THE FASHION INSIDERS’
GUIDE TO LONDON
London Fashion Week’s favourite front rowers tell us where they eat, drink, shop and stay in the capital.
This article was originally published in British Airway's High Life magazine.
EAT
Good Life Eatery
‘This California-themed café is my go-to brunch spot. I’m addicted to their homemade granola, and their Skinny Benedict and So Clean So Fresh superfood bowl are oh-so-good.’ — Camilla Elphick, shoe designer
David Shrigley at Sketch
‘Sketch’s pink David Shrigley room is a delight to eat in — food, interiors and atmosphere join up for a culinary cacophony.’ — Caroline Issa, chief executive and fashion director, Tank Magazine
Clutch Chicken
‘Since I don't eat chicken, a chicken restaurant seems like an unlikely favourite. Chickens however, lay eggs, which I’m a huge fan of, and the brunch here is amazing. The garden, cocktail, trippy tiles and David Bailey pictures on the walls are an added bonus.’ — Angela Scanlon, stylist, writer and presenter
DRINK
GNH Bar at The Great Northern Hotel
‘The Great Northern Hotel’s cocktail bar is the perfect Friday night stop-off. There’s an amazing cocktail list; I highly recommend the ‘Kings Garden’ (gin, apple juice, mint, cucumber).’ — Sarah Curran, managing director, VeryExclusive.co.uk
Bourne & Hollingsworth Buildings
‘I go here for off-the-beaten-track cocktails. It has an eclectic mix of brasserie and vintage furniture, making me feel instantly at home.’ — Julia Melbourne, fashion PR consultant
Rumpus Room at Mondrian London
‘Mondrian’s Rumpus Room bar has the most incredible view over the city of London. They make the perfect bellini and it makes a change to head out of the city to the quieter streets of the South Bank.’ — Lauren Stevenson, co-founder and director, Aisle 8
STAY
London EDITION
‘This is my favourite place to stay in London. I have a million snaps on my phone of the suites — I even modelled a room in my office after them. I suggest ordering the gin-infused EDITION punch with jasmine tea and oak moss to your room after dinner.’ — Amber Venz, co-founder, rewardStyle and LIKEtoKNOW.it, and blogger, VENZEDITS.com
Brown’s Hotel
‘I love the Brown’s Hotel — classic English charm, the best high tea, and it’s a stone’s throw from my favourite shop in London: Dover Street Market.’ — Jane Keltner de Valle, fashion news director, Glamour magazine (USA)
Ham Yard Hotel
‘I’m a fan of all the Firmdale Hotels, but this one is my favourite in London. The bar has a great atmosphere and they even have a bowling alley in the basement!’ — Camilla Elphick
SHOP
Margaret Howell
‘I can’t walk past it without a quick recce. There’s always a reason to buy yet another white shirt, spotty scarf or pair of sensible schoolgirl socks.’ — Navaz Batliwalla, freelance fashion editor and blogger, disneyrollergirl.net
Alex Eagle
‘Alex Eagle is a new boutique from a woman who makes it her mission to find the best in clothing, jewellery accessories and homewares — an exciting new perspective to have on the London scene.’ — Caroline Issa
Beyond Retro
‘It’s the ultimate well-priced vintage stop in London, with rails and rails of throwback goodness — usually organised a little too, so it’s not a complete mission to find a bargain.’ — Olivia Purvis, blogger, WhatOliviaDid.com