The Ultimate London Travel Guide Ahead Of Fashion Week
Where to stay, eat, shop, and spend the day in the British capital—just in time for London Fashion Week.
When it opened its doors 10 years ago this year, the EDITION instantly became—and has remained—a hot spot for young creatives, monied professionals, and in-the-know out-of-towners. Situated on the border between the neighbourhood of Fitzrovia—once home to intellectuals the likes of Virginia Woolf and George Bernard Shaw—and the Soho entertainment district, the hotel nurtures an impeccably hip and energetic vibe. (The property itself has history dating all the way back to 1895 and was once home to Kind Edward VII.) And after all this time, even a pandemic couldn't dull its luster. No surprise since the EDITION is backed by legendary hotelier Ian Schrager, co-founder of Studio 54 and godfather of the entire "boutique hotel" concept, who knows how to draw—and keep—a crowd. The lobby is home to the hotel bar and a lively scene under soaring ceilings. Venture further and find the Punch Room, a tucked-away bar serving, you guessed it, punch bowls in a cozy atmosphere. But don't take the private vibes too literally—this is a place for media and fashion types to see and be seen.
The 173 rooms at the EDITION are ensconced in oak floors, wood panelling, and fur throws, which provide the inviting warmth of a luxury cabin or ski chalet. Stay in a cozy suite or splurge on a penthouse with wraparound views of the city from your central perch. It's a refuge, especially for those who just landed from a transatlantic flight. Recharge before taking off along nearby Oxford Street to a wealth of boutiques and restaurants.
10 Berners St, London W1T 3NP, editionhotels.com.
While you're at the EDITION, stop into its in-house restaurant led by Michelin-starred Chef Jason Atherton for afternoon tea or a dinner of contemporary cuisine using seasonal produce. Its lavish setting—high ceilings and walls packed with art—is at once sprawling and welcoming, making it one of the most stylish spots in town for a night out with fellow travelers or for an intimate dinner date.
10 Berners St, London W1T 3NP, bernerstavern.com.
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A contemporary oasis nestled within The Londoner in the heart of the city’s bustling Leicester Square, Whitcomb's offers an a la carte menu of both classic and modern French fare from Executive Head Chef Shailesh Deshmukh, and an impressive global wine list. If you get overwhelmed, the restaurant's sommeliers will happily be your guide.
38 Leicester Square, London WC2H 7DX, whitcombs.co.uk.
Come here to enjoy Executive Chef Jamie Shears’s menu of exceptionally-executed British culinary classics while surrounded by £50 million worth of art. The space has upwards of 200 pieces on display—including Matisse, Picasso, Warhol, and contemporary works by the likes of conceptual artist Rashid Johnson—curated by gallerists Hauser & Wirth.
41-43 Mount St, First Floor, London W1K 2RX, mountstrestaurant.com.
London isn't short on pub-style restaurants or fantastic Indian cuisine, but that didn't stop The Tamil Prince from becoming an instant dining scene-stealer when it opened last year. Between Head Chef Prince Durairaj's menu, which has been celebrated for its irresistible and perfectly-spiced south Indian flavor, and the location's inviting atmosphere, this Desi pub has become a must-visit for a group outing.
115 Hemingford Rd, London N1 1BZ, thetamilprince.com.
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Savor a 15-course tasting menu of seasonal fare with produce sourced from all over the British Isles while gazing out floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the cloisters of St. Bartholomew the Great Church.
63 Bartholomew Cl, London EC1A 7BG, restaurant-stbarts.co.uk.
If you're in the mood to indulge, book a two-hour consultation in the luxurious Selfridges' personal shopping suite. Their fleet of multilingual, multigenerational, and specialised consultants will find you exactly what you need for any occasion—if you're prepared to spend.
40 Duke Street, London W1U 1AT, selfridges.com.
The V&A in South Kensington is itself a work of art, with its wide open and ornate expanses having been expanded, rebuilt, redesigned, and renovated consistently since its founding in 1852, ensuring that ever inch holds a bit a history. Inside, it houses a permanent collection over two million works spanning 5,000 years. But what you won't want to miss are their temporary exhibitions: a showcase of South Korean pop culture (running until June 25) and another on African fashion (opening on July 2) are a must-see for culture vultures and fashion lovers.
Cromwell Road, London SW7 2RL, vam.ac.uk.
There's something transporting about taking refuge in the Tate on a rainy day. Enter a former oil-fired power station sitting on the South Bank and explore one of the largest collections of contemporary art in the world, and take in two exhibitions this year featuring female artists radically experimenting with form: Magdalena Abakanowicz's woven sculptures (running until May 21) and Maria Bartuszová's abstract plaster sculptures (running until June 25).
Bankside, London SE1 9TG, tate.org.uk.
The members-only workspace in the middle of—where else?—Shoreditch is the perfect place for those mixing business with pleasure. The location is an offshoot of Shorditch House, the members' club just a short walk away that sports a gym, spa, bar, and heated rooftop pool. Freelancers and frequent flyers in need of a work or meeting space will find everything they require housed in the highly-designed yet warm surroundings.
56 Shoreditch High Street, E1 6JJ, sohohouse.com.
On Sunday mornings, Columbia Road becomes a corridor in bloom as its flower market hits the street and displays an incredible range of fresh, seasonal floral offerings. It's a go-to tourist destination and a true cultural experience, with many of the vendors being family businesses run by original East Enders. Take a stroll and don't be surprised if you walk away from a fresh bouquet after experiencing some salesman charm.
Columbia Road, London E2 7RG, columbiaroad.info.
This article originally appeared in Harper's BAZAAR US.