London is one of the world’s most visited cities. History, culture, art… London has it all. From luxury hotel stays, vegan dining, and VIP experiences, we’ve explored London’s most luxurious offerings and created a list of our favourites. Discover London in style below.
Eat
When it comes to vegan dining, London is one of the best places to indulge. There is nothing you can’t find in this cosmopolitan city. From brunches to bakeries to fine dining and set menus, veganism has taken over London. And we love it.
Itadaki Zen – Europe’s first organic and vegan Japanese restaurant
Japanese. Vegan. Organic. Itadaki Zen offers delicious cuisine with a vegan flair. The restaurant is small and often bustling. Rather than leaving it to the last minute, it’s a good idea to book ahead. You don’t want to miss out of Europe’s first organic and vegan Japanese restaurant.
The dishes are not rushed, and take time to prepare. With each item handmade, enhancing the delicate flavours of the ingredients. Expect to indulge in vegan kimchi, okra balls and possibly the world’s best spring rolls.
Stem+Glory – Incredible vegan dishes
The award-winning plant-based Cambridge restaurant Stem+Glory has set down roots in London. After crowdfunding the money for the new London restaurant in less than 6 hours, it’s safe to say the opening was a hit. And it hasn’t stopped there. People are flocking to try Stem+Glory’s incredible vegan dishes.
Any vegans who feel like they miss out on a ‘Full English’ breakfast won’t be disappointed with Stem+Glory’s vegan version on the weekends. Other tasty eats include rainbow bowls, jackfruit bao burgers and kimchi pancakes. Yum.
Farmacy – Notting Hill
Farmacy opened in 2016 in one of London’s most iconic areas, Notting Hill. Promoting plant-based organic eating and a chemical-free approach, connecting everything between the soil & the sun. This vegan farm-to-table experience is offers great dining in a stunning setting.
Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, the menu is inspired by dishes from around the globe. And the menu isn’t just salads and protein boosters, expect to dine on healthy comfort foods and drink tasty cocktails.
Drink
The London cocktail scene is one of the best in the world. Known for mixing creative concoctions, infusing spirits, and designing classic cocktails like, The Collins and The Espresso Martini.
Redemption – A non-alcoholic bar
It might seem a little left of field to put a non-alcoholic bar on the list, but when it serves drinks (and vegan food) as good as this it’s impossible to leave it out. Redemption was started by two incredible female entrepreneurs, Catherine Salway and Andrea Waters.
This health focused restaurant has expanded to three locations across London where it serves exciting non-alcoholic mixes that are to die for. Favourites on the drinks list are: Sea Foam Sour, Flu Fighters Martini and a Three Spirit Espresso Martini. Go for the drinks, stay for the vegan food.
The Bletchley – Chelsea
More than a place to get cocktails, The Bletchley is a cocktail experience. And one of the most expensive bars in London. This Chelsea bar is all about code cracking and cocktail drinking.
Your mission? As a secret agent for Her Majesty’s Government, you’ll be given a series of codes to crack. A mixologist will design a completely unique cocktail based on your tastes, as a reward for each code you crack. Now that’s a reward system we can get behind.
The Library Bar, Lanesborough London
When it comes to hotel bars, The Library Bar at Lanesborough London is all glamour. The dark wood, deep colour palette and stunning armchairs are warm and inviting. The bar knows how to draw a crowd. You’ll find everyone from hotel guests to business people at the Library Bar.
Fans of Cognac and whiskey will be in heaven. The Library Bar won an award for its selection of the brandy and has bottles dating back to 1770.
There’s a resident pianist, who plays from 6.30pm to 9.30pm daily, followed by jazz.
Play
If you’ve been to London before, you’ll know this cosmopolitan city has a lot to offer in luxury. From vegan afternoon tea to VIP events, experience the best in London luxury.
Afternoon Tea at The Ritz
You would be hard pressed to find a person who doesn’t like to dress up and indulge in an English Afternoon Tea. Especially when that Afternoon Tea is at The Ritz London. It’s served in the stunning Palm Court, adorned with glittering chandeliers, elegant mirrors and perfectly laid tables.
Enjoy a selection of finely cut sandwiches, freshly baked scones with strawberry preserve, and a range of delicate pastries and teacakes. And for any vegans, just let the team at The Ritz know at the time of your booking (or the day before) and they’ll make sure you are treated like royalty.
Afternoon Tea is served daily at 11.30am, 1.30pm, 3.30pm, 5.30pm, and 7.30pm.
