The Mayfair & Marylebone Guide
Golden Hinde
Museum · Borough
"This friendly and casual Marylebone institution serves some of the best fish & chips going. Lunchtime is, of course, especially busy, but the fact that it's bustling the rest of the time points to this being one of London's best. "
Dinings
Japanese restaurant · Marylebone
"Tucked away in a converted townhouse in Marylebone is one of London's best-kept secrets when it comes to Japanese. While the interiors are nothing worth celebrating—the dark basement seating borders on claustrophobic—the small, tapas-style dishes, make it, and the price tag, worthwhile. The menu is extensive and the good news is they're more than happy to guide you if you don't know where to begin. Our picks: The beef cha-sia bun and the miso glazed eggplant (aubergine). "
The Zetter Townhouse Marylebone
Hotel · Marylebone
"The newest addition to the Zetter Group oozes with character. In fact, it's a very specific character in the form of Wicked Uncle Seymour, a fictional owner whom the hotel staff will gladly tell you all about. He was a traveler, a playboy, a drinker, and an admirer of beautiful things, and the hotel reflects his personality through and through. The bar/restaurant downstairs, Seymour's Parlor, which doubles as reception, shows all of the uncle's collections from his travels—obelisks, statuettes, plaster casts, and quirky old oil paintings. And upstairs, the rooms are all individually decorated with the imposing furniture you'd imagine at a worldly old English gent's home. He was a wonderful host, it seems, for every need is taken care of here, from the Ren bath products in the bathroom, to the sumptuous tubs and rain showers, to the "vintage" satellite radio, to the heavenly beds, to the bar downstairs with its small but thoughtful drinks, snacks, and food menu. Photos: Andreas von Einsiedel"
Hauser & Wirth
Art gallery · Mayfair
"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. "
Royal Academy of Arts
Art gallery · Mayfair
"With graduates like J.M.W. Turner, David Hockney, John Constable and many, many others, The Royal Academy is simultaneously one of England's most competitive art schools and also one of its most inventive exhibition spaces. The students and remarkable-in-their-own-right faculty make the Academy more of a community rather than just a space to experience great art. Don't miss their annual Summer Exhibition: A tradition since 1769(!), it's an enormous open-entry show with submissions from around the world that's meant to offer insight into future art-world trends."
Timothy Taylor
Art gallery · Mayfair
"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."
The Wallace
Modern European restaurant · Marylebone
"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. Major pluses: Admission is free and the cafe is stunning. "
Aman Spa
Spa · Mayfair
"Hands-down one of our favorite places to stay in London, the Connaught in Mayfair manages to strike a balance between charming and yet totally modern. 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. At just five treatment rooms strong, there's a welcome intimacy here—all treatments start with an herbal infusion to help you unwind and then treatments take from Chinese, Indian, and Thai influences. (Each of the treatment rooms has its own private steam room.) During the week, the spa hosts a 20-minute lunch meditation at 1 p.m. that's free and open to the public. "
The House of ELEMIS
Spa and health club · Mayfair
"Each floor of this renovated townhouse seems more luxurious, calming, and super-indulgent than the next. The treatment packages are especially amazing if you have an afternoon to spare; if not, The Speed Spa offers 15-minute and 30-minute services like eye facials, firming facials, and massages—all of them fantastic. The spa’s Penthouse is even more luxe: A spa concierge arranges your entire experience, from a door-to-door chauffeur to tickets for a post-treatment show or restaurant reservations."
The New Craftsmen
Furniture store · Mayfair
"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 (both the glass cloche and the cord can be specified). It all may sound a little crafty, but it comes together in a totally livable, contemporary way. Plus, many of the artisans carried do custom-work, which can be commissioned through the shop. "
Sake no Hana
Permanently Closed
"Sake No Hana turns out some of the best sushi in London. The Kengo Kuma–designed restaurant is an interpretation of what a forest of the future might look like: The ceiling and walls are made of interlocking bamboo and cypress tree rods, warmed up with the reflective glow of the amber lighting, like the sun peeping through the pines. This is a proper restaurant that has not succumbed to too-noisy, too-dark clubbiness. Sit at the bar to watch the chefs at work, and if in doubt, go for the tasting menu for Sake No Hana’s greatest hits, all beautifully presented. Skip the traditional desserts and get the Japanese whiskey flight—three tasters, each one accompanied by a lone chocolate that complements the flavors. Dining here, while undoubtedly a commitment, is worth every penny: The food is exquisite and the service faultless."
