by Leonore Dicker
We’ve just touched down in London town and are ready to take over the city! Whether it’s raining or not, cold or hot, London remains one of the most extraordinary places in the world. From the urban liberal vibe and famous English etiquette to the hipsters, bankers and fashionistas: London has got it all and it’s got it good. Samuel Johnson did indeed utter, “when a man is tired of London, he is tired of life” – and we couldn’t agree more.
But if somehow you’ve grown slightly tired of the British capital yourself, then do check out these brand new shops and restaurants!
SHOPS
Chic & Seek
98 Portland Road, London W11 4LQ Tel: +44 20 7243 6073
This chic and hip boutique opened last spring in Notting Hill. Having “redistributing fashion” as its motto, the hand-me-down shop sells everything from Louis Vuitton wallets to Louboutin heels. The owner, Tara Nash, likes to tell you the story of every item, making sure they’re in good hands. What we love most though are the price tags!
.jpg)
Karl Lagerfeld
145-147 Regent Street, London W1B 4JB Tel: +44 20 74 39 84 54
For his first London store, Karl Lagerfeld chose buzzing Regent Street as a location. Spreading onto 2700 square feet, the high-tech space is Europe’s largest shop to date. On top of the women and men ready-to-wear selections, the store also includes dressing rooms with photo booths for shoppers to take selfies of their oufits.
Celestine Eleven
4 Holywell Lane, London, EC2A 3ET, Shoreditch Tel: +44 20 7729 2987
From JW Anderson to Hussein Chalayan, this concept store only sells the coolest and hippest clothing designs. And if you’d like to take a break, Celestine Eleven also collaborated with legendary Pharmacognosist Dr Jackson to feature a luxury apothecary that sells herbal potions and plant-based skincare products.
Hostem
41-43 Redchurch Street, London E2 7DJ Shoreditch Tel: +44 20 7739 9733
This constantly evolving hipster boutique originally only sold menswear. Not only does it now include womenswear, but it also is currently being occupied by talented stylist Faye Toogood’s six-month residency. Hostem also holds a rooftop space and garden where dinners, events and installations are often hosted.
Layers
38-39 South Molton St, W1K 5RN, Mayfair Tel: +44 207 495 1296
Layers, which focuses on a balance between craftsmanship and a modern approach towards design, was first launched by Cheng Qu and Keven McDermott. A selection of avant-garde and artisanal mens and womenswear designs are on display – as well as art, music and literature. From Helmut Lang’s designs to Rosa Maria’s Lebanese jewellery, you’ll definitely find your kick.
LN – CC
18-24 Shacklewell Ln, London E8 2EZ Dalston Tel: +44 20 3174 0741
Although it is located in London’s hipster-est neighbourhood, LN-CC –short for Late Night Chameleon Café– remains a luxury fashion boutique. Dries Van Noten and Haider Ackermann are some of the core designers present on the racks. Make sure to give them a call before heading there, as it is operated on an appointments-only basis!
RESTAURANTS
Coya
118 Piccadilly, Mayfair, London W1J 7NW Tel: +44 20 7042 7118
Opened last year, this refined Peruvian restaurant serves deliciously fresh dishes. If you’re not familiar with Peruvian cuisine, that’s where quinoa and ceviche originally come from! Succulent dishes include Salmon Nikkei –which consists of Salmon, celery juice, ginger, daikon & wasabi tobiko– and Pechugo de Pato –Duck breast, lúcuma, soya sauce &coriander shoots.
The Colour Palate
Carousel, 71 Blandford street, Marylebone, W1U 8AB
This interesting pop-up experience centres on how different colours fuel our senses and makes sure everything changes tint with each course. Until September 6, chef Ellen Parr will treat her guests to dishes influenced by the tastes of spain, while Radio One DJ Gemma Cairney will curate the soundtrack.
The Blues Kitchen Shoreditch
111 Camden High St, London NW1 7JN Tel: +4420 7387 5277
We don’t know about you, but we often crave soul food. This trendy newly opened Texan joint serves incredible BBQ food, like ribs and alligator tails, curated by a three-time winner of the British Barbecue Championships. To accompany the food, live blues is performed seven nights a week.
64 Degrees at Artist Residence
52 Cambridge Street, London SW1V 4QQ, Pimlico
Set to open in September, this boutique hotel’s restaurant –already a huge success in Brighton and Penzance– is expected to make us drool. The daily changing menu will consist of small plates, such as Kimchi chicken wings with blue cheese, or Lamb, bok choy, clams & mango.
Mary Poppins Restaurant Experience (via hothotstore.com)
Secret London location on Aug 29th-31st; Sep 5th-7th; Sep 12th-14th
Come dine with Mary Poppins and the Banks family at their residence on Cherry Tree Lane. Dinner includes “a fabulously unforgettable 4-course dining experience with a twist” and will be filled with creativity. Make sure to be on your best behavior and you’ll be treated to a magical experience.
