Tonight, Vogue World: London will see stars from the fashion world—and beyond—descend on the Theatre Royal Drury Lane for a dazzling celebration of the city’s irreverent fashion and creative spirit. And as London Fashion Week also kicks off this week, you may find yourself seeking the very best the city has to offer, from food and drink, to the t shopping destinations, to off-the-beaten-track sights.
Thankfully, we have you covered—here, find the very best tips from Vogue editors from both sides of the pond to guide you through London’s big smoke.
Where to Eat and Drink
One of my favorite restaurants, nestled inside an adorable enclave by Seven Dials in Covent Garden. The kind of place where, at the end of the night, if you’re lucky enough to be there as the place is closing down, the staff will share a shot with you. Pro tip: If you couldn't score a reservation at The Barbary, try out their spot at The Barbary Next Door. —Thespena Guatieri, vice president, head of video, Vogue US
A lovely spot for an afternoon glass of natural wine and an aperitivo—just perfect when the weather is right! —Madeline Harper Fass, market editor, Vogue US
Visiting a London curry house is essential, and Babur in Brockley is worth the journey for the way it imaginatively blends the modern and traditional for a menu with craft lassis and quail breast coal-smoked through the ancient Dhungar method. —Amel Mukhtar, associate features writer, British Vogue
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Nestled away in the suburbs of Peckham, South London, Jumbi is a unique oasis that celebrates Caribbean music and food in tandem. Independently owned, casual atmosphere, a ceiling-high record collection, regular live music, and a mouthwatering menu, it's perfect for a midweek hang or a Saturday night out. —Riann Phillip, editorial assistant, British Vogue
There are few restaurants in London with as charming a setting as Rochelle Canteen, which is tucked away off Shoreditch’s Arnold Circus in the leafy gardens of a converted Victorian school, accessible through a discrete buzzer. And the food is equally delightful: overseen by Margot Henderson (the wife of Fergus of St John fame) the emphasis here is on seasonal British produce, executed with casual elegance. There’s no better spot in the entire city to enjoy a long lunch on a warm summer’s day. —Liam Hess, living editor, Vogue US
For exceptional natural wines and delicious kitchen residencies, head to Oranj, situated in an East London warehouse. Despite its proximity to the lively Brick Lane, the bar has an intimate atmosphere and offers a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle. Great for either a pre-drink or a late-night bite. —Alex Kessler, junior fashion editor, British Vogue
Silo is zero-waste, so it has such inventive dishes, but you can feast with a good conscience. Last I went they had this massive parmesan-topped quaver crisp that sounds bonkers but tasted amazing. —Amel Mukhtar, associate features writer, British Vogue
I’m someone who always wants to have a fun dinner—so it’s the clubby atmosphere of Casa Cruz, Juan Santa Cruz’s Notting Hill restaurant, that keeps me coming back again and again whenever I’m in London. (Although the orecchiette ain’t bad either.) Lounge in one of their signature hunter green banquets, order a pisco sour, and enjoy the scene. —Elise Taylor, senior living writing, Vogue US
For some reason, the most outrageous—and brilliant—nights I’ve ever had in London have started at Louie. The ground floor restaurant is chic and buzzy, the first floor glamorous and sexy—but the upstairs Alligator Bar is where the night really gets started. Head there on Thursday nights for live jazz and a fun crowd. It’ll be 2 a.m. before you know it. —Alyson Lowe, associate director of audience development, British Vogue
Visiting this hotel will exceed all your expectations while in London—and stopping in for a bite at Pavyllon, Michelin-starred Yannick Alléno’s new outpost inside the hotel, simply tops the cake. It just opened this summer, and if you’re looking to treat yourself to French cuisine that pays homage to its host city, make this a stop on your tour of the city. Just make sure to make your reservation in advance—Chef Yannick is a hot commodity! —Atalie Gimmel, associate director, social media, Vogue US
What to Do
I’m forever shocked by the number of Londoners who have never been to the Wallace Collection, set on a Marylebone square and home to an irresistible, hodge-podge collection that encompasses everything from Limoges enamel to Canaletto’s Venetian waterscapes. The Wallace family bequeathed it to the nation in 1897, including the jewel in its crown: Jean-Honoré Fragonard’s “The Swing”, which underwent a restoration in 2021. Make your way through room after room, admiring Rembrandts and Rubens, then head around the corner to Ravinder Bhogal’s Jikoni for lunch (the prawn toast Scotch egg would feature in my death row meal). —Hayley Maitland, acting executive news and features editor, British Vogue
If the weather is good at the weekend, for something more low-key, try a simple stroll through Walthamstow or Brixton market—there are lots of little gems to discover. —Amel Mukhtar, associate features writer, British Vogue
Don’t balk at the location of the Prince Charles Cinema when you look it up on Google Maps: sure, it’s located just steps away from the seventh circle of hell that is Leicester Square, but step inside, and you’ll immediately feel far from the madding crowd. With the screenings of the latest indie hits alongside re-runs of cinema classics from across the decades, its membership program is one of the best moviegoer bargains in the city. —Liam Hess, living editor, Vogue US
