PASSPORT: LONDON

written by

CYLIA BITTON

London’s vibrant nightlife, world-class shopping, buzzy art scene, and suddenly respectable culinary chops have made it the beating heart of Europe. The world’s most visited city reclines along the river Thames, languidly unfurling the classic attractions: The Tate Britain museum, Gasworks, Westminster Abbey, Tower Bridge, and The London Eye are among the iconic landmarks along its banks. But it’s the out-of-the way spots — Hoxton, Covent Garden, Camden and Shoreditch — that make today’s London thrum like never before.

Whether you’re partying with pretty young things at The Box in Soho, venturing to Vauxhall to dine on updated English classics at the Brunswick House Cafe, or shopping for the perfect bespoke suit on Savile Row, it’s a town of endless pleasures. Get lubricated at any number of soccer-crazed pubs, retro-speakeasy hotspots or musty private clubs. Try to eat your way through the city’s forty-plus Michelin-starred restaurants. Or browse upstart art gallery Haunch of Venison in Mayfair (the home of Banksy, after all).

“Here in London, giddy London,” Morrissey once sang. And he was right. It’s easy to get giddy in a town this cool. Before you book your ticket, check out our top spots to eat, drink and shop.

Connaught

Carlos Place, London W1K 2AL, United Kingdom

Photo courtesy of THE CONNAUGHT

The Connaught, a luxury hotel set in the heart of London’s chic Mayfair village, is the perfect blend of a discreet English ambience with contemporary 5-star touches. The breathtaking hotel suites are decorated by some of the world’s best designers. A Michelin-starred restaurant, the luxurious and revitalizing Aman Spa, and the perfect Martini – served in the splendor of The Connaught Bar – are all brought together by a dedicated team who are almost instinctively able to anticipate and cater to your every whim.

Café Royal

Regent Street, London W1B 4D

Photo courtesy of CAFÉ ROYAL

True to its original glamorous spirit, Café Royal is a 5-star hotel in the heart of central London. Continuing its celebrated legacy, and in addition to the restaurants and bars within which guests may enjoy, relax, and unwind with a cocktail or English tea, their notable Akasha Holistic Centre is an urban retreat spanning over 13,000 ft2. Featuring a state-of-the-art-gym, large lap pool, Watsu pool, sauna and Hammam/steam room, you’ll leave feeling like a whole new person.

Scott’s

Mount Street, London W1K 2HE — Photo courtesy of GROSVENOR

Sip flutes of Gaston Chiquet at the grand oyster bar while feasting on fines de claires. The first-class seafood and magnificent desserts (like the Bakewell pudding) are worth the entire expense of the meal.

Wolseley

160 Piccadilly, London W1J 9EB — Photo courtesy of DAVID LOFTUS

The Wolseley combines London heritage and Viennese grandeur. Dine on a Sunday afternoon when spectacular three-tiered tea stands are in abundance and enjoyed by a diverse mix of patrons.

Chotto Matte

11 Frith Street, London, W1D 4RB — Photo courtesy of MARCUS PEEL

Chotto serves up Japanese/Peruvian fusion cuisine with ninja-like precision, as well as Nikkei-inspired Pisco, Sake, and Sochu cocktails expertly mixed from behind a lava stone bar.

Roka

37 Charlotte Street London W1T 1RR — Photo courtesy of ROKA

Much of the action at Roka takes place at the central robata grill, where a repertoire of izakaya food is created. Look out for Roka’s two new locations opening this year: Roka Mayfair and Roka Aldwych.

Shard

Level 31, The Shard, 31 St Thomas Street, London SE1 9RY — Photo courtesy of AQUA SHARD

Aqua Shard’s Atrium Bar is a perfect spot to get lit on gin-or-tea-based cocktails while surveying the twinkling cityscape below.

Duck & Waffle

Heron Tower, 110 Bishopsgate, London EC2N 4AY — Photo courtesy of DUCK & WAFFLE

Duck & Waffle takes dining to new heights, serving award-winning cuisine 24/7.

Novikov

50A Berkeley Street, Mayfair, London W1J 8HA — Photo courtesy of NOVIKOV RESTAURANT

Novikov has a Russian name, a British address and two restaurants, one with an Italian menu and the other, Asian-inspired. Brilliant! The Lounge Bar has an extensive cocktail menu and features world-class DJs.

Arts Club

Dover St, London W1S 4NP — Photo courtesy of THE ARTS CLUB

A private club established in 1863 by Charles Dickens, Anthony Trollope and other writers to promote “social intercourse of those interested in art, literature and science.”

Tavern

The London Edition Hotel, 10 Berners St, London W1T 3LF — Photo courtesy of BERNERS TAVERN

Located within the supremely glamorous London Edition Hotel, Berners Tavern is a gastronomic gem by Ian Schrager (of Studio 54 fame). In addition to the exeptional menu. The people-watching is unmatched.

Dover Street Market

17-18 Dover Street, London W1S 4LT — Photo courtesy of DOVER STREET MARKET

The hyper-trendy, six-floor fashion emporium created by Rei Kawakubo of Comme des Garcons looks as cool as the high-fashion threads peddled inside. Dedicated shops include Nike’s Free Hyperfeel, Undercover, Jil Sander, Purified, and of course, Comme de Garcons.

Sweeney Custom Suits

1-2 Weighhouse Street, London — Photo courtesy of THOM SWEENEY

Constructing all garments from scratch with the finest fabrics, Sweeney offers natty handmade jackets, trousers, ties and the label’s trademark U-shaped waistcoats. The mostly-bespoke shop also stocks a ready-to-wear tuxedo made from midnight blue mohair-bland wool and trimmed with matching silk lapels, jets and buttons, perfect for that last-minute black-tie invite.

Goodhood

41 Coronet Street, London N1 6HD — Photo courtesy of GOODHOODSTORE.COM

This impeccably-curated Hoxton boutique is brimming with high-level street fashion, including a denim-heavy men’s department.

Clothiers

8 Chiltern Street, London W1U 7PU — Photo courtesy of TRUNK

This cozy shop in Marylebone is full of smart suits, shirts and outerwear. Customers range from well-heeled young bankers to J. Crew CEO, Mickey Drexler.

LN-CC

Shacklewell Lane, London E8 2EZ — Photo courtesy of LN-CC

This appointment-only experience is hidden down an alleyway in Dalston. If you can find it, follow an orange-lit tunnel to an evolving cluster of installations curated by top designers. Sidle up to the mezcal bar that features a sound system sourced from the Sex Pistols’ old studio before browsing the library, vinyl record shop, and art gallery.