Concierge London give you the best City Guide

Concierge Services London - Quintessentially London is one of the 50+ offices of the world's leading private members' club and personal & corporate luxury concierge services supplier. We obtain the unobtainable for those who deserve the best.

London is all things to all men. Whether you search for thrills, peace or somewhere between the two, the city has something to offer everyone. It is something of a cliché to describe it as a city composed of villages, but to a large extent this is true, at least if your definition of a village can encompass the cultural and lifestyle highs that London is composed of.

London is both resolutely British and profoundly multicultural. Evidence of the capital’s cosmopolitanism can be found around every corner. Afro-Caribbean culture is deeply-rooted in Brixton, the French have been ensconced in South Kensington since WW2, China is well represented in its enclave near Leicester Square, the Polish influx is keenly felt throughout North-West London, and there is a distinct Asian flavour to Brick Lane where curry houses and sari shops line the street. Nevertheless, there is no easy way to distinguish between the different areas of the city. Over 7 million people call London home and every borough seems to be just as diverse as the next.

The old and the new exist cheek to cheek in London; both staunchly traditional and markedly modern, the city celebrates its history while simultaneously looking to the future. From Prime Ministers to well-loved actors, the history of London is marked out on the blue plaques that are dotted around the city commemorating the lives of former residents. Meanwhile, peaking out from behind the narrow alleys of London’s East End, Norman Foster’s “Gherkin” makes a strikingly modern statement. Contemporary architecture is boldly represented across the capital and it is never far from any of the city’s countless historical landmarks. The skyline resembles a mess – but a glorious one.

A difficult place to summarise, London is a sprawling metropolis which is nonetheless full of distinctive charm. Visitors can look forward to enjoying its world-class museums, visiting its legendary restaurants, spending time in its vast parks or taking in a West End show. However people choose to spend their time here, they will no doubt be struck by the breathtaking cultural and historical diversity which remains at the very heart of London life.


GO THERE FOR

The Architecture and Design – London has plenty to offer when it comes to architecture and design, both new and old. Simply taking a walk along the Thames will give you an evolving spectacle. Look out for the ultra-modern Design Museum, the Tate Modern, the Millennium Bridge, the London Eye, Battersea Power Station, Tower Bridge or the Gherkin.

The History – London dates back to Roman times, which means there is plenty of history to pack into a lifetime, let alone a single visit. The obvious draw is the British Museum, which is justly famous for its regularly changing and highly subscribed exhibitions, but the Tower of London and the Imperial War Museum are favourites with tourists and locals alike.

The Food – There are any number of overpriced, unpleasant establishments, as there are in any city, but the best places rank with anywhere in the world. Restaurants like The Wolseley, The Ivy and Gordon Ramsay’s empire stand out, but these are just a few among many glittering highlights, which range in price from modest to astronomical.

The Theatre – In recent years, London’s West End has overtaken Broadway to be regarded as the best theatre district in the world, with a serious influx of great new musicals and plays, as well as appearances by A-list stars, including Madonna, Christian Slater, David Tennant, Gwyneth Paltrow, Kenneth Branagh and Kevin Spacey. London’s incredible theatres are an eclectic blend of old performance houses steeped in theatrical history, like the Theatre Royal, Haymarket, and the newer, more dynamic producing spaces, like the intimate Donmar Warehouse. The National Theatre is also a good bet, with its near-constant stream of premieres by the world’s most acclaimed English language playwrights. With its beautiful marquees and glowing lights, the West End is a heady mix of new and old – the premier place to see world-class theatre.

The Markets – London has a multitude of excellent markets that date back hundreds of years. Whatever you’re looking for, be sure not to miss Borough Market for organic food, Spitalfields for fashion and Portobello Road for antiques.


DON'T MISS

High Tea – From crumpets and a cup of Earl Grey to a four-course meal, high tea can mean a great many things to different people, but there’s nothing like sampling afternoon tea in one of London’s grand old hotels.

The Changing of the Guard – This colourful and long-standing tradition, which takes place outside Buckingham Palace most mornings, is a great celebration of British pageantry.

Regent Street – Avoid Oxford Street and head to the more upmarket Regent Street instead, which is stuffed with legendary and iconic shops, from Hamley’s to Armani. It may be packed with milling crowds all year round, but it’s well worth a visit. The shopping here is unparalleled. Don’t miss Selfridges and be sure to pop into Liberty’s.

Hyde Park – Hyde Park is one of the largest green spaces in London, not to mention, one of the liveliest. The Park has a large lake across its centre, as well as excellent stables for horse riding and a terrific art gallery. It’s worth passing through Speaker’s Corner on a Sunday, just to see what it’s like.

The South Bank – Spanning an impressive stretch along the River Thames, the South Bank is an absolute must. Home to the BFI Southbank, the Royal National Theatre, the Royal Festival Hall, the Tate Modern, and the Globe Theatre, this riverside walk is a vibrant hub of cultural activity. Come here in the daytime to catch some street theatre, peruse the second-hand book market and amble in the sunshine. In the evening, take in the breathtaking city views and stop by one of the great restaurants for a romantic meal.

