Even as you descend towards Heathrow, you cannot take all of London in from a bird’s-eye view. The English capital is a bustling metropolis, where medieval structures like the Tower of London stand boldly alongside modern skyscrapers like The Gherkin. In between, there are the eclectic market scenes of Camden Town, the artistic hub of the West End, the independent boutiques of Soho and the indie charm of the East End. A medley of culture; where the things to do, see and eat are presented as a hodgepodge of endless options.
You can navigate your way around this urban spread on one of the quintessential red double-decker buses or “mind the gap” by hitting the underground in the iconic Tube. Black cabs, or hackney carriages, are also a nifty way to buzz around with a free, unofficial tour guide—it’s astounding how the taxi drivers know this sprawl like the back of their hand.
Tourist box ticks? Of course, you can take an obligatory snap in one of the 1920s fire-engine-red telephone booths scattered around the city. And yes, you can visit the home of monarchs at Buckingham Palace and observe the Changing of the King’s Guard. Bonus points if you buy any Royal Family merchandise from street vendors—a Prince George of Wales mug, for instance. You can enjoy 30 minutes of panoramic views on the London Eye, or take a picture in front of Big Ben and the Palace of Westminster. For a high street to high-end shopping experience, Piccadilly Circus, Oxford Street and Regent Street are where to go.
There’s a lot more to the city’s culinary scene than its comfort pub food of fish and chips with mushy peas or bangers and mash. London offers some of the most multifaceted cuisines, from masterful Michelin-starred restaurants to local, trendy haunts that won’t pound your pound.
So, how do you distill down what to include in your itinerary in this labyrinthine city? You can’t possibly take it all on in one trip, but Vogue Singapore has you covered with a list that spans both classic addresses and fresh-on-the-block spots, like Hermès’s swanky new boutique on Bond Street.
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Do: Victoria and Albert Museum
In the words of Henry Cole, the Victoria and Albert Museum’s first director, the museum should be “a schoolroom for everyone”. If you’re after exceptional human ingenuity in art, design and craftsmanship, you’ll be wowed by V&A. For fashion lovers, you cannot miss the Schiaparelli: Fashion Becomes Art exhibition, showing until November. This is the UK’s first exhibition spotlighting the works of the visionary Elsa Schiaparelli and her storied maison. A number of highlights span the Shoe Hat created in collaboration with Salvador Dalí all the way through to Daniel Roseberry’s contemporary designs—such as the long sheath gown with a gilded brass trompe-l’œil lung necklace that Bella Hadid wore at the 74th Cannes Film Festival. From its 1920s legacy until now, this exhibition is a surrealist journey through fashion.
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Eat: Gymkhana
North Indian-style cuisine. Inspired by the high society clubs of India. Two Michelin stars. That is Gymkhana summed up in the affluent neighbourhood of Mayfair. The restaurant is renowned not only for its impeccable Indian hospitality, but also for exquisite dishes like Kasoori chicken tikka, Moong and Kasundi Kachumber, Goan prawn curry, and the signature favourite, kid goat Methi Keema. Reminiscent of a colonial-era gentleman’s club, the ground floor is peppered with cosy booth as old cricket team photographs adorn the walls. Dimly lit to set an intimate tone, the basement is a whole mood with private dining rooms and a refined bar famous for its gin and tonic. A must try however? The Masala margarita.
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Drink: High Tea at Claridge’s
Over 120 years of serving tea makes Claridge’s the trusted location for one of Britain’s most esteemed traditions. Claridge’s in and of itself is an institution—fondly dubbed the “annex to Buckingham Palace”, the luxury hotel has seen not only royalty like Queen Elizabeth II but also historical figures like Winston Churchill, Hollywood heavyweights such as Audrey Hepburn and Cary Grant, and rock stars like Bono. The high tea takes place over three courses: sandwiches, scones, and then pastries. There is a lovely range of loose-leaf teas and why not try custom Claridge’s Blend? If you’re the mood for something stronger, you can opt for the Champagne Afternoon Tea. Now for the important question. Cream or jam first on the scone? According to a recent interview with William, Prince of Wales, it is cream first.
