The Savvy Traveler's Guide to London

The Big Smoke, the people’s city, and the cultural vortex that seems to swirl swallowing up la crème de la crème of the British Isles - London is a city worthy of the rave reviews.

From the Tudor times to the swinging sixties, London has always been the place where people want to play. The epicenter of cultural cool, fine soirees, and expensive tastes. Fast forward to present day and the capital still holds onto its title of hippest city in the world.

From the clanging of Big Ben to the changing of the guards, the cool vibes that spill out around Soho and the endless innovation of art, trendy bars, boutique hotels, and happening events – London is nothing short of a landmark city.

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Strange and Wonderful Sight in London
Delectable Dinning spots in London
Where to sip and swirl in london
Hidden Gem hotels of London
Trendy spots to shop in London
Offbeat Tours of London

The Roof Gardens of Kensington

In a city carved from concrete, brick and stone – the stunning roof gardens of Kensington are a breath of fresh air. Since the 1930’s patrons have been climbing the rooftops of Kensington to escape the hustle of the streets below, and now you can do it with a cool G&T in hand. Draped in rich greenery, fragrant with flowers, and adorned with a Moorish inspired feel – these gardens have been designed to capture the striking Spanish feel of Alhambra. You can also stroll through the Tudor inspired garden with its black and white blooms and pretty parasols to dine under. Don’t duck back down into the streets without wandering the English Woodland gardens first, with its sea of bluebells and resident strutting flamingos. The gardens are a glorious break for when you are tired of city life

Wilton’s Music Hall

The longest standing grand music hall in the world can be found casually tucked away in the east end of London. Those walking past the line of terraced houses would be completely unaware that a little further behind sits a vaulted hall, a creaky wooden stage, ramshackle gilded gold and peeling paint.

Trafalgar Square’s Smallest Police Station

In the south-east corner of Trafalgar Square is a blink and you may miss it attraction – the pint-sized police station. Installed in the early 1920’s into a hollowed-out lamp-post, there is just enough space for one policeman to stand and keep a watchful eye over protests and happenings in the whole square. There is also rumored to be a direct line to Scotland Yard should any funny business be going on. Once you know it’s there it’s quite amusing to watch tourists meander past with cameras in hand without catching sight of the historical hidden gem.

Isabella Plantation

Hailed as a riot of color, London may be brimming with beautiful green spaces but few offer the sweet serenity of the Isabella Plantation. Forty acres of Victorian woodland is a lovely sight, especially in the spring when the azaleas burst into a performance of pinks and purples and oranges and whites against the glimmering green lawns. The Stillwater ponds and gurgling streams are noisy with the music of frogs and there is no better way to spend the way than wandering around the delicate pathways and enjoying the fresh fragrance of the capital in bloom.

Kyoto Garden

Kyoto Garden A slice of Japan can be found in the flush of Holland Park. Curated to celebrate the first Japan festival held in London, the Kyoto Garden was designed by a Japanese horticulturist and modeled after the Zen like bliss of elegant Kyoto. Daring dahlias, a rock garden dressed to impress and cherry trees flank mirror like ponds where Koi carp flick their tails beneath the water. Feathered peacocks strut around the edges and the gardens are breathtaking in their glory come the spring and autumn when the cherry blossom turns to pink and white froth or rusty red and golds.

St Dunstan in the East

Gothic splendor is waiting up on St Dunstan’s Hill, where a medieval bombed out church has been taken back by Mother Nature. The church was first built around 1100 before it was partially swallowed by the flames of the Great London Fire. After being lovingly rebuilt it was blown apart in the Second World War, leaving only the tower and steeple still standing tall. Thanks to the City of London, the church is now an inspiring garden, with tall leafy trees and soft grass. The branches reaching through the arches, the carved stone walls awash with green and the dappled sunlight makes for a truly poetic place that looks stunning when captured in photography.

Magic Circle Museum

They say a magician never reveals his secrets, but at the Magic Circle Museum you can take a closer look at the practicalities behind the fascinating world of magic. With tours by appointment only, you will be immersed in the world of illusion – from admiring the elaborate costumes to learning all about the history, gazing at Houdini’s famous handcuffs and the rifle from Fogel’s bullet catch. The Magic Circle Museum is forever hosting magical events; you can catch a show, learn all about how ‘miracles’ were pulled off, and practice your own tantalizing tricks.