£25,000 Haircut with Stuart Phillips
For socialites, celebrities and the 1%, Stuart Phillips is the hairstylist to see. Stuart Phillips’ salon in London’s Covent Garden. He is renowned for his luxury hairstyles. In fact, he famously put a million pounds worth of diamonds in Serena Williams hair for a Wimbledon party. And while £25,000 might seem like a lot to most, Stuart Phillips hair experience is worth every penny.
For £25,000, clients will have Mr Phillips undivided attention. You will be greeted at the airport by a driver and a limousine will take you straight to your hotel. After you have freshened up in your luxury room, you’ll be able to enjoy a champagne lunch or dinner.
When it’s time for your appointment, Stuart Phillips will give you an extensive hair consultation. This includes, studying your face shape, bone structure, body type and personality. The consultation helps him determine the perfect style for you. While your hair is being styled, you can choose up to four acts to entertain you. Anything from live music, acrobatics, contortionists, jugglers, street dancers or even comedians can be organised.
Champagne Tasting on the London Eye
Ride one of the world’s tallest Ferris wheels while overlooking the beauty of London. The London Eye is an experience enjoyed by many who visit London. But you can convert this experience into a VIP private event by booking a capsule entirely for you and your guests.
You can book a capsule for up to 30 guests for a champagne tasting of Pommery Brut Royal Champagne. Or, for those wanting something a little more romantic, you can book the ‘Cupid’s Capsule’. Enjoy the views over the city with a bottle of Pommery Brut Royal Champagne and a luxury box of Hotel Chocolat Pink Champagne Truffles.
Stay
London has no shortage of luxury accommodation, but there are some that are a cut above the rest. Their central locations, exemplary service and attention to detail make these three hotels the only choice for your next London stay.
The Ritz London
The Ritz London is not only one of the most iconic restaurants in the city, but also the world. The hotels history spans more than 100 years, offering the finest of British traditions and five-star comfort. From the Rolls-Royce and butler services to The Ritz Salon, where guests can book an array of treatments, The Ritz has thought of everything.
The rooms and suites are furnished with exquisitely restored antique furniture and adorned with fine fabrics. The subtle lavish decor is inspired by the Louis XVI style, with a palette of pinks, yellows and blues. The suites come with butlers for a more refined service.
When it comes to dining, the Palm Court offers exceptional Afternoon Tea. For pre-dinning drinks, the Rivoli Bar serves some of the best-presented cocktails in London. The Michelin-starred Ritz Restaurant is headed up by executive chef John Williams MBE. The sparkling chandeliers and towering marble columns, combined with exceptional dining is impossible to resist.
Lanesborough London
After an extensive renovation, the Lanesborough London reopened its doors in 2015. The renovation honours the building’s architectural heritage as one of London’s most revered Regency landmarks. Looking out over Hyde Park Corner, Lanesborough London is considered one of London’s most exclusive hotels.
The hotel features 93-rooms, that will make you feel like you’ve stepped back in time (with modern amenities, of course). The design is stunning with bright pastel colours, florals and ornate furnishings. The suites offer a butler service at a click of a button.
The Lanesborough has one of the best bars in London. Whiskey lovers will be in paradise at the Library Bar with their selection of exceptional and rare whiskeys. It’s the perfect place for a pre-dinner drink before dining at the hotel’s wonderful restaurant Celeste.
If you want to know more, read about our Lanesborough London experience here.
Bvlgari London
The Bvlgari Hotel offers a more modern British experience. In a word, this hotel is sexy. From the moment you step through the door, you’ll be struck by Bvlgari glamour and heritage coupled with sustainable design and state of the art technology.
The hotel features 85 rooms and suites each with exquisite detailing throughout. It comes as no surprise that silver was important in the design of the hotel. You’ll experience custom made silk curtains with a pattern inspired by some of Bvlgari’s classic jewellery designs. Polished mahogany woodwork is featured, as well as black Marquina marble in the bathrooms and a custom minibar designed as a traveller’s trunk especially for the hotel.
The 2,000sqm Bvlgari Spa London is spread over two floors and has been crafted from onyx, oak and Vicenza stone. There are 11 private treatment rooms and one double spa suite, complete with its own steam room, Jacuzzi and private treatment room; a 25m swimming pool, created from Vicenza stone and featuring a shimmering green and gold mosaic; and a 150m² fitness area with a fully-equipped, state of the art Workshop Gymnasium.
For a dining or bar experience, the newly opened Sette restaurant and Nolita Bar is sensational. You can read more about dining here.
For more personalised information tips and advice, or to book this incredible holiday contact your local TravelManagers’ personal travel manager here.
