerkenwell, Clerkenwell; sessionsartsclub.com

TOKLAS Founded by the Directors of Frieze Art Fair, Toklas is named after Gertrude Stein’s partner Alice B Toklas, and the 70-cover space has already hosted everyone from Tracey Emin to Donatella Versace. 1 Surrey St, Temple, Strand; toklaslondon.com

SCOTT'S A Mayfair establishment known for its seafood towers, sleek oyster and Champagne bar, and famous sole meunière. The homemade ice creams, especially the Amalfi lemon, are also wonderful. 20 Mount St, Mayfair; scotts-restaurant.com

BELLAMY'S The proprietor of Bellamy’s, Gavin Rankin, reckons he knows 80 percent of his guests on any given evening. Bellamy’s is a rare bird—a place for locals, in a neighborhood full of visitors. The food is French with British editing. Queen Elizabeth II is said to order the eel mousse and roast partridge. 18 Bruton Pl, Mayfair; bellamysrestaurant.co.uk

GREAT COURT RESTAURANT At the British Museum, the only attraction that draws a bigger crowd than the Rosetta Stone is the sleek restaurant, which dishes out homemade wedges of carrot and walnut cake on green Burleigh china. They also serve afternoon tea. Great Russell St, Russell Square; benugo.com

SAVOY GRILL At the on the Strand, which has been serving guests since the late 19th century, guests can sign up to learn how to make a classic Beef Wellington: an elegant roll of beef, minced mushrooms and herbs, crepes, and latticed puff pastry. If you’d rather just dine than learn, head to the 1920s Art Deco dining room for Gordon Ramsey’s French and British fare. The Savoy Hotel, Strand, Covent Garden; gordonramsayrestaurants.com/savoy-grill

KITTY FISHER'S A tiny Mayfair spot serving traditional. British food with a Spanish twist. Order the famous bread and burnt-onion butter dish. 10 Shepherd Market, Mayair; kittyfishers.com

REGENCY CAFÉ Tuck in for a proper full English breakfast at this casual corner cafe with a tiled exterior. 17-19 Regency St

FLAT THREE An eclectic seasonal menu, inspired by Korea and Japan, is served in a polished basement with craft cocktails. 120-122, Holland Park Ave, Holland Park; flatthree.london

GERMAN GYMNASIUM A historic former gym (the first gym in the UK from the 1860's to be exact) has been transformed into an elegant, stylish venue serving German cuisine and cocktails. 1 King's Blvd, Kings Cross; germangymnasium.com

LA PETITE MAISON La Petite Maison is another restaurant by Arjun Waney (the investor behind Zuma), and it's based on the restaurant of the same name in Nice. Try the salads and fish carpaccios from the starter menu, the macaroni with truffles, and the famous black leg roasted chicken. 53-54 Brook's Mews, Mayfair; lpmrestaurants.com

WILTONS George William Wilton opened his shellfish-monger in 1742, and it is still thriving over 275 years later. Order the classics: oysters from the Essex coast and a buttery Dover sole. 55 Jermyn St, St. James's; wiltons.co.uk

RULES Operating since 1798, Rules has the distinction of being the oldest restaurant in London (as they point out, their existence has spanned the rule of eight monarchs). The straightforward menu is all about classic British cuisine, with an emphasis on game that the proprietors raise themselves on an Essex estate. 34-35 Maiden Ln, Covent Garden; rules.co.uk

UMU The kaiseki here is traditional in its form but often modern in its offerings, with a set menu of eight exciting, meticulous, and ingredient-focused dishes and an impressive wine and sake list. With a choice between a regular or a sushi kaiseki, the offerings vary on what's in season, and you can really tell that whatever arrives before you was plucked from a stand that very day. They also have à la carte sushi options, but if you can, go with the set menu, as it's worth it for the experience. 14-16 Bruton Pl, Mayfair; umurestaurant.com

MADE IN ITALY A popular spot in Chelsea that makes fresh Neopolitan pizza in a wood-burning ovens. madeinitalygroup.co.uk

KENSINGTON PAVILION Adjacent to a private member's club, Chef Adam Simmonds serves a proper British menu, including steaks, local fish, and lamb, in an Art Deco-inspired setting. 96 Kensington; www.pavilion.club

BRIGHT As the name suggests, Bright includes bleached blonde, sun-saturated wood, and creamy white walls. The menu includes toasted sourdough with paper-thin cured pork belly, grilled radicchio stalks in preserved cherries, and tagliolini swirled in porcini butter. The owners are also the founders of P. Franco and Noble Rot (two beloved London wine establishments). 1 Westgate St., Hackney; brightrestaurant.co.uk

DIN TAI FUNG Originally from Taiwan, with global locations in Los Angeles, and now London, this popular chian serves Chinese Huaiyang cuisine. Order the soup dumplings! 5 Henrietta St., Covent Garden; dintaifung-uk.com

CORA PEARL From the same people as Mayfair’s Kitty Fisher’s, the menu is made for rainy Sundays when only a rare roast beef and Yorkshire pudding or signature ham and cheese toastie with pickles, proper thick-cut chips, and an old-fashioned trifle will do. 30 Henrietta St., Covent Garden; corapearl.co.uk

SCULLY Chef Ramuel Scully has Chinese, Indian, Irish, and Balinese heritage plus a Sydney upbringing, and you can taste all that on the plate. Dinner might include slow-cooked eggplant paired with preserved lemons and spoonfuls of creamy curd, chili-marinated goat tempered with cooling labneh, and an amazing tomato salad. 4 St. James's Market, St. James; scullyrestaurant.com

SQUIRREL Lavishly decorated to look like a treehouse, this health-conscious stop specialises in salads. The menu of build-your-own bowls is full of proteins, vegetables, and add-ins like feta, avocado, and pickled onions. 11 Harrington Rd., Kensington; wearesquirrel.com

EGG BREAK Tucked discreetly behind Notting Hill Gate Station, Egg Break is West London’s smallest and best-kept secret. Opened by the team from Soho House and the Hoxton hotel, Egg Break is, despite its name, not just for breakfast. Crispy fried chicken and waffles and grilled halloumi with avocado and kale are on the lunch menu. 30 Uxbridge St., Notting Hill; eggbreak.com

LINA STORES This Italian deli has occupied the same spot for close to eighty years, keeping pantries stocked with obscure pastas and authentic tomato sauce. The owners opened a restaurant on nearby Greek Street. Sit at the bar, order one of their many pastas, and watch the chefs prepare your dinner. Standouts include a classic Roman puntarelle with salty anchovy dressing, pappardelle in a rich rabbit ragu, a spciy crab pasta, and gnudi in brown butter and sage. 51 Greek St., Soho; linastores.co.uk

PORTLAND RESTAURANT A modern British restaurant serving seasonal standouts like Cornish mackerel with preserved cucumbers and green strawberries, smoked pigeon with baby English radishes, and a starter plate of baby pickled vegetables. From Will Lander of the Quality Chophouse fame and Daniel Morgenthau of 10 Greek Street. 113 Great Portland St., Fitzrovia; portlandrestaurant.co.uk

BRIGADIERS From the same team behind Gymkhana and Hoppers, this Indian restaurant serves delicious pickles, chutneys, vegetables with yogurt, dal, raita, beef shin biryani, and fruity kulfi. 1-5 Bloomberg Arcade, City of London; brigadierslondon.com

KUDU A family run South African restaurant serving authentic dishes like braai lamb loin with smoked yoghurt, salt-baked carrots with kefir, vegetable potjie, and spiced biltong. 119 Queen's Rd., Peckham; kuducollective.com

BRAT Brat is Welsh slang for turbot, so we recommend ordereding the signature dish at this Michelin-starred restaurant. It is slow grilled over smouldering embers until the vinegar-spritzed skin somehow both crisps and softens. The bread is grilled and made of flour from one of last standing stoneground mills in the UK. Order the cheesecake, which is smoked and accompanied by brown bread ice cream for dessert! 4 Redchurch St., Shoreditch; bratrestaurant.com

ROVI Yotam Ottolenghi’s restaurant in Fitzrovia serves fresh, vegetable based dishes in Israeli and Palestinian sauces. The wine list features some rarely seen Palestinian labels. 59 Wells St., Fitzrovia; ottolenghi.co.uk

MERAKI Meraki is the latest from Arjun and Peter Waney, the duo behind Zuma, Coya, and Roka. The kitchen specializes in region-specific small bites, like salty cured fish roe and tomatoes from Santorini. The wine list is serves Aegean labels you won't see elsewhere. Standouts include the dolmades served in a rich, lemony, egg yolk emulsion, and the barrel-aged feta. 80-82 Great Titchfield St., Fitzrovia; meraki-restaurant.com

PIDGIN Pidgin is the brainchild of two former architects and a food writer, which resulted in a four-course menu that changes weekly. A sampling could include beetroot with fermented tofu, cashew, and shiso or pork with nettle, Romanesco, and hibiscus. 52 Wilton Way, Hackney; pidginlondon.com

SABOR Heddon Street is the closest thing Mayfair has to a back alley, and on this side street you’ll find a Spanish restaurant serving full suckling pig, pan con tomate, garlic prawns, and sherry. 35-37 Heddon St., Mayfair; saborrestaurants.co.uk

ARTUSI Artusi is a small, sleek dining room serving modern Italian food. Try the sunchokes with hazelnuts and gorgonzola to start, followed by fresh bucatini with chard or Taleggio with raisins. Wine-wise, the list leans heavily on organic and biodynamic wines. 161 Bellenden Rd., Peckham; artusi.co.uk

BANH BANH Five first-generation siblings decided to bring 1940s Saigon to London with a menu inspired by their Vietnamese grandmother. Order the prawn pancakes or salty, spicy beef pho. 46 Peckham Rye, Peckham; banhbanh.com

CAROUSEL A three-story creative hub that hosts a turntable of food pop-ups with a rotating cast of stellar international chefs monthly. Most recently, Carousel hosted Scott Smith of Scotland’s Norn, followed by Turkish chef Esra Muslu. 71 Blandford St., Marylebone; carousel-london.com

COAL ROOMS This restaurant is named for the charcoal used to cook the food, and an homage to the train tracks above the restaurant. The food is smoky, and the plates are small: roasted cod heads, grilled zucchini, and zesty yogurt with grits on the side. The Sunday roasts are not your average— they include slow-roasted shoulder of lamb with crispy beef-dripping spuds and coal-roasted cauliflower, served with a glass of Sauternes. 11a Station Way, Peckham Rye Station, Peckham; coalroomspeckham.com

JIKONI Owner Ravinder Bhogal is of Indian descent and was partially raised in Nairobi ("jikoni" means kitchen in Swahili). Her food tells the story of her geographic biography: prawn toast with pickled cucumbers, chickpea chips with Bengali-style chutney, a Scotch egg made with venison instead of pork, scallops and congee. The tablecloths are brightly patterned, the cushions are colorful, and the tapestries that cover the walls are loud and cheerful. 19-21 Blandford St., Marylebone; jikonilondon.com

KRICKET What started as two school friends operating a small enterprise out of a ship container at Pop Brixton has grown into a beautiful restaurant in the heart of Soho. Kricket serves small-plate Indian food. Order the Keralan fried chicken and kulcha bread with date and pistachio. 12 Denman St., Soho; kricket.co.uk

MARGOT An Italian restaurant in the heart of Covent Garden. Order the antipasto board with bread, prosciutto, artichokes, and more followed by the tagliolini pasta twirled around prawns and sweet tomatoes or pappardelle with wild boar ragu. Don’t skip the tortino de riso (rice infused with vanilla and Marsala) topped with silky almond cream for dessert. 45 Great Queen St., Covent Garden; margotrestaurant.com

PECKHAM BAZAAR Nestled in a residential square behind Rye Lane, the restaurant specializes in Balkan cuisine, coupled with Turkish and Greek influences. The menu changes frequently, but standouts, like the beetroot and chestnut manti (Turkish dumplings similar to tortellini) and zucchini fritters, are usually available. All the meat and fish have a strong, smoky flavor thanks to the charcoal grill in the open kitchen. Start with a glass of sparkling Bulgarian wine. 119 Consort Rd., Peckham; peckhambazaar.com

ROCHELLE CANTEEN Margot Henderson knows a thing or two about cooking—her husband, Fergus, owns London nose-to-tail staple St. John Bread and Wine. During summer, the courtyard tables are filled with British standards like Welsh rarebit and flaky leek and chicken pies. It’s mouthwatering comfort food that makes us feel happy, full, and deeply understood. Rochelle School, Arnold Circus, Shoreditch; rochelleschool.org

TRISHNA Rose, vermouth, cardamom, and cherry? That’s a Kerala. Fennel pollen, port, and mint: That’s the West Bengal. Welcome to cocktails, as envisioned by Trishna. (The drinks are named after the Indian states their flavors represent.) Like the cocktails, every item on the menu and every piece of furniture and décor was carefully considered. The food is, for the most part, Keralan coastal fare— curries and rice dishes brimming with scallops, king prawns, flaky white fish, and spices. . 15-17 Blandford St., Marylebone; trishnalondon.com

IKOYI Ikoyi is named for the Lagos neighborhood cofounder Iré Hassan-Odukale grew up in. The West African fare is prepared by Hassan-Odukale’s school friend, Chinese-Canadian chef Jeremy Chan. Order the suya beef blade with rich, smoked bone marrow and jollof rice, and a side of the sweet buttermilk plantain, and if nothing else, order the Guinness Stone Fence. Guinness is popular in Nigeria, and this cocktail includes cacao-nib-infused rum and lime flower. 1 St. James's Market, Mayfair; ikoyilondon.com

MAMA LAN This mini chain started out as a supper club hosted by Beijing native Ning Ma, who wanted to bring authentic Beijing Chinese food to London. Try the street food-inspired noodle soups and salads and fried or steamed dumplings. mamalan.co.uk

JOY KING LAU Known as JKL, this 3 storey Chinatown stalwart serves up dim sum. Don't miss the pork buns, fried turnip paste, and the scallop Cheung Fun. 3 Leicester St., Covent Garden; joykinglau.com

TEMPER Chef Neil Rankin's barbecue basement bar with an open kitchen serving tacos, mezcal, and meat including blowtorched mackerel, beef fat and aged cheeseburger tacos. temperrestaurant.com

TACOS EL PASTOR From the Hart brothers of Barrafina— who built a custom taco machine, and brought a master taquero from Mexico City to Borough Market in London. They also use authentic, non-GMO grains from small producers. tacoselpastor.co.uk

BREDDOS A taqueria with a tortilla machine imported from Mexico and their own interpretation of authentic Mexican-style Coca-Cola (made with real sugar cane). Try the Oaxacan tlayudas and mezcal. 82 Goswell Rd., Clerkenwell; breddostacos.com/clerkenwell

GRANGER & CO All day Australian dining by Bill Granger with a popular weekend brunch. Try the signature ricotta hotcakes or the Kimchi rice. grangerandco.com

MORITO Husband and wife Sam and Samantha Clark's Exmouth Market Spanish tapas bar with a short but excellent list of wines, sherries, and strong cocktails, accompanied by small sharing plates liking Padron peppers, baked cheese, and traditional tortillas. It is located next to the Moro, the Spanish/North African restaurant next door. There is also Morito East in Hackney. 32 Exmouth Market, Clerkenwell; morito.co.uk

INDIGO AT ONE ALDWYCH Indigo restaurant at the One Aldwych Hotel is perfect for a light pre-theatre meal as the food is gluten and dairy free. The airy, modern mezzanine overlooks the beautifully appointed hotel lobby. 1 Aldwych, Covent Garden; onealdwych.com

ESTIATORIO MILOS An elevated Greek seafood institution from New York, and famous the world over. Fresh fish flown in from the Mediterranean is displayed atop white marble slabs in the "market" before diners are led to their sleek, white tables. Classic starters include the octopus salad and their famous, thinly sliced fried zucchini. 1 Regent St., Westminster; estiatoriomilos.com