Chiltern Firehouse
Hotel · Marylebone
"Like the rest of André Balasz' hotels and restaurants (the iconic Chateau Marmont in LA and Mercer in NY, to name a couple), his first venture in London is undoubtedly one of the sceniest in town. 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. And part of it is chef Nuno Mendez' brasserie-style menu that's packed with his near perfect takes on the classics like Caesar Salad and Roast Chicken, plus some of the most delicious and inventive appetisers in town—the crab-stuffed doughnuts are a brunch favorite. A private dining room at a hotel like this is a must, and the elegant—though much less splashy—room here ticks all the boxes and accommodates 12. "
Chiltern Firehouse
Hotel · Marylebone
"Like the rest of André Balasz' hotels and restaurants (the iconic Chateau Marmont in LA and Mercer in NY, to name a couple), his first venture in London is undoubtedly one of the sceniest in town. 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. And part of it is chef Nuno Mendez' brasserie-style menu that's packed with his near perfect takes on the classics like Caesar Salad and Roast Chicken, plus some of the most delicious and inventive appetisers in town—the crab-stuffed doughnuts are a brunch favorite. A private dining room at a hotel like this is a must, and the elegant—though much less splashy—room here ticks all the boxes and accommodates 12. "
Gymkhana
Indian restaurant · Mayfair
"Modeled after a Raj-era Indian sports club, Gymkhana balances old-world interiors with some of the best Indian in London: 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—but things get really exciting when it comes to the bread. The duck egg bhurji with lobster, for one, is epic. Perfect for intimate, private dinners, the restaurant also has two beautifully appointed vaults that seat 9 or 12: They are tasting menu only so, go prepared for a big meal. "
China Tang at The Dorchester
Cantonese restaurant · Mayfair
"Like stepping back into old-world Eastern elegance, this beautiful dining room serves exquisitely-executed, upscale Cantonese classics, like their whole suckling pig, which requires 24-hour notice and £150 pounds. It's a splurge but makes for a memorable meal, particularly if it's served in one of the three adjacent private rooms that seat up to 26—Ping, Pang, and Pong—or combined to seat 80. The dim sum, which is less of an investment, is also great, the seafood and veggie sides are as fresh as they come, and they've totally nailed cha siu. A meal here is best enjoyed with an expense account, but you can always hit the swanky bar for one very delicious cocktail. "
Jikoni
Asian fusion restaurant · Marylebone
"Jikoni owner Ravinder Bhogal is of Indian descent and was partially raised in Nairobi ("jikoni" means kitchen in Swahili). And her food tells the story of her geographic biography: prawn toast freshened up with pickled cucumbers, chickpea chips with Bengali-style chutney, a Scotch egg made with venison instead of pork, scallops and congee. British and African influence is evident, but at its core, Jikoni serves up flavor-packed comfort food that transcends culture. The restaurant itself is a refreshingly colorful break from the cool minimalism sweeping the capital’s interiors. The tablecloths are brightly patterned, the cushions are colorful, and the tapestries that cover the walls are loud and cheerful. Like the food, the décor feels fresh and hopeful, definitely a welcome addition to a stretch of town that often seems akin to a one-note French village of bakeries and cheese stores. "
Ikoyi Restaurant St. James's
Restaurant · Temple
"Ikoyi is named for the swish Lagos neighborhood cofounder Iré Hassan-Odukale grew up in. The cooked-to-perfection West African fare is prepared by Hassan-Odukale’s school friend, Chinese-Canadian chef Jeremy Chan. Chan, who hails from the kitchens of Noma and Dinner, and Hassan-Odukale have put a great deal of thought into every detail, from the incredibly sleek, almost mid-century modern dining room to the unusual and fascinating cocktail list. Then again, this is St. James's—there is no room for error. Order the suya beef blade with rich, smoked bone marrow and jollof rice, get a side of the sweet buttermilk plantain, and if nothing else, order the Guinness Stone Fence. Guinness is popular in Nigeria, and this cocktail, with cacao-nib-infused rum and lime flower, elevates the humble pint to a sublime creation. "
The Good Life Eatery
Restaurant · St. John's Wood
"There's a regular line out the door at this soon-to-expand cafe thanks to its seriously delicious raw foods, protein-packed offerings, and juices. Recently, they've teamed up in a big way with London's top delivery service, Deliveroo, so there's actually no need to wait as you can ostensibly order an entire day's worth of food to your home or office every morning. Make sure that order includes one of their meatball wraps—both the chicken and vegan versions are delicious and won't make you feel like you're making any sacrifices. There's also a location in Chelsea and Belgravia."