Leighton House

A showpiece house in Holland Park, brimming with treasures from the far-flung world – jaws are sure to drop when tiptoeing through Leighton House. Commissioned by Frederic Leighton, the artist wanted his friend George Aitcheson to build him a home that would capture imaginations across the globe.

The dramatic staircase sweeping up to meet the light drenched European studios, the Arab Hall bright and ornate with 16th century tiles carried from the Middle East, and the fine paintings and sketches that dress the walls. It’s hard not to be wondrously wooed by Leighton House.

Secret Cinema

Ever wanted to enter a whole new world? The ethos behind Secret Cinema is to make movie experiences completely immersive. Whether it’s hiding from zombies in 28 Days Later or swinging your hips at the Kellerman Resort in Dirty Dancing, the company bring fiction to life and place you center stage. Interactive purpose-built sets, scores of actors, and an audience who do more than passively sit in seats – you are given a character to play for the night. Part theatre, part cinema screening, and part theme party -Secret Cinema is setting the bar for the future of entertainment. Alien, Back to the Future, Moulin Rouge, Star Wars, and Jurassic Park are just a few choice films getting the special treatment.

The Savoy Museum

Better known for its soaring five-star lobby and its lavish afternoon teas fit for a queen, The Savoy is certainly no secret on the London scene. But for those who aren’t sipping Earl Grey and nibbling on cucumber sandwiches, The Savoy Museum delivers a fascinating inside look at all the stars who have passed through its doors. You still need to look swish to make it through the doors, but once inside you can see relics that date right back to 1889, from beautiful black and white photography to Noel Coward’s cigarette case and Marlene Dietrich’s guest card, if these walls could talk…

Mes Amis, Hammersmith

Beautiful food in a bizarre setting, it’s not hard to fall head over heels with the Lebanese dining scene at Mes Amis. Hand-painted ceilings, ornate lanterns, colorful masks and even stuffed toys overflow from every corner, with just a few tables and chairs thrown in for hungry patrons. The kitsch vision seeps into the pint sized kitchen, where fresh tabbouleh, zesty hummus, and creamy whipped baba ghanoush is mopped up with pillowy soft pitas. Sip mint tea with your sticky sweet baklava and pair your lemony Lebanese chicken with village wines all while chatting with the highly friendly chef.

Mercato Metropolitano

A warehouse worth of industrial space has been turned into a paradise for foodies who are passionate about the art of Italian and world class cuisine. On one side of the warehouse near Elephant and Castle is a specialist Italian food store, and on the other – communal tables fringed by fabulous little food stands. You can nibble on chewy slices of Neapolitan pizza, taste French cheeses paired with elegant mini bottles of fizz, fall in love with the finest ice cream from Florence, and gnaw on Argentinian steak. There is no better way to spend a lazy Sunday afternoon than wandering the stalls of Mercato Metropolitano and tasting a smidge of everything.

Maltby Street

A picture-perfect market, squeezed into one of London’s tight knit streets beneath the railway arches. You almost feel as if you are wandering through a village when perusing the stalls of Maltby Street and it is an exceptional place to grab an easy breezy lunch. You can find the best brownie in London here as officially voted for by The Chocolate Festival Judges. The bad brownie is a gooey glob of godliness with salted caramel, peanut butter, fluffy marshmallows and triple choc fudge. For savory lovers you can also find delight with the Raclette Brothers and their melted cheese wonders dolloped over herby potatoes with a maple bacon crumb.

Elle Canta

Authentic Mexican food goes beyond stuffed tacos and gooey quesadillas, and Martha Ortiz is bringing back Latin class to leafy Park Lane. Her restaurant Elle Canta is almost as glamorous as she is – a pioneering celebrity chef, writer and active in the feminist community. Waitresses hear Frida Kahlo inspired headpieces, theatrical cocktails are shaken and poured in true smoke and mirror fashion, and colors are bright and sun-bleached and touched with the exotic. Sangrita sorbets, silky black bean soups and guacamole with a golden grasshopper garnish, Elle Canta knows how to pull out all the stops.