THE BARBARY From the team behind Israeli restaurant Palomar, comes serves food of the Barbary coast of North Africa. The only seats in the house are at the 24-seat bar where much of the food is prepared. Order a wide selection of dishes to share, and don't miss the roasted aubergine, the chicken msachen, and the knafeh for dessert. 16 Neal's Yard, Seven Dials, Covent Garden; thebarbary.co.uk

HONEY & SMOKE A Middle Eastern restaurant serving kofta, shish, kebabs, bbq, and a famous "cheesecake.” 216 Great Portland St., Fitzrovia; honeyandco.co.uk

QUO VADIS A classic private club, but the downstairs dining room is open to the public. Owned by the Hart brothers, of Barrafina fame, with a kitchen run by Chef Jeremy Lee, their daily changing menu features the best meat and vegetables of the season, and a signature eel sandwich on house-made sourdough. Illustrator John Broadley's artwork punctuates the entire space, menus included. 26-29 Dean St., Soho; quovadissoho.co.uk

CLIPSTONE Much like its sister restaurant Portland down the street, the somewhat austere, casual interiors belie the exquisitely prepared dishes that appear on the table. Order plates to share, including a halibut and herring caviar crudo, seasonal vegetables, and classic pizzas from a wood-burning oven. 5 Clipstone St., Fitzrovia; clipstonerestaurant.co.uk

CHICK ‘N’ SOURS What started as a no-frills fried chicken spot in Haggerston with kitschy mismatched China and picnic tables for large groups outside, now has its upscale counterpart in Covent Garden's Seven Dials. Don't miss the spicy chicken wings or the K-Pop bun, which comes with gochujang sauce, or their General Tso Fried Chicken. chicknsours.co.uk

FRENCHIE The British counterpart to Greg and Marie Marchand’s much-loved Parisian original restaurant. The tapas-style menu incorporates his tastes from working in New York, Paris, and London’s best kitchens. In fact, Frenchie is a return to London for Greg, having earned his stripes at places like Jamie Oliver’s Fifteen, where he also earned his nickname: Frenchie. Try the elevated rif on Cornish Cod and Yorkshire Chicken. 16 Henrietta St., Covent Garden; frenchiecoventgarden.com

KILN Chef Ben Chapman’s tiny Thai restaurant in Soho. Sit at the bar and order one of everything. 58 Brewer St., Soho; kilnsoho.com

SOM SAA Spicy Northern Thai curries, soups, and papaya salads make this bar/restaurant in a former fabric warehouse a popular spot. 43a Commercial St., Whitechapel; somsaa.com

ANGLO Modern British is served in this dark, minimalist space, decorated almost exclusively with black Tom Dixon hanging lights. The menu changes daily, but you can always expect the warm homemade sourdough bread served with butter at the start. 30 St. Cross St., Clerkenwell; anglorestaurant.com

BRAWN Brawn is a Mediterranean restaurant with an emphasis on provenance. Their cheese is from the venerable Androuet, their bread is from the one and only E5 Bakehouse, and their wine list features a good number of natural wines. The meat is nose-to-tail eating at its best— there is an “all things pork” section and their house-made black pudding is not to be missed. 49 Columbia Rd., Shoreditch; brawn.co

PRIMEUR Hidden on a residential street in Canonbury, Primeur feels miles away from London's hustle and bustle. On a warm day, the garage doors open and diners get to watch the evening light filter in while dining on Spanish cheese and sipping on one of the natural, mineral wines on their expertly chosen list. 116 Petherton Rd., Hackney; primeurn5.co.uk

BERBER & Q Meat is the main attraction at this Middle-Eastern BBQ joint, served along with an array of pickles and vegetarian side dishes. Favorites include the Moroccan Spiced Carrots and Blackened Eggplant. Arch 338, Acton Mews, Hackney; berberandq.com

BERBER & Q SHAWARMA BAR Berber & Q's Shawarma Bar offers an elevated take on the humble kebab. The melt-off-the-bone lamb or perfect rotisserie chicken is served in a rice bowl or on warm pillowy pita, accompanied by pickles, hummus, tahini, and roasted eggplant dip. Try the house-made za'atar ale. 46 Exmouth Market, Clerkenwell; berberandq.com

DININGS Tucked away in a converted townhouse in Marylebone is one of London's best-kept secrets when it comes to Japanese. Opened by former Nobu chefs, this izakaya serves delicious beef cha-sia buns and miso glazed aubergine. 22 Harcourt St., Marylebone; dinings.co.uk/harcourt

SUNDAY Sunday is a café hidden away on a residential street in Islington, serving breakfast and brunch. Order the buttermilk pancakes, zucchini fritters, and halloumi with avocado served on yogurt spiced with dukkah.169 Hemingford Rd., Islington.

NUTBOURNE Located on a dock near Battersea park, Nutbourne is a new venture by brothers Oliver and Richard Gladwin, who named the joint after their family farm and vineyard in Sussex. They serve farm-grown meat and vegetables and organic wines. 29 Ransomes Dock, 35-37 Parkgate Rd., Battersea; nutbourne-restaurant.com

SIX PORTLAND ROAD Located on a quiet street in Holland Park, this British bistro serves a seasonal menu, which might include lamb sweetbreads to boudin blanc. 6 Portland Rd., Notting Hill; sixportlandroad.com

PADELLA From the owners of Trullo, comes Padella, a hand-rolled pasta bar in Borough Market. Order the beef shin ragu or the ricotta and sage ravioli. 6 Southwark St., Southwark; padella.co

REUBENS RESTAURANT A West End institution for kosher deli dining. The chicken soup and latkes hit the spot on a rainy day. 79 Baker St., Marylebone; reubensrestaurant.com

OPERA TAVERN This Spanish-Italian tapas bar is the perfect place for pre or post theater drinks and dining. 23 Catherine St., Covent Garden; saltyardgroup.co.uk

NOPI The team behind acclaimed Ottolenghi is also at the helm of this fresh, light, and airy brasserie with excellent Middle Eastern-influenced small plates. A particularly great choice for a pre-theater meal. 21 Warwick St., Soho; ottolenghi.co.uk

MAZI A unique take on Greek food (ie feta tempura) with a slight French influence (the husband-and-wife owners are French and Greek, respectively). 14 Hillgate St., Notting Hill; mazi.co.uk

LE GAVROCHE From the soufflés to the caviars, to the champagne butters, to the fromage, Le Gavroche is classic French cuisine at its best. The restaurant is helmed by Chef Michel Roux Jr. (who took over from his father in 1991) and has earned two Michelin-stars. 43 Upper Brook, Mayfair; le-gavroche.co.uk

LE RELAIS DE VENISE "L'ENTRECOTE" This offshoot of the Parisian original is nearly identical in look and concept— a brassiere serving one meal and one meal only: steak frites (with a special secret sauce), preceded by a green salad with walnuts dressed with a mustard vinaigrette. 120 Marylebone Ln., Marylebone; relaisdevenise.com

KOYA Authentic Japanese udon noodles come in a variety of hot and cold broths with a selection of flavors and toppings. Some favorites are wakame seaweed and poached egg. 50 Frith St., Soho; koya.co.uk

KENNEDY’S OF GOSWELL ROAD Kennedy's takes the English concept of a typical pie and mash shop to another level. Not only do they serve fish & chips, the best being wing of skate and fish with a pickled cucumber, but you can also choose from steak and stilton pies, venison and red wine, and salmon and tarragon pasties. 184-186 Goswell Rd., Shoreditch; kennedyslondon.co.uk

KAI A reinterpretation of ontemporary Chinese cuisine, including an entire abolone menu section. 65 S. Audley St., Mayfair; kaimayfair.co.uk

PIZZA EAST A casual Italian chain serving authentic pizza made in a wood-burning oven, resulting in a chewy, crispy crust. pizzaeast.com

ROKA The original Roka restaurant is housed in a large, open space with light wood fixtures, a robata grill in the center of the dining room and floor-to-ceiling windows that open out onto Charlotte Street. Try the asparagus dressed with sweet soy and sesame and the black cod with yuzu miso. rokarestaurant.com

THE BOTANIST Located right on Sloane Square, this posh restaurant serves Modern British food and traditional afternoon tea. 7 Sloane Sq., Belgravia; thebotanistonsloanesquare.com

HEREFORD ROAD Head chef Tom Pemberton (formerly of St. John’s) opened the restaurant in 2007 in a former Victorian butcher’s shop. In the summer, they open up the butcher's window to the street, creating a semi-open-air space. Though the focus is on British cuisine bolstered by locally sourced, seasonal produce, the menu at Hereford Road definitely caters to adventurous eaters. Get the sea bass, which is intended for sharing. 3 Hereford Rd., Notting Hill; herefordroad.org

TAQUERIA This bustling Notting Hill establishment offers excellent comida corrida, which isn't easy to find in England. The tacos and antojitos are fresh and authentic, and you can even buy the salsas, spices, and tortillas to take home for your own taco night. 141-145 Westbourne Grove, Notting Hill; taqueria.co.uk

TRULLO This Italian restaurant has a constantly changing, seasonal menu. Go with a group of friends and try a smattering of small plates. 300-302 St. Paul's Rd., Islington; trullorestaurant.com

PALOMAR Modern fare from Jerusalem. Order the "Moroccan" oysters and the "Plancha" dishes or the rich and creamy polenta with layers of mushroom, asparagus, and parmesan. 34 Rupert St., Soho; thepalomar.co.uk

SAGER & WILDE Sager + Wilde includes a restaurant on Paradise Row and a Wine Bar on Hackney Road. They offer seasonal Italian cuisine alongside an extensive wine list.
193 Hackney Rd., Hackney; sagerandwilde.com

POLPO A Venetian cicchetti restaurant serving traditional classics like olives to cuttlefish to the eponymous octopus. polpo.co.uk

LUPITA Brought to London by Mexico City's leading taqueria, serving quesadillas with cheese and Mexican cactus to shredded pork carnitas. 60-62 Commercial St, Spitalfields

BAO Baos are the namesake signature item— soft, doughy rice-and-milk buns, stuffed with any number of Taiwanese-style delicacies, like slow-cooked pork or daikon. baolondon.com

HÉLÈNE DARROZE Hélèn Darroze’s Michelin-starred cuisine is reminiscent of long meals on weekend mornings in southwestern France, where the chef grew up— the Saturday brunch is not to be missed. The Connaught Hotel, Carlos Pl., Mayfair; the-connaught.co.uk

ST. JOHN BREAD & WINE Our favorite stop after strolling through the nearby Spitalfields Market. Chef Fergus Henderson and Trevor Gulliver's nose to tail menu constantly changes with seasonally available ingredients. As the name suggests, the baked goods and wine list are also bar none. 94-96 Commercial St., Shoreditch; stjohnrestaurant.com

RESTAURANT STORY Chef Tom Sellers studied under Tom Aikens when he was just 16 before heading to René Redzepi at Noma. It's at Restaurant Story that he received his first Michelin star at just 26. Offering remarkable views of the Shard, in old Bermondsey square. The menu is playful (the first course includes a lit beef candle where you catch the drippings with crusty bread. As the name suggests, each dish comes with a story about its provenance, ingredients, and inspiration. Chef Sellers creates a bespoke menu for each guest, and courses range from 6 to 10 courses. 199 Tooley St., Bermondsey; restaurantstory.co.uk

SEA CONTAINERS Chef and restaurateur Seamus Mullen famously cured himself of rheumatoid arthritis by changing his diet and eating anti-inflammatory, seasonal foods: He even wrote a book about it, Hero Food. He serves his Spanish/Mediterranean/Moroccan cuisine at this beautiful, Tom Dixon-designed space that overlooks the Thames. Try the house-made ricotta, wild salmon crudo, lamb meatballs, and oven-roasted flatbreads. 20 Upper Ground, Southwark; seacontainerslondon.com

THE WOLSELEY Famed restaurateurs Chris Corbin and Jeremy King's transformation of the Motor Car building spectacularly highlights the original features (marble pillars, grand staircases, and modern arches) of this art deco gem. The grand café boasts a loyal following, delicious European brasserie fare, great brunch, and an excellent afternoon tea. Their breakfast is particularly good: abundant pastries, cappucinos, and poached eggs over salmon on toast. 160 Piccadilly, Mayfair; thewolseley.com

OBLIX You'll find incredible views of the city from either side here (it sits on the 32nd floor of the famed Shard), along with rotisserie chicken with skordalia, grilled lobster, and savory steak thanks to a Josper grill by chef Rainer Becker (of Zuma fame). The Shard, 31 St. Thomas St., Bermondsey; oblixrestaurant.com

LYLE’S It’s no surprise that Chef James Lowe cut his teeth at the Fat Duck and then at St. John Bread & Wine, as his first restaurant has the "nose-to-tail" ethos down pat. The à la carte lunch and set dinner menus change daily, and feature seasonal fish, vegetables, and meats. Another highlight is the wine list, selected by the River Café veteran sommelier, featuring unusual global wines, sourced from California to Slovakia. 56 Shoreditch High St., Shoreditch; lyleslondon.com

OTTOLENGHI Yottam Assaf Ottolenghi is an Israeli-born British chef, restaurateur, and food writer. With Sami Tamimi, he is the co-owner of six delis and restaurants in London, as well as the author of several bestselling cookery books. Visit his small, bright namesake bakery in Belgravia for pastries and Mediterranean fare and enjoy out back in the quiet courtyard. 63 Ledbury Rd., Notting Hill; ottolenghi.co.uk

BOCCA DI LUPO Bocca di Lupo's Chef Jacob Kennedy recreates classic Italian dishes from from Sicily to Piedmont. 12 Archer St., Soho; boccadilupo.com

BARRAFINA Restaurateurs (and brothers) Sam and Eddie Hart were among the first to bring a tapas-centric menu to London. Their tiny Barrafina, which has three outposts, only offers seating at the bar. We recommend classic favorites like the traditional Spanish tortilla or the chorizo with potato and watercress. 43 Drury Ln., Covent Garden; barrafina.co.uk

YASHIN SUSHI This spot offers small plates and inventive nigiri, some with truffle infusions, plus an omakase menu. 1A Argyll Rd., Kensington; yashinsushi.com

TAPAS BRINDISA The encyclopedic menu ranges from traditional (acorn-fed chorizo) to inventive (air-cured tuna loin with pear) as well as classic charcuterie and cheese. The Borough location is the original. 46 Broadwick St., Soho; brindisakitchens.com

THE CLOVE CLUB The Clove Club serves a short but exciting menu in the historic Shoreditch Town Hall. The meals are beautifully prepared and presented, but the most impressive aspect is the quality of each locally sourced ingredient: from Zerbinati melons, to pine salt, to the freshest heritage tomatoes. Shoreditch Town Hall, 380 Old St., Shoreditch; thecloveclub.com

LOCANDA LOCATELLI Chef Giorgio Locatelli serves light, imaginative, and seasonal Italian. 8 Seymour St., Marylebone; locandalocatelli.com

J. SHEEKEY J. Sheekey serves fresh oysters from a horseshoe shaped bar at this old-school British restaurant. 28-34 St. Martin's Ct., Covent Garden; j-sheekey.co.uk

THE DELAUNAY From the same team behind the iconic Wolseley, the Delaunay is also inspired by the grand cafés of Mittel Europe. Germanic standouts include the wiener schnitzel. 55 Aldwych, Covent Garden; thedelaunay.com

UMU The kaiseki here is traditional in its form, but often modern in its offerings, with a set menu of eight ingredient-focused dishes and an impressive wine and sake list. With a choice between a regular or a sushi kaiseki, the offerings vary depending on what is in season.14-16 Bruton Pl., Mayfair; umurestaurant.com

YAUATCHA Michelin-starred dim sum is served at this Cantonese restaurant. Order the dumplings, Peking spring rolls, and chicken or shrimp sticky rice served in a lotus leaf. 15-17 Broadwick St., Soho; yauatcha.com