Lyndsey Ingram
Art gallery · Mayfair
"London is so packed with incredible galleries and cultural institutions that it’s daunting to know even where to begin. Which is why we’d point you here. Lynsey Ingram’s tiny gallery is almost hidden down Bourdon Street, but once you find it, 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 going it alone, and her knowledge and eye is evident here. And aside from the art, it’s stocked with catalogues and comfy chairs, and Ingram herself is usually on hand for any questions about the works you find most interesting. "
Chisou Sushi and Izakaya
Japanese restaurant · Mayfair
"Even though it's a total gem, you won't find Chisou in any London guidebooks. It's traditional Japanese, and the experience is rounded out with hand towels and a serious sake menu. Make sure you try GP's pick, the spinach salad with spicy shrimp (GP loves it so much she orders two). If you're short on time or budget, try Chisou To Go, where you can pick up sushi, salad, and noodles for the road. "
Vaishaly
Beauty salon · Marylebone
"This studio was founded by superfacialist Vaishaly Patel, and the skin-care treatments are incredible. The signature facial combines Patel’s famous techniques (deep cleansing, extraction, microdermabrasion, and high-frequency treatment) to create a custom plan to improve your skin on the day of your appointment. All facials include a craniosacral massage to treat tense areas at the scalp, brows, and jaw—heaven."
Raw Press
Cafe · Belgravia
"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. While they're out the door within a matter of minutes, others tend to stay and enjoy their almond milk lattes (quite possibly the best in town) at the communal table at this cheery, healthy hideaway. There's also Wi-Fi, which means the whole place is often abuzz with business meetings."
Hemsley + Hemsley
Permanently Closed
"Having published two bestselling cookbooks and made the spiralizer a household tool, it was only natural that sisters Jasmine and Melissa Hemsley would set their sights on opening up a café. Of course, it's not just any café: They've opened in the department store's brand new Body Studio—a major part of the shop dedicated to wellness—and serving up their grain-, gluten-, and refined sugar-free food from morning till night. Expect flaxseed muffins and green juices; bone broths; chicory lattes; colorful, spiralized salads; and many other Hemsley hits."
Claridge's
Hotel · Mayfair
"It's a great place to stay, and it's also a wonderful spot to duck into for an afternoon tea. Live piano and violin (sometimes even a double bass) accompany the much-acclaimed menus here. You'll find a variety of small-batch Tregothnan English Estate blends, which are the perfect companion to the finger sandwiches, warm scones, and clotted cream. Their famous Marco Polo jelly is not to be missed, neither is a walk through the Art Deco lobby to check out the stunning sweeping staircase."
The Connaught Hotel
Hotel · Mayfair
"The Connaught was revamped in 2008, and the interiors are full of subtle and modern surprises while maintaining the institution's old-world charm. The décor is elegant, the service is top notch, and the Connaught Bar and Jean-Georges (the burger is insane) are tasteful additions. The top floor of the hotel is occupied by an exquisite apartment decorated by the late David Collins in his signature shades of blue and grey. It's available to guests for a luxurious stay, and at the very least worth exploring on the website."
Il Baretto
Permanently Closed
"Located on a quiet street in Marylebone, this place boasts full-on fancy décor and an overall upscale vibe. The food, and the pizza especially, is delicious. Kids feel like they're getting to experience something grown-up while adults get to enjoy great food and a cocktail or two."