Aster

Edgy Nordic vibes are all the rage at Aster, Victoria’s latest hotspot offering from D&D London. With tastes culminating from the far north corners of Norway, Sweden and Finland (with even a hint of France thrown in for decoration). Copper features, full length windows, and a slight minimalist come industrial feel invites you to sit down and taste the salted fish roe, the cloud like potato blinis, and the tantalizing tarts smeared with luscious lingonberry jam. A splash rustic, a dollop of diverse, and in one of London’s most lavish areas – Aster brings plenty of chic hygge to the table.

Sushisamba

Perched high on the 38th floor with panoramic views across the bright lights of the city, Sushisamba is turning heads for all the right reasons. It’s hard not to fall in love with the place; the orange trees, the black and white floor, the fabulous arched ceiling – and most importantly the fusion of Peruvian, Brazilian and Japanese flavors. We are talking yellowtail taquitos, wagyu gyoza, sushi with melted mozzarella, and cassava root with sweet potato and wood smoke. Throw in a caipirinha with lashings of south American attitude and you have the recipe for a perfect night out on the town.

The Mayor of Scaredy Cat Town

Another of those secret speakeasies that has been hyped almost to the death, but The Mayor of Scaredy Cat Town is one of the best brunch spots in the whole of London. The vibe inside is a bit Great Lodge, with moose heads on the walls, low lighting, and retro wallpaper. The weekend brunch takes its inspiration from the underground scene of NYC, with DIY Bloody Mary’s which come with over 20 ingredients to choose from, and American breakfast food – think fluffy pancakes, bacon, eggs over easy and all that good stuff. We are guessing Sunday mornings don’t come any better than this.

Bunga Bunga Covent Garden

Called the hottest celebrity haunt to be found in Covent Garden, Bunga Bunga is already making a splash for royalty and A listers who want to split pizzas, sing karaoke, and generally get lashed on luscious cocktails. There’s a generous helping of burlesque beauty, lots of cabaret shows, and a feasting menu that pulls out all the stops. You have to access by wandering through the meat locker, which may be a trial for vegetarians, but on the other side sits a secret world, where the bright lights sparkle, the martinis are in free-pour and the antipasti doesn’t stop coming.

Barts, Chelsea Cloisters

A top-secret speakeasy somewhere in Chelsea Cloisters – who could resist Barts! Members have a special access pass but guests will need to source the password and whisper it through a locked door before they are permitted to enter. Once inside, it’s all moody red, laced with bric-a-brac and brimming with Chelsea’s finest. The menu is made to look like a comic book strip, making it amusing to order an earl grey infused gin with cloudy apple and egg white served in a pretty little teacup. The vibe is cozy, the cocktails cool, and everyone is high on the camaraderie of making it through the door.

Cub

The man behind Brighton’s zero waste restaurant has turned his sights to the capital. In a beautifully bright space somewhere in Hoxton, you will find Cub - a place that claims to blur the lines between food and drink. The team have even bought in the former resident scientist from the world’s best restaurant Noma to help them with the taste pairings. You can expect champagne with water jelly and spiced herbs, burnt peach with capsaicin and cognac and scotch with blackcurrant and smoked rye amazake.

Coupette

Bethnal Green’s Coupette is one a kind, set inside a building that has been standing for 160 years it’s all exposed brick walls and French finesse. Cocktails are named after French muses and there are plenty of lesser known ingredients from across the Channel making their way onto the menu. The Poire Granit for example pulls together dry and sweet notes from a pear cider and the Rose is delivered in a delicate glass with all the musings of vermouth. The star of the show has to be the Champagne Pina Colada which is exactly what it says it is; classy and cool and the brands best seller.

Ceviche

Pisco Bar and Peruvian kitchen in the heart of Soho, Ceviche has so much going for it. A long bar and bright colors set the scene for a laid-back evening nibbling on lime soaked fish and downing the famous Pisco Sours whipped to a froth and a frenzy with egg white. If the Pisco Sours are making you feel a little woozy then you can swap out the Pisco for light and luscious Peruvian beers.

The cooking is brimming with confidence, color and astounding flavor – from the crunchy Peruvian corn to the smoked cabo blanco and the sea bass steamed buns. Even if you don’t book a table for dinner, you can bring a hint of South American spirit to your night by propping up at the bar with a Pisco in hand.

