As the international fashion set descends on the capital for London Fashion Week, here’s our guide to the hottest new places to drink, dine, shop, sleep, and recharge in the city of London.
To Eat: L’oscar Hotel
Lucky for us, one of London’s most exciting new hotels opened its doors only a stone’s throw from The Strand earlier this year. L’oscar (named after dedicated follower of fashion Oscar Wilde) is situated in a Grade II-listed former Baptist church in the heart of Holborn. The boutique hotel is the first in the capital from décorateur Jacques Garcia (of New York’s NoMad, Hôtel Costes in Paris, and La Mamounia in Marrakech) and has been characteristically, impressively restored. The octagon-shaped Baptist Grill, headed up by Michelin-starred chef Tony Fleming, is the place to while away a long lunch or dinner, while Café L’oscar (illuminated by a glowing onyx bar and signature glass birds) is perfect to pop in for a bite, a drink, or a late-night dessert. And the rooms promise a sumptuous night’s sleep.
2-6 Southampton Row, London WC1B 4AA
Book online L’ Oscar Hotel London , here .
COURTESY OF L’OSCAR LONDON
To Drink: Neptune , at The Principal Hotel
Bloomsbury has been abuzz with good openings this year. Neptune, located in Russell Square’s The Principal hotel, is already a favourite local haunt, despite only a few months in existence. The modern seafood-focused restaurant is great for breakfast, lunch and dinner. But there’s also a drinks bar with an intriguing cocktail list, an oyster bar, and a menu designed by brilliant gastronomy duo Brett Redman and Margaret Crow (who were previously of popular Hackney hangout The Richmond). Drink Nepotisms late into the night.
1-8 Russell Square, Bloomsbury, London WC1B 5BE
Book online The Principal Hotel London here
To Recharge: Glow Bar
New wellness Glow Bar , captivated attention and a flurry of bookings from the Vogueeditors on launch last month. There are superfood replenishments aplenty at the Glow Bar cafe and its full range of supplements is available to stock up on in the shop. But most notable are the private, infrared sauna pods. 45 minutes in-between shows? Sweat it out here and leave feeling rejuvenated and looking glowing. What’s more, its Mortimer Street locale means that you can combine with a visit to DryBy for a manicured spruce up.
70 Mortimer Street, London W1W 7RY
To Blow Dry: Hershesons
Fitzrovia is the pampering place of choice for the fashion set now, it would seem. And it is all about being a 360-beauty destination, rather than a specific salon. Luke Hersheson’s new Berners Street space offers the brand’s brilliant cuts and blow dries – favourites amongst the Vogue editors – alongside treatments from Suman Brows, The Light Salon, DryBy, Dr. Barbara Sturm, Sunday Riley and Ministry Of Waxing. 360 indeed.
29-32 Berners Street, Fitzrovia, London W1T 3LR
To Shop: Matches Fashion Townhouse
Just in time for fashion month, Matches Fashion pulled a trump card in townhouse form. Unveiling its beautifully refurbished bricks-and-mortar in Carlos Place, on the corner of Mayfair’s Mount Street, the brand has uncovered an innovative vision of luxury shopping. Browse the rails yourself (it’s currently home to a covetable Prada takeover), have an appointment with an expert Matches stylist, but – best of all – drop items into your wish list at home or in the office, then 90 minutes later pop in to try your picks. Ideal for those last-minute fashion week buys. There’s even a cafe, hosting a rotation of chefs (currently a Milanese patisserie), to refuel from shopping fatigue.
5 Carlos Place, Mayfair, London W1K 3AP
COURTESY OF MATCHES FASHION
Reservations : Annabel’s
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