"Chelsea staple Bluebird has recently relocated to Covent Garden, into a stunningly outfitted former coach house no less. The fashion emporium is fittingly upscale for its surroundings, but, in a relaxed, casual, spend-an-entire-Sunday-here sort of way. They stock a great mix of under-the-radar brands along with all the staples like Peter Pilotto, Marni, and Ganni. Pop across to Balthazar for lunch afterwards. "

"Fancy, high-tech sex toys, beautiful apothecary items, lingerie, and general erotica (there's a small but mighty selection of dirty books) is all on offer at this tasteful shop. The lingerie runs the gamut from tame (Stella McCartney, Paloma Casile) to risqué (the house line of intimates is pretty heavy on the latex), and includes a good range of bridal."

"The bright, large, and airy room with tiled floors, cast-iron panes on the many windows, and tasteful garden furniture (it's attached to the classic Conran Shop) has some of the best oysters in the city and magnificently simple seafood. There's a more formal eating space upstairs, but for a true European air, the relaxed oyster bar is where it's at. "

"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."

"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 cart (the "martini trolley") so you can pick from custom flavors like cardamom, ginger, or grapefruit for your drink. Trust us, it's a memorable experience. "

"Shopping the Harvey Nichols flagship is one of life's great pleasures as it's often quiet and crowdless. Beyond having the most well-curated selection of contemporary lines in London and a shoe department that is never disappointing, the seasonal sales are legendary. As if that weren't enough to make you want to move in forever, there are also salons, spas, and the Fifth Floor—a sort of high-end cafeteria with great food and cocktails."

"Ffiona's serves traditional, rustic staples, like 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. Ffiona has recently added an excellent brunch every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday with everything from the a English breakfast to fluffy pancakes (and a free cocktail on Saturday). Her traditional Sunday roast is not to be missed."

"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. In sum, a slightly random selection of household goods that come together beautifully."

"For a while, Blakes was GP's home away from home in London. Touted as the "original boutique hotel," it has style and sex appeal for days while maintaining all the creature comforts (Bang & Olufsen tech, free-standing tubs) of a luxury establishment. The décor in the rooms is plush—expect lots of crushed velvet and jewel tones—and even a little bit escapist, making them ideal for a romantic night or weekend getaway. Plus, the main floor now boasts a sunny dining room, while the bar downstairs has undergone a classy refurb. This spot is as much of a sleek hideaway as it ever was. "

"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. Many of the objects for sale here satisfy the "looks great under a glass cloche" category requirement. Photo: Simon Bevan"

"The books here are by women, about women, and for busy women who don't have time to wade through bigger chains in search of that perfect book. The collection contains 96 beautiful, unique and intelligent books, which make wonderful gifts for the women in your life. The beautiful reprints all feature a custom Persephone grey jacket, the same color as the shop's façade, which remains virtually unchanged since its construction in 1702."

"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 - and merchandise their goods in their own style. The best hand painted tablecloths, in an array of patterns all designed in their in house studio, handblown glassware, plus essential kitchenware round out the offerings. This is a dreamy, beautiful store that is 24 years strong. They've also recently opened a second store in Belgravia at 58 Elizabeth Street, and sell internationally through their website summerillandbishop.com"

"Hidden away on a quiet street in Islington, the Draper’s Arms attracts a faithful following who come for casual tipples and full meals. The British gastro-pub fare is wonderful as is the small selection of wines; and, this being England and all, the beer and ales selection is definitely on point. Old wooden tables, checkerboard floors, board games, and a wall full of classic orange-spined Penguin paperbacks drives the cozy vibe home."

"Part of the prestigious Firmdale group, The Soho Hotel is situated on a quiet street in what is an otherwise bustling neighborhood. Each of the 96 surprisingly spacious rooms have been individually decorated—unheard of for a hotel of this magnitude—but all share a decidedly English mix-and-match aesthetic (florals and stripes here, ikats and plaids there). In the lobby, the eclectic vibe translates to a giant Bottero cat, more print-on-print action, and lots of floor-to-ceiling windows. Stop by The Refuel Bar for an evening cocktail or afternoon tea service. "

"This Italian spot is great with a few friends because it means you get to share a bunch of the delicious, seasonal offerings. Their menu is constantly changing, so you can always expect to be pleasantly surprised. Downstairs, you'll find a slightly glitzier (though still very tasteful and understated) vibe and small plates that are a little fancier."

"The Firmdale group has a strong hold on the hospitality scene in London, and this Soho venture is its splashiest yet, with a bowling alley, a theater, and a "village square" of cool shops like Dinosaur Designs and Frescobol Carioca. The interiors are still in owner Kit Kemp’s signature eclectic and colorful but totally English style, and the high tea here is just as fun and quintessential as at the other locations. (On weekdays, the cozy corner seats in the bar are a sublime under-the-radar spot to catch up on emails.) Besides the Soho location, the other big draw is that every single room and suite boasts floor-to-ceiling windows with stunning city views. "

"This idyllic little French restaurant in Chelsea is well documented as one of the most romantic restaurants in London. The décor is French countryside without being cheesy, complete with candlelit nooks, dried flowers, and cluttered wall decorations. The classic French fare (ratatouille, coq au vin) lives up to the ambience. The chocolate mousse is not to be missed."

"Hereford Road's head chef Tom Pemberton (formerly of St. John) opened the restaurant in 2007 in a former Victorian butcher’s shop; in the summers, 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."