Ham Yard Hotel

Those in the midst of Soho madness and wanting to escape it will fall head over heels for the bar at the Ham Yard Hotel. It may be new and splashy, but once seated in the Mad Men style bar with its zinc counter and chic crowd, you will feel as though you have stepped into a gated community. Everything is discrete, from the Old Fashioned that is handed to you by a smooth bartender to the whispered laughter that creeps in from the restaurant. If you do get the chance, pop into the restaurant just to try their cherry pie with clotted cream. Those seeking a place to sip and swirl away from the chaos and sass of Soho will find the Ham Yard Hotel Bar a welcome retreat.

Dalloway Terrace

In the stunning Bloomsbury Hotel, the Dalloway Terrace knows how to capture the imagination. In the winters you can imagine the cozy terrace with its soft candles, climbing flowers, ferns and French bistro chairs feeling warm and snug. And in the summer months, when the roof is rolled back and the sunlight streams in – it could almost be like spending the day in the English countryside. The cocktail list pulls on tradition and serves it with more than a dollop of class. The Perrier Jouet stirred in beautifully with a glug of brandy, tall Manhattans, and hot toddies to nurse on rainy days. Wines come by the glass, carafe or bottle – all robust reds and zesty whites and even a blushing rose or two for those spring afternoons. If you want to nibble, then the cheeseboard will pair well, as will something fat and smoky from the cigar bar.

The Gardener’s Arms

Teetering in the rooftop above John Lewis you will find Britain’s Smallest Pub measuring a measly 6 x 8ft. Still, despite the size The Gardener’s Arms is every bit as lovely as you would imagine a tiny watering hole high above the city to be. Panoramic views, plenty of potted plants, and well-crafted G&T’s capture exactly what the summer should be about. Despite the pint-sized space of the pub, the garden outside has room for milling. Sit on a bench and sip the Background G&T, a concoction of Beefeater Gin, Lillet Blanc, Peach Bitters and thyme. Tony Wood designed the grounds with a desire to capture all the things we love about the British summertime, and with a drink this good it certainly works.

The Italian Job

The Italian Job is the UK’s first Italian craft beer pub and it is something to write home about! Potent hoppy mixtures served with croquettes and charcuterie plates inside a small and intimate space with exposed brick and washed out blue front. In the summer months the crowds spill out into the street and hang around the pavement tables nursing their golden or gummy brown beers. Blink and you could almost imagine yourself transported to Rome, where the sound of Vespa’s whir the sunlight sends the last fingers of warmth over the Colosseum.

Experimental Cocktail Club

Bare brick, dim lights, and a blink and you could miss it entrance hidden in Chinatown, the Experimental Cocktail Club keeps hitting the list for the best bars in the world. There is also a similar haunt under the same group in Paris and another in New York and once inside the doors, you could be in any of the three cities. The emphasis is certainly placed on creative cocktails and there is also a fine selection of vintage wines and vermouths, paying homage to the fact that the owners are indeed French. The drinks are expensive and the place is notoriously hard to find, but for those seeking a challenge and wanting to be rewarded with a killer drink in a cool prohibition setting, you won’t be disappointed.

Artist Residence

The Artist Residence is a chic under the radar haunt in Pimlico, and a perfect place for soaking up boutique vibes complemented by impeccable cocktails, a cool menu, and a destination that puts you right on the doorstep of London’s best sights. A five-story regency home has been transformed into modern and beautiful rooms – all wooden floors, exposed brick, oceans of white bedding, and Banksy esque artwork. Downstairs in Michael Brennan’s 64 Degrees restaurant you will find a noisy atmospheric vibe perfect for tearing into sharing platters. The hip cocktail bar and the eclectic lounge are great places to hang, and the hotel seems to be popular with couples and cool kids from out of town.

The Levin

If you are looking to combine an intimate stay with top end luxury, then The Levin could have just the right solution. A stone’s throw from the classy vibe of Knightsbridge, this 12-bed boutique hotel makes an impression with its dramatic spiral staircase, shimmering installations, and hint of 1930’s style. Rooms boast fabrics by William Yeoward and Designer’s Guild and all have their own personal champagne bar for investing exquisite cocktails before dinner. Speaking of dinner, downstairs in the basement you will find Metro, a trendy little wine bar and bistro making The Levin the perfect hidden gem you will never need to leave.

