Thompson Hotels' premier transatlantic addition, Belgraves, is located in Central London’s affluent Belgravia neighbourhood, just minutes from internationally renowned shops, sites, and the bustling Sloane Square. Blending traditional British hospitality with an American bohemian attitude, Belgraves interprets the Thompson luxury experience in London, joining an on-going creative movement in design, dining, and art that is currently forging the "new Britannia." The property features bold interior architecture and design by acclaimed British designer, Tara Bernerd, and architectural design by EPR Architects. The 85-room Hotel includes an 80-seat signature restaurant, an intimate library bar, and a fitness center, coming together to offer a seductive oasis in the heart of the city. The chic and eclectic lobby is set to become a second home for both Hotel guests and London's gliteratti alike.
The Grenadier
The quintessential old style pub is part of a charming historic neighborhood. Tucked away down a quaint little Belgravia mew, the location alone is worth a trip. It serves a fresh selection pub classics and ales. The Duke of Wellington was a frequenter of this house and so were his officers
Boudin Blanc
Located in Sheperd’s Market, this quaint little French bistro is considered by many as ‘One of London’s hidden little treasures’; charming, simple and sophisticated.
Hakkasan Mayfair
The Hakkasan sister opened in 2010 just off Berkeley Square. Past the glamorous ground floor bar, underground in the classic Hakkasan dark and exotic dining room, Chef Tong Chee Hwee combines his intoxicatingly charming contemporary cantonese cuisine.
Ken Lo's memories of China
This popular restaurant has an enviable reputation for its consistently high standards of authentic Chinese cuisine in extremely elegant surroundings. Ken Lo’s has long been a neighbourhood gem and continues to receive outstanding review.
Tom Aiken's Kitchen
Tom Aiken's Michelin-starred molecular restaurant has won just about every single restaurant award with his highly impressive contemporary French cuisine. The food is, quite simply and without hesitation, sublime. Enjoy a meal with friends in the brasserie or relax with a cocktail in the first floor bar and games room.
Zuma
The most stylish of London's up market Japanese restaurants, Zuma serves a variety of organic and authentic modern Japanese dishes . Be sure to check out the stunning open robata grill, and the sensational cocktail bar never fails to astonish.
Apsley House
Apsley House was the former home of the Duke of Wellington, who is best known to history as the general who defeated Napoleon Bonaparte. Apparently, when you defeat someone like Napoleon, you get showered with honorary titles and lavish gifts from countries all over Europe and Africa.
As far as the lavish gifts, today, they are part of this fantastic collection on display including painting from Velazquez, Dutch and Flemish masters, Goya, Rubens and Brueghel. There is also a three metre statue of Napoleon naked, chiseled out by Antonio Canova.
Institute of Contemporary Arts (ICA)
Throughout its lifetime, the Institute has courted controversy perhaps more than any other London art space. Established in 1947 by a collective of artists, poets and writers, the ICA continues to champion contemporary culture across a wide range of art form. Much more than an arts centre, the ICA has been a heroic figure in the landscape of contemporary culture for for over half a century, and shows no signs of slowing down with age. Expect to see the likes of Luce Irigaray, Patti Smith, Gerry Adams and Shere Hite.
Royal Academy of Arts
Seasonal blockbuster exhibitions in grandiose surroundings. For over 300 years The Royal Academy of Arts has remained an independent artist and architect-run institution. The permanent collection focuses on British art and artists whose work ranges from the 18th century to present day..
In addition to a rolling program of temporary exhibitions, highlights in the RA’s calendar include the Annual Summer Show: an open exhibition that each year exhibits around 1,200 works chosen from public submission and big names from the art world as well.
The Royal Court Theatre
The Royal Court Theatre is Britain’s leading national company dedicated to new work by innovative writers from the UK and around the world. The theatre’s pivotal role in promoting new voices is undisputed – the New York Times described it as 'the most important theatre in Europe'.
Saatchi Gallery
The Saatchi gallery is an amazing place where modern and experimental art with an insubordinate sense of artistic convention feels right at home.
