London, England
Charles and I just returned from a quick jaunt to London. Oh, how I love that city, and for so many reasons. It’s urban, yet genteel. The streets are clean and the buildings are mostly low-rise, which provides a democratization of sky – whether blue or gray – for all to see and experience throughout the day. London is a true city, so there exists a hustle-and-bustle energy, but it’s a calmer, more courteous flurry, made even more civilized by the omnipresence of the rhythmic English accent heard on every corner.
I’ve been to London so many times that It’s like a second home to me. As a creature of habit, I have several places I like to visit once I get into town…
Mayfair & Soho: My Go-To London Shopping Haunts for Dapper Finds
My first stop is always the Paul Smith Sale Shop on Avery Row in Mayfair. I make a mad dash up the very narrow and crooked staircase to the second floor (or first floor in the UK), where a sea of post-season floral wovens are laid out on a central table. I unintentionally make the salespeople insane, having them run up and down the rickety stairs to look for additional sizes in the stockroom down below, but it’s worth it in the end because I always leave with a shopping bag teeming with those distinctive, expertly crafted floral shirts.
After Paul Smith, I head over to Liberty of London, only a short walk away. Located at the top of Carnaby Street, Liberty is a renowned British department store and fabric house that dates back to the 19th century. A florist flanks the main entrance, always with beautiful stems and bouquets on display. Once inside, I make a beeline for the back stairwell and head down to the lower level to the men’s department, which showcases exclusive collaborations with new and renowned designers, as well as a collection of Liberty’s latest signature prints. On my last visit, I was delighted to discover a portion of the lower level converted into a new fragrance gallery, featuring scents from several rare fragrance ateliers. This is where I discovered Matière Première, a newish French line of unisex perfumes, each built around a high-quality central ingredient. A very knowledgeable fragrancist led me to Vanilla Powder, my new obsession.
Berwick Street in Soho has become one of my favorite destinations. This lively and eclectic street is lined with vintage shops, independent boutiques, and in more recent times, trendy restaurants and bars. On previous trips, I was introduced to several one-off brands that have since exploded around the world, including Wax London and A Day’s March. On this past trip, I stumbled across Wear London, a modern menswear shop featuring classic, clean silhouettes made of fabrics sourced from Italy.
Soho is home to several enchanting squares, but there are two where I love to spend a few minutes, in between my mania of shopping – Soho Square and Golden Square. Soho Square is rooted by huge, old plane trees, and is usually very active with young Londoners playing ping pong. It’s a great place to eat a quick bite or sip a coffee and people watch. Golden Square is a bit more rarefied and serene. It’s also only two blocks from Regent Street, which is often packed with people, making it a much needed and conveniently located respite from the crowds.
Marylebone High Street: Charming Boutiques & Cultural Gems in London’s West End
I love taking a stroll up and down Marylebone High Street. This charming and sophisticated shopping street is known for its mix of independent boutiques, high-end stores, and hopping cafes and restaurants that literally spill onto the street. It was here that I rediscovered Bobbies, a Parisian shoemaker I had fallen in love with on a trip to France many years ago. On this past trip, Charles and I had a delightful brunch with a cousin at the Viennese-inspired Fischer’s, and then ducked into the nearby Wallace Collection for an hour or so to ogle at the Canalettos and Rembrandts on display.
Seven Dials: Where Charming Boutiques & Hidden Courtyards Converge
I love to meander around Seven Dials in Covent Garden. This quaint area is famous for its distinctive star-shaped layout, with seven streets radiating from a central point marked by the iconic monument. Each street is lined with a curation of boutiques and theaters, and several of the dials are connected by hidden courtyards that feel worlds away from the city bustle.
The most beloved of these is, of course, Neal’s Yard, home to the eponymous Neal’s Yard Remedies which has been a staple for organic health and beauty for over 40 years. Just around the corner is Monmouth Street, a beauty destination in its own right with luxury beauty and fragrance brands, like Elemis and Miller Harris, and the recently opened, historic French candle boutique, Trudon (dating back to 1643!).
However, on my most recent stroll, I found that the area has also become a bit of a sanctuary for the dapper gentleman. I spent quite a bit of time at the new NN07 flagship on Earlham Street, admiring their “refined casual” Danish aesthetic. Just a few doors down, I popped into Loake Shoemakers to admire their Goodyear-welted brogues – a true masterclass in British heritage. When the shopping bags finally get heavy, the Seven Dials Market is the only place to be. Housed in a stunning converted warehouse, I highly recommend grabbing a seat at the Pick & Cheese conveyor belt or fueling up with a legendary burger from Bleecker Burger before heading back out into the West End flurry.