Chiltern Firehouse

The Chiltern Firehouse is causing quite a buzz on the London hotel scene and for good reason. David Beckham and Kate Moss among other A listers have all been guests at the onsite Nuno Mendes Restaurant. Set in an old fire station from 1887, the Chiltern Firehouse still has its original façade but the interior has been beautifully updated. Compact but classy seems to be the vibe, with a darling courtyard thrown in and superb swift service on par with the Ritz. Rooms are sweet and stylishly retro with all the comfort you could ask for, and the monthly changing menu from Nuno Mendes makes it worth bagging a table.

Taj 51

Without a doubt, the Taj 51 is one of London’s finest hotels -a vision of bold color, mosaic print floors, and gold textured walls. Once upon a time this place was an almshouse to the poor and owned by a relative of Anne Boleyn, then it turned into a place where Winston Churchill would come and smoke cigars. As you can see, history abounds through this place and the much of the original architecture is still totally intact. As a suite only hotel you can be sure that everything is stately and sumptuous, artisan rugs and expensive silks make up much of the décor and the 24-karat afternoon tea is a scrumptious way to spend an afternoon. Did we mention Taj 51 is also home to one of the best Indian restaurants in the whole of London?

K West Hotel

Music lovers are sure to swoon for the K West Hotel, set in the former BBC Kensington House where the likes of Bowie and Amy Winehouse would play. The place still calls on that rock and roll heritage, particularly when it comes to cool and edgy style. The blocky exterior is all neon lights and glass, and rooms are spacious and tech centered with free to use tablets. The Glam Rock afternoon tea is worth putting on a bit of sparkle for, especially as it gives a good excuse to stock up on cocktails and cake in the afternoon. For those looking for Britpop cool close to Hammersmith, the K West has got you covered.

Milestone Hotel

The Victorian townhouse that dates back to the 1920’s has kept every inch of her elegance, with rooms adorned in fussy fabrics, reproduction Stubbs paintings, patterned carpets and antique style furnishings. It may be a little over the top, but it’s charming and in-keeping with character. There are 57 rooms and a handful of apartments, a mixture of art deco and Victoriana with lavish features like carved headboards and gilt mirrors. Downstairs in the dining room, guests will be pleasantly surprised to hear that the dishes of the day are often Scandinavian – with a few favorite comfort dishes thrown in. All in all, the Milestone Hotel is an utterly charming place for those wanting to perch above the highly sought-after Kensington Road.

Forty Winks

You may not have heard of a micro hotel before, but Forty Winks with only two bedrooms is bound to be the very best introduction. Inside a four-story Queen Anne townhouse, you will find an homage to proprietor Mr. Carter’s imagination.

The living room is a vision that reflects a 19th century opium den- all gold leaf wallpaper, fat cushions, and venetian masks. There is also a hint of the absurd with Alice in Wonderland style art pieces and shades of Marie Antoinette gone mad. House cocktails are served on tap and be sure to engage with Mr. Carter; a self-proclaimed London dandy who has a vault of fascinating stories to tell.

Camden Passage

A hidden cobbled walkway between Angel and Islington – Camden Passage plays host to some of the best shopping gems in the whole of London. For those who don’t mind having a good rummage, you are sure to find a plethora of vintage goodies, from antiques to clothes and even the odd pub sign from way back when.

Rococo Chocolate

You wouldn’t expect anything less than perfection from a shop in Belgravia, and Rococo Chocolates are sure to tempt any sweet lover through their heavenly doors. Award winning truffles, ornate boxes of chocolate, and ganaches so gooey they will leave you weak at the knees, duck in enter a whimsical bonbon fantasy.

Cristobal Jewelry

Antique jewelry in the heart of Marylebone, Cristobal Jewelry is a vision of precious stones, glittering gems, silver and gold. With experience in costume jewelry for over thirty years and a pure passion for ornate treasures, you can rub shoulders with film stylists and fashion designers as you peruse the pretty pieces.

69B Sustainable Fashion

Women seeking sustainable and ethically inspired clothing should dash to 69B Sustainable Fashion. The fashionista’s behind the boutique store run a tight ship, ensuring that every garment they receive can be traced right back to the source, and that the creation has been fair and fabulous. Beautiful clothes with beautiful stories down in London’s Broadway Market.