For first-person insider knowledge on cities around the world, check out www.quintessentially.com/insider


BASICS

Quintessentially UK
10 Carlisle Street, London, W1D 3BR
Telephone: +44 870 850 8585
Email: askq@quintessentially.com

Country Code: +44
City Code: 020
Emergency Services: 999 for police, fire or ambulance
Directory Enquiries: 118 118
Electricity: 240 V/50Hz; three-head flat pin.
Language: English
Currency: British pound sterling (GPB)
Exchange Rate: GBP 1 = USD 1.57, 1 USD = .64 GBP. 1 GBP = 1.2 EUR, 1 EUR = .83 GBP
Time: GMT (UTC), Last Sunday March – Last Sunday October BST (UTC +1)
London Heathrow Airport
General Enquiries: +44 (0)844 335 1801
www.heathrowairport.com
Gatwick Airport
General Enquiries: +44 (0)844 335 1802
www.gatwickairport.com
London Stansted Airport
General Enquiries: +44 (0)844 335 1803.
www.stanstedairport.com


GETTING AROUND

From The Airport...
Heathrow Airport:
The Heathrow Express only takes 15 minutes to get into Paddington Station and costs GBP 32 (round-trip). Taking a licensed black cab from the airport can cost GBP 55, depending on the traffic. Heathrow is also on the Piccadilly Line of the London Underground.
Gatwick Airport:
The Gatwick Express takes 30 minutes to get into Victoria Station and costs GBP 28.80 (round-trip). A licensed black cab can cost GBP 100, depending on traffic.
Stansted Airport:
The Stansted Express takes 45 minutes to get into Liverpool Street Station and costs GBP 26.80 (round-trip).

Around Town…
If you’re travelling within Zone 1 only, buses, cabs and walking are the best way to explore the city above ground. However, the Underground – known locally as the Tube – makes for easy, efficient transportation. The cheapest way to travel on public transport is with an Oyster card. These can be bought at any station and most newsagents.
Chauffeur: Quintessentially Driven - 0870 383 3555
Public transport: London Travel Info - 020 7222 1234


WHEN TO GO

Most tourists come between mid-April and mid-October, with another peak at Christmas. The weather is mild most of the year, wetter in late autumn and winter (average precipitation of 55mm/2.2inches per month), and sometimes cold at the beginning of the year. It can get sweltering in the summer (average high low 20s˚C/low 70s˚F but can reach upper 20s˚C/low 80s˚F) and air-conditioning is rarely found in places other than department stores, hotels and cinemas. Winter temperatures don’t often drop below zero, but the days are short and frequently rainy.

Public Holidays:
1st January - New Year's Day
Variable - Good Friday
Variable - Easter Monday
1st Monday in May – Early May Bank Holiday
Last Monday in May – Spring Bank Holiday
Last Monday in August – Late Summer Bank Holidays
25th December - Christmas Day
26th December - Boxing Day


WHERE TO STAY

The Dorchester (Quintessentially Members’ Benefits)
Park Lane, W1A
The Dorchester offers first-class suites and attentive round-the-clock room service. The choice of many celebrities, The Dorchester belongs in the “best of the best” category. Ask for a suite facing Hyde Park for the best views.

Claridge’s (Quintessentially Members’ Benefits)
Brook Street, Mayfair, W1K
The Claridge’s lobby – decorated with towering mirrors, a chandelier and gleaming marble floors – will leave you breathless. Some items in the guestrooms may be a bit out-dated but apart from that, expect nothing but the best during your stay. Located on Bond Street, Claridge’s is unbeatable for its sense of history and atmosphere.

The Berkeley (Quintessentially Members’ Benefits)
Wilton Place, Knighstbridge, SW1X
The Berkeley offers a residential location close to the heart of Knightsbridge. The top floor swimming pool will help you escape from city life for a lovely afternoon of relaxation. In terms of accommodation, expect utterly lavish interiors and sumptuous bedding.

The Connaught (Quintessentially Members’ Benefits)
Carlos Place, Mayfair, W1K
The Connaught stands in the heart of Mayfair, in a charming area of antique shops, churches and a delightful, quiet public garden. Two of London’s loveliest squares, Grosvenor and Berkeley, are close by. The Connaught has the advantage of being near Bond Street and the great West End stores, as well as within easy reach of theatres, museums and parks.

The Soho Hotel (Quintessentially Members’ Benefits)
4 Richmond Mews, W1D
The Soho Hotel is ideally located in the heart of London’s busy film and media district. Every room is unique and designed to reflect an ultra-chic style. Guests can enjoy a relaxing massage in the Soholistic Treatment rooms or a film in one of the two screening rooms. It’s a great place to stay in the winter with its lovely fireplace and cosy interiors.

The Haymarket (Quintessentially Members’ Benefits)
1 Suffolk Place, SW1Y 4BP
Designed by the legendary John Nash, the master architect who developed most of Regency London - including nearby Buckingham Palace, Trafalgar Square, and the adjacent Haymarket Theatre Royal - the Haymarket Hotel has been brought to life by distinguished designer Kit Kemp with 50 individually designed bedrooms and suites, an exclusive four level townhouse, Brumus Bar and Restaurant (serving northern Italian cuisine), conservatory and drawing room.