Social Wine & Tapas
Permanently Closed
"This gem-like taperia and wine shop is the latest addition to Jason Atherton's growing "Social" concept of dressed-up bars turned eateries. Here, the kitchen—led by Atherton and long-time side-kick Frankie van Loo—dishes out small, Modern interpretations on classic tapas like croquettes, chipirones and cod brandade along with wine sommelier Laure Patry's heavily researched list of wines spanning Europe from Hungary to France. If you like a bottle, you can buy it too from the wine shop, and if you want to dig deeper into a region, there's a schedule of wine tastings and master classes often held in the restaurant's private rooms for 10. "
The Joshi Clinic
Medical clinic · Marylebone
"Dr. Joshi's clinic is one of our first ports of (detox) call in London. In addition to colonics, Dr. Joshi also offers a pretty in-depth list of other wellness-centric services including personal training, massage, Endermologie, and his signature twenty-one-day nutritional plan, which are all designed to help detox. The clinic also offers a spectacular Moroccan riad retreat for the weary."
The Joshi Clinic
Medical clinic · Marylebone
"Dr. Joshi's clinic is one of our first ports of (detox) call in London. In addition to colonics, Dr. Joshi also offers a pretty in-depth list of other wellness-centric services including personal training, massage, Endermologie, and his signature twenty-one-day nutritional plan, which are all designed to help detox. The clinic also offers a spectacular Moroccan riad retreat for the weary."
Le Gavroche
Temporarily Closed
"From the soufflés to the caviars, to the champagne butters, to the fromage, Le Gavroche is classic French formal at its best. The flavors—care of chef Michel Roux Jr. (who took over from his father in 1991)—are rich and intense, much like the lavish cellar-inspired room, which oozes old-world luxury and charm. Since opening in 1967, Le Gavroche has earned itself two Michelin-stars and paved the way for Mayfair's place in the fine-dining landscape."
Locanda Locatelli
Italian restaurant · Marylebone
"Chef Giorgio Locatelli is a real innovator in the food space, but we're also fans of his persistence and strength—he had to close and re-open the restaurant after a traumatizing gas explosion blew through his recently renovated space. It's since re-opened, and is as quiet and comfortable as ever, guaranteeing a perfect grown up night out. Get ready for light, imaginative and seasonal Italian that won't disappoint."
Hotel Café Royal
Hotel · Soho
"Opened by a Frenchman as a restaurant in the mid-1800's, the Café Royal came to be known not only for its wine cellar—at the time, the largest in the world—but also as the intelligentsia's favorite watering hole. Everyone from Oscar Wilde—today, the sleek, green glass-tiled absinthe bar is named after him—to Rudyard Kipling, Virginia Woolf, D.H. Lawrence, and later, David Bowie, Princess Di and Mick Jagger showed up. When the glamour died down, the small hotel chain The Set came to the rescue for a revamp via David Chipperfield Architects and reopened the institution as a hotel and private club. Nowadays, the hotel, café, bar, and club attract a new kind of intelligentsia— namely fashion and media types—and is a hive of activity especially around fashion week, Frieze, and PAD. If you're splurging, don't miss the dreamy, pastel-hued Dome suite on the top floor, which boasts a terrace overlooking Regent Street, and the Akasha Spa, which is an unlikely, peaceful haven in the middle of Piccadilly."
45 Jermyn St.
Brasserie · St. James's
"Fortnum & Mason, which had, of late, started to fall into the "tourist trap" arena, is making a comeback, and a major one at that with their splashy new restaurant, 45 Jermyn St. Suddenly, F&M is a destination for (well-heeled) locals again as well. Once inside the palatial Martin Brudnizki-designed bistro and seated at one of the luscious orange booths, the stuff of old-fashioned storybooks awaits: You can summon a cart of caviar and have your pick of the best, or ask for an ice-cream sundae (spiked, if you like) with the works. Of course, all the basics are available as well from British classics like rib steak to modern favorites like avocado on toast. It's the sort of place you go on a special occasion and wear your "Sunday Best."
Andrea Hurst Reflexology
Reflexologist · Mayfair
"Andrea Hurst, aka the foot guru, is a specialist in the ancient Egyptian healing art of reflexology. She's been practicing reflexology for twenty-five years and has been based in Mayfair for the past seventeen years. Hurst also practices at UME Diagnostics in Harley Street, does home visits, and travels extensively. Her treatments help reset and restore body, mind, and spirit, and a session with her provides a framework for optimizing your well-being."
