As much as I really love to shop, I’ll admit there are times when the experience can be a bit discombobulating. From the frenzied festive rush to summertime crowds – hitting the high streets is not exactly a walk in Hyde Park!
Thank goodness then for the respite care offered by the cafés, bars and restaurants cosily tucked away nearby or even within fashion emporiums. Here are my top picks of the best of these retreats to recharge at, before braving the rest of the day…
Knightsbridge
Harrods
Truth be told: Harrods is just as fabulous for foodies as it is for fashionistas. The Art Deco-inspired Roastery & Bake Hall is a grand spot for impeccably-brewed coffee, paired with The Ultimate Truffle Toast. But if coffee isn’t your cup of tea, there’s always the The Harrods Tea Room, which leads neatly into Perrier Jouet’s new Champagne Terrace.
It’s also worth taking time out for a sumptuous lunch at Chai Wu (tucked away on the same floor as Shoe Heaven), before you trot off in search of that next pair of party heels; while the black truffle pizza at the iconic Pizzeria remains the stuff of my solo gluttony! Discover more, here.
Harrods, 87-135 Brompton Rd, Knightsbridge, London SW1X 7XL
Harry’s Dolce Vita, Knightsbridge
This new Italian bolthole from Richard Caring’s Caprice Holdings (the group behind Sexy Fish, Annabel’s, 34 and more) is a glamorous throwback to the ’50s and ’60s ‘La Dolce Vita’ period in Italy. Expect heaps of truffles and Dolci galore… Full review, here.
Bar Boulud, Mandarin Oriental
Housed within the grandiose Mandarin Oriental – this all-day French-style bistro & wine bar from globe-trotting chef Daniel Boulud maintains a cosy character of its own, matched by flawless service and a decadently comforting menu (expect burgers, fries and the like). Full review, here.
Motcomb Street
Wandering off the beaten path, mosey on over to this quietly-elegant street in Belgravia. Ottolenghi is always a cheerful choice for its vibrant smattering of Israeli-inspired salads (inevitably followed by a chocolate and tahini cupcake). Although there’s bound to be bit of a toss-up with the Fine Cheese Company next door, which is well worth a visit for their soufflés alone (each easily the size of your head)!
Oxford Street
Brasserie of Light, Selfridges
Helmed by Richard Caring’s indomitably-stylish Caprice Holdings (the Group behind Sexy Fish, Scott’s, Annabel’s and all of London’s most sought-after establishments), Brasserie of Light is every bit as extra as you’d hope it to be.
The shiny new restaurant makes a statement on the fashionable first floor of Selfridges, with a gargantuan crystal Pegasus – sculpted by Damien Hirst no less – towering over the intimately-packed tables. The menu majors in dishes typical of a buzzy brasserie – from burrata and smoked salmon to start, with substantive chicken, fish or burger-based mains (there are vegan/ vegetarian options too). Desserts really ought-not-to-be-missed here, specifically the intriguingly-compiled Chocolate Bubbles and Golden Apple (a sublimely-exquisite riff on an apple tart).
Selfridges, 400 Oxford St, Marylebone, London W1A 1AB
St Christopher’s Place
Once a tourist-trap, this pedestrianised pocket behind Oxford Street is now home to captivating cafés and restaurants, including:
Feya. An Instagrammer’s haven boasting pretty-in-pastel florals and picture-perfect plates, from all day brunch (think rainbow-hued smoothie bowls, avocado roses and more…) to decadently rich pastries. Read more, here.
Hoppers. The larger outpost of the Soho original specialises in searingly spicy Sri Lankan karis, mopped up by crisp-edged dosas and fluffy, crater-shaped hoppers.
Patty & Bun. Of course, when it comes down to it, is there anything more galvanising than a devilishly deep-fried burger sandwiched between golden-topped brioche buns?
St Christopher’s Place, 23 Barrett St, Marylebone, London W1U 1BF
Or you could wander a little further into Marylebone and take your pick from any of the the inviting coffee houses lining the area’s elegant streets. Complete Guide, here.
Regent Street
With trendy newcomers such as Weekday and Arket joining the ranks of old favourites from Burberry to Hamley’s – Regent Street has evolved into an eclectic retail haven catering to all styles of shoppers. The dining destinations are just as versatile.
Bombay Bustle. Located on Maddox Street (towards the Oxford Circus end of Regent Street), the new restaurant from the team behind Jamavar is a homage to the spirited pace of life in Bombay with a menu brimming with iconic dishes. Full review, here.
Parlour at Sketch. The pretty-in-pink Gallery at this iconic townhouse on Conduit Street may have the attention of London’s Instagram lot; but it’s Sketch’ whimsical Parlour which has captured our imagination. The quirky tea room is ideal for a mid-afternoon boost in the form of impeccable scones; and there’s ample room to spread out all those shopping bags too!
Thomas’ at Burberry. Speaking of style and scones, I’d be remiss for leaving out this charming café within Burberry’s flagship store. Full review, here.
Ralph’s Coffee & Bar. A few doors down – there’s the hopelessly handsome cafe at Ralph Lauren, majoring in an all-day breakfast menu including the likes of Lobster Eggs Benedict…
Carnaby. You could also slip across the road into colourful Carnaby, where some of London’s hottest new eateries sit alongside edgy boutiques. Top picks include Pastaio for felicitous plates of pasta (including that Cacio e Pepe) and the recently-hatched Good Egg.
Bond Street
The beauty of Bond Street is that the restaurants around here match the modish nature of the surrounding boutiques.
Mews of Mayfair. Spread out over a narrow cobbled courtyard in Lancashire Court (leading off Brook Street), Mews is a hidden gem for tasteful daytime drinking, with a deep wine list that’s as good as the cocktail menu. This & more al-fresco wine spots, here.
Hakkasan Mayfair. Because. There’s nothing quite like a round of dim-sum and a Hakka cocktail, to prop you up ahead of your foray into the old-world shops of Old Bond Street! Full review, here.
Indian Accent, Albermarle Street. The lunch-time set menus at this avant-garde Indian restaurant are ideal for luxuriating on-the-go with a contemporary twist on classic dishes. Quite simply, it’s a meal which will redefine your vocabulary of Indian cuisine. Full review, here.
Covent Garden
The growing number of boutiques and brands in Covent Garden is matched by the equally compelling cafés and restaurants, which have found a new home in and around the historic piazza.
Santa Nata’s immaculate rows of pasteis de nata offer a sun-soaked boost in the midst of a busy day, while the Antipodean-meets-South American coffee house Abuelo, is a bucolic spot for coffee or brunch.
Secluded from the busy bustle, the open-air enclosure of St Martins Courtyard particularly packs in a jaunty jumble of places to eat and relax in – from a Bombay-style brekky at Dishoom (lengthened by endless refills of chai) to the sheltered Italian terrace of Dalla Terra. Complete Guide to St Martin’s Courtyard, here.
Seven Dials
Sandwiched between Covent Garden and Soho, the quirky network of inter-crossing streets known as Seven Dials is as well-known for its unique fashion and lifestyle boutiques (from Tatty Devine to Fresh Beauty), as its notable mix of cafés and restaurants.
The colourful folds of Neal’s Yard are particularly enticing, offering a plethora of restful stops including Jacob The Angel for coffee and tahini madeleines; and Casanova & Daughters for a glass of wine paired with Sicilian-style antipasti. Complete Guide to Seven Dials, here.
Discover more of what to do & where to eat in London, here.
great guide, thanks:)
Bon shopping & eating! X