The Mandarin Oriental (Quintessentially Members’ Benefits)
66 Knightsbridge, SW1X
The Mandarin Oriental towers over Knightsbridge directly across from Harvey Nichols. After a day of shopping in the area, enjoy a day at its spa, which is widely considered one of London’s best. The rooms with balconies overlooking Harvey Nichols are the best.

Knightsbridge Hotel (Quintessentially Members’ Benefits)
10 Beaufort Gardens, SW3 1PT
Finally - a chic B&B, that doesn't cost the earth. Most of us know that trying to find a decent hotel at a decent price in the centre of London is about as likely as finding a parking spot when you're desperately late for an urgent appointment. In these price sensitive times Tim and Kit Kemp are spot on with their 44-bedroomed and breakfast in the heart of Knightsbridge.

The Covent Garden Hotel (Quintessentially Members’ Benefits)
10 Monmouth Street, WC2H
The Covent Garden Hotel is the choice of many actors and film producers. The intimate hotel is beautifully decorated and the service is relaxed and friendly. Saturday night is film club night complete with a fantastic three-course dinner and a classic movie in the hotel’s cosy private cinema.

Brown's Hotel (Quintessentially Members’ Benefits)
Albemarle Street, Mayfair, W1S
Situated in the heart of Mayfair and just minutes away from the chic boutiques of Bond Street, the vibrancy of the West End and the tranquillity of Green Park, Brown’s Hotel is one of London's premier addresses. As well as the luxurious suites and rooms, it features The Albemarle, which serves outstanding British cuisine; The English Tea Room, offering award-winning afternoon tea; The Donovan Bar, which is London’s most fashionable meeting place and a relaxing spa.

The Ritz (Quintessentially Members’ Benefits)
150 Piccadilly, W1J
No list of London hotels would be complete without The Ritz. One of the world’s most famous hotels, The Ritz is a classic. Don’t come here expecting flashy modern amenities, but do expect traditional elegance and heaps of period features.

11 Cadogan Gardens (Quintessentially Members’ Benefits)
75 Sloane Street, Knightsbridge, SW1
Located within easy walking distance of Harrods and Harvey Nichols, for over a hundred years The Cadogan Hotel - a 65-bedroom townhouse located half way between Knightsbridge and Sloane Square on Sloane Street - has been the epitome of discretion offering travellers a welcoming home away from home. Following an extensive renovation programme, the Cadogan has now been restored to its original glory.


WHERE TO EAT

The Ivy
1 West Street, WC2H
Favourite of celebrities, The Ivy is notoriously difficult to get a table at, but, once visited, never forgotten. The menu is simple but the food is of world-class quality. This is a great place to try British classics, like shepherd’s pie and kedgeree, before or after catching a play in the West End.

Wolseley
160 Piccadilly, W1J
The Wolseley is housed in a spacious old car showroom and boasts elegant vaulted high ceilings with Art Deco touches throughout. The massive dining room seats 600 and is reminiscent of a classic Parisian brasserie, but is still one of the busiest restaurants in the capital due to the modern British cuisine and pristine setting.

J. Sheekey
28-32 St Martins Court, WC2N
J. Sheekey is full of old-fashioned charm and, although it was established more than a century ago, it remains the benchmark for seafood in London, especially the legendary fish pie. The newly opened oyster bar is well worth a visit.

Scott’s
20 Mount Street, W1K
Since re-launching in December 2006 (it’s been around since 1851), Scott’s has attracted a wave of celebrity diners. Dazzling guest list aside, this superb seafood restaurant is worth a visit simply for its impressive menu and fantastic service.

Bentley’s
11-15 Swallow Street, W1B
With renowned chef Richard Corrigan at the helm, Bentley’s is a rock steady restaurant. Although there are some cracking meat dishes on the menu, people flock here for the seafood and the oysters in particular. Stick to the downstairs Oyster and Champagne Bar for a casual light bite or head upstairs for a proper sit-down meal of grand proportions.

Arbutus
63-64 Frith Street, W1D
Run by the charismatic duo of Anthony Demetre and Will Smith, this Michelin-starred celebrity favourite specialises in upmarket traditional British cooking, making clever use of ingredients such as offal to delicious effect.

Gordon Ramsay at Claridge's
Claridge's Hotel, 55 Brook Street, W1S
Gordon Ramsay’s boasts the most sought-after tables in London. The food, the atmosphere, the service and that unbridled feeling of exclusivity, make this one of the best restaurants in the country, let alone the city.

Marcus Wareing At The Berkeley
The Berkeley, Wilton Place, Knightsbridge, SW1X
Formerly a Ramsay restaurant, Petrus, Marcus Wareing has gone it alone and continues to offer nothing short of first-class fare. The service is professional but friendly and the food is exceptional. Try their exquisite lobster Arnold Bennett or the Carpaccio of foie gras on truffle toast.

L’Atelier de Joel Robuchon
13-15 West Street, WC2H
Located in the heart of the West End, this hot restaurant from Michelin-starred Chef Joel Robuchon boasts flashy black and red interiors and an even flashier menu. Dishes are served in punchy, Japanese-style portions. With the open kitchen as a focal point, foodies will be in heaven.

