London City Guide

Bertrand’s Townhouse is a refreshingly affordable 43-bedroom boutique bolthole, set across three beautifully restored Georgian townhouses in the heart of Bloomsbury. Perfectly positioned just moments from the British Museum, Covent Garden and Soho’s theatreland, Bertrand’s Townhouse offers a window into one of the city’s most culturally rich neighbourhoods. Inspired by the area’s intellectual and artistic heritage, the hotel pays homage to philosopher Bertrand Russell and the celebrated Bloomsbury Set through rich interiors, eclectic artwork and individually designed guestrooms. Original architectural features sit alongside bespoke furnishings and marble bathrooms, creating an elegant residential feel. At its heart is Ottie’s Salon, an intimate day-to-night dining and cocktail destination, while a secluded cigar terrace offers a rare outdoor retreat in central London.

The Hari is tucked away in the heart of London’s Belgravia, and the perfect boutique sanctuary for modern travellers and connoisseurs of luxury. Throughout the hotel, guests will find themselves surrounded by impressive collections of artwork that rotate in and out of the hotel on a regular basis. Upstairs, the hotel’s 85 rooms and 14 luxury suites feature a mix of plush velvet upholstery, marble bathrooms, contemporary art and stylish furnishings with sweeping views over the surrounding area. When it comes to dining, The Hari is home to il Pampero a chic, modern Italian restaurant serving seasonal dishes such as Artichoke tortellini with Pecorino fondue, crispy Jerusalem artichoke and fresh pesto, and Parma ham wrapped monkfish featuring a saffron & mussel “guazzetto” and cannellini bean cream. For those seeking an evening of frivolous fun, the tiramisu trolley is a must-order! Guests can also while away the hours sipping classic and creative cocktails in the stylish Hari Bar or elegant Garden Terrace – a hidden indoor-outdoor oasis with speciality drinks.

The Goring is a grand hotel with impeccable manners and a subtle streak of wit and wonder. Opened in 1910 by Otto Goring, it is the only five-star luxury hotel in London that is owned and run by the family that built it. During their stay, guests can delight in Executive Chef Graham Squire’s Michelin-starred cuisine in The Dining Room, or indulge in a quintessential English afternoon tea in The Veranda overlooking the garden (one of the largest private gardens in London!) Located in Belgravia, one of the most exclusive and elegant London addresses, The Goring is perfectly placed for spectacular sights and style, and has been a firm Royal favourite for many years, having previously been appointed a Royal Warrant to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II (2013 – 2022) for Hospitality Services. Catherine, Princess of Wales, also notably stayed in The Goring’s Royal Suite the night before her wedding to Prince William, whilst the Queen Mother famously enjoyed Eggs Drumkilbo – a lobster and egg-based dish that remains one of the most popular dishes in The Dining Room.

Give your brain a workout with SOFOS Brain Gym at Mandarin Oriental Mayfair, London. This summer, Mandarin Oriental Mayfair welcomes SOFOS Associates, the neuroscience-based cognitive performance practice founded by psychologist and neuroscience specialist Natalia Ramsden, for a new Practitioner in Residence programme focused on the growing world of brain health and cognitive longevity. Known as the ‘Brain Gym’, SOFOS offers guests the chance to explore their cognitive performance through two signature experiences: The Brain Map Experience and The Brain Gym Programme.

Take a walk around the many London parks, several belonging to Royal Parks. London is a city to take in on foot, with several areas connected by the vast park areas. Venture out to the leafy borough of Richmond and wander around Richmond Park, famous for its deer in residence and other wildlife.

Visit the V&A Museum, not only for the many high-end fashion exhibitions, currently on show is the first ever UK exhibition of Elsa Schiaparelli, but for the many free exhibitions and displays. From there, venture into Chelsea, known as a village in the heart of London. Chelsea is full of boutiques shops, some of London’s best pubs and The Chelsea Physic Garden by the river, London’s oldest garden and home to some of the world’s most interesting and rare plants.