The Saatchi Gallery hosts and continues to be associated with the most talked-about works made this century of contemporary art with special interest in a new generation of young British artists. The Queen of rebellious, provocative contemporary art galleries in London has recently moved n to an amazing location adjacent to King’s Road just a few minutes walking from Sloane Square Tube Station. Entry it is free of charge and it's doable in a short time. Enjoy the spectacle
Serpentine
The Serpentine specializes in modern and contemporary art delivering shows by internationally acclaimed and historically significant artists such as Man Ray, Henry Moore, Gerard Richter. Andy Warhol, Bridget Riley, and Damien Hirst.
Every summer the Serpentine also commissions artists and architects such as of Zaha Hadid, Daniel Libeskind and Rem Koolhaas to create a state-of-the-art temporary pavillion.
Look out for the very well stocked bookstore with art books and prints at very reasonable price. Its location in Hyde Park means you can wonder around afterwards
V&A
Seated next to the Natural History Museum and the Science Museum , the V&A is 'the world’s greatest museum of art and design' with a massive permanent collection spanning all arenas of the creative and decorative arts; photography, furniture, textiles, painting, metalwork, ceramics….the list is endless. It is also making a name for itself developing well-considered programs to celebrate Black Heritage Season, Lesbian-Gay-Bisexual and Transgender History month. A day just isn’t long enough to see it all. It has a great cafe set in characteristically impressive surrounding
ACNE
Acne Studio on Dover Street is the UK home of the Swedish cult label known for their signature skinny denim, contemporary tailoring. A four-floor minimalist white emporium inside a Georgian townhouse with artworks by artists such as Helmut Lang, Katerina Jebb and Husam el Odeh as part of its modern, sleek interior design, and a piano that comes to live on Saturdays.
BLUE BIRD
Built in 1924 as a garage for the Bluebird Motor Company and in 1997 converted by Sir Terence Conran into the “Bluebird Gastrodome”. Located at the back of the restaurant, The Shop carries niche designers like New York label Obedient Daughters, shoes and trainers from labels including Pedro Garcia and Tretorn, which are all housed in museum-like cases and on innovative pieces of furniture.
B-STORE
With celebs like Kate Moss, Björk and Alexander McQueen singing its praises and its ‘Shop of the Year’ British Fashion Award, B-Store is a mecca for style hounds hungry for emerging designers and indie cult clothing and footwear labels, including their own.
DOVER STREET MARKET
Dover Street Market, with its six floors of bare walls and steel beams, is a new type of retail concept from Rei Kawakubo of Comme des Garcons. It features over a dozen designers and their own installations - a fantastic arty atmosphere.
Twice yearly the store completely shuts down while new installations are set up.
HARVEY NICHOLS.
From its striking window displays and controversial ads, to its bar inspired by early 20th century constructivist art movement, the bold “Harvey Nicks is ‘THE’ all inclusive fashionista’s pit-stop shop for a perfect body & soul shopping spree.
JO MALONE
Jo Malone is the home of luxury candles and fragrances that make the dreamiest, most personal gift to someone you love. Choose from a range of candles, buttery creams and lotions, bath salts and mouth-watering scents. Try the lime basil and mandarin scented candle.
PHILIPPS DE PURY
The world of Phillips de Pury & Company offers auctions, private sales and art exhibitions all under one giant roof. The Victorian property at No. 9 Howick Place was once a Post Office sorting station before Phillips de Pury took over to hold exhibitions in contemporary art, photography, design and jewellery, among hosting auctions for a voluminous range of art objects and a cornucopia of collectibles for you to lust after. And if your pocketbook allows, make an appointment to see what treasures you might be able to privately acquire.
SKITSCH
Skitsch is a multi-purpose brand that produces everything from storage and beds to tabletop accessories and textiles. Offering furniture and accessories that “combine function and emotion. During London Design Festival 2010, Dezeenwill pop-up their second installment of the Dezeen Watch Store at SKITSCH.
VIVIENNE WESTWOODFor many there was nothing before punk—no music, no culture, no future. And for others, before Vivienne Westwood there was no fashion. 430 King’s Road has been the site of some of the world’s most significant couture creations for over 35 years. Westwood’s fashion escapades helped to establish Chelsea’s King’s Road’s reputation as the beating heart of London style, and her ‘World’s End’ store—opened in 1979—today remains a testament to her success as a voice of individuality in a world of hackneyed imitations.