Tom Aikens
43 Elystan Street, SW3
Tom Aikens is one of the most famous chefs in London, and this, his self-titled restaurant, is a triumph. Offering gastronomic modern French cuisine in a sleek, monochrome atmosphere, Aikens has successfully drawn in the punters, the critics and even a Michelin star.

Locanda Locatelli
8 Seymour Street, W1H 7JZ
Chef Giorgio Locatelli's Italian wine list is just as important as the superb pasta and traditional cooking on the menu. Good wine at all price points proves to be this classic Italian restaurant’s greatest asset.

River Cafe
Thames Wharf, Rainville Road, W6
Opened in the late 1980’s by Rose Gray and Ruth Rogers, and recently reopened following a fire, River Cafe is a real institution. Offering modern Italian cuisine in a lovely riverside setting, this outstanding restaurant places every emphasis on the quality and seasonality of ingredients, which will win you over time and again.

Le Caprice
Arlington House, Arlington Street, SW1
Le Caprice is a well-known hang out of the media set, with prices to match. It has great modern British-European food, an impressive celebrity clientele and superb service which will make you feel as welcome as a regular.

Nobu
19 Old Park Lane, W1
Nobu has celebrity written all over it: co-owned by Robert de Niro, it never ceases to attract London’s rich and famous, including, notoriously, Boris Becker, who fathered a child here. The food, a trendy fusion of Japanese and South American, is excellent and the glamorous atmosphere is unparalleled. The Mayfair branch is also well worth a visit, and is slightly less busy.

Zuma
5 Raphael Street, SW7
Zuma serves up authentic, yet contemporary, Japanese food in a stylish Zen-like atmosphere. An open-plan kitchen and sushi bar emerge from roughly hewn rocks, and sunken tables and bare bamboo screens set a minimalist Japanese tone. The food is superb, but save room for dessert – it’s surprisingly good too.

Hakkasan
8 Hanway Place, W1P 9DH
Michelin-starred Hakkasan is one of the best Chinese restaurants in London. It has the ability to turn absolutely anyone into the most devoted epicurean, even after just a single course. The to-die-for cocktails are the icing on the (absolutely delicious) cake.

Yauatcha
15 Broadwick Street, W1F
The kitchen breaks with Chinese custom by serving dim sum for dinner as well as lunch. It’s hard to single out dishes for special praise, but the roast venison puffs are particularly gorgeous.

Asia de Cuba
45 St Martin's Lane, WC2N
Asia de Cuba is a designer restaurant that serves an exciting fusion of Asian and Cuban cuisine in sharing-style portions. The restaurant’s signature dish comes piled high with calamari, palm hearts, cashew nuts, banana and rocket, with a sesame orange dressing.

Pied A Terre
34 Charlotte Street, W1T
A two-Michelin starred restaurant in the high-class enclave of Charlotte Street, this temple to gastronomic excellence belies its tiny size with some of the most inventive and exciting cooking to be found anywhere in London.

Brumus
1 Suffolk Place, W1
Something that you can rely on in any of the Firmdale group's excellent restaurants is modern British food served with pizzazz - options include such delights as côte de boeuf with béarnaise and thick chips, rich gnocchi with morel mushrooms and a great range of sundaes for dessert. The wine list, which ranges across the globe, is notable in that it offers virtually all its wines by the glass as well as bottle, making it much easier to match it with the food. All of this is presented in a splendidly decadent red-hued room, where the staff strike just the right balance between formality and friendliness.  

Haozhan
8 Gerrard Street, W1
There are many Chinese restaurants in Chinatown, but only Haozhan has established itself as an excellent culinary destination in its own right, rather than simply a convenient place to grab a bite to eat. The reasons for this are simple; it's a very good restaurant full stop. The dishes are exceptionally well cooked and presented, including such delights as wagyū beef with miso, Haozhan Champagne cod in a Champagne and honey sauce and the signature dish of chilli quail. The wine list has a good range at different prices and the dim sum are elegantly chosen and mouth-wateringly presented.

Polpetto
49 Dean St, W1
Sister establishment of the equally acclaimed Polpo restaurant round the corner in Soho, Polpetto, situated above the iconic French House pub, specialises in similarly delicious bite-sized delights, which make for an ideal lunch or dinner. Start off with some cicheti, which might be duck and porcini meatballs or little octopuses, followed by a range of delights that could encompass cured pork shoulder pizzetta, zucchini fries and osso bucco with saffron risotto. The temptation, given the keen pricing policy, is to order the entire lot, but a modicum of restraint should be exercised. The short but hearty wine list includes many options by the 250ml and 500ml carafe, and service is polite but friendly at all times.

Notting Hill Brasserie
92 Kensington Park Road, W11
One of West London's most popular hotspots has recently undergone a dramatic makeover, creating an extremely slick new bar, No 92, which specialises in a range of beautifully made cocktails that date from the 18th century to the present day. They may be quite unusual, but they're all delicious, and they set you up nicely for a delicious dinner in the main restaurant. The cuisine is Anglo-French and includes such delights as mushroom risotto with foie gras and beef shin as a starter, or beautifully cooked duck as a main course. Make sure that you leave some room for dessert, as the tarte tatin here is one of the best in the surrounding area. The wine list offers a good selection of Old World wines, and there's a decent number by the glass as well.

