Last month I spent a few glorious days in London and have suggestions for where to visit if you are only there for a short period of time. I stayed at The Orange Public House & Hotel on Pimlico Road (featured in my last post) in Belgravia near Sloane Square and it was absolutely perfect.
There is a Farmers' Market across the street on Saturday and Daylesford Farm Shop is just a few steps away as well. Their organic juices are delicious and all of their produce is fresh and organic.
Pimlico Road is home to many of the finest antique and interiors shops. For fashion, the shops in Sloane Square are within walking distance. For resort wear visit Heidi Klein and for dresses visit Emilia Wickstead. For a casual, healthy lunch be sure to stop by Wulf & Lamb. The menu is vegan and also delicious and I think even meat lovers would enjoy it there. My friend, the artist Kathy Leeds, recommended La Poule au Pot for dinner however unfortunately I couldn't get a table. I suggest making a reservation in advance for this cozy, popular spot. Kathy recommends the mussels and frites.
Near La Poule au Pot is 10 Ebury Street which is the home where Mozart composed his first symphony.
Mozart's former home
The entire Belgravia neighborhood is so beautiful and I suggest strolling around the neighborhood and enjoying all of the charming shops and cafes.
Christopher Butterworth on Pimlico Road
For more shopping be sure to visit Marylebone High Street but first stop in for a drink and lunch at Chiltern Firehouse and try to get a spot by the fire. If you are a magazine aficionado like me then you must visit Shreeji News, across the street from Chiltern Firehouse at 6 Chiltern Street, for hard to find international magazines. They are opening a reading cafe in the back of the shop soon and they carry the chicest publications including Cabana, Mastermind and the very best Vogues.
Also in the neighborhood is La Portegna for custom monogrammed bags, small leather goods and leather sandals. This Spanish shop understands quality and uses exceptional leather. During my next visit I will pick up red leather sandals and a monogrammed wallet. The neighborhood also has the loveliest men's shop, Trunk, which also has a location in Zurich. I love an independent book store and Daunt Books is a must visit.
Wine and cheese lovers have to experience La Fromagerie. It is the closest thing to heaven. In addition to Marylebone they have shops in Highbury and Bloomsbury.
The highlight of my time in London was the Dior themed afternoon tea at The Berkeley Hotel in Knightsbridge. We heard that the hotel is a favorite of Victoria Beckham which is no surprise. Their attention to detail and level of service is superb.
Iconic British stores to visit include Harrods and Selfridges.
If you are pressed for time, as I was, and can only visit two museums I suggest The National Gallery and the Victoria and Albert Museum. Unfortunately the Dior exhibit at the Victoria and Albert Museum was sold out by the time I arrived so I suggest going first thing in the morning rather than later in the day. It is still worth the visit even without viewing the fashion exhibit. The National Gallery, however, is my top choice for London museums.
My final suggestion for London is to walk as much as possible and avoid taxis and Ubers. Every street was beautiful and I stumbled into little cafes and quaint shops all over the city. A stroll through St James's Park in Westminster is an absolute must and is such a beautiful sight to see. Below are shots that I took while wandering around the city.
