Becoming a home-from-home for TLE, London is one of the most visited cities in the world and offers everything from culture and history, fine dining, award-winning bars and some of the world’s best shopping. We have tried out many of the best hotels in the city as well as the best restaurants so here is a selection of our favourite places to eat, things to do and hotels to stay when you visit London.
Eat
Sachi
Celebrating all things Japanese, Sachi (read more here) is in part inspired by Tokyo’s speakeasies – with a Nordic twist. On the lower ground of a six-floor building, Sachi has a chef’s sushi table. Here you can watch the food being prepared, theatre style. There’s a private dining area with its own bar, while the main open restaurant opens onto an ornate oriental garden with booths hidden away (perfect for date night). Open Wednesday through to Sunday, Sachi’s tantalising menu presents dishes such as lobster miso, a tomato salad with smoked senbaisu, Toro tuna and trout roe sashimi. And although sushi is traditionally fish-based, the kitchen has a plentiful selection for vegan and vegetarian diners.
Sycamore Vino Cucina
Brand new for 2021, this authentic Italian all-day restaurant is found in Covent Garden and was launched as part of the lifestyle luxury hotel, Middle Eight. Specialising in Italian mixology, the bar has 15 different varieties of Negroni alone, as well as an impressive wine selection, showcasing small-scale producers from regions including Piedmont, Lombardy and Tuscany. Start the day with an egg-topped Nduja Breakfast Pizza, stop in for Cicchetti (Venetian tapas) at lunchtime and tuck into delicacies such as the Bistecca di Manzo (35-day aged longhorn porterhouse with whipped potatoes), for dinner. The urban hangout is open to both hotel residents and walk-ups, with DJs and live musicians frequently playing late into the night.
TĪNG At The Shangri La
Those who have a head for heights can make their way to the 35th floor of The Shard where they will be treated to a stunning 360-degree view of the city at Ting at The Shangri La. This is one of the most elegant places in the city to enjoy afternoon tea and people who are enjoying a shopping spree in London will be able to take a welcome break. Ting also boasts an extensive lunch and dinner menu that combines contemporary European cuisine with Asian influences. One of the most popular dishes here is the chicken and prawn laksa, while those who are celebrating a special occasion are sure to enjoy the five-course tasting menu. Ting also boasts a luxurious lounge where visitors can unwind while sipping a cool cocktail or two and gazing out at London’s iconic skyline.
Read our guide to the best restaurants in London
Do
Afternoon Tea at the Goring
People who want the chance to follow in the footsteps of Royalty will not want to miss the opportunity to take in afternoon tea at the Goring. The Goring is famous for being the favourite haunt of Kate Middleton and many members of London’s elite regularly meet here to indulge in afternoon tea while catching up on the latest gossip. The Goring was the winner of The Tea Guild’s coveted Top London Afternoon Tea award and this extremely exclusive establishment has been serving the delicacy for more than a century. Served in the impressive Dining Room each afternoon guests are treated to their choice of hot or iced tea from around the world as well as an excellent selection of sandwiches, pastries and cakes. In order to make this experience truly memorable, afternoon tea can be accompanied by a glass of Bollinger Rosé Champagne or Bollinger Special Cuvée Champagne, which is served with fresh strawberries.
Spa experience at ESPA Life at Corinthia
Those who want to enjoy an indulgent pampering experience are sure to love unwinding at ESPA Life. This very exclusive spa is set in the five-star Corinthia hotel and offers guests a wide range of therapies and treatments that are designed to make them look and feel fantastic from head to toe. ESPA Life is the largest spa in the whole of London and guests are provided with plenty of choice as well as very decadent spaces to relax in. as well as the usual spa treatments such as facials and massage, ESPA Life also offers something a bit different in the form of meditation, sleep and fitness sessions.
Read our guide to the best spas in London
Shopping spree at Harvey Nichols, Harrods and New Bond Street
London is the perfect place to shop until you drop. People who have a love for the finer things in life will want to make sure they allow plenty of time to check out Harvey Nichols and Harrods. The chic and stylish department store of Harvey Nichols is also a great place to see and be seen, while Harrods is the most famous department store in the whole of the UK. Harrods was built back in 1849 when it originally served as a grocery shop opened by Charles Henry Harrods. His belief in quality and good service soon earned him a reputation and people began flocking to the shop to purchase teas from around the world and other products. Harrods is now owned by Mohamed Al-Fayed and has expanded considerably to bring shoppers must-have products from all over the world and one of the main highlights here is the Room of Luxury, which can be found in the ground floor.
Sleep
Marriott Park Lane
Base yourself here and you’ll be perfectly situated for both the shops and world-leading theatres of England’s capital. Located in Marble Arch, the bustle of Oxford Street is a stroll away, but in this salubrious Mayfair neighbourhood, guests are cocooned in elegance. Some of the executive rooms and suites at this 5-star establishment offer views over Hyde Park, balconies and sofa beds, with all bathrooms crafted from Italian marble. Suites come complete with lounge access offering complimentary food and drinks though-out the day and evening in the Lanes of London restaurant. A fitness centre features an indoor pool, steam room and gym with optional massage and spa treatments available. And the hotel’s restaurant, Lanes of London is a chic venue for classic British-inspired dishes, botanical afternoon teas and craft cocktails.
DUKES London
Nestled in the heart of historic St James Mayfair, DUKES us a sophisticated boutique luxury property, which has been an exclusive retreat of writers, musicians, politicians and royalty. Guest rooms range from their modern classical styled rooms, right up to their luxurious suites with views out to St James Park. Dining options include GBR serving traditional British dishes with contemporary twists and for some quintessential Afternoon Tea or a cocktail head to DUKES Bar. This is one of our favourite hotels in London and you can read our review here.
The Park Tower Knightsbridge
Part of the Luxury Collection group, The Park Tower is a five-star establishment in the heart of Knightsbridge. It first opened to guests in 1973, a noticeable new landmark on the west London skyline, with its unusual circular architecture. All 271 rooms and suites come with a view thanks to its unique shape, as well as 200-thread count cotton sheets, robes, slippers and deep soaking tubs. In-room spa services are available, as well as The Park Tower Butler, for your every need. The Hyde Bar is the hotel’s main dining establishment, with afternoon teas served in The Knightsbridge Lounge.