Tamarai
167 Drury Lane, WC2
Situated in the historic environs of Drury Lane is one of London's most enjoyable and delicious pan-Asian restaurants. The dishes on offer are subtly inventive without being pretentious - starters might include pan seared foie gras with Tamarind or caramelized Szechuan king prawns, followed by main courses of duke of Berkshire pork belly with hoisin onion sauce or braised venison shank, which offers beautifully tender venison in a subtly spiced sauce. It's already famous for its cocktail and wine lists; the former offers such delights as 'Honey Pepper Fizz', a stylish and peppery twist on a Mojito, while the Charles Metcalfe-curated selection of wines allows guests to choose a decent selection by the glass, or very reasonably priced bottles. The Mad Fish Pinot Noir, especially, is a particular pleasure. Service is gracious and friendly without being over-familiar.

Chor Bizarre
16 Albermarle Street, W1

With a name that translates literally as 'Thieves' Market', you'd be forgiven for thinking that this Mayfair Indian would be something of a rogue's gallery. In fact, it's an exceptionally enjoyable place to visit, matching top-quality Indian cuisine with an inventive and lengthy wine list. Particular culinary highlights include pepper scallops and Shikampuri kebabs to begin with, followed by the delicious Sharabi Kababi tikka masala, which bears as much resemblance to the lacklustre chicken tikkas to be found on your local high street as an Alsatian does to a chihuahua. Those with a hearty appetite might wish to avail themselves of the 'royal repast', some mighty thali dishes that combine seemingly half the menu, in particular the Kashmiri Tarami. The Charles Metcalfe-curated wine list offers a decent selection by both the glass and the bottle, and one of the excellent cocktails makes for a fitting start to a superb meal.




BARS, PUBS AND NIGHTLIFE

Neo
14-17 Carthusian St, London ECM1, www.neobarbican.com
If you’re looking for somewhere that serves deeply excellent cocktails somewhere slightly off the beaten track, you’d be well advised to head to Neo, just by the Barbican Centre. As Belvedere Vodka’s only UK bar, the cocktails are predictably excellent. Those looking for something unusual should try the Belvedere Brainbox, which combines smoked salmon, avocado, green tea and vodka and a broccoli and sage garnish. Others might prefer to stick to more conventional options (we love the Sidecar here), and the peckish can nibble on the items from the gentleman’s afternoon tea menu, offering such delights as baby croquet monsieur, salmon & cod fishcake and even mini pizzas.


Merah
78 Wells Street, Marylebone, W1P
Merah might be 'harem' backwards, but there's no doubt that this very cool, sophisticated spot, which opened at the beginning of 2010, has been seeing all manner of trendy people flock there. In addition to the fantastic drinks and great atmosphere, the Gregory Gatseralia-designed interior takes its influences from the exotic bazaars of the Middle East, helped by the constantly shifting reflective wallpaper, controlled by the club's light technician.

Cuckoo Club
Swallow Street, Mayfair, W1B
Bringing rock and roll glamour back to London, this trendy members’ club on Swallow Street is great for both cocktails and dinner. Oasis hosted their after-party here after the 2007 Brit Awards and the club remains popular with the A-list crowd.

Boujis
43 Thurloe Street, SW7
Boujis is a trendy private member club that attracts a good crowd during the week. When Boujis opened it created a sensation and it’s still riding the wave of its extreme popularity with the in-crowd, often young Royals and pop stars.

Volstead
9 Swallow Street, Mayfair, W1R
This intimate lounge bar, located in the West End, has a distinct 1920’s feel. The cocktails are classic, with an emphasis on bourbons and gin, and a hearty menu is available in the early evening before the DJs come out to play.

Mahiki
1 Dover Street, W1S
Who said tiki bars were a thing of the past? This super kitch Polynesian-style club, with its desert island décor and tropical drinks, has gone from strength to strength since it opened in late 2006. It’s always crowded, but that just adds to the party vibe.

Whisky Mist
35 Hertford Street, W1D
At the time of writing, this is the city’s hottest nightspot. Seemingly every VIP worth their salt – and a few who aren’t – pop into this glamorous basement club to order Champagne by the Jeroboam and to watch glamorous things in tiny dresses strut their stuff.

No. 5 Cavendish Square
5 Cavendish Sq, W1
This classic building boasts a fantastic restaurant with an international menu, four bars, one private dining room, a 'residents' drawing room, a cigar bar, a night club and roof terrace. There is also accommodation upstairs for those who wish to retire after a long night on the dance floor.

Absolut Icebar
29-33 Heddon Street, W1B
London’s Absolut Icebar, a collaboration between the Absolut IceHotel and the owners of the restaurant Below Zero London, have created a bar entirely made of ice. Like stepping into an igloo, this sub-zero bar is worth going to at least once just for the fun of it, although it’s unlikely to attract any serious regulars.

