Destinations > Europe > England > London
Mayfair & St. James
topBest Hotels
Brown's Hotel
Albemarle Street, Mayfair, London W1S
Tel: +44 (0)20 7493 644 Fax: +44 (0)20 7493 9381
reservations.browns@roccofortecollection.com
London's first hotel recently underwent a £24 million restoration. Set in the heart of Mayfair, it is within a walking distance to Bond Street shopping, West End theatres, and St. James. Famous for high tea.
The Dorchester
53 Park Lane, Mayfair London W1K
Tel: +44 (0)20 7629 8888 Fax: +44 (0)20 7629 8080
US Toll Free: 1-800-727-9820
reservations@thedorchester.com
Great location overlooking Hyde Park. Elegant hotel with spacious rooms, several fine restaurants and a spa. Close to shopping district and many major sights. 22 glamorous but contemporary new suites were unveiled in Oct 2012.
Claridge's
Brook Street, Mayfair, London W1K
Tel: +44 (0)20 7629 8860 Fax: +44 (0)20 7499 2210
info@claridges.co.uk
A recently renovated art deco jewel, the Claridge is more suited for business stays or couples. Rooms are small, but well appointed. Gordon Ramsay's restaurant is one of London's finest.
Four Seasons Hotel
Hamilton Place, Park Lane, London W1A
Tel: +44 (0)20 7499 0888 Fax: +44 (0)20 7493 1895
In the heart of Mayfair overlooking Hyde Park. Reopened in Jan. 2011, after a £125 million renovation. 193 luxury guest rooms, including 46 one-, two- and three-bedroom suites, luxury spa with panoramic views, Amaranto bar with 250 wines by the glass.
topGreat Houses
Spencer House
27 St. James's Place, London SW1A
+44 (0)20 7409 0526
Information line: +44 (0)20 7499 8620
Open Sun 10:30am-5:45pm
Closed Jan & Aug
Guided 1-hour tours only
18th century private palace was the home of Princess Diana's ancestors. Open to the public on Sundays and by private appointment.
Lancaster House
Stable Yard, St. James's, London SW1A
Closed to the public. Worth a look if you are passing by.
St. James's Palace
London, SW1A
Closed to the public. Private tours only. Best place to view Changing of the Guard.
topBest Museums
Apsley House & the Wellington Museum
149 Piccadilly, Hyde Park Corner, London W1J
+44 (0)20 7499 5676
Apr-Nov 4, Wed-Sun 11am-5pm; Nov 5-Mar 28, Sat-Sun 11am-4pm
Closed Jan 1, Dec 24-26 & 31
This magnificent palace, which overlooks the Wellington arch, was once the home of the first Duke of Wellington. The "Iron Duke" will always be remembered for defeating Napoleon in the Battle of Waterloo. You can get tickets to visit both Apsley House and the Wellington Arch.
Wellington Arch
Hyde Park, London W1J
+44 (0)20 7930 2726
Wed-Sun 10am-5pm
Closed Jan 1, Aug 27, Dec 24-26 & 31
Great views of London from the top platform. The property may be closed on short notice for private events. Call in advance for details.
The Wallace Collection
Hertford House, Manchester Square, London W1U
+44 (0)20 7563 9500
Daily 10am-5pm
Little-known gem of a museum established in an historic London townhouse from the private collection of Sir Richard Wallace, a 19th century art collector and philanthropist. Its 25 galleries display French 18th-century art, furniture and porcelain as well as superb paintings by Old Masters such as Rembrandt, Velazquez and Titian.
topBordering Parks
Green Park
London SW1A
+44 (0)20 7930 1793
Daily 5am-midnight
Once a hunting ground and a favorite site for duels, this open grassland with mature shade trees is now a popular place for joggers.
St. James's Park
London SW1A
+44 (0)20 7930 1793
Daily 5am-midnight
St. James is the oldest royal park. It has an ornamental lake with wild ducks, geese and pelicans, graceful walkways, weekend concerts, and great views of Buckingham Palace and Whitehall. Inn at the Park is a great spot for breakfast or afternoon tea.
Hyde Park
London W2
+44 (0)20 7298 2100
Daily 5am-midnight
This 350-acre park once belonged to monks until King Henry VIII purchased it to hunt wild boar. Now a parkland with avenues of trees, a lake, boathouse, riding stables, a children's playground, tennis courts, restaurant, café, and of course, the speaker's corner where all sorts of humanity come to vent their obsessions on Sundays.
topBest Restaurants & Snacks
Scott's Restaurant & Bar
(fish)20-22 Mount Street, London W1K
+44 (0)20 7495 7309
reception@scotts-restaurant.com
Mon-Sat 12-10:30pm, Sun 12-10pm
Dress code is smart casual. No smoking. Near Dorchester Hotel.