LA POULE AU POT This idyllic little French restaurant in Chelsea is well documented as one of the most romantic restaurants in London. The French countryside-inspired decor is complete with candlelit nooks, dried flowers, and cluttered wall decorations. The classic French fare includes ratatouille, coq au vin, and chocolate mousse. 231 Ebury St., Belgravia; pouleaupot.co.uk

IL BARETTO Located on a quiet street in Marylebone, this Italian restaurant serves excellent pizza and an extensive wine list. 43 Blandford St., Marylebone; ilbaretto.co.uk

IKEDA Simple, fresh ingredients, delicately-sliced fish, perfectly-seasoned rice, and decoratively-plated fruit served by kimono-clad waitresses make this a special dining experience. Try the omakase menu. 30 Brook St., Mayfair; ikedarestaurant.com

DINNER BY HESTON BLUMENTHAL Located inside the Mandarin Oriental, in an elegant, contemporary dining room with a menu inspired by British culinary history. Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park, Knightsbridge; dinnerbyheston.co.uk

FFIONA’S Ffiona's serves traditional American and English classics like pancakes, steak and kidney pie, and an amazing sticky toffee pudding, but the raison d'être is Ffiona herself, the ever-present owner who makes every customer feel like a personal guest in her small, wooden, candlelit restaurant. Her brunch and traditional Sunday roast are not to be missed. 51 Kensington Church St., Kensington; ffionas.com

FISCHER’S A Viennese restaurant serving staples like sausages and schnitzels. Modeled after an old-world grand café, this Marylebone spot has dark wood booths, Tyrolean landscapes on the walls, and a newspaper rack. Not surprisingly, it’s from the team behind The Wolseley and The Delaunay, who are known for their cinematic, old-world European inspired spaces. 50 Marylebone High St., Marylebone; fischers.co.uk

CHEZ BRUCE A Michelin-starred restaurant in Wandsworth by Chef Bruce Pool. The dining room is simple and sophisticated and the modern British food, heavily influenced by French and Mediterranean cuisines, is excellent. Order the cheeseboard to start! 2 Bellevue Rd., Balham; chezbruce.co.uk

CHISOU A traditional Japanese restaurant with an extensive sake menu. Order the spinach salad with spicy shrimp. 4 Princes St., Mayfair; chisourestaurant.com

COYA Arjun Waney (of Zuma, Roka and La Petite Maison) took a bit of a departure by opening this Peruvian eatery. The basement houses the main restaurant serving fresh fish and ceviche, while the ground floor and terrace, which includes an open grill and a a pisco bar, are members only. 118 Piccadilly, Mayfair; coyarestaurant.com

CORNER ROOM A charming neighborhood restaurant housed in an old town hall turned hotel. The crowd is local, the decor is simple, and the food is great. Town Hall Hotel, Patriot Sq., Bethnal Green; townhallhotel.com

JOSÉ You will find Jose Pizarro himself on any given night at Jose tapas bar or Pizarro Spanish restaurant nearby. There is an open kitchen and a long sherry list. 104 Bermondsey St., Bermondsey; josepizarro.com

ZUMA More than ten years after its opening, this favorite still serves one of the best meals in London. The modern Japanese restaurant has a sushi counter and robata grill. 5 Raphael St., Knightsbridge; zumarestaurant.com

CLAUDE BOSI’S OYSTER BAR An elegant, bi-level eatery with stained-glass windows serving Michelin-starred French haute cuisine. 81 Fulham Rd., Kensington; claudebosi.com

BEAST From the owners of Burger & Lobster, located in a subterranean space, with an elevator that opens to tanks of live Alaskan King Crabs and a meat hanger full of Nebraskan steaks. A set menu includes pickled onions, artichoke hearts, olives, and a gigantic chunk of parmesan followed by beautifully marbled steak, undressed crab served family style, and a slew of vegetable sides. 3 Chapel Pl., Marylebone; beastrestaurant.com

APERO Tucked beneath the Victorian cellar arches of The Ampersand Hotel, Apero brings the Mediterranean to the heart of South Kensington. Try the fried zucchini and salted focaccia with fragrant olive oil. 2 Harrington Rd., Kensington; aperorestaurantandbar.com

BURGER & LOBSTER Like its name suggests, the options at this fast-casual restaurant chain include burgers and lobster. We recommend ordering a hamburger and a lobster roll to share to enjoy the best of both worlds. burgerandlobster.com

ALTO BY SAN CARLO The rooftop restaurant and bar atop Selfridge’s might be London’s best kept secret—it's hardly ever crowded, the casual English fare care of restaurateur Des McDonald is excellent, and the views over Mayfair's rooftops are striking. Selfridges, 400 Oxford St., Marylebone; sancarlo.co.uk

DAMASCUS BITE This is the perfect end to a night out. Order a kebab with garlic sauce and fresh falafel is super fresh. 119-121 Brick Ln., Shoreditch; damascuslounge.co.uk

BRINDISA CHORIZO GRILL Brindisa at Borough Market serves a winning combination of fresh bread and chorizo. The Floral Hall, Stoney St., Southwark; brindisa.com

DIRTY BURGER Unlike members-only club Soho House, their famous “Dirty Burger” is available to the public. 6 S. Lambeth Rd., Lambeth; eatdirtyburger.com

DISHOOM A popular chain of modern Indian restaurants decorated to resemble an old Iranian Bombay cafe. The long menu includis lassis, rotis, naans, grilled meats, and stews. 12 Upper St., Martin’s Ln., Covent Garden; dishoom.com

MAROUSH The first outpost of the Lebanese Maroush chain is located on Edgware Road, a Middle Eastern enclave. 21 Edgware Rd., W2; maroush.com

HONEST BURGERS British beef patties are made in their own butchery, served with homemade rosemary chips cut and cooked daily. honestburgers.co.uk

FEZ MANGAL A Turkish restaurant with an open grill, serving grilled meat. 104 Ladbroke Grove, Notting Hill; fezmangal.com

OLIVER’S FISH & CHIPS Traditional battered fish or grilled alternatives, in a bright, modern room or to take away. 1366 High Rd., Whetstone; oliversfishandchips.com

OPSO The airy, woodsy interior comes courtesy of Another Country, and complements the simple, casual menu of modern Greek food. Traditional salads, dips, and koulori bread are great for sharing 10 Paddington St., Marylebone; opso.co.uk

PIZZA PILGRIMS Once a beloved food truck with a cleverly built-in pizza oven, it now has multiple brick-and-mortar outposts. They serve thin-crust pizza, strong negronis, and a delectable affogato. 11 Kingly St., Soho; pizzapilgrims.co.uk

THE GOLDEN HIND This Marylebone institution serves some of the best fish & chips. 73 Marylebone Ln., Marylebone; goldenhindrestaurant.com

BRICK LANE BEIGEL BAKE A popular 24-hour bagel spot on Brick Lane in Shoreditch. The bagels are fresh-baked and kosher. 159 Brick Ln., Shoreditch; bricklanebeigel.co.uk

BONE DADDIES A Soho Japanese restaurant and ramen bar that you will hear before you see or smell (they blares punk rock while churning out ramen). Try the Tonkotsu (made with a 20 hour pork bone broth), the Chicken Tantanmen, and the soft shell crab with spicy chili ginger sauce. 31 Peter St., Soho; bonedaddies.com

PACHAMAMA A Peruvian restaurant inspired by Chef Adam Rawson’s trip to Lima that uses the best of British ingredients. Order a selection of the ceviches and the Peruvian Fried Chicken. 18 Thayer St., Marylebone; pachamamalondon.com

PARK CHINOIS Alan Yau's Park Chinois, the theme is the 1930's, the era of the Cotton Club, Big Band Jazz, and Shanghai's golden age. Try the Bang Bang Chicken Salad and Shabu Shabu. 17 Berkeley St., Mayfair; parkchinois.com

BANDOL A Southern French restaurant set in a light-filled space punctuated by large olive and clementine trees, a living wall of ferns, and copper accents. Chef Zsolt Ferencz's serves Provençal Niçoise salads, bouillabaisse, and a delectable duck confit. 6 Hollywood Rd., Chelsea; barbandol.co.uk

45 JERMYN ST. Set in Fortnum & Mason, the palatial Martin Brudnizki-designed bistro beckons diners to summon a cart of caviar or order an ice-cream sundae. 45 Jermyn St., Mayfair; 45jermynst.com

GUNPOWDER Contemporary Indian cuisine is served in a cleverly restored ex-curry house. Try small plates like the Chettinad Pulled Duck and the Spicy Venison and Vermicelli Doughnut. Fun fact: The name Gunpowder is a fun twist as it happens to be located right near London's old artillery and is also a reference to the classic spice mix of the same name. 11 White's Row, Whitechapel; gunpowderrestaurants.com

HOPPERS The venerable Sethi family of Gymkhana fame opened up this Sri Lankan spot, which serves "Hoppers, Dosas, Rice, and Roast.” Hoppers are a thicker dosa. We suggest the Buffalo Biriani and Lamb Roti. 49 Frith St., Soho; hopperslondon.com

HOMESLICE Eat in or take out these pizzas with nearly perfect crust. Try the Goat Shoulder, Savoy Cabbage, and Sumac Yoghurt or the Pulled BBQ Brisket Pizza. 52 Wells St., Fitzrovia; homeslicepizza.co.uk

SEXY FISH Despite the slightly ridiculous name, this sceney restaurant actually serves delicious dishes with a Japanese twist like sashimi yellowtail, prawn gyoza, and miso-glazed Chilean sea bass. Damian Hirst and Frank Gehry sculptures dot the maximalist Martin Brudnizki-designed room. Fittingly, it is part of Caprice Holdings, Richard Caring's growing empire of restaurants and clubs, which includes Annabel's, Marks Club, The Ivy, J Sheekey, and more. Berkeley Square House, Berkeley Sq., Mayfair; sexyfish.com

SPRING Set in a restored 19th century drawing room within Somerset House, Spring is helmed by chef Skye Gyngell, who won a Michelin star for her restaurant at Petersham Nurseries. Light, seasonal, Italian-inflected dishes are served. Somerset House, Lancaster Pl., Covent Garden; springrestaurant.co.uk

CASA CRUZ Argentinian restaurateur Juan Santa Cruz's first venture in London, a restaurant with a clubby bent serving European dishes with an Argentinian twist—i.e., beef carpaccio and blackened chicken. 123 Clarendon Rd., Notting Hill; casacruz.london

MURANO Murano is the crown jewel of Michelin-starred chef Angela Hartnett's growing restaurant empire. There are also two sister restaurants, Café Murano, from Hartnett's deputy, Sam Williams, serving hearty, Northern Italian dishes, like fritto misto, linguine vongole, osso bucco, and truffle arancini. 20 Queen St., Mayfair; muranolondon.com

KITCHEN TABLE In this cozy, horseshoe-shaped space, up to 20 guests crowd around James Knappett's open kitchen where he continually develops his ever-changing 11-course tasting menu that's won him a Michelin Star. 70 Charlotte St., Fitzrovia; kitchentablelondon.co.uk

BERNERS TAVERN Jason Atherton's modern British restaurant inside Ian Schrager's London Edition Hotel. The walls are lined with floor to ceiling framed images. We suggest the Dover Sole or a classic hamburger. 10 Berners St., Fitzrovia; editionhotels.com

THE DUCK & RICE Alan Yau of Wagamama, Hakkasan, and Yauatcha opened this Chinese gastropub, which serves a delicious Cantonese roast duck. 90 Berwick St., Soho; theduckandrice.com

HOLBORN DINING ROOM Located in London's first Rosewood Hotel, this grand Brasserie serves seasonal, locally sourced British cuisine. Every Sunday, rain or shine, an outdoor market organized by Slow Food spreads out on the hotel's grand, Edwardian inner courtyard. There are 30 handpicked vendors, offering everything from the best smoked salmon in London courtesy of Norwegian outfit Hansen & Lydersen, to the family-owned Wild Country Organics spread of seasonal veggies, to Kentish fruit and organic apple juice from Chegworth Valley. 252 High Holborn, City of London; rosewoodhotels.com

BOB BOB RICARD “Press for Champagne” is the call to action at this maximalist restaurant, which looks like it is straight out of a Wes Anderson's movie. There are also Russo-British Chicken Kievs, caviar, and more. 1 Upper James St., Soho; bobbobricard.com

CHINA TANG This beautiful dining room in The Dorchester serves exquisitely-executed, upscale Cantonese classics, like a whole suckling pig, which requires 24-hour notice. 53 Park Ln., Mayfair; chinatanglondon.co.uk

GYMKHANA Start with a gin & tonic at this Indian restaurant, modeled after a Raj-era Indian sports club. It was voted the number one restaurant in London in 2013 before going on to win a Michelin star in 2014. The food is served family-style—tikkas, biryanis, saags, duck egg bhurji with lobster. 42 Albemarle St., Mayfair; gymkhanalondon.com

THE RIVER CAFÉ The River Café has been serving Italian since 1987, and it is a landmark among restaurants everywhere. The location right along the Thames makes it the perfect spot on a sunny day for Sunday lunch or a special dinner. Their pink wood-fired oven is the central focal point of the restaurant. Thames Wharf, Rainville Rd., Hammersmith; rivercafe.co.uk

CHILTERN FIREHOUSE Part of the allure is the decor, courtesy of Studio Ko, who seamlessly integrated original features like the fireman's pole, brick and tilework, and fire doors with velvet seating, glitzy marble bars, and old-fashioned, flower-print carpeting. The other part is chef Nuno Mendez' brasserie-style menu that's packed with his near perfect takes on the classics like Caesar Salad and Roast Chicken or the crab-stuffed doughnuts at brunch. 1 Chiltern St., Marylebone; chilternfirehouse.com

THE ARTS CLUB Owner Arjun Waney (he's behind London favorites like Zuma, Roka, and Oblix) is behind this members-only club. If the meals alone don't fully justify the membership fee, the art collection (you'll see a John Baldessari and a Tomas Saraceno sculpture in the stairwell) and exquisitely decorated common spaces for gathering over coffee and afternoon tea definitely do. 40 Dover St., Mayfair'; theartsclub.co.uk

ANDINA Andina offers up the concept of Andean picanterias—casual, family-run community restaurants. Serving up fresh juices and smoothies, a variety of ceviches, quinoa burgers, and the like. 1 Redchuch St., Shoreditch'; andinaceviche.com

LITTLE DUCK THE PICKLERY The restaurant was an experiment for the owners, 3 chefs obsessed with fermentation and natural wines. Jars of pickles, fizzing kombucha, and vinegars line the windows. We recommend gorgonzola and pickled quince, saffron fettucine with bone marrow and butter, and a glass of biodynamic wine. 68 Dalston Ln, Dalston; littleduckpicklery.co.uk

GLORIA An Italian trattoria in Shoreditch by the Paris-based Big Momma Group. Order a platter of San Daniele ham, burrata pesto pizza, and carbonara for two. 54-56 Great Eastern St, Shoreditch; bigmammagroup.com

TAYYABS A much loved BYOB Punjabi restaurant in Whitechapel. Order the lamb chops marinated in a kadai masala with coriander, sliced onions, and chillies, and paired with freshly baked rotis, parathas, and naans. 83-89 Fieldgate St, Whitechapel; tayyabs.co.uk

CEVICHE Peruvian seafood, skewers, salads and pisco cocktails, are served in this bright dining room in Soho. Pick up a copy of the popular cookbook by the same name. 17 Frith St, Soho; andinaceviche.com

TAMARIND One of the first Indian restaurants in the world to win a Michelin star, which it holds to this day. 20 Queen St, Mayfair; tamarindrestaurant.com

LE COMPTOIR ROBUCHON An art deco dining room for French haute cuisine sharing dishes from the famed late chef Joel Robuchon. 6 Clarges St, Mayfair; robuchonlondon.co.uk

HAWKSMOOR A popular British group of steakhouses renowned for dry-aged steaks. thehawksmoor.com