Mortons Club
28 Berkeley Square, Mayfair, W1J
Set in a historic Georgian building, Mortons is a fine dinner venue but doubles as a trendy club later in the evening. They have monthly wine tastings, an Art Club and live jazz on a regular basis.

Gordon's Wine Bar
47 Villiers Street, WC2N
The oldest wine bar in London, this hidden gem has a great outdoor space in the summer. Note that the highly atmospheric downstairs cellar is all but impossible to get a table at in the evening.

Cocoon
65-67 Regent St, W1
Cocoon is both unobtrusive and exclusive looking. Upstairs, the bar and restaurant areas overlap in a sleek and hip modern atmosphere. It is possible to go solely for drinks, and with one of the most enviable cocktail lists in London, you could easily while away the evening here. The bar gets busier as the night goes on, so arrive before nine or ten to avoid disappointment. The waiters are as smartly turned out as the restaurant itself, where the Asian inspired décor includes tables of clear Perspex filled with rose petals. The food is modern Chinese, offering a range of dim sum starters and delicious black cod amongst other more robust main courses. The menu is inventive and offers the chef’s innovative creations of langoustine tempura and sea salt and caramel ice-cream.

The Bath House
7-8 Bishopsgate Churchyard, EC2
In the waste land of Bishopsgate and Liverpool Street bars lies this remarkably beguiling and fun bar and restaurant. It's located in a basement in Bishopsgate churchyard, and the first impression that you have is of quirky and sophisticated decor - the bar features unusual but stylish touches such as a drinks menu concealed in a dictionary and 'love seats' converted from old brass bedsteads, and the well-chosen range of cocktails features an enviable range of Martinis. The adjoining restaurant, which doubles up as a dance floor at weekends, boasts similarly unusual trappings - a DJ booth in a giant birdcage, for instance - and the short but well-chosen menu offers subtly unusual dishes such as scallops with black pudding, steak with crisp-like chips and truffle creme fraiche and rhubarb trifle. Candlelit dining adds to the romantic appeal. 


WHERE TO SHOP

Liberty
Regent Street, W1
Liberty, the number one place to buy prints in London, also stocks cutting-edge fashion, homeware and quirky beauty products. Leave with an Eley Kishimoto suit, a new diary or an exquisite bouquet of flowers.

Harrods
87-135 Brompton Road, Knightsbridge, SW1
A must-see for first time visitors, Harrods’ Food Halls are among the most astonishingly lavish in the world, and the rest of the shop isn’t far behind. Check out the hall of luxury, the Egyptian-styled escalator, or any of the many other wonders.

Harvey Nichols
109-125 Knightsbridge, SWI
Harvey Nichols is one of London’s best-known department stores, specialising in high-end fashion. Keep an eye on their window displays which are always innovative and a bit tongue-in-cheek.

Selfridges
400 Oxford Street
Selfridges’ appeal lies in its everything-cool-under-one-roof vibe. This mammoth fashion establishment carries all the designers, emerging and established, as well as the best of the high street chains.

Browns
23 - 27 South Molton Street, W1K
Browns stocks items from all the newest, coolest designers, including as-yet-unheard-of students fresh out of fashion college. They seldom remain anonymous for long.

Coco Ribbon
21 Kensington Park Road, W11
Coco Ribbon is a boutique that stocks gorgeous feminine boudoir-inspired apparel. Designers include: Coco Ribbon Couture, Coleman and Gascoine, Collette Dinnigan and Temperely.

Souvenir
47 Lexington Street, W1
53 Brewer Street, W1
Souvenir Boutique is perfect if you want the selection of upscale department stores but can't bear the crowds. Souvenir offers utterly feminine picks from a range of the casual chic – Paul & Joe, Cacharel – not forgetting the more offbeat, like colour-saturated Ashish tunics.

Agent Provocateur
6 Broadwick Street, W1F
Agent Provocateur is the champion of naughty-but-nice upscale lingerie. The high quality designer brassieres, knickers and corsets are both erotic and stylish. The store also sells its own novels, boudoir inspired shoes, jewellery, and various fragrances and beauty products.

Austique
330 King’s Road, SW3
Austique is the epitome of London cool from its lingerie to its unique jewellery, trendy jean labels and girly gifts. With its white painted walls and brightly coloured wares, this boutique has exclusive designer wares such as the Australian line Ginger & Smart, Oliver Twist, Love Kylie and Elegantly Scant lingerie. It’s perfect for all occasions, whether it be a dash for an emergency party dress or a quick retail fix.

Jo Malone
150 Sloane Street, SW1
Jo Malone is famous for its world-class bath products, colognes and skincare. This perfumed heaven has a very calm and luxurious atmosphere with a staff ready to assist you in picking out the perfect scent for you.

Koh Samui
65-67 Monmouth Street, WC2H
Koh Samui is a favourite fashionista haunt featuring Marc Jacobs footwear, jeans by Seven and Citizens of Humanity and dresses by the likes of Balenciaga and Chloe. Shopping here is made easy as the designer goods are arranged by colour.