Inn the Park
St. James's Park (west of Horse Guards Parade), London SW1A
+44 (0)20 7451 9999
Reservations
Mon-Fri 8am-11pm; Sat-Sun 9am-10pm
Good spot for late breakfast or afternoon tea.
Le Caprice
Arlington House, Arlington Street, London SW1A
Reservations: +44 (0)20 7629 2239 or online
Mon-Sat 12-3pm, 5:30pm-12am; Sun 12-5pm, 6-11pm
Dress code is smart casual. No shorts. Children welcome, highchairs available on request. Old, elegant, not touristy. Great lunch, quick service.
Polo Bar
The Westbury Mayfair Hotel
37 Conduit Street, Mayfair, London W1S
+44 (0)20 7629 7755
Bond St area. Great lunch. Also open for breakfast, a mid-morning snack, a traditional English afternoon tea, and for a pre-theater meal.
Sketch
9 Conduit Street, London W1S
Reservations: +44 (0)20 7659 4500
Bond Street area
Cecconi's
Italian cuisine5a Burlington Gardens, London W1S
Reservations: +44 (0)20 7434 1500
Online reservations
Mon-Fri 7am-1am; Sat 8am-1am; Sun 8am-12am
Brunch weekdays 12-5pm
Classic Italian restaurant off New Bond or Savile Row. Try signature Cidhetti (Italian tapas).
Browns
47 Maddox Street, Mayfair, London W1S
+44 (0)20 7491 4565
Mon-Sat 11:30am-10pm; Sun 12-4pm
Breakfast/brunch until 4pm
Afternoon tea 2-5pm
Pre & post theatre menus and children's menus.
The Greenhouse
27A Hay's Mews, Mayfair, London WIJ
+44 (0)20 7499 3331, +44 (0)20 7499 3314
reservations@greenhouserestaurant.co.uk
Mon-Fri 12-2:30pm, 6:45-11pm; Sat 6:45-11pm
Formal dining for a couples night out.
C London (formerly Cipriani)
23-25 Davies Street, London W1K
+44 (0)20 7399 0500
cipriani.london@cipriani.com
Dress code is smart casual. No shorts.
The Wolseley
160 Piccadilly, London W1J
+44 (0)20 7499 6996
Mon-Fri 7am-12am; Sat 8am-12am; Sun 8am-11pm
Family brunch
Harry's Bar
(Italian)26 South Audley Street, Mayfair, London W1K
+44 (0)20 7408 0844
Member only restaurant. Check with your concierge.
Momo Resto
(Moroccan)25 Heddon Street, London W1B
+44 (0)20 7434 4040
Mon-Sat 12-2:30pm, 7-11:30pm; Sun 7-11pm
Great for atmosphere, Moroccan food and celebrity watching.
Maze
10-13 Grosvenor Square, London W1K
+44 (0)20 7107 0000
maze@gordonramsay.com
Daily 12-2:30pm, 6-10:30pm
Dress code is smart casual. One of celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay's London restaurants.
Gordon Ramsay @ Claridge's
(Haute Cuisine)Brook Street, London W1K
+44 (0)20 7499 0099
reservations@gordonramsay.com
Mon-Fri 12-2:45pm, 5:45-11pm; Sat 12-3pm, 5:45-11pm; Sun 12-3pm, 6-10:30pm
Dress code is smart. Jacket preferred for gentlemen. Overseen by Britains's only three-Michelin star chef. Smoking is not permitted.
George
87-88 Mount Street, Mayfair, London W1K
+44 (0)20 7491 4433
Private members club. Reservations through your concierge.
Le Gavroche
43 Upper Brook Street, Mayfair, London W1K
+44 (0)20 7408 0881, +44 (0)20 7499 1826
bookings@le-gavroche.com
Mon-Fri 12-2pm, 6:30-11pm; Sat 6:30-11pm
Dress code is smart casual. Jacket required for male diners. Couples.
Nobu London
(new style Japanese)1st floor, Metropolitan Hotel
19 Old Park Lane, Mayfair, London W1K
+44 (0)20 7447 4747
Mon-Fri 12-2:15pm, 6-10:15pm; Sat 12:30-2:30pm, 6-11:15pm;
Sun 12:30-2:30pm, 6-9:45pm
Good with kids for early dinner. Dress fashionably. Pre-theater dinner.