BREAD STREET KITCHEN & BAR Chef Gordon Ramsay’s all day restaurant. gordonramsayrestaurants.com

ELECTRIC DINER A neon-lit diner fixing up all-day breakfasts, creative burgers, and blue plate specials in Notting Hill. 96 George St, Notting Hill; electricdinerhamilton.com

PUNJAB A1940s traditional Indian restaurant in Covent Garden restaurant serving classic tandoori dishes and Punjabi specialities like chicken tikka masala and samosas. 80 Neal St, Covent Garden; punjab.co.uk

THE IVY CHELSEA GARDEN Come for the ambience, not necessarily the cuisine at this charming Chelsea spot. 195, 197 King's Rd, Chelsea; theivychelseagarden.com

HUTONG A northern Chinese upscale restaurant on the 33rd floor of The Shard, serving serving dim sum and city views. 33 St Thomas St, The Shard, Southwark; hutong.co.uk

F. COOKE An old-fashioned favorite for classic Cockney favorites like pies, mash, tea, and coffee. 150 Hoxton St., Shoreditch; f-cooke-hoxton

BOSPHORUS KEBAB Locals come here for Turkish kebabs including chicken shawarma with garlic paste. 59 Old Brompton Rd., Kensington

OXO TOWER RESTAURANT, BAR, AND BRASSERIE Harvey Nichols chose the South Bank as the location for its first standalone restaurant, designed by award-winning firm Lifschutz Davidson Sandilands. Barge House St, Waterloo; harveynichols.com

ZEPHYR Greek in Notting Hill. 100 Portobello Rd; zephyr.london

LANGAN’S BRASSERIE Time-tested brasserie for classic Anglo-French cuisine, with saffron walls covered in fine art. Stratton St; langansbrasserie.com

HUNAN Chinese restaurant where the chef prepares small plates with the diner's choice of preferred spices. 51 Pimlico Rd; hunanlondon.com

GOLD Seasonal, thoughtfully sourced plates are served in this cool eatery that has a bar and a terrace in Notting Hill. 95-97 Portobello Rd; goldnottinghill.com

WILD Mediterranean restaurant and wine bar in Notting Hill. 202-204, Westbourne Grove; wildnottinghill.com

WILD TAVERN Upscale tavern with open fire dishing out Italian-inspired feasting plates and serious wines. 2 Elystan St; wildtavern.co.uk

DORIAN Dorian is a neighborhood bistro that comes from the person behind the Notting Hill Fish + Meat Shop. 105, 107 Talbot Rd; dorianrestaurant.com

KOL Trendy restaurant serving innovative Mexican-British fusion food, plus mezcal & cocktails. 9 Seymour St; kolrestaurant.com

BUBALA A Middle Eastern restaurant in Soho. 15 Poland Street; bubala.co.uk/soho

BERENJAK A Persian restaurant in Soho. Compact, casual spot for Iranian cooking with local, seasonal produce, designed for sharing. 27 Romilly St; berenjaklondon.com

LOUIE Sophisticated venue offering international plates, oysters & seafood, plus a bar & a terrace. Alligator bar upstairs has live music! 13-15 West St; louie-london.com

MIMI MEI FAIR Upscale spot offering elevated Chinese cuisine in a Georgian townhouse that features posh decor. 55 Curzon St; mimimeifair.com

MOUNTAIN A buzzy, delicious, Spanish-cum-Welsh open-fire dining destination in the middle of Soho. 16-18 Beak St; mountainbeakstreet.com

CINQUECENTO Neopolitan style pizza. cinquecentopizzeria.com

BLACKLOCK A traditional chophouse with multiple locations. theblacklock.com

GOODMAN An excellent steak restaurant with locations in Mayfair, The City, and Canary Wharf. goodmanrestaurants.com

SILO The world's first Zero Waste restaurant, based in Hackney Wick with lofty, white-washed walls and modern European food. The White Building; Unit 7; 1st Floor; c/o CRATE Bar, Unit 7 Queen's Yard; Hackney Wick; silolondon.com

CAFE CECILIA Stylish, contemporary hangout crafting breakfast & lunch, including baked goods & gourmet plates. 32 Andrews Rd; Hackney; cafececilia.com

HIDE A three floor restaurant and bar space in a contemporary setting with elevated morning to late-night dining options by Hedonism Wines and Ollie Dabbou. One of the largest wine lists in Europe. Ground on the bottom floor has great brunch and pastries. 85 Piccadilly; Mayfair; hide.co.uk

LEROY Relaxed, intimate setting for simple, modern bistro fare, cheese & charcuterie with wine pairings. 18 Phipp St; Shoreditch; leroyshoreditch.com

MILDRED’S London's plant-based pioneers. Serving extraordinary food & drink since 1988 with various locations throughout the city. mildreds.com

PASTAIO Fresh pasta and prosecco slushies at Steve Parle's restaurant. 19 Ganton St, Carnaby; pastaio.co.uk

LUCA Warm, vintage, brick-lined restaurant featuring an elevated Italian menu & fireside terrace seating. 88 St John St; Farringdon; luca.restaurant

QUALITY WINES A neighborhood restaurant and wine shop with a weekly-changing blackboard menu of Mediterranean-inspired dishes from chef Nick Bramham. 88 Farringdon Rd; qualitywinesfarringdon.com

CAFE MURANO Angela Hartnett's Italian restaurant in London. Serving fresh, seasonal flavours, and authentic Italian dishes. cafemurano.co.uk

CAMPANIA AND JONES Artfully put together space for a range of homely Italian dishes amid wooden tables and brick walls. 23 Ezra St; campaniaandjones.com

CIRCOLO POPOLARE Glam, atmospheric eatery, opulently decorated with 20,000 bottles, serving trattoria fare & drinks. 40-41 Rathbone Pl; circolopopolare.com

AL DENTE Inspired by a shared passion of handmade fresh pasta, the right cottura al dente, and traditional Italian recipes passed down through generations. pastificioaldente.com

BARDO Elegant choice offering pasta, seafood & shared plates, plus other Italian classics & cocktails. 4 Suffolk Pl; St. James; bardostjames.com

OSTERIA ROMANA Intimate, elegant setting with a Roman theme for upscale Italian dishes made with imported produce. 3-4 Park Cl; osteriaromana.co.uk

LA MIA MAMMA Loved by Stanley Tucci - excellent authentic home-cooked Italian cuisine by Italian mothers. Family run, very friendly, spacious with a fantastic ambiance on the buzzing Hollywood Road. lamiamamma.co.uk

BRAWN Mediterranean small plates menu with an 'all things pork' section in simple but stylish rooms on Columbia Road in East London. 49 Columbia Rd; brawn.co

PADELLA Modern bistro with a short list of housemade pasta dishes accompanied by wine & Italianate drinks. 6 Southwark St; padella.co

JOLENE Situated on Newington Green, Jolene is a relaxed neighbourhood restaurant and bakery, with a natural wine cellar. jolenen16.com

POPHAMS Cozy artisan bakery and cafe specialising in sourdough bread and croissants. pophamsbakery.com

THATTUKADA Relaxed restaurant offering Indian cuisine, including biryani rice dishes & fish fries. 229 High St N; thattukadalondon.co.uk

JAI KRISHNA Indian vegetarian & vegan provisions are dished up in this unpretentious BYOB restaurant. 161 Stroud Green Rd, Finsbury Park

BIBI  Polished choice with tables & counter seats offering a creative menu of South Asian small plates. 42 N Audley St; Mayfair; bibirestaurants.com

ROTI KING Simple no-frills Chinese and Malaysian restaurant and takeaway hidden away in a basement. 40 Doric Way, Euston Rd; Shoreditch; rotiking.com

PARADISE       A modern style Sri Lankan Restaurant in the heart of Soho. 61 Rupert Street; Soho; paradisesoho.com

NANDINE A family-run Kurdish neighbourhood restaurant serving home-cooked food in Camberwell. 45 Camberwell Church St

MANGAL 2 Relaxed, modern Turkish restaurant offering a refined Anatolian menu & natural wines. Mangal is the Anatolian term for an open charcoal fire used for cooking and around which family and friends gather to eat. 4 Stoke Newington Rd; Dalston; mangal2.com

CHAMELEON Cool Tel Avivian venue with a flower market, a cinema & art exhibitions, plus music & a patio. 1 Marylebone Rd; chameleon.london

OREN Oren is a neighbourhood restaurant-bar located on Shacklewell Lane in Dalston. Serving Mediterranean inspired sharing plates. 89 Shacklewell Ln; orenlondon.com

DELAMINA Health-conscious Eastern Mediterranean dishes come with eclectic twists at this bright, casual bi-level space. 56-58 Marylebone Ln; Marylebone; delaminakitchen.co.uk/delamina-marylebone

SONORA TAQUERIA This former street food stall serves up authentic Sonoran Mexican food. 208 Stoke Newington High St; sonorataqueria.com

CORROCHIO’S Corrochio's is a Mexican restaurant and bar that serves authentic Mexican food and drinks including brunch with chilaquiles. 70-74 Stoke Newington Rd; Dalston; corrochios.com

MESTIZO A Mexican restaurant and tequila bar with locations in Chelsea and Camden. london.mestizomx.com

ESCOCESA Spanish tapas restaurant with a focus on high quality Scottish seafood. 67 Stoke Newington Church St; Stoke Newington; escocesa.co.uk

SABOR Lively, 2-story Spanish eatery offering tapas plates plus bar & countertop dining in casual digs. There are two must-haves: the succulent Segovian suckling pig roasted in the specially built oven and the melt-in-the-mouth octopus cooked in vast copper pans. 35-37 Heddon St; Mayfair; saborrestaurants.co.uk

MARKSMAN Classic British fare in a former Victorian pub with original mahogany panelling and modern updates. 254 Hackney Rd; Hackney; marksmanpublichouse.com

LITTLE DUCK PICKLERY A tiny restaurant and natural wine bar in Dalston. Cooking seasonal dishes, pickling and selling natural wines. Eat in at our kitchen counter. 68 Dalston Ln; Dalston; littleduckpicklery.com

SMOKEHOUSE Barbecue specialist with global influences ranging from Argentina to Korea, with roadside terrace. 63-69 Canonbury Rd; Islington; smokehouseislington.co.uk

PRIMEUR Locavore menu of small plates & wines served in a stylish former garage space with communal tables. Barnes Motors, 116 Petherton Rd; Covent Garden; primeurn5.co.uk

TOP CUVEE Seasonal small plates pair with boutique natural wines in this cool, compact hot spot. 177B Blackstock Rd; Bethnal Green; topcuvee.com

MASTER WEI XI’AN Acclaimed choice offering Xi’an-style street snacks, noodles & drinks in a down-to-earth atmosphere. 13 Cosmo Pl; master-wei.com

MY NEIGHBORS THE DUMPLINGS Quirky restaurant specialising in meat & veggie dumplings, plus sake, wine & unique cocktails. 165 Lower Clapton Rd, Lower Clapton; myneighboursthedumplings.com

TANAKATSU Modern outpost serving katsu, sushi rolls & other classic Japanese entrees in a minimalist interior. 10 Wakley St; tanakatsu.co.uk

KATE’S CAFE African fusion eats are served with beer & gin in a relaxed dining room with basic furnishings. 174 Balaam St; Greengate; katescafelondon.co.uk

COAL OFFICE A food and design playground created by Chef Assaf Granit & Tom Dixon — the restaurant spans three floors of Tom Dixon's Coal Office building. Coal Drops Yard; 2 Bagley Walk; Kings Cross; coaloffice.com

SMOKING GOAT Cool, laid-back restaurant serving quirky dishes & drinks inspired by Bangkok’s late-night canteens. 64 Shoreditch High St; Shoreditch; smokinggoatbar.com

BONE DADDIES Japanese ramen with multiple locations. bonedaddies.com

DUCKSOUP Simple, seasonal European cuisine and natural wines in a narrow, minimalist space with a long bar. 41 Dean St; ducksoupsoho.co.uk

FLAT IRON A steak restaurant with remarkable beef straight from their Covent Garden butchery. flatironsteak.co.uk

SOM SAA Buzzy bar/restaurant in former fabric warehouse, serving old-style Thai cuisine & intriguing drinks. 43A Commercial St; Spitalfields; somsaa.com

LARDO Hip, industrial-chic pizzeria with a 'disco ball' oven, for brunch, drinks and Italian small plates. Unit 3, 201 Richmond Rd; lardo.co.uk

WESTERNS LAUNDRY Airy, modern-industrial seafood eatery offering British & Spanish small plates plus natural wines. 34 Drayton Park; westernslaundry.com

NOBLE ROT Elegant, snug eatery with a European menu featuring seafood & meat plates, plus a robust wine list. 2 Greek St; noblerot.co.uk

QUALITY CHOP HOUSE 19th-century working man's 'eating house' revamped as a Modern British dining room and wine bar. 92-94 Farringdon Rd; thequalitychophouse.com

RITA’S Rita’s is an independent restaurant where modern American dining meets British and European produce. Founded in 2012 and led by chef-owner Gabriel Pryce. 49 Lexington St, Carnaby; ritasdining.com

BRUTTO Cheery Italian restaurant specializing in Florentine staples including pastas & steaks, plus a bar. 35-37 Greenhill Rents; msha.ke/brutto

CLARKE’S Farm-to-table restaurant focused on seasonal British ingredients and breads from its own bakery. 124 Kensington Church St; Notting Hill; sallyclarke.com

ZAIKA Creative modern Indian cuisine served in a wood-paneled former bank with silk drapes and antiques. 1 Kensington High St; Chelsea; zaikaofkensington.com

NOVIKOV Ornate, 3-floor see-and-be-seen restaurant with an Asian & an Italian restaurant & a lounge bar. 50A Berkeley St; novikovrestaurant.co.uk

THE PARK A new world grand cafe and restaurant by Jeremy King Restaurants on the edge of Hyde Park. Inspired by 1960s New York with warm woods and leather tones, and a selection of Alex Katz and Horst P. Horst photographs. The Park, Queensway; Notting Hill; theparkrestaurant.com

MAISON FRANCOIS Upmarket bistro offering classic French cuisine in a chic setting, plus a basement wine bar. 34 Duke Street; St James's; maisonfrancois.london

JOSEPHINE BOUCHON A neighbourhood French bistro on a charming corner of Fulham Road. The simple menu is a journey through France, with a special focus on the flavours & dishes. 315A Fulham Rd; Chelsea; josephinebouchon.com

ISABEL Upmarket restaurant plating local & global fare, plus weekend brunch & a robust wine list. 26 Albemarle St; Mayfair: isabelw1.london/

ART | CULTURE | ACTIVITIES

VICTORIA AND ALBERT MUSEUM The Victoria and Albert Museum is the world's largest museum of applied arts, decorative arts, and design, housing a permanent collection of over 2.27 million objects. It was founded in 1852 and named after Queen Victoria and Prince Albert. With its Victorian flourishes, the actual space that contains the 140-plus galleries is one giant piece of art in and of itself. Cromwell Rd, Knighstbridge; vam.ac.uk

NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM Built in 1881, the Natural History Museum is also a world-renowned research center and boasts as much historical significance as scientific: Specimens collected by Darwin can be still be found in its halls. In addition to permanent galleries and rotating exhibitions, the museum features a wildlife garden, shows, and films. Cromwell Rd, South Kensington; nhm.ac.uk

ROYAL ACADEMY OF ART With graduates like J.M.W. Turner, David Hockney, and John Constable, The Royal Academy is simultaneously one of England's most competitive art schools and also one of its most inventive exhibition spaces. Founded in 1768, it has a unique position as an independent, privately funded institution led by eminent artists and architects. Burlington House, Piccadilly; royalacademy.org.uk

CHURCHILL WAR ROOMS Secret underground headquarters where Prime Minister Winston Churchill lived and worked during WWII. Clive Steps, King Charles St, Westminster; iwm.org.uk