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Do: Visit Sir John Soane’s museum
Shall we go back in time? The period in question is Regency London, in an experience through Sir John Soane‘s remarkable home, largely kept as it was since his death in 1837. As one of Britain’s most iconic neoclassical architects—designing the Bank of England is famously on his résumé, his former home is an eclectic walk through his brilliant mind. Here you will discover his extensive collection of antiquities, furniture and even architectural models. Found at 13 Lincoln’s Inn Fields in Holborn, this is a fascinating and unique adventure. You can support the museum by purchasing from the shop, stocking things like jewellery, books and even curated vintage items. The opening hours are Wednesday to Sunday, 10am to 5pm, with last admission around 4:30pm. The good news is that admission is free—a stipulation of Sir John Soane himself and there is no pre-booking required. However, if you want to avoid queues, there are ticketed Highlights Tours at midday or Twilight Tours between 6pm to 7pm.
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Eat: Scott’s
Fancy a little seafood? And perhaps a bit of celebrity spotting while you savour your shellfish? Scott’s—originally established as an oyster warehouse in 1851—is the go-to. The Dover sole, served either grilled or meunière, is delicious. Don’t miss the wild and rock oysters sourced from the British Isles, or the caviar served with blinis and crème fraîche. From raw to hot, Scott’s knows its seafood. The plateau de fruits de mer or the shared shellfish platter is a true signature. You can enjoy the Art Deco-style interiors at a table or bar seat inside, or take in the sun on its famed outdoor terrace. For those in the know, this is also where James Bond author Ian Fleming was inspired to create the iconic shaken, not stirred martini that 007 was so fond of.
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Drink: Le Magritte Bar at The Beaumont Hotel
As soon as you walk into Le Magritte, you will be greeted by the famous 1954 painting ‘Le Maître d’École (The Schoolmaster)’ hanging behind the bar. The name of the establishment pays homage to Belgian surrealist René Magritte. Reminiscent of the Roaring Twenties in New York, this is the perfect spot to enjoy a drink from the “Ceci n’est pas” cocktail menu, meticulously crafted by mixologists who kept Magritte’s iconic paintings in mind. Alternatively, you could try a creation from “The Great American Songbook” menu, such as the “Luck be a Lady”—crafted with Pomelle Aperitif, Chambord, blackcurrant and rose syrup, lemon juice and champagne. If you fancy a cigar, you can step out onto the al fresco terrace.
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Do: Shop at the new Hermès New Bond Street store
After a comprehensive restoration—over a decade in the making, Hermès has opened a new luxury maison in the heart of Mayfair. Across six adjoined Georgian townhouses, it truly feels like the literal home of Hermès in the English capital. Stretching over five floors, every room showcases a different colour palette. Not dissimilar to a gallery, the venue houses over 500 artworks including the central horse sculpture by crafted by British artist Jessica Wetherly. Katie Scott’s illustrated wall coverings adorn the beauty and jewellery areas. In summary, this is the place where architecture meets art and the artisanal. As you appreciate the decor from mosaic floor to detailed ceiling, you can enjoy each métier, whether it be leather goods and saddlery, prêt-à-porter through to watches and Petit h, the brand’s upcycling offering. A residential retail experience indeed.
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Eat: Toklas
If you’re after some Mediterranean flavours served in a brutalist canteen, look no further than Toklas. Located on Surrey Street, Strand, this restaurant serves relaxed but incredibly tasty, fresh dishes that still feel comforting to the soul. Founded by the creative minds behind the global Frieze Art Fair, the mood is unpretentious and trendy. Pieces by Wolfgang Tillmans and Ragna Bley hang on the walls, while figs with coco beans, pecorino and rocket arrive on the plate. A hearty tagliatelle with pork ragu and peas will fill your belly and for something that hits the spot, why not try the brill with mussels, datterini and aioli? The menu prioritises the best seasonal offerings, changing based on what is recently being harvested. Olive oil reins supreme over butter at this restautant and a large open grill is a key part of the kitchen. Set in a charming, planted terrace with some views of the Thames, this is the place to be for a chilled afternoon or evening.
