EAT
J. Sheekey: Awesome oyster bar in Covent Garden.
Barrafina: Fantastic Spanish tapas bar. Expect to wait a bit. Great Covent Garden location.
Bancone: Best to sit at the bar. Excellent Italian in Covent Garden.
Hakkasan: The London venue of this restaurant is probably the best one.
Novikov: Yes I know it sounds Russian but It’s actually Italian and a very cool restaurant.
Dishoom: Best casual Indian food in London. A couple of locations. I prefer the one in Covent Garden.
ROVI: Go for brunch or dinner...but just go. Exquisite in all details. an Ottolenghi gem.
NOPI: Ottolenghi's Soho location.. Another cool concept with two floors of a distinct experience. Must go.
Ottolenghi Chelsea: If I had one day in London, I would go here for breakfast and/or coffee. A great place for casual sandwiches and salads as well.
Ixchel: If you have a weekend in London make sure you make this spot a priority! A fantastic Chelsea destination.
Dove: Located in Notting Hill. This spot is a really tough reservation to get. Best is to put your name on the waitlist. Also voted Best Burger in London! Here is a note on their website "We do have a burger available off menu. We prepare 10 for each service. We suggest ig you're determined to secure one, book the earliest seating. ...genius marketing.
ABC Kitchen: There is one in London. Just as good as its New York counterpart.
Zephyr: Notting Hill fave spot. Get a window seat if you can - trust me on this one.
Chiltern Firehouse: An Andre Balazs specialty. Kitchen and room are top notch. A recent fire in the kitchen has it closed until further notice but keep your eye open for when it back up and running.
Sexy Fish: Hip, swanky sushi that comes with the London "scene".
Bleeker Burger: Best casual burger in London with a few outposts
Ceconni's: It's recommended in LA, in Brooklyn and in London.
Radio: Very hip scene at this modern European resto located in Covent Garden.
Zaafferano: The best Italian restaurant in London.
Bill's Soho: Expect a line up for brunch. Which means its good!
The River Cafe: Michelin Stars, celebrity chef's and a great restaurant.
Bar Des Pres: Mayfair and magnificent. Best sushi in a gorgeous room. I usually sit at the bar.
STAY:
The Edition: It's a scene in New York, It's a scene in Miami and nothing different in London. New Ian Schrader gem.
Mandarin Oriental: Huge price tag but if you are looking for high end luxury - this is your spot.
Ham Yard Hotel: Very cool concept hotel. Probably the best place to stay in London from an aesthetic, location and service point of view. Fantastic decor and amenities unlike any other hotel. Steps from the Piccadilly line.
One Aldwych: Located in Covent Garden. It's been around a while but definitely worth a stay.
COMO Metropolitan: Mayfair chic and there is a Nobu at the hotel. Make sure not to bother the professional footballers frequenting the hotel and bar.
Soho Hotel: The ideal place if your prefer SOHO.
ME London: Contemporary and chic. A few minutes from Covent Garden, Trafalgar Square, Houses of Parliament and St. Paul’s Cathedral
Corinthia: Need a five star hotel in the best location? Just stay here. Yes those are EPl players in the lounge.
The Laslett: Notting Hill is one of London's best areas and here is your hotel of choice.
1 Hotel: This Mayfair property does not disappoint. You can not go wrong at a 1 Hotel.
Sunday in Brooklyn: Popular brunch spot in Notting Hill and Marylebone...both are great spots to start your Sunday morning.
108 Brasserie: In Marylebone - One of my favourite parts of London.
Granger & Co: Looking for brunch in Chelsea, Notting Hill or Marylebone - this is worth your consideration.
DRINK
Longbar: At the over the top cool Sanderson Hotel.
Sketch bar: Famous cocktail bar located in Mayfair.
Radio Rooftop Bar: Super cool place located in ME London, Must go.
MNKY HSE: Go for dinner and then watch the room transform and follow the lead of the DJ. Cool Mayfair location.
IT London: Dine here and stay here for the evening. London Hot Spot worth a night out on the town.
Dorchester Rooftop: Nice summer day? No better place to feel that London vibe by getting a table here.
HANG
Thames River Cruise: Great way to see the architecture of London
Walk: All throughout Piccadilly Circus, Trafalgar Square and Covent Garden.
Theatre: See a musical/show or opera. Very impressive Theatre district.
Tower Bridge: Walk over it - has great vistas of London.
Pub: Have a pint of beer/glass of wine on the sidewalk outside a Covent Garden/Mayfair/ Soho pub after 5 pm that’s overflowing with Londoners
National Portrait Gallery: One of my favourite spots.
British Museum: Excellent but you need a month to see it properly
Tate Modern: Has some very cool exhibits and some really silly stuff too. (super modern).
Football: That is what it's really called - Not soccer! It's a must do things to do just for the atmosphere and experience. Arsenal, Tottenham and Chelsea are the main clubs in London.
Ralph's Coffee: You can NEVER go wrong. Located on Bond Street
Food Hall at Fortnum & Mason: Prepare to spend a lot of time here, I like it better than Harrods!
Parlour Ice Cream: Best Ice Cream in London located in Sloane Square.
Cafe Kitsune: Great spot for a shopping break located in Belgravia.
Birley Bakery: One of the best places for baked goods and pastries. Go here!
Saddle: Neighborhood cafe where all the locals hang out.
High Tea:
Browns Hotel: Quintessentially London. The real High Tea experience.
Corinthia Hotel: Rated best tea spot in London.
Fortnum & Mason: Famous and well known for their quality and British experience.
The Ritz: Kinda self explanatory!
Foyer: At Claridges. Doesn't get much more London than this!
Jean Georges: At The Connaught. Unique tea service and you can rely on Jean Georges to hit it our of the park in whatever he does.
Roseberry: At the Mandarin Oriental. That alone should speak volumes! They do it right!
Shopping:
Bond Street: All the big names that you would expect to see, Paul Smith, Prada, Gucci, etc.
Jermyn Street: Start at Albemarle Street and work east to Regent Street. Very British and stuff you won’t find anywhere else.
Regent Street: Just because it’s a beautiful street and many recognized retailers.
Piccadilly Arcade: Between Jermyn Street and Piccadilly Street because it’s so cool. Continue north across Piccadilly Street and go into the Burlington Arcade.
Oxford Street: H&M and Zara and other 'Chains".
Harrod’s and Selfridges: London department store institutions. The food sections were very impressive though. The Food Hall at Harrod's is simply jaw-dropping.