Park Chinois
Chinese restaurant · Mayfair
"After months and months of construction and delays, Alan Yau's Park Chinois is finally open. He's known for creating incredible restaurants and then selling them (Wagamama, Yuautcha, the list goes on) and this may just beat them all. At Park Chinois, as they're more than happy to explain, the theme is the 1930's, the era of the Cotton Club, Big Band Jazz, and Shanghai's golden age. After a dinner of Shanghai-style delights like Bang Bang Chicken Salad and Shabu Shabu, it's time to dance to some live big band swing in the gilded ballroom—it's the stuff of pure fantasy."
Sexy Fish
Asian restaurant · Mayfair
"Yes, that's correct, Sexy Fish is the name, and it happens to be the sceniest opening of the moment. Fittingly, it's part of Caprice Holdings, Richard Caring's growing empire of upscale restaurants and clubs in town—Annabel's, Marks Club, The Ivy, J Sheekey, and so on. Basically, he can name it anything and the power lunchers, celebrities, and international VIP's will turn up. And to his credit, it is sexy and it is fish. Dishes with a Japanese twist like sashimi yellowtail, prawn gyoza, and miso-glazed Chilean sea bass roll out of the kitchen and off the robata grill and are not just beautifully plated, but served in the bistro-style dining room that basically oozes gold with a side of Damian Hirst and Frank Gehry (their mermaid, fish, and crocodile sculptures dot the room). This is one for a special night out. "
Picturehouse Central
Movie theater · Chinatown
"Picturehouse is known for taking old movie theaters and jazzing them up with plush decor, all-day cafés, and bars. The newest of the group, right smack in central London in the Trocadero is no exception, with a much more contemporary look that makes you feel like you've walked into a big, clubby bar rather than a movie theater. You sort of have, in that the top floor is an exclusive member's bar with a terrace that provides great views of the bustling surroundings. And oh, there's the seven theaters themselves which have undergone a massive renovation and now have comfier red velvet seats and better screens (with cool retro curtains). "
The Food Doctor
Nutritionist · Fitzrovia
"Founded over fifteen years ago by nutritionists Ian Marber and Vicki Edgson, the Food Doctor is to this day an excellent first port of call when it comes to nutrition. All of the practitioners here provide solid nutritional advice, whether you're looking to shed a few pounds or cope with illnesses such as diabetes. You'll leave your first appointment armed with easy-to-follow worksheets, charts, and suggestions for meal plans."
Burlington Arcade
Shopping mall · Mayfair
"It's becoming more and more difficult to find classic arcades like this in central London, where you'll find independent stores and extraordinary service. Savor the feel of Mayfair's good old days as you wander between the madness of Bond Street and Piccadilly. And don't miss the golden egg that is Ladurée's London outpost for a macaroon. "
Cire Trudon
Permanently Closed
"Appropriately tucked away on a quiet road behind Marylebone High Street, this store creates the perfectly fanciful setting for its perfectly fanciful candles. Get a whiff of Versailles' wooden floors with the Solis Rex candle, or a glimpse of the Marie Antoinette lifestyle with Trianon. The brand has been around since 1643, when the original perfumer, Trudon, lived and served the royal courts. Photo: Paul Raeside"
Daunt Books Marylebone
Book store · Marylebone
"While there are outposts all over the city, the flagship Marylebone location is an original Edwardian bookshop, with an emphasis on incredible travel titles. All locations also offer a great selection of poetry to fiction, biography and more, all organized by relevant country. Fun."
Jigsaw Emporium
Permanently Closed
"When British basics brand Jigsaw opened their new Duke Street location, they called in excellent bedfellows: beloved coffee shop Fernandez & Wells and clothing boutique The Shop at Bluebird. They’ll entice you in for a snack at Fernandez & Wells, send you on a quick whirl through the bijoux Bluebird with pieces from Carven and Maison Kitsuné, and send you home with a well-priced T-shirt or dress from Jigsaw. Smart."