SIR JOHN SOANE’S MUSEUM One of the most wonderful house museums in London, this 19th-century home, designed by the famous architect himself, is exactly as he left it 180 years ago. In his life, he was a well-traveled collector, which is reflected in the way he liked to cram his collections of Etruscan figurines and 16th-century Roman plaster casts on every available surface. 13 Lincoln's Inn Fields, Holborn; soane.org

SOMERSET HOUSE This cultural institution has some of the best shows on Fashion, Photography and Design every year, not to mention the new London Design Biennial. The courtyard hosts a concert series in the summer, and is transformed into a public ice skating rink every winter. Don’t miss the Courtald Gallery. Strand, Covent Garden; somersethouse.org.uk

THE COURTALD GALLERY The Courtauld Gallery is an art museum in Somerset House. It houses the art collection of the Courtauld Institute of Art, a self-governing college of the University of London specialising in the study of the history of art. The collection was begun by the founder of The Courtauld, Samuel Courtauld, who presented an extensive collection of mainly French Impressionist and Post-Impressionist paintings in 1932. It also includes famous works such as A Bar at the Folies-Bergère (1882) by Édouard Manet. Somerset House, The Strand, Covent Garden; courtauld.ac.uk

THE LONDON LIBRARY Thomas Carlyle started this private lending library in 1841, and it remains the largest in the world. It occupies a stately corner of St. James’s Square with windows overlooking the gardens and writing desks dotted throughout the stacks. Membership to the library is open to all, regardless of occupation— Virginia Woolf reported hers as “spinster” when she applied for a subscription at age 22. 14 St James's Square, St. James's; londonlibrary.co.uk

THE HAROLD PINTER THEATRE This 19th-century theater is elegantly proportioned but intimate, and a particularly wonderful venue for plays. Past performances have included a revival of Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf. The red velvet seats, and the snack bar that sells ice cream at intermission are perfectly lovely. Panton St, West End; haroldpintertheatre.co.uk

KENWOOD HOUSE Hampstead Heath has 800 acres of grasslands, thickets, woods, and swimming ponds, as well as extensive walking paths. Within the park sits a neoclassical mansion turned museum that sits magisterially at the top of a ridge. The house was originally constructed in the 17th century and served as a residence for the Earls of Mansfield during the 18th and 19th centuries. Hampstead Ln, Hampstead Heath; english-heritage.org.uk

HIGHGATE CEMETERY You’ll recognize parts of it if you’ve seen Francis Ford Coppola’s ‘Dracula,’ and you'll find the final resting place of writers like George Eliot as well as Karl Marx, Lucien Freud, George Michael, and more. Swain's Ln; highgatecemetery.org

THE ROYAL BOTANICAL GARDENS AT KEW A UNESCO world heritage site is just 40 minutes from the city center via the tube. 300 acres of gardens and rotating exhibitions (recent ones include Chihuly) are all on offer. There is also a Treetop Walkway that literally lets you amble through the trees. The path leads underground first, to the Rhizotron, where an installation teaches you about tree roots. Then, you'll head 59 feet up to walk amongst the lime, sweet chestnut, and oak trees and mingle with the resident birds and bees. During the holidays, they do up the entire place in lights and guide after-dark tours along the path as well. A 10-minute taxi will take you to Petersham Nurseries, an elegant seasonal cafe and teahouse with ceilings hung with Jasmine and Bougainvillea. Richmond; kew.org

SHAKESPEARE GLOBE The reconstruction of the original Shakespeare theater, for which William Shakespeare wrote his plays, is one of the Bankside's most beautiful and character-laden structures. Much of the theater is standing only, which just adds to the authenticity. In addition to shows, tours of the building and exhibitions on Elizabethan theatre and Shakespearean London are on offer. 21 New Globe Walk, Southwark; shakespearesglobe.com

TATE MODERN The Tate features modern and contemporary art from 1900 to the present day in a huge renovated power station on the Bankside of the Thames. Bankside; tate.org.uk

TATE BRITAIN You'll find all the British masters at this institution which houses the United Kingdom's national collection of British art. Millbank; tate.org.uk

HAUSER AND WIRTH With successful gallery outposts in New York, Zurich, and London, Hauser & Wirth is one of the most respected names in contemporary art. Rather than rely solely on the heavy hitters (Louise Bourgeoise, Dan Graham, Eva Hesse's estate), they give wall space to up-and-coming talent like Rashid Johnson and Bharti Kher, too. 23 Savile Row, Carnaby; hauserwirth.com

DAVID ZWIRNER The London branch of this NYC-based gallery operates out of an elegantly restored 18th-century Georgian townhouse in Mayfair. It's a fittingly grand setting considering David Zwirner's stable of contemporary artists is impressive to say the least: Francys Alÿs, Jockum Nordström, and Luc Tuymans have all shown here. 24 Grafton St, St. James; davidzwirner.com

WHITE CUBE GALLERY Credited with bringing London back to the fore of the contemporary art scene, White Cube offers a taste of the best and biggest artists and exhibitions. Owned by Jay Jopling, White Cube is famed for giving many of the Young British Artists their first solo shows and for representing the likes of Gilbert and George, Antony Gormley, Andreas Gursky, and Anselm Kiefer. 144-152, Bermondsey St, Southwark; whitecube.com

SAATCHI GALLERY Charles Saatchi's gallery is famous for championing artists. Legendary for his early support of Damien Hirst and the rest of the YBAs (Young British Artists), Saatchi's roster is still one of the most forward-thinking in contemporary art. There is also an excellent on-site Gallery Mess Cafe with a daily afternoon tea service Duke of York's HQ, King's Rd, Chelsea; saatchigallery.com

DULWICH PICTURE GALLERY Situated in a particularly green neighborhood in South London, the Dulwich Picture Gallery is the first of its kind in England, and houses a stellar collection of 1th-18th century masters' work from Rubens to Poussin, in a building by Sir John Soane. Gallery Rd, Dulwich; dulwichpicturegallery.org.uk

LYNDSEY INGRAM Lyndsey Ingram’s tiny gallery is almost hidden down Bourdon Street, but once inside, you’ll discover an exciting collection of post-war prints from artists like Francis Bacon, Will Cotton, and Peter Doig. Ingram worked for Sotheby’s for years before opening up her gallery, which is also stocked with catalogues. 20 Bourdon St, Mayfair; lyndseyingram.com

SOUTH LONDON GALLERY The South London Gallery is a multifunctional space that has created a community with its interactive programs, a garden, and an excellent café. After coffee, wander into the shop for a great selection of books, magazines, jewelry, and ceramics from local artisans. 65 Peckham Rd, Camberwell; southlondongallery.org

MUSEUM OF THE HOME “GEFFRYE MUSEUM” As the name suggets, this musuem focuses on homes and home décor, specifically how both have changed over the span of 40 years. Situated in a series of original almshouses, the buildings and grounds have been lovingly restored to showcase original antiques and furnishings from London's past, as well as an enormous garden. The period rooms take visitors on a journey through British life starting in 1690. 136 Kingsland Rd, Shoreditch; museumofthehome.org.uk

TURNER CONTEMPORARY A 90 minute journey from central London, fTurner Contemporary is a gallery that celebrates artist J.M.W. Turner's relationship to the town. Architecture buffs will marvel at Turner's seaside through the windows of architect David Chipperfield's modern, elegant gallery spaces. Turner Contemporary, Rendezvous, Margate, Kent; turnercontemporary.org

PICTUREHOUSE CINEMA Picturehouse is known for renovating old movie theaters, adding plush decor, all-day cafés, and bars. The top floor of this one has an exclusive member's bar with a terrace that provides great views of the bustling surroundings. picturehouses.com

TIMOTHY TAYLOR GALLERY Step through the door of this beautiful Mayfair building and into a super sleek space for some great modern and contemporary art. There are some big names here, including Andy Warhol. 15 Bolton St, Mayfair; timothytaylor.com

PHILLIPS DE PURY AUCTIONS This fabled house right on Berkeley Square offers exhibitions and auctions of a diverse range of modern art, design, photography, and jewelry. 30 Berkeley Square; Mayfair; phillips.com

PRIMROSE HILL People all around London flock to Primrose Hill for the breathtaking 360 degree view. On summer days the hill is covered in picnickers taking in the sun. On winter days, there's always a dog walker or two, and when it snows, this is a prime sledding park. Borough of Camden; royalparks.org.uk/parks

REGENT’S PARK Regent's Park features the largest grass area for sports in London, plus an open air theater, Regent's College, Regent's Canal, the London Zoo, restaurants, cafés, and the beautiful Queen Mary’s Garden, an extraordinary corner of the park planted with around 12,000 rose bushes. royalparks.org.uk

MUSEUM OF LONDON Along with their extensive, eclectic collection, and ever-changing exhibits, the museum runs free kids activities every Sunday. 150 London Wall, Barbican; museumoflondon.org

NATIONAL THEATRE A beloved 1970s icon south of the Thames, once described by a director as “a mixture of Gatwick airport and Brent Cross shopping centre.” There are three theaters within the compound and a commitment to audience access—no play is ever allowed to completely sell out, and over 30 percent of tickets sold cost under £20. Upper Ground; nationaltheatre.org.uk

COLUMBIA ROAD FLOWER MARKET Every Sunday this East End street transforms into a sprawling outdoor flower market, packed with stalls of wildflowers and potted plants. Columbia Road itself is a great shopping street for home goods, vintage wares, and delicatessens—all the stores open their doors for market foot traffic. E2, Hackney; columbiaroad.info

CHELSEA PHYSIC GARDEN
The Chelsea Physic Garden was established by Apothecaries in 1673 to grow medicinal plants. 66 Royal Hospital Rd, Chelsea; chelseaphysicgarden.co.uk

BLOOMSBURY LANES 8 bowling lanes and DJ’s plus an American-style diner with private karaoke booths. Tavistock Hotel, Bedford Way, Russell Square; bloomsburybowling.com

APSLEY HOUSE Apsley House was the home of the first Duke of Wellington and his descendants. Today, it houses the Wellington Collection filled with 19th century works including Dutch & Flemish paintings, Old Master Paintings, Porcelian & Silver, Sculptures, and more. 149 Piccadilly, Hyde Park Corner; english-heritage.org.uk

THE SHARD The Shard, also referred to as the Shard of Glass, Shard London Bridge and formerly London Bridge Tower, is a 72-storey skyscraper, designed by the Italian architect Renzo Piano. It is home to the offices, the Shangri-La Hotel, and restaurants and bars including Aqua Shard, Bar 31, Gong, Hutong, Oblix, Sky Lounge, and Ting. 32 London Bridge St, Southwark; the-shard.com

VENICE CANALS Little Venice, with its beautiful canals and waterways, is positioned where the Grand Union and Regent’s canals meet. This picturesque neighbourhood is home to canal boat rides, quirky waterside cafes, cozy pubs, and charming restaurants. Little Venice

RICHMOND PARK At a sprawling 2,500 acres, Richmond Park is the largest Royal park in the city. Just a few miles southwest of central London, it's most famous for its red and fallow deer which roam freely. As a National Natural Reserve, there are many hills, ponds, gardens, and grasslands to explore, making Richmond Park a beautiful natural respite for busy urbanites. Visit nearby Petersham Nurseries Café, a glasshouse restaurant brimming with fragrant bougainvillea and jasmine with seasonal food inspired by the kitchen garden. Richmond

PALACE OF WESTMINSTER The Palace of Westminster serves as the meeting place for both the House of Commons and the House of Lords, the two houses of the Parliament of the United Kingdom. Parliament offers a range of tours, which enable guests to see inside one of the world's most famous buildings. Westminster; parliament.uk

LEIGHTON HOUSE This house museum was once the home of painter Frederic Leighton, 1st Baron Leighton who commissioned the architect and designer George Aitchison to build him a combined home and studio noted for its incorporation of tiles and other elements purchased in the Near East to build a magnificent Qa'a room. It is noted for its elaborate Orientalist interiors. 12 Holland Park Rd, Kensington; rbkc.gov.uk

FREUD MUSEUM The Freud Museum is dedicated to Sigmund Freud, located in the house where Freud lived with his family during the last year of his life. 20 Maresfield Gardens, South Hampstead; freud.org.uk

IMPERIAL WAR MUSEUM A museum with recreations of WWI trenches and the Blitz, many tanks and planes, and revolving military exhibitions. Lambeth Rd, Lambeth; iwm.org.uk

ELECTRIC CINEMA Originally built in 1910, Electric Cinema is one of the oldest movie theaters in the UK: It's been running on and off since that time, but it caught our attention when it was leased to Soho House as part of its Electric House property. 191 Portobello Rd, Notting Hill; electriccinema.co.uk

PORTOBELLO ROAD Portobello Road is a street in Notting Hill, home of the world's largest antiques market with over 1,000 dealers. Portobello Road, Notting Hill.

ROSEMEAD GARDEN This garden was made famous in the 1999 Notting Hill film starring Hugh Grant and Julia Roberts when the couple climbed a fence to sneak into the private communal gardens at night. It is part of the Ladbroke Estate, which also includes Arundel Gardens and St John’s Gardens. Notting Hill

BRITISH MUSEUM The British Museum is a public museum dedicated to human history, art and culture located in the Bloomsbury area of London. Its permanent collection of eight million works is among the largest and most comprehensive in existence. It documents the story of human culture from its beginnings to the present. Famous works include the Rosetta Stone. Great Russell St, Russell Square; britishmuseum.org

NATIONAL PORTRAIT GALLERY The National Portrait Gallery houses a collection of portraits of historically important and famous British people. It was the first portrait gallery in the world when it opened in 1856. St. Martin's Pl, Charing Cross; npg.org.uk

BRITISH LIBRARY The British Library is the national library of the United Kingdom and is one of the largest libraries in the world. It is estimated to contain between 170 and 200 million items from many countries, including the Gutenberg Bible, Jack Kerouac’s scroll from On the Road, and Jane Austen’s writing desk. 96 Euston Rd, Somers Town; bl.uk

ST. KATHARINE DOCKS St. Katharine Docks is a former dock and now a mixed-used district with retail shops, restaurants, and events. 50 St Katharine's Way, St. Katharine’s Wharf ; skdocks.co.uk/marina

OXO TOWER Head to the public viewing platform on the 8th floor of the Oxo Tower on the South Bank for panoramic views. Barge House St, Waterloo; harveynichols.com

WHITE CHAPEL GALLERY A public art gallery located in an original building designed by Charles Harrison Townsend. Modern masters such as Pablo Picasso, Frida Kahlo and Hannah Höch and pioneering contemporaries such as Zarina Bhimji, William Kentridge and Cindy Sherman have all premiered here. There is also a bookshop and restaurant. 77-82 Whitechapel High St, Whitechapel; whitechapelgallery.org

ABBEY ROAD STUDIOS Follow in the famous footsteps of the Beatles and visit Abbey Road Studios in St. John’s Wood. The studio itself offers world class recording with Grammy award-winning engineers, Half-Speed Vinyl Cutting. 3 Abbey Rd, St. John’s Woods; abbeyroad.com

SERPENTINE GALLERY The Serpentine Galleries are a must-see for contemporary art lovers. Located in a former teahouse, the original Serpentine Gallery continues to champion cutting-edge modern art, and if you walk across Serpentine Lake, the collection extends to the new Sackler Gallery, which was designed by Pritzker Prize–winning architect Zaha Hadid. Take the time to explore the grounds, including the Gallery’s Pavilion, which provides a site for architectural experimentation. Kensington Gardens; serpentinegalleries.org

ROYAL ALBERT MUSIC HALL Since its opening by Queen Victoria in 1871, Royal Albert Hall has been home to innumerable concerts and performances. In fact, it hosts about 350 events per year, including classical concerts (it has been home to the annual summer Proms since 1941), rock and pop, ballet, opera, awards ceremonies, and more. Every act from Led Zeppelin to Les Misérables, Cirque du Soleil, and Adele has graced the magnificent building, which remains one of London's most distinct and treasured landmarks. Kensington Gore, South Kensington; royalalberthall.com

