Do London Like The Style Set: Where To Go, What To Do and How To Dress
Fashion Week is fast approaching, but for most of us, show invites won’t necessarily be blocking out our calendars. But that doesn’t mean that we can’t live like the industry’s most stylish. Here, we list the most covetable drinking and dining spots in London and what to wear to each, plus the only pre-Spring collection you’ll need to update your wardrobe in line with approaching events.
Read more about London Fashion Week here.
Chiltern Firehouse, for the after-show cocktails
The beauty of Chiltern Firehouse is that whilst it’s generally known as being fully booked until the end of eternity, there’s a new cosy winter terrace that’s reserved solely for walk-ins. Bingo. Don’t be put off by the thought of being outside – it’s bedecked with heaters, blankets, fairy lights and a roaring fire that will not only mean you stay warm but will make for a beautiful setting as well. What’s more? There are delicious-sounding alcoholic hot toddies on the menu to complement the freshly prepped Fruits de Mer platter that comes highly recommended. Don your most luxurious shearling or a faux-fur coat and settle in for the evening to enjoy the after-show style set rush.
Kettners Townhouse, for dinner
The newest addition to the Soho House London portfolio, Kettners Townhouse, has recently re-opened, making it the most desirable members-only hangout to be seen in this season. Still thriving on the fact that not everyone knows about it just yet, it’s filled with an all-knowing, enviably stylish crowd: creative industry professionals in meetings by day and (often the same) people on the wind-down over a glass of Laurent Perriere in the champagne bar after hours. If you’re dining in, we recommend the mini scotch eggs to start and poached chicken…and you might just get a celebrity spot as a side order if you’re lucky.
Élan Café, for the Instagram shot
Priding itself on using only the finest of coffee blends and employing the most passionate of baristas in its Park Lane and Kensington branches, Élan ticks just about every box when it comes to finding that pre-Fashion Week caffeine hit. Not only that, but its interiors are pretty enough to rival even the most Instagram-friendly city spots (sorry, Paris, you’ve met your match), and the Mediterranean-inspired menu features many a millennial-pink dish designed to complement the full flower wall and marble table décor.
The Ned, for the rooftop view
There’s seemingly a city-wide appreciation for a rooftop bar with a picturesque view, so when The Ned opened its doors midway through last year, it was no surprise that it fast became a second home to some of the creative industry’s most influential insiders. And who are we to let a little cold weather get in the way of our aesthetic enjoyment? This striking space is fitted with outdoor heaters, of course, and there’s a canopy above the bar, which adds cosy appeal. It’s members-only, but if you’re staying overnight at the hotel (and we highly recommend that you do) then you’ll have full access to members’ perks, from the bespoke cocktail menu up on the roof to the state-of-the-art spa.
Somerset House, for the pre-LFW exhibition
This month’s showcase at Somerset House is perhaps an homage to Fashion Week, which is scheduled to start on the 16th February – the location was the home of the event until recently, after all. North: Fashioning Identity presents a showcase of work by some of the north of England’s most famous designers, artists and photographers. Expect a contemporary mix of clothing designs, sculpture and over 100 beautifully curated fashion photographs by the likes of Raf Simons, Nick Knight and Corrine Day in a collection that’s sure to spark your creativity ahead of LFW. North: Fashioning Identity runs until 4th February 2018
Bourne and Hollingsworth, for the private dinner
If you’re looking for somewhere to host an event, then cease the hunt because Bourne and Hollingsworth in Clerkenwell is perfectly equipped for such an occasion. Plus, it has arguably one of the most beautifully designed, eclectic interiors that you’re likely to come across. It’s home to private dining rooms with an intimate yet welcoming feel and it offers a range of sophisticated food and drink menus that will help to set a considered tone for your soiree.