The Bird Cage
8 Upper Street, WC2H
The Bird Cage combines the style of the Far East with a trendy London edge. With décor inspired by ‘50s Shanghai, the store displays bright, silk dresses, original prints, posters and sumptuous home ware. It’s an intricate Oriental oasis, where you can find a suitable gift for even the most discerning friend or loved one.

Savile Row
Nothing beats bespoke tailoring; the best available in the world.

British Designers

Vivienne Westwood
44 Conduit Street, WC1N

Matthew Williamson
28 Bruton Street, W1J

Stella McCartney
30 Bruton Street, W1J

Burberry
21-23 New Bond Street, W1A

Alexander McQueen
4-5 Old Bond Street, W1S

Markets

Borough Market
West of Borough High Street, SE1
Open: Thurs 11am -5pm; Fri 12pm-6pm; Sat 9am- 4pm
A favourite of any chef worth their (sea)salt, this historic market – the oldest one of its kind – is excellent for organic ingredients and artisanal food. The market supplies many restaurants, grocers and small businesses, but you can buy smaller quantities from most stalls. Be sure to come here early to get the very best on offer.

Brick Lane Market
Brick Lane, Bethnal Green Road, Cheshire Street, Sclater Street, E1
Open: Sun 6am- 1pm
Brick Lane Market is a large and traditional East End establishment. It offers huge bargains on almost everything from electrical goods to bikes and food.

Brixton Market
Brixton Station Road, Pope’s Road, Atlantic Road, Electric Road, SW9
This colourful and vibrant market has a large African and West Indian influence. It is renowned for its great selection of exotic fresh fruit and vegetables.

Camden Lock Market
Chalk Farm Road, NW1
Open: daily 9am-6pm; more stalls over the weekend
One of the largest markets in London, Camden is the perfect place for teenagers to explore. You can also find some fun retro furniture and a good selection of food stalls for lunch, especially at weekends.

Columbia Road Flower Market
Columbia Road, E2
Open: Sun 8am-2pm
This vast flower market is a wonderful place to spend a Sunday morning. There are plenty of plants, bulbs and cut flowers to choose from, and there are also several cafes in which to relax and enjoy your breakfast.

Old Spitalfields Market
Commercial Street, Aldgate, E1
Open: Mon-Fri 11am-3pm, Sun 9.30-5.30pm
This market is one of the oldest markets in London but it has recently been revamped to include a very modern new section. Chic boutiques now coexist with the usual old stalls where you can find everything from organic food to fashion.

Portobello Road
Portobello Road, W11
Open: Sat 7am-6pm
The market that stretches the length of Portobello Road is nothing short of vast.  Great for vintage items, antiques (some more genuine than others), fruit, flowers and music. Be prepared for big crowds, Portobello Road gets very busy on a Saturday.


HEALTH & BEAUTY

The Hale Clinic (Quintessentially Members’ Benefits)
7 Park Crescent, W1B
Working on the basis that no one system has the whole answer to every medical problem, The Hale Clinic combines the principles of both conventional and contemporary medicine (some practices are over 3,000 years old, while some have been developed in the last 50 years). Therapies on offer include nutrition, detoxification, weight loss, colon hydrotherapy, stress management, skeletal and muscular, energetic medicine and healing, ayurvedic and Chinese medicine, 21st century hair, skin and beauty treatments - as well as 28 different types of massage and body treatments.

Murdock (Quintessentially Members’ Benefits)
340 Old St, EC1V 9DS
Murdock at Liberty, Great Marlborough St, W1
Harking back to an era where male grooming was paramount, Murdock has sought (and succeeded) to reinterpret the idea of the barber for the modern gentleman. All of the luxury brands they use reflect their interest in artisan production and stylish simplicity, and many are exclusive to Murdock in England. Among the brands they stock include the venerated Santa Maria Novella, Acqua di Parma, Caron, Malin + Goetz, Hierbas de Ibiza, Brave Soldier and many more.

City Golf & Health Club (Quintessentially Members’ Benefits)
40 Coleman Street, EC2R 5EH
A unique and contemporary club combining London’s finest golf academy with superb entertainment and relaxation facilities this has become a renowned and popular City venue, offering six Full Swing golfing simulators; professional swing video training systems; PGA professional trainers and London's first dedicated bio-mechanical golf training gym.

KX Private Members Club (Quintessentially Members’ Benefits)
151 Draycott Avenue, SW3 3AL
KX is one of the most luxurious health clubs in the UK and has some of the best personal trainers and revolutionary classes in the world. The club now offers three additional bespoke training studios these include a fully equipped Pilate’s studio, a yoga room and private personal training studio with power plate.

Beyond MediSpa (Quintessentially Members’ Benefits)
Harvey Nichols, 109-125 Knightsbridge, SW1X 7RJ
Set in the sleek surroundings on the fourth floor of Harvey Nichols, Knightsbridge, Beyond MediSpa boasts the very latest in state-of-the-art medical aesthetic treatments. Expertise comes from Dr Barry Cohen who is the founder of Beyond MediSpa as well as the pH Advantage Cosmeceutical range.