WALLACE COLLECTION A family of great art collectors—the Marquesses of Hertford and Sir Richard Wallace—accumulated art by some of the world's most renowned artists of the 14th to the 19th centuries. Work by Titian, Rembrandt, Rubens, Fragonard, and Watteau is all displayed in their former home. Make sure to visit the charming café. Hertford House, Manchester Square; wallacecollection.org

GAGOSIAN GALLERY The jewel of Larry Gagosian's gallery empire is a gargantuan, museum-standard center in Chelsea: The space alone is worth a visit for its sheer monumentality. And fittingly, the stable of artists displayed there consists of the art world's heavyweights from Ed Ruscha, to Taryn Simon and Jeff Koons. There are multiple outposts in the city gagosian.com

ROYAL OPERA HOUSE The Royal Opera House is an opera house and major performing arts venue in Covent Garden. It is the home of The Royal Opera, The Royal Ballet, and the Orchestra of the Royal Opera House. Bow St, Covent Garden; roh.org.uk

QUEEN’S GALLERY The Queen's Gallery is the main public art gallery of Buckingham Palace. It exhibits works of art from the Royal Collection on a rotating basis. It has its own access façade and typically displays about 450 works, always including mainly paintings and drawings. Buckingham Palace; rct.uk

NATIONAL GALLERY The National Gallery was founded in 1824, and houses a collection of over 2,300 paintings dating from the mid-13th century to 1900. Trafalgar Square, nationalgallery.org.uk

WESTMINSTER ABBEY Westminster Abbey, formally titled the Collegiate Church of Saint Peter at Westminster, is a large, mainly Gothic abbey church in the City of Westminster, London, England, just to the west of the Palace of Westminster. 20 Deans Yd, Westminster; westminster-abbey.org

MILLENIUM BRIDGE The Millennium Bridge, officially known as the London Millennium Footbridge, is a steel suspension bridge for pedestrians crossing the River Thames in London, linking Bankside with the City of London. It was designed by architect Sir Norman Foster. Thames Embankment, Southwark

ST. PAUL’S CATHEDRAL St. Paul's Cathedral is an Anglican cathedral in London. As the seat of the Bishop of London, the cathedral serves as the mother church of the Diocese of London. It sits on Ludgate Hill at the highest point of the City of London and is a Grade I listed building. It was one of the only buildings not destroyed by WWII bombs. Visit the dome for incredible views of the city. St. Paul's Churchyard, Blackfriars; stpauls.co.uk

TOWER OF LONDON The Tower of London, officially Her Majesty's Royal Palace and Fortress of the Tower of London, is a historic castle on the north bank of the River Thames in central London. Meet the famous Yeoman Warders and see the Crown Jewels up close. hrp.org.uk

LONDON EYE The London Eye, or the Millennium Wheel, is a cantilevered observation wheel on the South Bank of the River Thames in London. It is Europe's tallest cantilevered observation wheel, and is the most popular paid tourist attraction in the United Kingdom. Riverside Building, County Hall, Waterloo; londoneye.com

HYDE PARK Hyde Park is a Grade I-listed major park in Central London. It is the largest of four Royal Parks that form a chain from the entrance of Kensington Palace through Kensington Gardens and Hyde Park, via Hyde Park Corner and Green Park past the main entrance to Buckingham Palace. Kensington; royalparks.org.uk

HAMPTON COURT PALACE Hampton Court Palace is a Grade I listed royal palace in the London Borough of Richmond. Building of the palace began in 1514 for Cardinal Thomas Wolsey, the chief minister of King Henry VIII. It soon attracted the attention of Henry VIII, who brought all his six wives here. Queen Victoria opened the palace to the public in 1838. Visit the Tudor kitchens, a haunted gallery, state apartments, gardens, and of course the famous maze. Hampton Ct Way, Molesey, East Molesey; hrp.org.uk

KENSINGTON PALACE Kensington Palace is a royal residence set in Kensington Gardens, in the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea in London, England. Explore the birthplace of Queen Victoria and home to young royals for over 300 years. Visit the King's State Apartments and Queen's State Apartments. Kensington Gardens; hrp.org.uk

BARBICAN CENTRE The Barbican Centre is a performing arts centre in the Barbican Estate of the City of London and the largest of its kind in Europe. The centre hosts classical and contemporary music concerts, theatre performances, film screenings and art exhibitions. It also houses a library, three restaurants, and a conservatory. Silk St, Barbican; barbican.org.uk

DESIGN MUSEUM The Design Museum in Kensington, London, England, exhibits product, industrial, graphic, fashion, and architectural design. In 2018, the museum won the European Museum of the Year Award. 224-238 Kensington High St; designmuseum.org

MOCO MUSEUM Modern, Contemporary, and Digital art is on display at this museum. 1-4 Marble Arch; mocomuseum.com

FOOD MARKETS & SPECIALTY SHOPS

HARRODS’ FOOD HALLS Harrods’ food halls are a gourmand's dream. Unbelievably fresh produce, the best fishmonger in London, and almost any obscure ingredient can be found in this maze of delights. Alongside all of the gorgeous meats, nuts, breads, prepared foods, and anything else you could imagine are all of the food stalls where you can stop for anything from the finest Belgian chocolate to a NYC deli-style sandwich. 87-135 Brompton Rd., Knightsbridge; harrods.com

BOROUGH MARKET Borough Market is London’s oldest market and offers a dizzying expanse of food options, most of them organic and fresh from the farm. We especially love the raceltte stand on a rainy day! 8 Southwark St., Southwark; boroughmarket.org.uk

CLIFTON NURSERIES A plant nursery with a range of outdoor furniture, gardening accessories and a garden design service. Make sure to stop by the charming Flotsam & Jetsam café. 5A Clifton Villas, Little Venice; clifton.co.uk

LA FROMAGERIE Not only are you sure to find some of the most gorgeous fruits, vegetables, and specialty foods here, but you're also bound to fall in love with their cheese room. Separated by a glass sliding door, the room is full of cheeses from all over Europe. lafromagerie.co.uk

SPECK A small Italian deli in Holland Park stocking home-cooked soups, salads, pastas, and wines. 2, Holland Park Terrace, Holland Park.

POMONA Pomona is the quintessential neighborhood grocery store. With produce, dairy, meat, fish, and even a bakery, you can pretty much do all of your grocery shopping in this perfectly tiny spot. 179 Haverstock Hill, Hampstead; pomonafoods.co.uk

C. LIDGATE C. Lidgate is a family-run business in its 5th generation, meaning they've been around for about 150 years. Their meats are sourced from local farms, and father/son pair David and Danny Ludgate travel across the English countryside to source it. As a result, their homemade sausages and meat pies (made with exclusively organic and grass-fed meat) are award-winning. 110 Holland Park Ave., Notting Hill; lidgates.com

HONEY & SPICE This is a dream delicatessen packed with Middle Eastern specialty goods, fresh produce, house-made spice mixes, and vernacular kitchen essentials. 52 Warren St., Fitzrovia; honeyandco.co.uk

SPA TERMINUS During the week, the old arches of London's now defunct first railway station in Bermondsey bustle with a different sort of activity. Here, some of the city's finest food producers are busy at work making, baking, and distributing their gourmet goods. On Saturdays, though, many of them open to the public. Go hungry as there is produce from Natoora, perfect croissants from The Little Bread Pedlar, doughnuts from St. John Bakery, and coffee at Monmouth. Dockley Road Industrial Estate, Bermondsey; spa-terminus.co.uk

WIMBLEDON FARMER’S MARKET The market takes place in a school playground. Local farmers sell a great variety of fresh and organic vegetables, fish, free-range meat, artisan cheese, fruit juices, yogurt, and more. 45 Havana Rd., Wimbledon; lfm.org.uk

PIMLICO ROAD FARMERS’ MARKET This small, beautiful, leafy square in the heart of Belgravia transforms into a great farmers' market on Saturdays, selling everything from fresh seafood from the East Anglian coast to amazing homemade cheeses and fruits from the acclaimed Chegworth Valley. Pimlico Rd., Belgravia; lfm.org.uk

REAL FOOD MARKET Real Food Market launched their food festivals back in 2007, well before the organic and local food movement really took off in the UK. Though they still organize amazing festivals, they’ve expanded to two full-scale farmers markets with easy, accessible weekday hours. 40+ vendors sell cheese, jams, breads, smoked meats, and some of the city’s best pastries. Euston Rd., Kings Cross; realfoodfestival.co.uk

MARYLEBONE FARMERS’ MARKET Treats, sausage rolls, quality fruits, and vegetables are all on offer in the Moxon Street car park. Don't miss the fresh Norfolk Oysters. Cramer Street Car Park, Marylebone; lfm.org.uk

WEST HAMPSTEAD FARMERS’ MARKET Highlights include veggies from Kent, a Greek stand with plump olives, the Wild Country Organics lettuce stand with a variety of all-organic greens, plus a Celtic baker. 205 Iverson Rd., Hampstead; lfm.org.uk

FORTNUM & MASON In addition to being an upscale retailer of quality British products like tea, coffee, and jam, Fortnum & Mason is famous for its high tea. 181 Piccadilly, Piccadilly; fortnumandmason.com

ALBION AT THE BOUNDARY PROJECT This is yet another Terence Conran establishment, where you'll find enticingly-presented ingredients that are both basic and hard-to-come-by. Fair-trade coffee, a pastries, Lyle syrup, and focaccia are on offer. There's also a café where you can enjoy your buys or takeaway for a picnic. 2-4 Boundary St., Shoreditch; boundary.london

MELROSE AND MORGAN Freshly made every day, the food at this beautifully laid out shop includes cheese, meat, wines, and oils. The emphasis is on British-made food but there are carefully-selected and very tempting exceptions like preserved lemons and jars of Spanish beans. There's a second location in Hampstead. melroseandmorgan.com

PANZER’S Located in St. John's Wood, Panzer's Jewish Deli has been open for 75 years, and caters to its American expat neighborhood with hard-to-find US ingredients like Hershey's chocolate chips and Mexican corn tortillas. They also carry plenty of Italian specialty foods and . 13-19 Circus Rd., St. John's Wood; panzers.co.uk

PLANET ORGANIC The UK’s first organice supermarket, stocking high quality fresh groceries and health and wellness essentials. They're constantly finding new and unknown healthy products to line their shelves. There are many locations across the city. 42 Westbourne Grove, Notting Hill; planetorganic.com

MALTBY STREET MARKET The rail arch warehouses on Maltby Street, used during the work week by various factories, distributors, and businesses, turn into pop-up spaces for quality coffee shops, wine bars, smoked salmon vendors, cheesemongers, and more. 37 Maltby St., Bermondsey; www.maltby.st

LEILA’S SHOP Leila's stocks a great assortment of local and seasonal vegetables along with sundries like cheeses and oils. The veggie shop, tucked away on one of the more picturesque Shoreditch streets, also hosts a café, which highlights seasonal produce. 17 Calvert Ave., Shoreditch; leilasshop.co.uk

THE GENERAL STORE Shelves, baskets, and crates are stocked with produce: heirloom tomatoes from Italy, mangoes from India, lettuces, herbs, and dairy from the English countryside. Everything has been thoughtfully chosen by Merlin and Genevieve, the owners, and every last heirloom tomato and wedge of English Cheddar is the highest quality money can buy. Despite the size of the store—it’s teeny—all the pantry essentials, like pasta, flour, spices, bread, and eggs, are here, as well as an incredible selection of cheese, farm-fresh eggs, good wine, and pastries. The General Store hosts regular wine tastings, and the line is out the door most days. generalsto.re

BERRY BROS. & RUDD Established in 1698, Berry Bros. & Rudd has been keeping whiskey and claret for centuries. The shop on St. James’s Street is a rabbit’s warren of bottles and experts (there are seven masters of wine prowling around), and in addition to selling wine, it holds extremely popular courses and events. One of the most fun is the One Day Wine School, which includes a few hours of precise and thirsty instruction, followed by a delicious lunch. bbr.com

PARTRIDGES Partridges stocks food from around the globe you can't find anywhere else in London, including a large American section. There's a second location in Kensington. 2-5 Duke of York Sq., Chelsea; partridges.co.uk

BISCUITEERS Biscuiteers Baking Company is a British gifting retailer, specialising in hand-iced biscuits, chocolates and cakes. The business was started online in 2007 by husband and wife team Harriet Hastings and Stevie Congdon. biscuiteers.com

BROADWAY MARKET This market is an East London staple and has been around forever. Saturday mornings dozens of vendors, stores, and stalls sell something for every taste and budget. Come for breakfast, come for lunch, come for groceries. broadwaymarket.co.uk

HILL & SZROK Butcher shop specialising in organic, free-range meats cooked & enjoyed on-site or to take home. 60 Broadway Market; Hackney; hillandszrok.com

TRUMAN BREWERY Former brewery premises reborn as independent boutiques, bars, diners, a food hall and music venues. Don’t miss the vintage store downstairs! 91 Brick Ln; trumanbrewery.com

MADE IN LITTLE FRANCE Independent wine merchants with very helpful staff and multiple locations! madeinlittlefrance.co.uk

SHOPS

GRAYS ANTIQUE MARKET Browse antique and vintage jewelery, fine art, antiques and more. Grays Antique Market is an antiques market in Mayfair, London, close to Bond Street station. Dealers specialise in antiques, jewellery, watches and collectables. The centre is home to nearly 100 dealers on 2 levels. 58 Davies St; graysantiques.com

CAMDEN MARKET Camden Town is famed for its market, a warren of fashion and curiosities by the Regent’s Canal. A haven of counter culture, the area is popular with tourists, teenagers and punks. The thriving nightlife scene includes live music in alternative clubs and old-school pubs, and major stars playing at the Jazz Cafe and the Roundhouse. Cafes bustle during the day. Nearby Regent’s Park has formal gardens and the London Zoo. Camden; camdenmarket.com

OLD SPITALFIELDS MARKET This long-standing market epitomizes the cool, cultural, and eclectic vibe of the neighborhood. Independent vendors sell everything from vintage boots to vinyl, art deco sofas, and more. 109 Commercial St., Whitechapel; oldspitalfieldsmarket.com

LONDON DESIGN MUSEUM SHOP The London Design Museum by John Pawson is home to a shop with colorful design objects, gadgets, toys, and high-concept pieces like John Pawson designed ceramic bowls, a Barber & Osgerby teapot, and Artek's Alvar Aalto stools. Design Museum, 224-238 Hollandgreen Pl, Kensington; designmuseumshop.com

LIBERTY This legendary store opened in 1875 on Regent Street, and to this day maintains its beautiful wood-paneled interiors and grand Tudor revival exterior. The Liberty brand still sells their trademark flower print fabrics. Regent St., Carnaby; libertylondon.com

SELFRIDGES The Oxford Street flagship is the second largest shop in the UK (after Harrods) and opened on 15 March 1909. The Food Hall alone is worth a visit... same goes for the legendary Shoe Galleries. 400 Oxford St, Oxford Circus; selfridges.com

HARRODS Home to over 5,000 brands, including fashion and accessories, luxury beauty, fine jewellery and watches, food, furniture and more. The Food Hall and ice cream shop might be our favorite places, though. 87-135 Brompton Rd, Knightsbridge; harrods.com

HARVEY NICHOLS A well-curated selection of contemporary lines, an incredible shoe department, and legendary seasonal sales along with salons, spas, and the Fifth Floor café make this one of our favorite destinations. 109-125 Knightsbridge, Knightsbridge; harveynichols.com

CONDÉ NAST WORLDWIDE NEWS AT VOGUE HOUSE Located within Vogue House and open to the public, this is a one stop shop to buy all International editions of Condé Nast Publications worldwide. Find titles such as Vogue, GQ, Architectural Digest and More. Vogue House, 1 Hanover Square, Mayfair; condenastworldwidenews.shop

BURLINGTON ARCADE Burlington Arcade is a covered shopping arcade, and one of the precursors of the mid-19th-century European shopping gallery and the modern shopping mall. Make sure to stop into Ladurée's London outpost for a macaroon (or two). 51 Piccadilly, St. James; burlingtonarcade.com

CHARLES EDWARDS Charles Edwards specializes modern and elegant lights, bases and chandeliers. Great for both indoor and outdoor fixtures, their star lamps are a favorite. 582 & 575 King's Rd, Chelsea; charlesedwards.com

SAVILE ROW Savile Row is synonymous with bespoke tailoring. The street has been home to the world's finest tailors for centuries, and the primarily family-owned outfitters on the street have been honing the craft for generations. Nearby Jermyn Street also boasts boutiques and tailors with a reputation for excellent shirting. Standouts include Gieves & Hawkes and Turnbull & Asser.