Nobu Berkeley Street
(new style Japanese)15 Berkeley Street, Mayfair, London W1J
+44 (0)20 7290 9222
Mon-Wed 12-2:15pm, 6-11pm; Thu-Fri 12-2:15pm, 6pm-12am; Sat 6pm-12am; Sun 6-9:15pm
Good with kids for early dinner. Dress fashionably. Pre-theater dinner. More fun than its Park Lane counterpart.
Annabel's Club
44 Berkeley Square, Mayfair, London W1J
+44 (0)20 7629 1096, +44 (0)20 7491 4157
Mon-Sat 7pm-3am
Private club. Strict dress code. Reservations through concierge.
The Square
6-10 Bruton Street, Mayfair, London W1J
+44 (0)20 7495 7100
Mon-Fri 12-3pm, 6:30-10:45pm; Sat 6:30-10:45pm; Sun 6:30-10pm
Umu
14-16 Bruton Place, Mayfair, London W1J
+44 (0)20 7499 8881
Mon-Fri 12-2:30pm, 6-11pm; Sat 6-11pm
Locanda Locatelli
(Italian)8 Seymour Street, London W1H
Reservations only: +44 (0)20 7935 9088
Confirmations and cancellations only: +44 (0)20 7935 8390
Mon-Thu 12-3pm, 7-11pm; Fri-Sat 12-3pm, 7-11:30pm;
Sun 12-3:30pm, 7-10pm
Sumosan
(Japanese cuisine)26 Albemarle Street, Mayfair, London W1S
+44 (0)20 7495 5999
Pre-theatre dinner, near Palladium.
Hibiscus
29 Maddox Street, Mayfair, London W15 2PA
+44 (0)20 7629 2999
Lunch Tue-Fri 12-2:30pm; Dinner Tue-Fri 6:30-10pm, Sat 6-10pm. Closed Sun & Mon. Online reservations available.
Intimate, elegant scene, divine service, inventive but refined cuisine from chef Claude Bosi. Two Michelin stars. A gem!
Hakkasan
17 Bruton Street (Berkeley Square)
London W1J 6QB
Tel: +44 (0)20 7907 1888
mayfairreservation@hakkasan.com
Mon-Fri 12-3pm, Sat-Sun 12-4pm; Sun-Wed 6-11:30pm, Thu-Sat 6pm-12:30am
Opened in Nov 2010, Hakkasan's second London restaurant continues to set the standard for modern Chinese cuisine.
Novikov Restaurant & Bar
50a Berkeley Street, London W1
+44 (0)20 7399 4330
Open all week, Asian restaurant 7:30am-11:30pm, Italian restaurant 11:30am- 11:30pm.
This is the first London venture from Russia’s famous restaurateur, Arkady Novikov. The large space holds a Pan-Asian restaurant, Italian restaurant, and lounge.
Daylesford Farmshop & Café
Selfridges Food Hall
400 Oxford Street, London W1A
800 123 400
Mon-Sat 9:30am-9pm
Sun 11:30am-6:15pm
Simply the best organic food served in London.
CUT at 45 Park Lane
Located in the Dorchester Collection's new hotel
45 Park Lane, Mayfair, London, W1K 1PN
+44 (0)20 7493 4545
The London branch of Wolfgang Puck's iconic American steakhouse.
topBest Shopping
Street Sensation
Great website for high-end shopping. Can reference all shops online.
topBond Street/New Bond Street
If you are looking for high end fashion, jewelry, accessories, this is the place to shop.
Asprey
167 New Bond St, London W1S
+44 (0)20 7493 6767
London@asprey.com
Hermes
155 New Bond St, London W1S
+44 (0)20 7499 8856
Bateel Chocolatier & Gourmet Specialties
76 New Bond Street, London W1S
+44 (0)20 7629 0903
Lanvin
108 New Bond Street, Mayfair, London W1S
+44 (0)20 7499 2929
Browns Fashion
23-27 South Molton Street, London W1K
+44 (0)20 7514 0000
buyingoffice@brownsfashion.com
Near New Bond Street
Zilli
140 New Bond Street, London W1S
+44 (0)20 7499 3510
Menswear
topSavile Row & Jermyn Street
The "golden mile of tailoring" has fitted royalty and discerning gentlemen since the 1800s. My husbands favorite stop:
Dunhill
48 Jermyn Street, St James, London SW1Y
+44 (0)84 5458 0779
topRegent Street/Piccadilly
Pullman Gallery
14 King Street, St. James's, London SW1Y 6QU
+44 (0)20 7930 9595
Hamleys Toy Shop
188-196 Regent Street, London W1B
+44 (0)87 0333 2455, +44 (0)80 0280 2444
Mon-Fri 10am-8pm; Sat 9am-8pm; Sun 12-6pm
Prides itself on being the best toyshop in the world. Seven floors of toys. Go during the week to avoid crowds.
