Destination Guide
London
Come to the center of old charm, new culture and never-ending energy.
Destination Guide London
How I See London
Immersed in history and creativity, London remains one of the world's most cosmopolitan cities which combines the multicultural influences of over 270 nationalities with quintessential British traditions and royal grandeur. Living here is a constant discovery as it’s pure energy and diversity infuses daily life, design, food, fashion and music.
When In London, You Must
EAT
Divine Proportions
The Vaults, Leake Street SE1 7NN
DRINK
Mr Fogg's Society of Exploration
1a Bedford St.
SEE
Yayoi Kusama at Victoria Miro
Victoria Miro, 16 Wharf Road N1 7RW
SHOP
Dover Street Market
18-22 Haymarket SW1Y 4DG
Know Before You Go
Street food is becoming a massive trend here throughout the city, so be sure to check out Street Food Union, one of my favorite markets steps away from W London.
Talk Like A Local
Learn the slang from the city.
Lit
/lit/ adj.
If something is lit or "going off," then you’re probably having the time of your life.
This party is lit, mate, get down here
Neighborhoods To Explore
London is made up of 33 different boroughs including the original City of London, otherwise known as the Square Mile. Get ready to sample four of my favourite neighbourhoods and lose yourself in the true diversity of our city.
1. Soho
Buzzing by day and neon at night, Soho has countless drinking dens, a worldwide combination of cuisine, and diverse entertainment.
2. Brixton
Situated smack bang in the centre of South London, Brixton has become a cultural mecca for foodies, clubbers, artists and rockers alike.
3. Shoreditch
Despite the spread of affluence, much of the area maintains its original gritty, urban edge; many of the walls and shop fronts are plastered with street art and still remain London’s original hipster haven.
4. Mayfair
Mayfair is a playground for the rich and powerful, boasting high-end designer stores, sumptuous hotels and clubs, and some of the finest dining in the country.
Ultimate Access To London
Live it up like a London local.
Disrepute
4 Kingly Court, Soho W1B 5PE
Discover this sleek vintage style members bar, with a sense of mischief and impropriety. Taking inspiration from its heritage as the former Pinstripe Club, this bar promises “luxury libations, high jinks & late night liaisons.”
Jamie Rowsell / Insider
Choose your cocktail by the story that inspired it, not by its ingredients.
Bunga Bunga Covent Garden
167 Drury Lane, London WC2B 5PG
Right in the heart of theatreland, this eccentric restaurant is an unforgettable experience once you step through the “butchers” door at the back of the building.
Jamie Rowsell / Insider
Reserve a table near to the stage if you don’t mind being in the spotlight.
OTHER Shop
3 Berwick Street, Soho W1F 0DR
Shining a light on graduate collections, this shop offers hard-to-find limited-edition pieces.
Jamie Rowsell / Insider
Get a 10% discount on your first order online if you can’t get there in person.
Phonica
51 Poland Street, Soho W1F 7LZ
The staff are all DJs-about-town and always happy to help you dig out a hard-to-find disc.
Jamie Rowsell / Insider
Sign up for their online newsletter and check out their podcasts for all the latest releases.
Murdock London
83 Brewer Street, Soho W1F 9ZN
Built on the mutual trust between a man and his barber, Murdock London is a haven for men to kick back, relax with a drink, and leave ready to conquer the world.
Jamie Rowsell / Insider
Let your W Insider book you in and see what's in store for you.
Either/Or
DETOX
The Refinery
14 Collent St.
Take a break, refine and reconnect. This is a piece of heaven in Hackney.
W London - Leicester Square
Sophisticated and quirky, glamorous and decadent – explore the quintessential dual personalities of British soul.
Spotted in London
Tables Turn When W Dubai Celebrates in London
Inside the London launch of W Dubai with Winne Harlow, Luke Evans, and an interactive tablescape.
Your Insider Guide to London Fashion Week
A backstage pass to the most stylish places to eat, shop, party and primp during London's Fashion Week.
Experimental Cocktail Club
13A Gerrard St
A speakeasy bar behind an old battered black door in Chinatown gives a secret hideaway to some exceptional libations.
Nightjar
129 City Rd
Make sure you make reservations for this subterranean bar with live jazz and blues, cocktails and rare spirits.
Mr. Foggs Tavern
58 St. Martin’s Ln
If you ever wondered what it would be like to drink in Victorian London, come to the lively establishment of Phileas J. Fogg for a jolly good time.
Ronnie Scotts
47 Firth St
Come early and stay late, the jazz just keeps on playing!
National Portrait Gallery
30-40 Orange St
This beautifully historic museum has everything from oil paintings of the monarchy to photos of modern sports heroes and celebrities.
Borough Market
1 Wardour St
Get a taste of history with London’s oldest gourmet food market, dating back to the thirteenth century.
Balans Soho Society
60-62 Old Compton St
This bustling little café is open all day and night. And trust us, the infamous Balans Burger tastes just as good no matter if you’re eating it at 3pm or 3am.
Chotto Matte
53 Firth St
Executive chef Jordan Sclare creates Japanese Peruvian “Nikkei” dishes that capture the bright colors and bold flavors of these two countries, making every dish look just as beautiful as it tastes.
Carnaby Street
43 Carnaby St
This pedestrianized shopping street was made famous in the swinging sixties and is still home to numerous fashion and lifestyle retailers, including a large number of independent fashion boutiques.
Ray’s Jazz at Foyles
107 Charing Cross Rd
The predominantly CD-based stock contains a good selection of blues, avant-garde, gospel, folk and world, but modern jazz is the main theme here.
& Other Stories
256-258 Regent St
Owned by H&M but designed and produced independently, & Other Stories is aimed at the fashion-savvy shopper.