DAUNT BOOKS While there are outposts all over the city, the flagship Marylebone location is an original Edwardian bookshop, with an emphasis on incredible travel titles. dauntbooks.co.uk

DOVER STREET MARKET Boasting five floors of designer labels in a grand old heritage-listed building, this creative, gallery-like space is complete with sculptures, taxidermy, and art objects as well as a café. 18-22 Haymarket, St, James; london.doverstreetmarket.com

LN-CC London excels at creating retail spaces that are more experiential than commercial. Like the Shop at Bluebird and Dover Street Market, LN-CC is a destination as much for its overall look as its merchandise, encompassing a library, record store, gallery, and café. The likes of Marni, Yeezy, JW Anderson, Gucci, and Rick Owens, plus a futuristic shoe department draws in visitors from all over the world to this Dalton emporium. 18-24 Shacklewell Lane, Dalston; ln-cc.com

5 CARLOS PLACE Six meticulously restored floors of a Georgian townhouse filled with fashion exhibitions and pop-ups. Matches. Directly across from the Connaught Hotel, the store takes the shopping experience up a notch with evening talks and workshops, a café space with rotating chefs, and a gorgeous tropical-themed garden. 5 Carlos Place, Mayfair; matchesfashion.com/us/5carlosplace

MÉTIER Founder and designer Melissa Morris spent years researching, sourcing, and designing her beautifully made Italian leather bags. The boutique on South Audley street feels like being in a mahogany-clad library. 59 S Audley St, Mayfair; metier.com

REVIEW BOOKSHOP Review is an independent bookshop staffed with novelists always willing to lift up their heads from the page and offer a suggestion or four. Books are thoughtfully divided—not by traditional categories but into tongue-in-cheek colloquial genres, like “wimmin” for women. Literary fiction is the preferred genre here, with the best of the new bunch always stacked on the table by the door. 14-16 Bury Pl, Russell Square; londonreviewbookshop.co.uk

BERMONDSEY ANTIQUE MARKET Go early (5am, they open at 4am) to shop with collectors and dealers for Victorian and Georgian silver, china, glassware, furniture, and more. 1 Bermondsey Square, Bermondsey; bermondseysquare.net

SUMMERILL & BISHOP Born out of a friendship between June Summerill and the late Bernadette Bishop, their store is one of Holland Park's hidden gems, worth venturing a few minutes out of Notting Hill to visit. With an eye for hand-crafted home goods - June & Bernadette forged relationships with many international ceramicists, textile artists and glassblowers. This is a beautiful store that is 24 years strong. 100 Portland Rd, Holland Park; summerillandbishop.com

LABOUR & WAIT Even the wooden brooms are carefully selected to fit in with the artfully stark aesthetic at Labour and Wait. Come for striped sailing shirts, Japanese enamelware, hand-forged gardening tools, leather satchels, and polka-dot primary-color handkerchiefs. 85 Redchurch St, Shoreditch; labourandwait.co.uk

PENTREATH & HALL Located in a tiny Victorian shopfront in the heart of Bloomsbury, Pentreath & Hall sells carefully chosen homewares and an ever-changing variety of unusual delights. 17 Rugby St, Bloomsbury; pentreath-hall.com

WHISTLES Britain's high street—marked most notably by Topshop— is now available almost everywhere. Whistles, on the other hand, is still almost exclusively available in Europe, and in London in particular. The pieces are streamlined, well-made, and trend-averse. whistles.com

TOAST With more than 11 stores in London, this English staple is a great place to pick up kitchen and picnic materials (though their mens and womens collections are also worth a look). Their homewares include utilitarian blankets, rustic terracotta bowls, enamel-dipped cutlery, and more. us.toa.st

HOSTEM Menswear designers like Rick Owens, Dries van Noten, Comme de Garçons, P.R. Patterson, and Thom Browne are on display here. 9 Chance St, Shoreditch; bluemountain.school/hostem

HOUSE OF HACKNEY This brand originally caught our eye with its wry animal print textiles and wallpapers for the home, all made traditionally in sumptuous fabrics. They've now taken their prints and turned them out in clothes, and wrapping paper. 131 Shoreditch High St, Shoreditch; houseofhackney.com

MONOLOGUE Shop owner Pavel Klimzak left an interior design agency to start his store, and he brought many new brands previously undiscovered in the London market with him. Along with more prolific design labels like HAY and Muuto, Pavel also stocks lesser known brands like La Chance and Atipico. The Button Factory, 1 Darnley Rd, Hackney; monologuelondon.com

SCP SCP works with a closely curated group of designers to manufacture their furniture and home accessories in workshops around the world. scp.co.uk

THE GOODHOOD STORE This clothing and lifestyle store has expanded into a new two-story space, which feels like it came straight out of Copenhagen. Arbiters of East London style, streetwear essentials include Wood Wood, Nanushka, Peter Jensen, and MM6. Last year, they expanded their concept and went into furnishings, bringing Nordic brands like HAY and Muuto to East London. 151 Curtain Rd, Hoxton; goodhoodstore.com

ALEX EAGLE Alex Eagle stocks hard-to-find brands like Isa Arfen, Lemaire, and Protagonist mixed in with homewares by hip design studios like Makers & Brothers. 6-10 Lexington St, Soho; alexeagle.com

ANOTHER COUNTRY Blush pink walls and a warm grey ceiling complement the beautiful furniture and accessories sold at this Marylebone shop and design studio. Handcrafted wooden furniture, jacquard throws, simple terracotta ceramics, and beautifully turned-out desk accessories are sold here. 18 Crawford St, Marylebone; anothercountry.com

ARAM Aram has been around since the sixties, continually introducing the best of modern design to the city. Brands like Vitra, Knoll, Poltrona Frau, Aram Designs and Cassina are all on display. 110 Drury Ln, Covent Garden; aram.co.uk

DAVID MELLOR David Mellor is a household name in London for cutlery, plates, glassware, and more. The aesthetic is plain, simple and made-to-last. davidmellordesign.com

OCHRE Ochre's furniture, custom chandeliers, lighting and accessories add an ethereality and rusticity to any room. 22 & 24 Pimlico Rd, Abbots Manor; ochre.net

DESIGN CENTER CHELSEA HARBOUR Ninety showrooms with some of the biggest names in design are here, but don't miss Cole & Son, Edelman Leather, Tai Ping, The Nanz Company, and Stark Carpet and Fabric, to name a few. dcch.co.uk

DE GOURNAY De Gournay's specialty is in luxury hand-painted wallpapers in Chinoiserie patterns. Owner Claud Cecil Gurney seeks out painters who have been in the business for generations, and the wallpapers are indisputably the best in this increasingly rare trade. They also offer fabrics, furniture, plates, and custom design services. 12 Old Church St, Chelsea; degournay.com

TASCHEN At this Philippe Starck–designed shop, you'll find all Taschen's trademark tomes on art, photography, fashion, architecture, film, and more. Conveniently placed right across the street from the Saatchi Gallery, this is a shop for the well-heeled art lover. taschen.com

WOLF & BADGER Established in 2009 by brothers, Henry and George Graham, Wolf & Badger is stocks emerging designer talent. wolfandbadger.com

PRINT CLUB This Dalston screenprinting studio offers workshops, studio space, and sells prints by many of the talented artists who make work there. Miller's Ave, Dalston; printclublondon.com

ROSE UNIACKE Trained as a restorer and gilder, Rose Uniacke's eye for material is unparalleled. Her store showcases eighteenth, nineteenth, and twentieth-century antiques. 76 Pimlico Rd, Chelsea; roseuniacke.com

JESSICA MCCORMACK On a corner of Carlos Place, Jessica McCormack’s atelier fills a three-floor townhouse with necklaces of cascading diamonds, Art Deco drop earrings, and engagement rings galore. McCormack considers herself a family jeweler that creates bespoke pieces. 7 Carlos Pl, Mayfair; jessicamccormack.com

HATCHARDS Hatchards has been open since 1797, welcoming guests like Rudyard Kipling and Lord Byron. Though now owned by the larger London book chain Waterstones, Hatchards retains a wonderful old bookshop feel, a beautiful interior, and a knowledgeable staff. 187 Piccadilly, St. James's; hatchards.co.uk

JOHN SANDOE Here, you'll find around 25,000 books piled on every imaginable surface, from tabletops to the staircase. The shop has a literary slant but stocks all sorts of titles, from architecture tomes to cookbooks to thrillers. 10 Blacklands Terrace, Chelsea; johnsandoe.com

STANFORDS With an incredible range of maps, atlases, travel guides, accessories, globes and more, this long-standing classic is one of the biggest travel bookshops in the world. Don't miss the map of the solar system above as you're walking up the stairs. 7 Mercer Walk, Covent Garden; stanfords.co.uk

SOTHERAN’S In 1870, this bookshop purchased the library of Charles Dickens and H.C. Folger, the great American collector of Shakespeare (who sourced most of his originals from here as well). 2-5 Sackville St, St. James; sotherans.co.uk

BOND STREET A walk down New and Old Bond Street yields eponymous boutiques from some of the world's best designers in clothing and jewelry. Solange-Azagury Partridge, Cartier, Miu Miu, Boucheron, and Yves Saint Laurent are all here. bondstreet.co.uk

BROWNS Credited with breaking designers like Alexander McQueen and Christopher Kane, Browns is one of the biggest fashion megaships in London—and it has been since 1970, when it opened on a single floor of a townhouse (it's since expanded to consume five adjacent townhouses).39 Brook St, Mayfair; brownsfashion.com

GUINEVERE The owners, brothers Marc and Kevin Weaver, display an eccentric treasure trove of vintage and antique wares. 574-580, King's Rd, Chelsea; guinevere.co.uk

BOOKS FOR COOKS This store is chock-a-block full of cookbooks, food writing, books on nutrition, fiction, and more. The shop even has its own test kitchen where you can sample recipes, and themed workshop meals in the demonstration kitchen upstairs. 4 Blenheim Cres, Notting Hill; booksforcooks.com

DIVERTIMENTI From copper pots to electric kettles (an English staple), you'll find pretty much every essential for outfitting a kitchen here. 227-229 Brompton Rd, Belgravia; divertimenti.co.uk

THE ORGANIC PHARMACY The Organic Pharmacy specializes in herbal and homeopathic treatments and supplements. You'll also find a great range of beauty and skincare products. theorganicpharmacy.com

JOHN BELL & CROYDEN Established in 1798, the Wigmore Street pharmacy has introduced hundreds of globally sourced well-being and beauty products to the UK market over the last 220 years. 50-54 Wigmore, Mayfair; johnbellcroyden.co.uk

THE NEW CRAFTSMEN Previously a pop-up, The New Craftsmen has found its home on a refreshingly quiet street near Marble Arch. There, you’ll find the handicrafts of makers from across the British Isles, whether it’s reed baskets and place mats from a basket weaver in Devon, or the young illustrator Rose de Borman’s folky and exquisite silk cushions, or custom light-fixtures. 34 N Row, Mayfair; thenewcraftsmen.com

CARAVANE Overstuffed couches, unusual ceramics, colorful throws, cushions, bed linens and basically everything else you might need to furnish a home that's elegant in a totally laid-back, modern country fashion. The brand has several branches in France and is sure to take hold in London. caravane.co.uk

THE CONRAN SHOP Terence Conran of Habitat fame is one of the most prominent figures in British design, and his legendary shop is just one of his many legacies. Along with all the Eames, Saarinens and van der Rohe's—not to mention, Donald Judd's furniture designs, for which Conran has the exclusive—the knick knacks, stationery, and design books are unparalleled. conranshop.co.uk

FRETTE Designed by Dimore Studio, the space features two floors that shimmer in tones of emerald and gold, punctuated by a grand, black staircase and satin arm chairs dotted throughout. They also offer bespoke, personalized sets in additon to their luxury bedding. 43 S Audley St, Mayfair; frette.com

TWENTYTWENTYONE A contemporary and classic furniture store. twentytwentyone.com

WILLIAM & SON A thoughtfully curated variety of British jewelry, clothing, home decor, and a collection of stunning shotguns and rifles. 185 Sloane street, Belgravia, williamandson.com

SWAINE ADENEY BRIGG Tucked off an arcade near Piccadilly, this umbrella shop will first take your measurements (head to toe, wrist to ground), before you are led to a mirror to clasp brolly after brolly to determine the optimal height and diameter. Then you’ll run your hands over the different types of wood to choose your handle. There’s everything from smooth, pale cherry to whangee, a type of bamboo, to a birch travel type that unscrews into two pieces (for an easier fit in a suitcase) and a Malacca cane version with a concealed drinking flask in the shaft. Once you have decided on a canopy color (jaguar green and navy are the most popular) and material (nylon is harder wearing, but silk reputedly issues a lovelier thud under rain), you have only to choose your collar (gold or silver) and decide whether you would like your initials engraved. 7 Piccadilly Arcade, Jermyn St, St. James's, swaineadeneybrigg.com

LEADENHALL MARKET A covered market located on Gracechurch Street filled with boutiques and restaurants. leadenhallmarket.co.uk

MOYSES STEVENS FLOWERS One of London’s oldest and most prestigious florists. 188 Pavilion Rd, Belgravia; moysesflowers.co.uk

PIMLICO ROAD DESIGN DISTRICT London's premier destination for interior design, art, antiques and fine furniture. thepimlicoroad.com

BENJAMIN POLLOCK’S TOYSTORE Independent store selling creative, theatrical and educational toys that nurture storytelling. 44 The Market, Covent Garden; pollocks-coventgarden.co.uk

ABIGAIL AHERN FLOWERS Faux flowers molded to resemble ferns to hydrangeas, and even moss sculptures. 12-14 Essex Rd, Islington; abigailahern.com

LUNA & CURIOUS Run by a collective of designers and craftsmen, Luna & Curious brings together an assortment of home wares, clothing, toys, and curios made by young, predominantly British makers. 24-26 Calvert Ave, Shoreditch; lunaandcurious.com

VIADUCT A furniture showroom stocking emerging and established designers like Patricia Urquiola and Japer Morrison. If they don't have what you're looking for, they can probably track it down. 1-10 Summers St, Holborn; viaduct.co.uk

BOTANY Beautifully arranged and sourced by Angela Maynard— ceramics, handmade woven baskets, succulents, and hard-to-find skincare brands are sold here. Chatsworth Road, Hackney; botanyshop.co.uk

MOMOSAN SHOP A collection of beautiful objects owner Momoko Mizutani has found on her travels. Delicate glassware, ceramic mugs by LA artist Peter Shire, London-based Jochen Holz' delicate colorblock glassware, Japanese incense, and more. 79a Wilton Way, Hackney; momosanshop.com

TOWN HOUSE Housed in a historic 18th-century townhouse, this antiques shop by owner Fiona Atkins often hosts gallery shows in the back room. The shop also doubles as a florist, selling bunches made by local talent. 5 Fournier St, Shoreditch; townhousespitalfields.com

NATIVE & CO Form and function is the resounding thesis at Sharon Jo-Yun Hung and Chris Yoshiro Green's shop of Japanese and Taiwanese discoveries, from the most beautiful brooms and simple, graphic tenugui cloths, to elegant porcelain ceramics from Akira. 116 Kensington Park Rd, Notting Hill; nativeandco.com

