If you are coming to London, it’s possible you don’t have inside knowledge of the top places to go for food, retail therapy and to rest your head as day turns to night.
This city is packed full of an impressive array of restaurants, shops, hotels, and apartments that will suit all tastes but it can be hard to sift through the vast amounts of information available. So, if you are looking for a guide to eat, sleep, shop, repeat when you visit London- look no further!
Our Top 3 Favourites
London is packed with incredible retail destinations, luxury hotels, and some of the best restaurants in the UK. We’ve drilled it down, so you don’t have to, with our three ultimate favourite spots!
Place to eat: Sketch– for an immersive eating experience with a side of culture, this is a luxury restaurant in London not to be missed!
Place to stay: Sanctums Luxury Serviced Apartments– with all the magnificence of a 5-star hotel but with the space and privacy of your own home.
Place to shop: Westfield– the perfect balance between designer and high street retail stores all within an indoor setting to escape any typically British downpours!
Best places to eat in London
- Sketch
A destination for food, drinks, music, and art, this gastro brasserie is located in an impressive Georgian townhouse on Conduit Street. With three Michelin stars, it is known as one of the best restaurants in London where you are guaranteed the finest cuisine from a seasonal menu. Or if life is too short for making decisions, let their expert chefs delight you with an exciting tasting menu.
If you are looking for an afternoon tea spot, you will also find this here. With an impressive array of sweet and savoury goodies and your own personal tea master, you’ll have an unforgettable experience!
9 Conduit Street, W1S 2XG
- EL&N London
Behind the highly Instagrammable flower walls lies a beautiful café with great coffee and an exciting brunch menu, as well as a beautiful selection of patisserie cakes and of course, afternoon tea. EL&N is a wonderful London food spot with locations across the city and a perfectly pink décor; they are easy to find and worth a visit. We’d recommend the Knightsbridge branch; set over two floors, you’ll find it much quicker to get a seat and start picking the delicious food.
42 Hans Crescent, Knightsbridge, SW1X 0LZ
- The Hero of Maida
This secret gem is a gastropub that serves up classic British and French food, as well as dishing up an incredible roast on Sundays, with choices including slow-cooked lamb shoulder and 45-day aged sirloin.
Situated in Maida Vale, The Hero of Maida is a traditional Victorian pub set over two floors with a heated beer garden to boot. This restaurant offers all the charms of a pub with added luxury for a wonderful dining experience.
55 Shirland Road, W9 2JD
Best places to stay in London
- The Langham
Steeped in heritage, The Langham opened in 1865 and is renowned as the birthplace of afternoon tea. It’s one of the best areas to stay in London, owing to its completely central location, offering a luxurious getaway with refined rooms and suites that exude timeless elegance and impeccable service. With a range of facilities including a spa, you’ll leave feeling refreshed and rejuvenated. If you are looking for one of London’s most indulgent hotels, this is a great place to stay.
1C Portland Place, W1B 1JA
- Montcalm Royal
If you like the idea of being in the trendy area East of the capital, but are wondering where to stay in London that still has a luxury feel, try the Montcalm Royal. It offers a 5-star experience for visitors with rooms featuring all the mod-cons including a smart TV, iPod docking station, and a smartphone with unlimited data for guests to use throughout their stay. Be sure to visit the onsite spa with wall tiles designed by Versace to continue your touch of London elegance!
22-25 Finsbury Square, EC2A 1DX
- Sanctum Luxury Serviced Apartments
If you want all the perks of a 5-star hotel whilst still retaining space and some home comforts, then try the Sanctum Luxury Serviced Apartments. With three conveniently placed London locations, they are all in great proximity to some of the capital’s top tourist attractions, shopping hotspots, and restaurants.
The apartments offer 24-hour concierge service, laundry, and maid services, as well as a fully equipped kitchen, plasma screen TVs, free Wi-Fi, underfloor heating, and air conditioning all within a stylish and contemporary setting.
The Maida Vale location even has access to a gym, heated pool, and health club with sauna. What more could you need?
1 Greville Road, Maida Vale, NW6 5HA
Best places to shop in London
- Oxford Street
You can’t come to London without a trip to the most famous shopping street in the UK. This really is London’s premier spot for locals and tourists alike, with over 300 shops from classic high street brands to designer names and landmark stores. You’ll find something for the whole family along this road. Keep an eye out for the hidden purple clock that directs you to St. Christopher’s Place for boutique shops and casual eateries.
Nearest tube: Oxford Circus, Bond Street, Tottenham Court Road, and Marble Arch
- Bond Street
If you are looking for a life of glamour and style in London, head straight to Bond Street for a truly luxury shopping experience. Home to some of the biggest names in fashion from Chanel and Louis Vuitton to Tiffany & Co. and Cartier, you’ll find runway fashion, sumptuous jewels, and small leather goods for the ultimate retail therapy in this popular shopping area of London.
Nearest tube: Bond Street
- Westfield
Sadly, you can’t always rely on the great British weather to hold out for you on a stay in the UK, but don’t let that dampen your enthusiasm. For some retail therapy in London but avoiding downpours, head to Westfield, which has two locations in the east and west of the capital. For a more rounded experience with both high end and high street stores, we’d recommend going west to the White City location where there are brands such as Jimmy Choo, Burberry, and Gucci.
Nearest tube: Shepherd’s Bush
If you’re looking to avoid the rain on your visit, have a look at our guide to When is a good time to visit London.
Alternatively, if you’ve arrived in London and the weather isn’t quite as dry as you hoped, check out our guide to Things to do in London on a Rainy day.
Summary
If you’ve got a trip to London upcoming, don’t miss out on the eclectic dining, extensive retail and sleeping opportunities at your fingertips. Whatever your taste, there will be something for you to discover in this glorious city, this guide will have you and your friends heading in the right direction to enjoy London’s many attractions!
If you have any questions about your London visit don’t hesitate to contact us
