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Whether you’re soaking up the last of the British summer sun, or prepping a chaotic trip ahead of Fashion Week, London is the ultimate city destination during this time of year.
But how does one tackle this vibrant beast without missing a thing? From can’t-miss bars and restaurants to luxe hotels you won’t want to leave, ahead, GRAZIA’s roundup of the very best spots to dine, drink and spend the night in the UK capital.
Dine
Claridge’s RESTAURANT
It doesn’t get more iconic than London’s famed Claridge’s. Although the hotel offers a whole heap of dining experiences from afternoon teas to indulgent dinners, GRAZIA are big fans of the breakfast. Served in the ever so Instagrammable art deco Foyer and Reading Room, this menu boasts all the quintessential British classics. But while the summer temperatures still hold, the best seat in the house might just be on the terrace.
THE AUBREY
Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park’s The Aubrey has taken a (very chic) leaf out of Dubai’s book and launched a brunch to rival all brunches. The brunch, which runs on Saturday and Sundays from 12pm – 4pm, offers up all your favourite weekend classics with a Japanese twist. Think eggs royale with yuzu hollandaise, matcha French toast, and a lobster soufflé omelette.
BAR DES PRES
Set to open in Dubai’s ICD Brookfield place later this year, Bar Des Pres is a luxury hospitality experience from acclaimed French Chef Cyril Lignac. The food is Japanese with a French fare and sensibility. GRAZIA recommends the yuzu Seabass, crunchy crab and avocado galette, langoustine ravioli (you will quite literally want to drink the bisque it’s so good), and Lignac’s famous vanilla mashed potatos.
SEXY FISH
Another London hotspot poised to make its appearance in the Middle East, fans of Mayfair’s Sexy Fish can expect the iconic restaurant to open in DIFC later this 2024. Think high-octane interiors, a vibey atmosphere, attentive staff, and a menu full of fare and flavour.
Harry’s
Harry’s Dolce Vita, the style set’s favourite Italian venue for all-day dining, has just opened its third restaurant in Victoria. Located on the corner of Grosvenor Gardens, fans of the Knightsbridge and Marylebone and spots can expect all the hero dishes, including carpaccios, burrata and truffle pizza, linguine vongole, pappardelle al ragù bolognese and plenty more.
Sip
Sushisamba
Fans of Dubai’s vivacious Samba Rooms, this one’s for you. The Brazilian-Japanese-Peruvian hot spot (which does the best lychee martinis, by the way) has opened a stunning cocktail bar, lounge, and private dining space situated on the 39th floor of the brand’s Heron Tower location. For a more relaxed all-day dining vibe, the Covent Garden location is the perfect place if you’re after a cocktail and somewhere to chill after exploring London’s West End.
ISOLA
Nestled in the vibey square of St. Christopher’s Place, Isola is the perfect spot for a summer shopping respite. Pitch up next to the well-heeled shoppers recuperating after a day of retail therapy at the beautiful Italian-style brasserie bar, or sit in the bucolic terrace area and wile away the hours with an Aperol Spritz (or three). If you’re popping in for a little nibble, the charcuterie boards are to die for, but if you’re after a full-blown meal then you can’t go wrong with anything on the menu: bona fide Italian served with the colours and flavours of Sicily and Sardinia.
FLUTE
Broadwick Street in Soho plays host to one of our favourite – and most glamorous – rooftop cocktail bars, Flute. The cocktails are creations inspired by iconic films shot in Soho – look out for Cruella, The Dark Knight, and Eyes Wide Shut. The eclectic interiors are giving maximalism meets hedonism – think animal-print upholstery, mirrored ceilings, and extravagant palm-frond carpets. Something your IG feed does not want to miss out on.
Stay
THE BILTMORE MAYFAIR
Right in the heart of swanky Mayfair lies the effortlessly elegant, handsome red-brick hotel, The Biltmore. Upon check-in, your private butler will escort you to your room, and will also be just a phone call away for quite literally anything you might want during your stay. All of the 300-plus rooms and sprawling suites are imbued with a nature-inspired palette and regal finishings.
The property offers an array of dining options, including the steakhouse Grill 88, Cafe Biltmore for all-day dining, Pine Bar for cocktails by candlelight, and The Tea Lounge for a quintessentially British afternoon tea. There’s also a very well-equipped 24-hour gym if you’re staying on top of your fitness whilst you travel, or if like Carrie Bradshaw, shopping is your cardio, here you are just a stone’s throw away from the best luxury shopping in London.
GROSVENOR HOUSE SUITES
Combining the services and amenities of a luxury property with the privacy, comfort, and living space of a home, these spectacular serviced apartments and penthouses are the definition of ‘home away from home’. Offering an unrivalled amount of space from any London residence or hotels, the Grosvenor House Suites offer rooms with up to three bedrooms, making it a perfect escape for either a whole family or a vacation with friends.
The property’s main dining outlet, the Atrium, is a stunning sun-drenched space offering an all-day dining menu. Or if you want to go off-grid whilst staying here (and we don’t blame you), there’s plenty to choose from on the room service menu.
Located in the Heart of London in Park Lane, the Grosvenor House Suites are positioned immediately opposite the green expanses of Hyde Park, a stone’s throw from Piccadilly and Oxford Street and a short stroll across the corner of the park to Knightsbridge. In fact, if you fancy a picnic in the park, the Grosvenor team will curate a hamper with everything from sandwiches to cheese and crackers, and hand-deliver it to Hyde Park in a spot of your choice.
