City Guide
Whatever the time of year, the British capital thrills with its heady mix of historic buildings, cutting-edge fashion, scrumptious fare – be it good old-fashioned pub grub or fine dining – and dozens of parks and pathways for a relaxing afternoon amble.
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Housed in a Georgian mansion that was once the site of lavish balls and diplomatic soirées before it was converted into a museum in 1900, here you can browse one of Europe’s finest treasure troves of art and furniture.
A historic building serves as the Saatchi Gallery’s exhibition space for contemporary artwork and daring installations by upand-coming artists.
The Victoria and Albert Museum boasts impeccably curated exhibits, the National
Art Library and beautiful reading rooms overlooking the John Madejski Garden.
The National Gallery in Trafalgar Square houses over 2,300 paintings representing all major Western European periods, from late medieval to French Impressionism.
At the request of 19th century architect Sir John Soane, his former house and library have been preserved since his death in 1837. This place is home to an eclectic collection of art, architecture and all manner of treasures!
Settle into this bar’s electric interior with a vintage twist of antique mirrored ceilings, reclaimed wooden chairs and a copper-topped bar before ordering their famous Dill or No Dill cocktail drink, a sweet and sour gin cocktail that chef owner Jason Atherton first came up with in collaboration with the Heathrow VIP Lounge.
The Social Eating House has a very relaxed feel, and its eclectic and vintage design is full of character. Pick from the bistro-style menu that is both diverse and contemporary.
Aim for a strike in the hotel’s original 1950’s bowling alley (The Croc Bowling Alley), with a stylish lounge, bar and original artwork. For nosh, the roast pheasant breast with cauliflower purée and salad of roasted kale and beets is hearty and seasonal.
Family photographs and memorabilia belonging to the owner’s grandfather, a Filipino diplomat and Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist, adorn the walls here. The afternoon merienda (mid-afternoon meal) menu includes comfort dishes like barbecued pork belly skewers and beef and oxtail kare kare (a peanut-flavored stew).
La Trompette’s outdoor terrace is a lovely place to have dinner on breezy summer evenings. The tasting menu with wine pairings is divine, but opt for the hand-rolled linguine with truffle and parmesan, followed by Cornish turbot with pearl barley, crab, blood orange and pine nut dressing.
