The Luxury Guide To The High End Of London
London is a truly cosmopolitan city and you can really enjoy high living when you immerse yourself in the British capital’s luxury attractions. From fine dining to historic luxury hotels, here are some of our favorite high-end London experiences.
The Finest Hotels
London is packed with iconic and beautiful hotels, many of which are historic or have architectural value. The Shard is an obvious choice for the latter, and the Savoy is the classic choice for the former. The Dorchester has also been recently renovated, and if you’re looking for some peace then the Churchill, located in the center of Marylebone, might be ideal for your needs. Read more on this guide. Alternatively, enjoy the pomp and splendor of one of London’s best addresses – Grosvenor Square, and treat yourself to a few nights in the Biltmore Mayfair.
Top restaurants
It’s easy to dine in style in London with cuisine from all across the world. The hot list changes weekly but some of the current most desirable places to see – and be seen in – include The Japanese; the new restaurant by Annabels’ private member’s club, the champagne bar located in Harrods beauty hall, Sushisamba in Heron Tower, and Firebird, which offers Mediterranean fusion cooking in Soho. Other perennially popular places include Alain Ducasse at The Dorchester, and Dinner by Heston Blumenthal. Mandoe Media’s iconic resturant list is well worth checking out when you’re trying to pick the from the very best.
Afternoon tea
After a day of shopping in Knightsbridge and Chelsea, it’s almost mandatory to enjoy an afternoon tea or a cocktail or two! Try afternoon tea at The Goring, which is a favorite with Royalty and London’s elite. Accompany the finest pastries and sandwiches with champagne and strawberries and watch the world go by in discreet splendor.
Shopping
Might we also recommend a shopping spree at the wonderful Harvey Nichols? It’s an icon for a reason! London is packed with designer shopping, and some of the best spots are – of course, Harrods, Selfridges on Oxford Street, Bond Street and Sloane Street, Liberty London – and, if you love bargains and are prepared to step out of the city for an afternoon, many designer brand lovers also take a train journey to Bicester Village in Oxfordshire, around 45 minutes from the capital by train.
Tour luxury buildings
Head to Knightsbridge and Chelsea to enjoy some of the most discreet and famous members’ clubs such as Raffles, Mosimann’s and XK. You’ll need to make a one-off payment for a joining fee or visit fee, but you’ll get to see some of the most exclusive interiors as a result and enjoy the superb bar and restaurant experiences in the plushest of spaces. Even better, the company is highly selective.
Art galleries
London is a fantastic place to buy independent art and there are galleries all across the city to explore. The ArtPassport app is an excellent way to find out what’s on offer, or you can sign up to Seb’s Art List to get heads-up about central openings. Grove Square Galleries in Fitzrovia is always a favorite with art collectors, as is Maddox Gallery, located in different areas of London, and Maureen Paley in Bethnal Green.
Travel experiences
There are so many customizable and unique high-end experiences to enjoy in London. For example, you could enjoy the Golden Age of Travel aboard the Belmond British Pullman train and catch a traditional steam train from London Victoria for a two-hour epic across England’s finest countryside. Or take a personal helicopter journey across the city skies for a panoramic experience that beats even the London Eye! See more.
Spa experiences
The Gloss, based in Knightsbridge, is one of the most luxurious spas in the UK, and just a few steps away from Harrods. So after a day of shopping, you can treat yourself to some restorative treatments from a team of highly qualified professionals who have many years of combined beauty, spa and aesthetic treatment between them. Book in advance to guarantee availability in this sleek, discreet central spa.
Which luxury experiences will you treat yourself to when you next visit London?