John Bell & Croyden
Pharmacy · Marylebone
"While the Queen's "Chemist" (pharmacy) certainly isn't new—the first shop opened in 1798—it's had a major revamp this year that's worth mentioning. We're big fans of the shop regardless of its looks, but the new lighting, modern display cases, and layout make it that much more compelling. You can find most medicines, tinctures, band aids, wraps, bath accessories, and vitamins here, but it's the fancy English heritage soaps, bath products, and grooming accessories that make it unique: They carry everything from Floris soaps and perfumes—the Royal family's preferred brand—to Mason & Pearson brushes, Grether's Pastilles, and more. "
London - Hatchards - Piccadilly
Book store · St. James's
"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."
J. Vara
Osteopath · Marylebone
"While Dr. Vara can treat just about any musculoskeletal injury, it's his abilities when it comes to pain management—everything from treating back pain to recurring headaches—that make him so popular. He's also great with (and qualified to treat) children. With two clinics in Sussex, he's a busy guy, but he does make it to his London clinic every Monday."
John Lewis & Partners
Department store · Marylebone
"John Lewis is great for home goods, kitchenware, clothing basics, and more. You'd be surprised at what you can find here. They deliver, and very quickly at that, making it so convenient you never even need to step foot in the store, here or on Brent Cross. Don't miss their home section for great, affordable, and durable English design. "
The Providores
Permanently Closed
"So this isn't Spanish Tapas at all, which is a popular misconception. Instead, Providores serves up powerful, punchy small plates of fantastic Antipodean cuisine with innovative combinations like truffled prawn siu-mai alongside a tortilla with urfa chili yogurt. The upstairs is the more formal dining room upstairs, which you have to book in advance, but it's actually a bit more fun in the rowdy Tapa Room—named after a traditional Rarotongan textile, not Spanish tapas—downstairs. The Sunday brunch is one of the best in London; just expect to wait for a table."
Lanserhof at The Arts Club
Wellness center · Mayfair
"Several goop staffers are longtime fans of the Lanserhof’s clinic in Austria. So we were delighted when they 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. "
The Wolseley
European restaurant · St. James's
"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: Case in point, the abundant pastries, cappucinos, and poached eggs over salmon on toast. "
Hélène Darroze at The Connaught
Haute French restaurant · Mayfair
"At Hélène Darroze, delicious and traditional French cuisine is served in an airy and elegant setting. The food is reminiscent of lazy meals on weekend mornings in southwestern France, where the chef grew up—the Saturday brunch is not to be missed."
Selfridges
Department store · Marylebone
"Simply put, this is one of the best department stores in the world. While the layout is refreshingly easy to navigate, no two visits are the same as there's always something new in the works, be it a pop-up shop or temporary exhibit. The Food Hall alone is worth a visit...same goes for the legendary Shoe Galleries."
Welsh & Jefferies Ltd
Tailor · Mayfair
"Savile Row is pretty much 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 some serious boutiques and tailors with a reputation for excellent shirting. Case in point: Nobody really does it better than Turnbull & Asser (in business for more than 100 years), Photo: Nick Richards"
Sotheran's Rare Books & Prints
Rare book store · Mayfair
"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). Quality books of all kinds and friendly staff make this a stand-out London shop with a museum-like feel."
sketch
Modern European restaurant · Mayfair
"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 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—right now, the walls are covered in more than 200 of David Shrigley's quirky sketches. 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 restroom, as the egg-shaped toilet pods and colorful ceiling make for a pretty unforgettable trip to the loo. "
Afternoon Tea at Claridge's
Tea house · Mayfair
"Live piano and violin (sometimes even a double bass) accompany the much-acclaimed tea menus here. You'll find a variety of small-batch Tregothnan English Estate blends, which are the perfect companion to the finger sandwiches, warm scones, and clotted cream. Their famous Marco Polo jelly is not to be missed, neither is a walk through the Art Deco lobby to check out the stunning sweeping staircase."
Nicola Clarke at John Frieda
Hair salon · Fitzrovia
"Nicola is well-known in London and around the world for being a top colorist with a long roster of both male and female celebrity clients. When she's not on assignment, she can be found at the John Frieda in London and more recently at her own, beautifully-appointed brick and mortar salon. "
Everyman Baker Street
Movie theater · Marylebone
"The cushiest chairs and the best snacks can be found at Everyman Cinemas which feature kids matinées on Saturday mornings. Each Saturday brings a different film for the burgeoning film crowd."