House of Hackney

One of the most famous and beloved shopping establishments in London, the House of Hackney is where you go to find evocative print collections and one of a kind furniture. Fashion tourists from across the globe flock to this store to pick out their Puma and William Morris prints, mugs, fabrics and fashion. Even if you aren’t buying, this Shoreditch home décor haunt is worth swinging by.

Blackout II Vintage

If you are looking for a style that screams the roaring twenties, then Blackout II Vintage is something of a gem. The Covent Garden store has long specialised in antique apparel along with highly versatile fashion garments spanning from as far back at the 1920’s through to the 1980’s. Heavily laden rails may seem daunting at first, but the fashionable and passionate staff can help guide you towards your dream piece.

Browns Focus

Everyone who is anyone flocks to Brown’s, but Brown’s Focus – the flagship stores little sister is a lot more daring. The punky little store next door to Brown’s knows how to pack a punch, with black walls and rails sparsely yet lovingly stacked with young, innovative and creative designers. From Sophia Webster pieces to Kenzo, this is the place to find that dream one of a kind bag you are willing to invest in.

Feathers

The first Feather’s boutique kicked off in the late 60’s when London was in full swing. Now, it’s the largest independent boutique fashion store in the whole of Knightsbridge and something of an institution for those who adore innovative styles from fresh designers. Expect to see the likes of Haider Ackermann and Jil Sander lighting up the rails in this achingly trendy beautiful boutique.

Rellik

If you are seeking vintage bags by Chanel, gorgeous gowns by Ossie Clark, and a rare piece by Dior – then Rellik is the place to rifle and splurge. This retro haunt is beloved by A listers and stylists, rock stars and models all seeking vintage pieces to add to their collection. Rellik has featured in countless fashion mags and publications, and knows how to cause quite a stir of excitement in the fashion world. Soaring ceilings, a stunning space, and a treasure trove of retro fun – you could spend the whole day exploring the rails of Rellik.

Shoreditch Street Art

The cool neck of the woods in London is brimming with fascinating murals, graffiti and art pieces, the trick is knowing where to find them. Take a Shoreditch Street Art tour with the local experts who will lead you on a bright and colorful journey through cool cafes, blooming back alleys, and evocative galleries and restaurants as you uncover the very best of London’s underground talent.

Eating Soho

The spot where the swinging sixties lit up the street, where the jazz scene blossomed, and where the bright lights always beckon – Soho is one of the most exciting spots in the capital. Along with gallons of culture it also boasts a thriving foodie scene which can be uncovered on the Eating Soho tour. Guides will lead you away from the yawn-worthy tourist traps and into some of the finest spots for a gorgeous G&T, Spanish tapas, Chinese dumplings, and classy cocktails. Prep your tastebuds please.

Helicopter Tour

Time to see the Big Smoke from a different perspective? High Flying Helicopters London Helicopter tour is a great way to admire the famous landmarks of London without the crush of the crowds. Glide over Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament, soar above the London Eye and the glittering Shard, and sail above Marble Arch and Trafalgar Square. Those who want to fly a little further afield can even chopper all the way out to Downton Abbey and Stonehenge, taking in the rolling splendor of the English countryside along the way.

Hampstead to Highgate Haunted Pub Tour

Throw yourself headfirst into the horrible history and terrifying tales of London’s past on a spooky Hampstead to Highgate Haunted Pub Tour. The enchanting stroll will take you through winding lanes and shadowed churchyards, past vampire haunts and doorways of murderous house maids, and over the heath where notorious highwaymen would like to linger. Tapping into terror can be thirsty work so along the way you can stop at a multitude of cozy English pubs for a swift pint or two before continuing to explore things that go bump in the night.

Celebrities in Camden Tour

The coolest kids on the block all played in Camden, and the Celebrities in Camden Tour can guide you through the musical antics of London’s hippest spot. From Pink Floyd performing in the Round House to poetry atop Primrose Hill, this is your chance to uncover the creative side of the capital. Mike the Mod will lead you through the area’s rich artistic history as you walk the canal path where punk still thrives and uncover all the hidden gems in a place where poverty and wealth exist side by side.