Claro is a modern Mediterranean restaurant in the St James area of London where food, design and hospitality come together in a warm, convivial setting. Founded by three friends, it champions a sharing-led concept that puts ingredients at the forefront, working closely with local producers and seasonal British and Mediterranean produce. The menu changes almost daily, reflecting what is freshest, with dishes such as crudo, grilled fish and rich, flavour-led plates designed for the table. An open kitchen and energetic team create a sense of theatre and connection throughout the experience and a new weekend lunch concept with free-flowing Champagne offers a relaxed, celebratory way to experience the menu.

Located within The Cadogan, A Belmond Hotel in Chelsea, Willett’s is a contemporary British bistro, named after the Willett family who built the original 1887 townhouse on the corner of Pont Street and Sloane Street. The menu celebrates nostalgic British flavours with contemporary refinement, signature dishes include sourdough crumpets topped with ingredients such as Dorset crab or duck liver parfait, alongside dishes like Sutton Hoo chicken and morel pie, Wye Valley asparagus with duck egg, Cornish mackerel, and classic British puddings including sticky toffee pudding. A daily specials board and traditional Sunday lunches reinforce the restaurant’s emphasis on seasonality and local sourcing. Created by Shayne Brady and his studio, the interiors draw inspiration from Chelsea’s historic market gardens. Heritage greens, botanical motifs, antique mirrors, bronze accents and restored 1887 flooring create an atmosphere that feels both elegant and welcoming. An open kitchen, chef’s counter seating, intimate booths and a terrace further enhance its neighbourhood-bistro character.

Simpsons In-the-Strand is one of Britain’s most celebrated dining institutions and recently reopened following a complete refurbishment, reinstating itself as one of London’s most loved restaurants. Established in 1828, the restaurant has earned an enduring reputation for traditional British cuisine, impeccable service, and a rich cultural heritage that spans nearly two centuries. Situated within the Savoy estate near Covent Garden and London’s Theatre District, Simpson’s remains a landmark destination for both visitors and Londoners seeking an authentic taste of British gastronomy, originally opened as the Grand Cigar Divan, a coffee house and chess club, Simpson’s became a renowned gathering place for intellectuals, politicians, writers, and chess masters during the Victorian era. In 1848, restaurateur John Simpson transformed the venue into a dining establishment, introducing the now-famous silver carving trolleys used to serve and carve roast meats tableside—a tradition that continues to define the restaurant today.

Bar Antoine at Four Seasons Hotel London at Park Lane: Launched its new cocktail menu Savoire-Boire in May, reimagining the flavours of the French table, developed by award-winning Bar Manager, Leon Gasco. Hero serves include the Croissant Old Fashioned; the Cornichon Martini with olive oil vodka; the Peach & Mustard Margarita; and the Fig-Affair Paloma finished with a delicate Comté tuile garnish. A new food menu has been designed to accompany the cocktails, to be enjoyed at the bar itself, or on the spacious outdoor terrace which is now complete with a petanque court.

Hanover Bar at Mandarin Oriental Mayfair: Perched above Mayfair, Hanover Bar offers a sophisticated escape just moments from Hanover Square. With panoramic views of London’s skyline, this exclusive rooftop sanctuary harmoniously blends art, fashion, and culture, providing a chic and atmospheric space to unwind while soaking in the city’s breathtaking sights. To elevate the experience this summer, Hanover Bar comes alive with music every week. On Thursdays, a DJ sets the mood from 6pm, while Saturdays bring an energetic live trio of saxophonist, DJ, and percussionist, filling the space with vibrant energy. This summer, Hanover Bar will be launching their ‘Summer of Sports’ menu including Wimbledon and F1-inspired cocktails.

Flo Bar at Brasserie Constance | Fulham Pier: Flo is an intimate neighbourhood cocktail bar with floor-to-ceiling river views over The Thames, housed in Brasserie Constance, the new Fulham Pier development. Flo offers a quietly under-the-radar bar scene for those wanting to feel like a local resident. Here, inventive, botanically inspired twists on classic cocktails, from the Flo Martini to the Golden Mango and Royal Bramble — are paired with refined small plates such as smoked haddock croquettes, walnut, pear and Stilton tarts, and lamb and mint skewers, creating a refined yet relaxed setting that feels like one of London’s best-kept secrets. Nightcaps continue at Fulham Pier Hotel, a 13-bedroom boutique property, located next door.