Perched on the edge of Holland Park, Leighton House reopened at the close of 2022 following a massive restoration project. First built in 1865, the erstwhile home of Victorian artist Frederic Lord Leighton (a one-time president of the Royal Academy) evolved over a 30-year period to encompass The Silk Room—a gallery space whose walls are lined with green silk, and where Leighton displayed the work of contemporaries such as John Everett Millais and John Singer Sargent—and the magnificent Arab Hall, decorated to look like a 12th-century Sicilian palace with tiles largely sourced on an 1873 trip to Damascus (although most of them date from the 16th and 17th century). Note, too, the gold mosaic frieze designed by artist Walter Crane, and shipped over piece by piece from Venice. —Hayley Maitland, acting executive news and features editor, British Vogue
If it’s a little stress relief you’re after, look no further than Jab boxing studio on North Audley Street, near Selfridges. Inside, you’ll find the chicest studio going—think brown leather punch bags, boxing paraphernalia, and the studio’s signature red boxing gloves—alongside the most passionate and experienced boxing coaches around. There truly is no workout like it. —Hannah Coates, acting senior beauty and wellness editor, British Vogue
I spent many weekends of lockdown making the six-mile walk from my home to Highgate Cemetery. These days I don’t quite have the time to physically pace the entire journey, but the sprawling cemetery is worth the pilgrimage, famously housing the resting place of Karl Marx, Charles Cruft (the legendary founder of Crufts dog show), and the artist Patrick Caulfield, whose gravestone humorously spells out the word: ‘DEAD.’ Just don’t go in after dark… —Laura Hawkins, acting European associate fashion features director, British Vogue
The man responsible for keeping half of London calm, scoring a treatment with five-element acupuncturist Ross Barr might be tricky, but once you’re there, you’ll thank your lucky stars you made the effort. Like Prince Charming (but hipster) Barr listens to your problems, understands the body’s imbalances, and then uses acupuncture needles to treat accordingly. I walk on clouds for at least 24 hours afterwards. —Hannah Coates, acting senior beauty and wellness editor, British Vogue
I love this place! It's a cool bookstore/library/bar/artistic hangout. Whether you’re working on a project and need some inspiration or cultural references or you are just looking to find a rare and interesting selection of books, this is your place. They also do events—a perfect time to sit with books in a homey environment and meet interesting people. —Thalia Metallinou, acting retail and special events editor, British Vogue
In a city where every cobblestone and corner café is a veritable postcard waiting to happen, I especially love Coal Drops Yard, where Victorian-era coal sheds have been breathtakingly retrofitted to house a stunning selection of unique boutiques, chic cafes, and top restaurants. One could spend a day simply admiring the revitalized urban spaces and meandering its landscaped canal setting, but I usually head straight for Dishoom restaurant where the ambiance is a suave nod to 1930s Bombay and the cuisine could easily claim the title for London's best Indian fare. —Sasha Pinto, experiences manager, Vogue US
Whether it’s uneven texture, acne, or hyperpigmentation you’re faced with, Debbie Thomas, one of London’s finest facialists, will treat it. An expert in all things laser, she is the woman behind countless glowing celebrity visages and her Chelsea clinic is a stone’s throw from Harrods, making an appointment a perfect post-shopping pitstop. —Hannah Coates, acting senior beauty and wellness editor, British Vogue
Where to Shop
A perfect bookstore. Their monthly subscription—they send you books based on an interview—is the best gift I’ve given or received. And it’s one block from Kiku on Half Moon Street, the sushi restaurant where I tend to eat most days in London. —Mark Guiducci, creative editorial director, Vogue US
My search for an untraditional wedding ensemble has been a worldwide tour. Lovers Lane was one of the first stops and has the most fantastic assortment of Christian Dior, Rabanne (formerly Paco), and other rare and not-so-known designers. Situated on the famous Portobello Road, it's the perfect afternoon wander for anybody interested in vintage shopping. —Margaux Anbouba, senior beauty editor, Vogue US
I can fall through a trap door in time here at Stephen Foster’s rare and out-of-print bookstore in Chiswick High Street. Half a day, gone like that, just browsing and discovering and then being unable to resist buying. He is open on Sundays when there’s a street market outside. The vintage one is on the second Sunday of the month, so the next is on September 17. High Road House just opposite is a nice place to have brunch and pore over your spoils. —Sarah Mower, chief critic, Vogue Runway
If you’re around Oxford Circus doing some shopping, definitely hit Machine-A for clothes, shoes, and accessories from interesting, you’ve-never-heard-of-but-are-about-to-blow-up designers, as well as a sprinkling of the best from reliable favorites like Margiela and Marni. A few years back I got pants from Ottolinger and a shirt from Ester Manas, and then watched as the two brands rapidly ascend afterwards. And even if they hadn’t, they’d still be fabulous pieces. —Lucy Dolan-Zalaznick, senior associate, social and visuals, Vogue US
A literal jewel box of modern and antique costume jewelry, this corner shop is so bedazzling you'll be blinded by the sparkles when you walk in. It’s where I discovered Bill Skinner’s adorable mouse-and-fruit collection and I love to pick up vintage tortoise-shell hair combs. —Margaux Anbouba, senior beauty editor, Vogue US