The Portland Hospital Hospital part HCA Healthcare UK
Private hospital · Marylebone
"Consultant gynecologist Dr. Sarah Creighton specializes in abnormal smears and pediatric gynecology. Of course, if you're in need of a routine consultation, she's also available for these at The Portland Hospital."
Paddington Street Gardens
Park · Marylebone
"This colorful and well-equipped playground with jungle gyms, tire swings, picnic tables, and more is just behind Marylebone High Street at the end of Paddington Street Gardens (where you'll find a beautiful English rose garden). The space is covered with trees and makes a for a supremely peaceful break from errands or sightseeing."
Papouelli
Shoe store · Belgravia
"Papouelli—formerly known as Papillon—focuses on beautifully crafted, classic children's shoes that are actually practical. Their bestselling moccasins are adorable, though they also sell loafers, booties, and special occasion shoes for littles of all ages. There's an outpost on Elizabeth Street and a second location on Marylebone Lane."
The Conran Shop
Permanently Closed
"Terence Conran of Habitat fame is one of the—if not the—most prominent figures in British design, and his legendary shop is just one of his many legacies. His son Jasper is heir to his throne: He's recently overhauled the store's layout, style, and feel. Mixing furniture into realistic and enticing home-like vignettes, the shop is now a source of inspiration as much is it is the place to buy 20th-century design large and small. 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, making it hard to walk out empty handed. There is also another location in Chelsea. "
Marylebone Farmers' Market
Farmers' market · Marylebone
"Treats, sausage rolls, quality fruits, and "veg," are all on offer in the Moxon Street car park in this upscale neighborhood. Don't miss the fresh Norfolk Oysters."
Seymour's Parlour
Cocktail bar · Marylebone
"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. It's a cozy, jolly old retreat from the shops and bustle of its surroundings. The short menu of drinks is designed by Tony Conigliaro, who is basically the don of the cocktail scene in London, and 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, as the barman won't fail to mention. Photo: Andreas von Einsiedel"
Jessica McCormack
Jewelry designer · Mayfair
"On a corner of Carlos Place—arguably the most sublime shopping street in Mayfair—is McCormack’s atelier. The three-floor townhouse is filled with such beautiful furniture and art collection that you forget you’re there for the jewels. Until you see them: necklaces of cascading diamonds, Art Deco drop earrings, and engagement rings galore. And McCormack excels at breathing new life into family heirloom rings by creating modern “jackets” of jewels to surround the older piece to make it wearable for modern styles. An appointment here might involve relaxing on the sofas upstairs, flipping through the dozens of art and photography books stacked elegantly on the shelves for reference, or chatting with the designer about what your aesthetic preferences. McCormack considers herself a family jeweler, which is fair given that once you’ve ordered a piece, you’re likely to continue going back. The entire experience is bespoke, elegant and thoughtful. "
5 Carlos Pl
Mayfair
"Six meticulously restored floors of a Georgian townhouse filled with fashion is the latest venture from the UK luxury retailer, Matches. Directly across from the Connaught Hotel, the store takes the shopping experience up a notch with a service that lets you choose—from the office, a cab, the airport, wherever—what you want to try on before you get there. All the loot is waiting in a fitting room with your name on it when you arrive. Matches is also breathing life into the space beyond the merchandise, with evening talks and workshops, a café space with rotating chefs, and a gorgeous tropical-themed garden to catch your breath. "
Yosma Express
Temporarily Closed
"This is a classic Turkish mangal grill on steroids, with an expansive menu of mezze, kebabs, and grilled mains, served up in a glitzy space right on Baker street. By London standards, the space is enormous, as is the grill in the back of the room, but at dinnertime, it manages to feel warm and cozy, filled with everyone from casual walk-ins to large groups there pre-night out. There are plenty of classics on the menu, including an excellent Lamb Kofte and Borek from the clay oven, but it's the cocktail menu where the innovation lies, with a suite of raki-based drinks to get the night started. "