Spa InterContinental (Quintessentially Members’ Benefits)
One Hamilton Place, Park Lane
Spa InterContinental is one of the most impressive urban spas in London - fusing the essence of spa with an urban glamour. The retreat features a deluxe lounge; five generously sized spa therapy suites; a steam temple with hydrotherapy showers; a dry flotation therapy room and a sumptuous ‘double’ VIP suite.

Daniel Hersheson (Quintessentially Members’ Benefits)
45 Conduit Street
The Daniel Hersheson salon has been responsible for the look of Vogue, i-D, and W magazine shoots, and they offer this same blend of highly-skilled professionalism and cutting-edge outlook to everyone who visits.

Bodydoctor Fitness Ltd (Quintessentially Members’ Benefits)
Primrose Hill NW1 and Chelsea SW6
Acknowledged as being the only choice for transforming the body in the shortest period of time both safely and efficiently, Bodydoctor Fitness are the creators of the legendary ‘lose 3 sizes in 6 weeks’ programme, which has been copied by many and matched by none.

Browns Hotel Spa
33 Albemarle Street
If you need some respite from the hustle and bustle of Bond Street, head to this Mayfair spa favourite by the people at Rocco Forte's Browns Hotel. We love the no-frills minimalism and the charming lab-coated 'therapists'. Many of the products available at the spa are used in treatments with brands like Aromatherapy Associates, Carita, Dr Sebagh, Mama Mio, Natura Bisse and Essie. If you've got an hour to kill, we suggest you try the Natura Bisse Lomi Juma Massage which is a "fusion of healing traditions from the Pacific and Mediterranean". Extravagant language aside, this is simply a great massage which kneads the tiredness away.


WHAT TO SEE

Guided Tours - Patrick Renouf offers a new and relaxing way to enjoy London and her many secrets. Patrick will share his extensive knowledge of the city from the comfort of one of Quintessentially Driven's ultra-luxurious chauffeur-driven cars. Take a tour from the back of a sumptuous Jaguar XJ or spacious MPV and discover the real insider’s London. Book through Quintessentially.

Royal London - If you want to get a taste of real Royal London, be sure to visit the Queen’s own residence Buckingham Palace in the summer (open to visitors in Aug-Sep). You can also catch the famous changing of the guard outside the Palace every morning at 11.30am (daily from 1 Apr-31 Jul; on alternate days for the rest of the year). Also essential is Westminster Abbey, the Tower of London and – a little further out, but well worth the trip – Hampton Court Palace.

Art & Design - Whether or not you’re a huge art fan, the National Gallery and the National Portrait Gallery (right next door) are must-sees. For those more passionate about art, The Tate Modern is exceptional – in fact, the building itself is worth a visit. Also essential on any list are Tate Britain, the Victoria and Albert Museum, the Design Museum, the Courtauld Gallery and the ICA. For advice on visiting private galleries around London, speak to Quintessentially’s specialist art advisors through AskQ.

History - If you’re looking for a taste of history, the British Museum remains one of the greatest museums in the world with an incredible collection of ancient artefacts, including the Rosetta Stone. The Imperial War Museum and HMS Belfast are both perfect for people who are interested in British military history – they’re also great for kids. The Globe Theatre, meanwhile, affords a fascinating glimpse into Shakespeare’s world – be sure get the full experience by catching a play here too.
No trip to London would be complete without a peek at the Houses of Parliament and Big Ben. London has a rich political history which you can trace across the city centre. Early parliaments were held in the octagonal Chapter House in Westminster Abbey (you can find it through the East Cloister) and, across the square, you can peer through the gates at Downing Street and glimpse where the Prime Minister lives.

Science - The Natural History Museum and the Science Museum are located conveniently near each other in South Kensington, which is great for parents with kids in tow. Children love these two museums, but they make a fascinating visit for adults interested in the world of science too.

Family Attractions - If you’re travelling with the family, be sure to take the kids to the London Dungeon. This popular attraction takes you through London’s grim and bloody history – it’s a big hit with the kids, although younger children might find it a bit too frightening. London Zoo is another great attraction and has been around since 1828 – making it truly unique. Kids also love the London Aquarium, Madam Tussaud’s and, if you’re feeling flush, take them to Hamleys – one of the biggest and best toy stores in the world.

Seasonal Treats - In the summer, check out the programme at the Open Air Theatre in Regent’s Park. This is a great place to spend a summer’s evening, bring a picnic and sip on Pimm’s during the show. If you fancy a swim, head to Hyde Park and take a dip in the Serpentine Lido. When the weather is good, Kew Gardens comes to life and makes a fabulous day trip, whether you’re here for a romantic picnic or bringing along the whole family. Closer to central London, Chelsea Physic Garden is a gem and of special interest to anyone passionate about flowers.
In the winter, outdoor skating rinks pop up across the city. Our favourite is the rink at Somerset House, but book early to avoid disappointment. You can also skate outside the Natural History Museum and the Tower of London. The traditional thing to do in the winter, of course, is catch a panto. Speak to AskQ to find out what’s on and when. And be prepared for plenty of audience participation.

Bookings can be made through askQ@quintessentially.com or 24-hour Assistance on 0870 850 8585 (+44 870 850 8585 from outside the UK).