SUMMERILL & BISHOP In the fine linens business for over two decades, London-based Summerill & Bishop is the brainchild of two longtime pals, June Summerill and Bernadette Bishop. Revolving around the perfect tablecloth, their range also includes napkins, aprons, and placemats. 100 Portland Rd, Holland Park; summerillandbishop.com

BODAS There are long kimono robes, pajama sets, and supima cotton underwear and bras at this lingerie shop. 36 Ledbury Rd, Notting Hill; bodaslondon.com

COUVERTURE AND THE GARBSTORE Run by husband-and-wife team Ian Paley and Emily Dyson, this multilevel space is stocked with independent designers from all over the globe. 188 Kensington Park Rd, Notting Hill; couvertureandthegarbstore.com

GEORGE SMITH From chairs to ottomans, couches to chaise lounges, everything here is upholstered, and handcrafted in the store's own workshops. 587-589 King's Rd, Chelsea; georgesmith.com

LUKE IRWIN Hand-knotted silk rugs are Luke Irwin's specialty, and no two carpets are the same. 54 Pimlico Rd, Chelsea; lukeirwin.com

ORLEWAR BROWN A British brand of tailored swimwear. orlebarbrown.com

SOANE Lulu Lytle has outfitted some of London's most upscale restaurants and hangouts, like Cecconi's, The Connaugh, and Soho House. Her work, including understated leather upholstery pieces, is beautifully crafted and made in England. 50-52 Pimlico Rd, Chelsea; soane.co.uk

HARPER & TOMS This iconic floristry business is thirty years old. Lush, colorful, and seasonal bunches—inspired by the English countryside—are what's on offer at this legendary spot. harperandtoms.co.uk

BOTANIQUE Flowers in antique glass jars, succulents large and small, pressed flowers— both a florist and a shop for artisan wares. 31 Exmouth Market, Clerkenwell; botaniqueworkshop.com

ALLY CAPELLINO With stores in Portobello and Shoreditch, this perennial brand has endured the decades with its classic, pared down designs for both sexes. allycapellino.co.uk

CUTLER & GROSS Founded in 1969, Cutler & Gross combines the finest Italian craftsmanship with British style for all of their handmade optical glasses and sunglasses. cutlerandgross.com

RIGBY & PELLER A British luxury lingerie brand and retailer founded in 1939 by Gita Peller, and Bertha Rigby. They have outfitted everyone from the Queen to extended members of the royal family and Hollywood stars. rigbyandpeller.com

THE ROW The minimalist, chic brand by the Olsen twins has a beautiful shop at Carlos Place in Mayfair. Don’t miss the James Turrell at the entrance. 15 Carlos Pl; Mayfair; therow.com

APPARATUS Founded in 2012, Apparatus is a New York based interdisciplinary design studio that explores the relationship of lighting, furniture, objects and spaces. 7 Mount St; apparatusstudio.com

VAULT VINTAGE Beautiful vintage pieces that are unique, timeless, sustainable & affordable. 28A Hereford Rd; Notting Hill; vaultvintage.shop

THE FOUNDRY Founded by Rebecca Denholm, featuring midcentury classics, furniture, tableware, candles, lighting, plants, and vintage clothing. 12 Needham Rd; Notting Hill; foundry-london.co.uk

LIME GREEN BOW An appointment-only luxury vintage shop in Notting Hill. 5, 18 All Saints Rd; Notting Hill; limegreenbow.com

PORTOBELLO ROAD Made famous by the Notting Hill film, Portobello is home to one of the most famous and historical street markets in the world - a great place to find vintage furs and antiques. visitportobello.com

SPA | BEAUTY | WELLNESS

AMAN SPA AT THE CONNAUGHT The hotel's 5,000-square-foot spa (the only Aman Spa of its kind outside of the resort group), is just as incredible as you'd imagine— swathed in floor-to-ceiling marble. All treatments start with an herbal infusion and take cues from Chinese, Indian, and Thai influences. Carlos Pl, Mayfair; the-connaught.co.uk

AGUA SPA Agua Spa is located under the Sea Containers hotel (formerly the Mondrian) and designed by Tom Dixon. There are no hard corners, only undulating surfaces that curve into corridors and communal spaces, and the color scheme is white, grey, and silver. Skin specialist Alexandra Soveral’s Signature Treatment includes a deep clean followed by a lymphatic-drainage massage. Hot and cold stones are dipped in fragrant oils and rolled over the face, taking care of puffiness and smoothing out fatigue lines. Soveral’s organic, nontoxic products are made from botanicals grown on her family farm in Portugal. Pick up a jar of Angel Balm. 20 Upper Ground, Southbank; seacontainerslondon.com

FACE PLACE AT THE ROSEWOOD HOTEL Famously coveted by A-listers and beauty aficionados for over 45 years, both at their flagship West Hollywood clinic and in New York, Face Place has come to London by way of the Rosewood Hotel. The spa offers a unique, clinical approach to skincare with the Face Place Signature Treatment, which combines skilled extraction techniques with galvanic current to deliver improved skin tone and firmness, fewer lines and a clearer, lifted complexion. Galvanic current helps deeply penetrate the key ingredients, vitamin C and zinc. The Rosewood hotel, 252 High Holborn, face.place

BAMFORD WELLNESS SPA AT THE BERKELEY Carole Bamford’s London enterprise looks like something straight off of Bamford’s own Gloucestershire farm with its rustic white wood and signature green glass bottles full of nontoxic botanical oils, creams, and serums. The “sleep” treatment is our go-to after a long flight or a bout of insomnia. Each session starts with submerging your weary feet in Epsom-salted water while you pick your oil of choice and the music you want to drift off to. The Berkeley, Wilton Pl, Belgravia; the-berkeley.co.uk

THE LANESBOROUGH CLUB & SPA Open to guests and members, the wellness club includes boxing, running, weight lifting, dancing, and yoga, as well as café that features nutritionist-led dishes and drinks for lunch after a workout. Highlights at the spa include Ila facials, crystal sound healing (pure sound vibrations made using a pestle and crystal bowl), and Tibetan energy healing. The pool is one of the prettiest in London, and overall, the Lanesborough feels much more like a retreat than a fitness club. The Lanesborough Club & Spa, 2 Lanesborough Place, Knightsbridge; lanesboroughclubandspa.com

LANSERHOF AT THE ARTS CLUB Lanserhof’s famous clinic in Austria opened their first UK clinic across the street from the Arts Club in Mayfair. The custom-tailored programs at this medical spa and gym marry time-honored holistic treatments with modern medicine. Arts Club members and Lanserhof patients can avail themselves of the top-notch facilities that include Britain’s first cryotherapy chambers, treatment rooms for sports injuries, diagnostics with the clinic’s doctors, and a thoughtfully crafted menu of healthy food to tuck into post-treatment. 17-18 Dover St, Mayfair; lhtac.com

THE BULGARI SPA The treatments on offer include cupping, Chinese Tui-Na, the Bowen Technique, and osteopathy. In addition, the spa's Trend Room is home to pop-up wellness concepts. The spa was designed by Antonio Citterio Patricia Viel and Partners, and has been artistically crafted from onyx, oak and Vicenza stone. Arranged over two levels, this urban oasis of tranquillity, boasts a 25m swimming pool lined with shimmering green and gold mosaic and vitality pool entirely covered by gold leaf tiles. The spa includes 11 private treatment rooms and one double spa suite, complete with its own steam room, hydromassage and private treatment room; and a 150m² fitness area with personal training at the WORKSHOP gymnasium. 171 Knightsbridge, Knightsbridge; bulgarihotels.com

AKASHA SPA AT CAFÉ ROYAL Though the hotel is located right in the center of the city overlooking Piccadilly, its subterranean spa feels miles away from the bustling streets above. The space is sleek and modern, and includes a gym, pool, and hammam. There is even a resident Reiki master on hand. Hotel Café Royal, 50 Regent St., Piccadilly; hotelcaferoyal.com

ESPA LIFE AT CORINTHIA The Corinthia in Covent Garden’s spa has dark interiors covered in Italian marble. The ESPA is one of the city's largest with twenty-nine treatment rooms and even a stainless steel swimming pool. Along with a robust roster of treatments—signature facials and massages—there's also a selection of customized treatments that focus on detox, sleep, pregnancy, and weight loss. Whitehall Pl, Embankment; espalifeatcorinthia.com

THE SPA AT THE FOUR SEASONS The Omorovicza treatments (they harness the curative properties of Hungarian mineral waters) at the Park Lane outpost leaves skin incredibly soft and glowing. Packed with anti-aging minerals, the products shine in particular during the exclusive gold hydrating facial, which starts with a copper-spiked lactic acid peel and ends with the ultra healing gold serum. Hamilton Pl, Belgravia; fourseasons.com

JOSH WOOD ATELIER Nestled in a mews house in London’s Holland Park, the Josh Wood Colour Atelier is home to Josh and his handpicked, dream team of colourists and stylists, famed for their ability to create personalised colour, tailored for the individual. 6 Lansdowne Mews, Holland Park; joshwoodcolour.com

LINDA MEREDITH Linda Meredith has worked on everyone from Farrah Fawcett to Kate Middleton. Her team identifies, treats, and eliminates skin conditions with restorative algae-oxygen therapy, plumping collagen treatments, and more. 176 Walton St, Knightsbridge; lindameredith.com

SKIN MATTERS Joanne Evans’s treatment beds emit infrared light, the neutral-tone rooms and relaxation area encourage deep calm, and the facials are skin-changing. Her specialty is problematic and eczema-afflicted skin, and she uses active formulas, along with collagen-supporting microneedling. 119B Portland Rd, Holland Park; skin-matters.co.uk

FACE GYM Founded by the former Spa columnist at the Financial Times, Inge Theron. FaceGym is not a facial; it’s a workout for the muscles, fascia, and lymph glands that make up your face. Your cheekbones look lifted, your eyes are less puffy, and the rush of blood to the face gives your complexion a healthy glow. facegym.com

YOGARISE Classes are taught to music that stretches from classical and instrumental to traditional Indian. The yin class not only focuses on stretching out the hips and lower back, but is a meditative experience. Mats, blocks, and blankets are freely provided, and the relaxation area is filled with art house magazines, herbal teas, and art. yogarise.london

HOUSE OF ELEMIS Each floor of this renovated townhouse has beauty treatments, including the luxe Penthouse. 2 Lancashire Ct, Mayfair; elemis.com

CLARIDGE’S SPA A new epicentre of wellness, showcasing healing rituals, a knowledge of restorative body work and the latest bio-innovation. The André Fu decorated Eastern-inspired space is immediately calming and relaxing. There is a small but perfectly formed lap pool, steam room, sauna, and a state-of-the-art gym. But what Claridge’s has done, in true house style, is to elevate one step further by carefully curating a roll call of well-being experts to bring their offering to a different level. Here you will find Augustinus Bader and FaceGym facials, a hair salon by the A-list hairdresser Josh Wood, and acupuncture with needleist to the stars, Ross J. Barr. Brook St; claridges.co.uk/spa

AIRE ANCIENT BATHS An oasis in the heart of the city with thermal waters, talented therapists and a hidden location steeped in its own stories combine to create one of the city's most unique spas. 2-3 Robert St; beaire.com/en/aire-ancient-baths-london

DR. MARWA ALI AT THE WELLNESS CLINIC AT HARRODS Dr Marwa is an aesthetic doctor with a diploma in cosmetic dermatology. She specialises in advanced non-surgical procedures, including botox, dermal fillers and non-surgical liposuction, and is renowned for her natural-looking results. Fourth Floor, Harrods; 87-135 Brompton Road; Knightsbridge; harrods.com/en-gb/services/dr-marwa-ali-at-the-wellness-clinic

JAB BOXING Inspired by the golden era of boxing, this chic well-designed boxing gym features wood paneling, brown leather bags, a smoothie bar, a cold plunge and sauna, branded merchandise, and even a DJ setup on the weekend. Unit 5, 151 Buckingham Palace Rd; Victoria; jab-box.com

1REBEL London’s answer to Barry’s Bootcamp. 1Rebel is London's leading boutique gym, with four fully immersive workouts across 10 studios including Reformer, Reshape, Reset, Ride, and Rumble. 1rebel.com

DAY & WEEKEND TRIPS

BATH Bath is located in Somerset, and renowned for its namesake Roman-built baths. The city became a World Heritage Site in 1987, and was later added to the transnational World Heritage Site known as the "Great Spa Towns of Europe" in 2021. Many of the streets and squares were laid out by John Wood the Elder, and in the 18th century the city became fashionable— Author Jane Austen lived in Bath in the early 19th century. Attractions include the spas, canal boat tours, Royal Crescent, Parade Gardens, Royal Victoria Park, as well as several museums including the Museum of Bath Architecture, the Victoria Art Gallery, and the Fashion Museum.

THE COTSWOLDS The Cotswolds are about 2 hours from London and include a range of hills and cluster of tiny villages set in the bucolic English countryside with quaint villages, historic churches, and peaceful surroundings. Stop by Stratford-Upon-Avon on the way to tour William Shakespeare’s home. Chipping Campden is a charming marke town notable for its terraced High Street. Spend the night at Soho Farmhouse in Chipping Norton, the members club is set on 100 acres of Oxfordshire countryside, with a hotel, pool, spa, gym, movie theatre, horse stables, bicycles, a lake, and more.

THE LAKE DISTRICT The Lake District, also known as the Lakes or Lakeland, is a mountainous region in North West England. A popular holiday destination, it is famous for its lakes, forests and mountains, and its associations with William Wordsworth and Beatrix Potter.

STONEHENGE Stonehenge is located in the English county of Wiltshire, about 90 miles west of London. The prehistoric monument on Salisbury Plain consists of an outer ring of vertical sarsen standing stones, each around 13 feet high, seven feet wide, and weighing around 25 tons, topped by connecting horizontal lintel stones. Inside is a ring of smaller bluestones, and inside these are free-standing trilithons. The whole monument, now ruinous, is orientated towards the sunrise on the summer solstice. Archaeologists believe that Stonehenge was constructed from 3000 BC to 2000 BC, and one of the most famous landmarks in the United Kingdom, as well as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

WINDSOR Windsor is a town on the River Thames in southeast England, just west of London. It’s home to Windsor Castle, a residence of the British Royal Family. Built by William The Conqueror in the 11th century, the castle was extensively remodelled by subsequent monarchs. Public tours take in the State Apartments, which contain opulent furnishings, and paintings from the royal art collection.

OXFORD Only a 90 minute trip from London lands you in the university town of Oxford. Visit Christ Church if you are a Harry Potter fan (the dining hall scenes were filmed here). Blenheim Palace is just 20 minutes up the road and make sure to stop by Woodstock, a small town next door.

OXFORDSHIRE Visit Estelle Manor, a country house hotel and private members' club in Oxfordshire with 108 bedrooms, 4 restaurants, a spa & 25-metre pool. Estelle Manor, Eynsham, North Leigh, Park; estellemanor.com

CAMBRIDGE While Oxford was the first university town, Cambridge is equally if not more beautiful (depending who you ask, of course). Take a punting trip down the Cambridge River, led by a student, which provides unique views of the campus. Have a pint at The Eagle pub, which is famous for being the place where Francis Crick announced that he and James Watson had "discovered the secret of life" after they had come up with their proposal for the structure of DNA. Today the pub serves a special ale to commemorate the discovery, dubbed "Eagle's DNA".

BRIGHTON In just under an hour by train, you can reach the beach town of Brighton. Vast and pebbled with a promenade lined with beach huts and eateries. Families head to rides and amusements on 200-year-old Brighton Palace Pier or the Sea Life Brighton aquarium. Sightseers zip up the slender British Airways i360 observation tower on the waterfront for city and coastal views.

SOMERSET Don’t miss Babington House by Soho House, a Georgian manor in the heart of Somerset, with bedrooms, a spa and cinema for members.