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The Fashion Set’s Favorite London Hotspots

Martino’s, Sloane Square

London hums with culture, creativity and effortless style, but where do the fashion crowd actually spend their time? Here, five industry insiders reveal the restaurants, bars, wellness spots and hidden shopping gems that define their version of the capital

As told to Victoria Newton-Syms
Lifestyle
Reserve a spot at Bambi in London Fields for a delicious Mediterranean-inspired dinner and late-night dancing

Patricia Zhou, dancer, choreographer and filmmaker

Bambi, London Fields

“Bambi remains one of my favorite spots for dinner in East London, where I’ve lived for the past four years. It has the perfect mix of tasty food, great cocktails and wines, and also just fun vibes. I’m feeling too old now to go out on the weekends, but sometimes I’ll find myself at Bambi to celebrate birthdays or holidays, and I love that it turns into a dance floor after 10:30pm, meaning there’s no need to leave the cozy restaurant to find somewhere to party.”

Pineapple Dance Studios, Covent Garden

“The iconic Pineapple Dance Studios in Covent Garden is where you’ll find me most days, sweating it out among the most diverse crowd of dancers you can imagine. I love that people of all ages, from all walks of life, unite here over their shared passion for dance. The upstairs studio that’s used for big ballet classes throughout the day basically has its own climate – it verges on tropical, my hair’s usually proof of the humidity, and there’s sweat all over the floor! But people show up day in, day out to work hard and I love that. If you’ve ever wanted to start or return to dancing, this is the place for it.”

High Water, Dalston

“If you’re a fan of martinis, this is my go-to spot in Dalston. It’s pretty low-key and if you don’t know about it, you might pass it off as just another bar on the stretch of Kingsland Road that’s famed for being the home of mangal and all the Turkish establishments. The team at High Water is really passionate about making great drinks and it is my favorite stop-off after a long day or late evening. You can also order lahmacun (Turkish flatbread) from the restaurant next door, so sometimes I’ll have that with a couple of dirty vodka martinis for dinner. Now that’s my idea of heaven.”

Upstairs at the Alaïa flagship store, you’ll find the chicest café and bookshop in London

Evie Henderson, founder of The Yellow World

Violet Cakes at Alaïa, New Bond Street

“Located on the top floor of the Alaïa store on New Bond Street, Violet Cakes has become one of my favorite work spots when I have meetings in town. There is a great archive of books and a workspace, and it’s the perfect corner to enjoy a slice of cake by chef Claire Ptak. They also serve rooibos tea, which is always a win for me as not everywhere has it.”

Spring serves seasonal and sustainable dishes inside the landmark Somerset House
Belgravia’s Montrose Clinic is a beautifully designed space dedicated to esthetics

Spring Restaurant, The Strand

“Spring is my mother’s restaurant, but I’m not biased, I promise! It is one of the most beautiful dining rooms in London, offering biodynamic, farm-to-table eating in its truest form. It always feels calm, considered and really special.”

Montrose Clinic, Belgravia

“I have been to the Montrose Clinic for the Korean Facial twice now and I can’t wait to visit again. You can do the express 60-minute treatment, which I think is plenty, or do the full 90-minute version if you have time to spare. Expect glass skin afterwards.”

Notting Hill is one of London’s most picturesque neighborhoods

Lucy Delius, fine jeweler

Dove, Notting Hill

“I would suggest spending an afternoon in West London. First, come see our Lucy Delius fine-jewelry store on Ledbury Road, followed by lunch at Dove. Start with a dirty martini and then the mortadella pizzette is a must. There is a great private dining room for groups in the downstairs, but I would opt for a table underneath one of the huge skylights at the back of the restaurant. Afterwards, walk off lunch with a wander through Kensington Park Gardens and Hyde Park towards Mayfair.”

Grays Antique Market, Mayfair

“You have got to head to Grays Antique Market for some of the best vintage jewelry in the world. From Art Deco engagement rings to Victorian 9-karat gold charm bracelets and signed mid-century pieces, it is a jewel lover’s delight.”

The Connaught Bar, Mayfair

“The Connaught Bar is the most fun place to catch up over a martini. It’s dark, opulent and sexy; the bar snacks are salty and the drinks are strong. I always go for a girl’s night. There is a good mix of Londoners as well as a chic international crowd. My favorite time to visit is 6pm for the post-work crew.”

Fancy a classic cocktail? The Connaught Bar’s expert mixologists are known for making the perfect martini
For natural wines and modern American dining (think barbecued beef tartare and a plate of pickles) head to Rita’s

Otegha Uwagba, journalist and author

Rita’s, Soho

“I am slightly biased as the owners are good friends of mine, but Rita’s in Soho is one of my favorite restaurants in London. It has excellent food, well-made cocktails, friendly service and is as good for lunch as it is for dinner. I go here a lot.”

Martino’s is an inviting Italian trattoria in the heart of bustling Sloane Square

Martino’s, Sloane Square

“Martino’s is a relatively new opening, and I love going for a leisurely weekend lunch, starting with a cocktail (or two) at the bar, before moving onto a table. It has an old-school, mid-century Italian vibe to it and the decor is just gorgeous. The red prawn crudo starter is so good that I’ve been contemplating whether I can recreate it myself at home.”

Charlotte Mensah’s Hair Lounge, Notting Hill

“Finding a decent Afro hair salon can often be a bit of a struggle, but I have been going to Charlotte Mensah’s Hair Lounge for years and it is always a great experience. From the products (her own range, which smells incredible) to the relaxed vibe, and the fact that Charlotte plies clients with homemade cake and tea – hair appointments here really are a form of self-care for me.”

India Cardona, content creator

Dover Street Counter, Mayfair

“The more casual sister to The Dover, Dover Street Counter is incredibly inviting. It’s like a diner made sexy. Grab a seat at the low-lit, stainless-steel bar and order from the margarita menu with a plate of the Disco Fries, which come dripping in pickled chili and ginger, to share.”

Kichi at 180 Health Club, Temple

“I have been going to Kichi for years for their high-performance laser facials. Pop in for a Sculpt and Glaze, which does exactly what it says on the tin. You will leave glowing, chiseled and contoured, with no downtime. Afterwards, grab a coffee and something to eat from neighboring Corner Shop while you’re nearby.”

Grand Hotel Bellevue London, Paddington

“There are so many things that make Grand Hotel Bellevue a design lover’s playground: the custom Bode-embroidered details in the bar, the skirted sofas, the playful bathrooms, the walnut headboards… It is without a doubt one of the chicest stays in London right now.”

Grand Hotel Bellevue’s Norfolk Square townhouse has been reimagined by Paris-based architect Fabrizio Casiraghi

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