Princes Arcade
192 Piccadilly, London SW1Y
Mon-Sat
Closed Sun
Old fashioned arcade that most tourists don't know about. Londoners love Prestat, www.prestat.co.uk the small chocolate shop which sends truffles and chocolate-dipped apricots to the Queen.
The Armoury of St James's
17 Piccadilly Arcade, St. James's, London SW1Y
+44 (0)20 7493 5082
welcome@armoury.co.uk
Mon-Fri 10am-6pm; Sat 12-4pm
Closed Sun
Great place to find wide range of miniature soldiers and historic military figures. Great attention to detail.
Fortnum & Mason
181 Piccadilly, London W1A
+44 (0)20 7734 8040
Order Line +44 (0)20 0845 300 1707
The stunning Food Hall is its main draw. Great picnic baskets and gift hampers. They do ship, but check to make sure items will get through US customs.
Burlington Arcade
Piccadilly, London W1J
Mon-Fri 9:30am-5:30pm, Sat 10am-6:00pm
Closed Sun
topMount Street & South Audley Street
Wonderful shopping close to the Dorchester Hotel
Desmond Sautter
106 Mount St, London W1K
+44 (0)20 7499 4866
Havana and Monte Cristo cigars
Marc Jacobs
24-25 Mount St, Mayfair, London W1K
+44 (0)20 7399 1690, +44 (0)20 7907 2515
Rubinacci
96 Mount Street, Mayfair, London W1K
+44 (0)20 7499 2299
London@marianorubinacci.com
American Express Financial Services
89 Mount Street, Mayfair, London W1K
+44 (0)20 7659 0701
Best place for changing money. Across from Scott's restaurant.
Kashmir
48 South Audley Street, Mayfair, London W1Y
+44 (0)20 7491 2141, +44 (0)20 7495 1622
Kashmir@audleyst.force9.co.uk
Edi B Fine Linens
29 South Audley Street, Mayfair, London W1K
+44 (0)20 7629 4650
topOxford Street
Selfridges
400 Oxford Street, London W1A
+44 (0)87 0837 7377
One of London's leading department stores and the one favored by many Londoners.
Please, Mum
24 Orchard Street, London W1H
+44 (0)20 7486 3399
Mon-Sat 9:45am-7pm; Sun 10am-6pm
Designer and formal clothing for children up to 12 years old. Frequented by royalty and celebrities. My daughter felt and looked like a princess.Near Marks & Spencer and Selfridges.
topMarlebone High Street
We really enjoyed the relaxed, laid back neighborhood feel and unique shops on Marlebone High.
Calmia
52-54 Marylebone High Street, London W1U
+44 (0)20 7224 3585
Wonderful spa that sells 'Relaxation Clothing' as well as other great products. I still wear my purchases.
Conran Shop
55 Marylebone High Street, London W1U 5HS
+44 (0)20 7723 2223
Mon-Wed 10am-6pm; Thur 10am-7pm; Fri 10am-6pm; Sat 10am-6:30pm; Sun 12-5pm
Great housewares upstairs.
Brora
81 Marylebone High Street, London W1U
+44 (0)20 7224 5040
Scottish cashmere in wide range of colors and styles.
Daunt Books
83-84 Marlebone High, London W1U
+44 (0)20 7224 2295
A beautiful Edwardian bookshop that arranges its books by country-guides, novels and non-fiction. A must-stop for any traveler.
Cologne & Cotton
88 Marylebone High Street
London W1U
+44 (0)20 7486 0595
Purchased nightgowns. Also carry wonderful bedding and fragrances.
VV Rouleaux
102 Marlebone High, London W1U
+44 (0)20 7224 5179
Ribbon, trimmings, tiebacks galore. Will bring out the designer in anyone.
topAntiques
Paul Mitchell Ltd.
17 Avery Row, Brook Street, London W1K
+44 (0)20 7493 8732, +44 (0)20 7493 0860
admin@paulmitchell.co.uk
Near New Bond Street
Peter Finer
38-39 Duke Street, St. James's, London SW1Y
+44 (0)20 7839 5666
US/Canada Toll Free: 1-800-270-7951
gallery@peterfiner.com
Fine antique arms and armour
topSpas & Salons
John Frieda
4 Aldford Street, Mayfair, London W1K
+44 (0)20 7491 0840
Elemis Day Spa
2-3 Lancashire Ct
London, W1S
+44 (0)20 7499 4995