London’s West End & National Theatre: A Deep Dive into World-Class Performances
With Charles’ connection to the theater, we always end up seeing several plays while in town. Most often, we’ll see a show or two in the West End, which is London’s equivalent of Broadway. On our recent visit, we witnessed a formidable, heart-wrenching modern adaptation of Sophocles’ Oedipus, created by Robert Icke and starring Mark Strong and Lesley Manville. It was truly one of the best nights in theater I have ever experienced. We also often trek across the River Thames to the National Theatre, which was founded in 1963 by Laurence Olivier and has several stages and a diverse range of productions, from classic plays to contemporary works.
Thameside Strolls: Embracing London’s Historic Embankment Views
Speaking of the Thames, I love to take a stroll along the Victoria Embankment. This beautiful and historic stretch of road runs along the north bank of the river and offers stunning skyline and water views. The Embankment is lined with many impressive buildings, including the luxurious Savoy Hotel, the historic Somerset House, home to the world-class Courtauld Gallery, and the Art Deco Shell Mex House. There are also numerous gardens that offer a peaceful retreat with beautiful flower beds, emerald lawns, and riverside walks.
A Culinary Tour of the Capital: From Soho Secrets to Grand Brasseries
London’s dining scene is a fast-moving target, but there are a few storied institutions and modern favorites that have firmly cemented themselves as my go-to “table for two” recommendations.
For a true taste of London’s theatrical heritage, The Ivy remains a cornerstone. There is a reason this West Street landmark has endured; the service is impeccable, and the Shepherd’s Pie is comfort food elevated to an art form. Just around the corner is another of my all-time favorites, J. Sheekey. Tucked away in an alley near Leicester Square, this red-fronted seafood sanctuary is where I go when I want the finest oysters and grilled Dover sole in the city. It’s a bit like stepping back into a more glamorous era of the West End.
When I’m in the mood for a bit more “old-world” European glamour, The Delaunay on the corner of Drury Lane and the Strand is my first choice. It’s a grand brasserie in the best possible sense – think green leather banquettes, dark wood paneling, and a kedgeree that is, quite frankly, legendary.
Over in Soho, the energy shifts to something a bit more contemporary. I recently discovered Doppo on Dean Street, a cozy Italian gem that feels remarkably authentic for being in the thick of the bustle. It’s the kind of place where the pasta is handled with reverence and the wine list invites a long, leisurely evening. Just a block away sits 10 Greek Street, a minimalist’s dream where the daily-changing chalkboard menu keeps things seasonal and exciting.
For something entirely different but equally stylish, I head back to Berwick Street for The Duck and Rice. It’s a clever hybrid: a traditional British pub on the outside, and a stunning, copper-filled Chinese kitchen on the inside. Enjoying a crisp glass of Riesling or a properly made cocktail while sharing a plate of their crispy aromatic duck is one of those “only in London” experiences that I never tire of.
London’s Finest Footrests: From Classic Cool to Modern Marvels
At the end of the day, when I’ve tired myself out from a marathon of shopping and socializing, where I choose to lay my head is of the utmost importance. For years, my loyalties have lived at the five-star St Martins Lane Hotel. Tucked away in the heart of Covent Garden, its location is simply unbeatable for theater-goers. I usually opt for a Deluxe King or a Corner Studio Suite; the rooms are generous, but it’s the bathrooms that truly win me over – think walk-in showers with formidable water pressure and a steady supply of Malin+Goetz products.
However, London’s hotel scene is currently having a bit of a moment, and I’ve found myself straying to a few other gems. If I’m in the mood for something with a bit more “Kit Kemp” whimsy, The Soho Hotel is a delight. Tucked down a quiet mews, it feels like a private sanctuary despite being steps away from the energy of Old Compton Street. For those who prefer a grander, more cinematic experience, The Londoner in Leicester Square – the world’s first “super boutique” hotel – is a subterranean marvel of sleek design and hushed luxury. And for a night that feels a bit more avant-garde, the ME London on the Strand offers a striking, futuristic vibe with a rooftop bar that provides, in my humble opinion, one of the most breathtaking panoramas of the city skyline. Whether you crave the minimalist chic of St Martins Lane or the bold drama of the ME, London certainly knows how to host in style.
The Heathrow Express: A Breeze to the Airport from Paddington
I leave you with my final piece of admiration of London…
At the end of each trip when we’re ready to head to the airport, we take a black cab to Paddington and hop on the Heathrow Express. Twenty minutes later, we’re rolling our bags into the ground level of Terminal 3. I can’t think of another city with a major airport that is so easily accessible.
Last visited in November, 2025
