TheCITY GUIDE

Top 10

London

1........Womenswear

2........ Menswear

3........ Footwear & Accessories

4........ Vintage

5........ Restaurants

6........ Nightlife

7........ Hotels

8........London Top Tips

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Browns

24-27 South Molton StreetMayfairLondon W1K 5RD

Tel: +44 207 514 0016www.brownsfashion.com

Headed by Fashion Institution Joan Bernstein, Browns remains one of London's foremost multilabel stores and continues to be the place to shop for all the key collections, season to season. Currently in-store you'll find Balmain, Balenciaga, Azzedine Alaia, MarcJacobs and Christopher Kane. 1

Dover Street Market

17-18 Dover StreetMayfairLondon W1S 4LT

Tel: +44 207 518 0680www.doverstreetmarket.comRei Kawakubo's hipster paradise, Dover Street Market is five floors of constantly revolving fashion and design talent. Directional VM and in-store artist collaborations make this one of London's most inspirational and cutting-edge retail spaces. Current labels include Gareth Pugh, Lanvin, Charles Anastase, Marios Schwab and SophieHulme.

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Liberty

214-220 Regent StreetMayfairLondon W1B 5AH

Tel: +44 207 734 1234www.liberty.co.ukOne of London's destination department stores, Liberty is known for its authentic Arts & Crafts interior, which inspires the signature print collections. Contemporary offer includes upscale brands Anya Hindmarch, Isabel Marant Etoile, Missoni, Burberry, Prada and YSL. Classic prints are reinterpreted for a younger audience by APC and Cacharel.

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LN-CC

The Basement18-24 Shacklewell LaneHackney London E8 2EZ

Tel: +44 203 174 0736www.ln-cc.com

LN-CC is a retail concept based in London's East End, where a carefully edited selection of clothing and accessories are curated alongside music, books and art to create an all-encompassing retail experience. Founded by John Skelton (formerly of Oki-ni), store designer Daniel Mitchell and set designerGary Card.

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Margaret Howell

34 Wigmore StreetMaryleboneLondon W1U 2RS

Tel: +44 207 009 9009www.margarethowell.co.uk

The epitome of understated, modernist dressing, Margaret Howell is a British classic. High quality fabrics and finishes are standard for this label that prides itself on authenticity and wearability.

Top 10

Womenswear

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Selfridges

400 Oxford StreetLondon W1A 1AB

Tel: +44 800 123 400www.selfridges.com

Inspirational windows and imaginative in-store events keep Selfridges at the forefront of department store retailing. For womenswear, product ranges from British high-street favourites to high-end luxury labels.

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The Shop at Bluebird

350 King's RoadChelseaLondon SW3 5UU

Tel: +44 207 351 3873www.theshopatbluebird.com

This vast, ever-evolving space is filled with fabulous fashion finds and eclectic pieces of furniture, art and jewellery. Womenswear labels stocked include Sonia Rykiel, Vanessa Bruno, Hussein Chalayan and Acne, as well as cult eyewear and swimwear label Prism.

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Start

44 Rivington StreetShoreditchLondon EC2A 3BN

Tel: +44 207 729 3334www.start-london.com

The womenswear branch of the Start collective is run by ebullient stylist (and ex-member of punk band The Fall) Brix Smith-Smart. The store cherry picks pieces from the latest It labels, including Carven and Charles Anastase, to curate one of London’s most current contemporary womenswear offerings.

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Topshop

216 Oxford StreetLondon W1D 1LA

Tel: +44 207 636 7700www.topshop.co.uk

The flagship of the UK's most famous fashion brand has become an Oxford Circus landmark. Four floors of fast fashion, designer diffusions, vintage, accessories, footwear and young designer concessions attract legions of international shoppers.

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Whistles

22 South Molton StreetMayfairLondon W1K 5RR

Tel: +44 207 491 0597www.whistles.co.uk

Revitalised by ex-Topshop brand director Jane Shepherdson, Whistles is enjoying something of a fashion revival. The collection focuses on contemporary wardrobe staples, which are updated each season with on-trend details.

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Top 10

Womenswear

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Albam

Old Spitalfields Market11a Commercial StreetShoreditchLondon E1 6BG

Tel: +44 207 247 6254www.albamclothing.com

At just three years old this small, independent British label has earned a cult following for its classic, preppy styles which are updated season to season. Heritage details, outerwear, shirting and classic footwear styles are Albam's hallmark. 1

b Store

24a Savile RowMayfairLondon W1S 3PR

Tel: +44 207 734 6846www.bstorelondon.com

b Store epitomises the notion of modern classics with its sleek design, effective buying strategy and almost faultless presentation. Amid the scrupulously well-edited collections from Sophie Hulme, Opening Ceremony, Bless, Soar and Peter Perrett, you'll also find the directional in-house collections.

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Couverture & Garbstore

188 Kensington Park RoadNotting HillLondon W11 2ESwww.couvertureandthegarbstore.com

A favourite among fashion and interior stylists, this cult shopping destination stocks cutting edge international and European labels, along with its own workwear-in-spired collection. Collectively, the two independent labels cover a cross section of product areas, including womenswear, kidswear and interiors. 3

Dover Street Market

17-18 Dover StreetMayfairLondon W1S 4LT

Tel: +44 207 518 0680www.doverstreetmarket.com

Rei Kawakubo's Dover Street Market never fails to inspire. Head downstairs to the basement for directional streetwear and up to the first and second floors for luxury labels including Raf Simons, Maison Martin Margiela and JW Anderson.

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Folk

11 Dray WalkShoreditchLondon E1 6QL

Tel: +44 207 404 6458www.folkclothing.com

Folk is the baby of Cathal McAteer and a small team of dedicated designers who still work from their original Lambs Conduit Street store. The Folk look is simple and understated, consisting of core pieces of outerwear, knitwear, shirting, denim and tailoring, with special attention paid to fabrics, print and finish.

Top 10

Menswear

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Harvey Nichols

109-125 KnightsbridgeKnightsbridgeLondon SW1X 7RJ

Tel: +44 207 235 5000www.harveynichols.com

Focusing on high-end labels, fashion’s favourite luxury department store puts the emphasis firmly on quality. The menswear department has areas dedicated to beach, intimates, accessories, footwear, tailoring and casualwear with a high concentration of luxury labels including Balmain, Vivienne Westwood and Givenchy.

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Hostem

41-43 Redchurch StreetShoreditchLondon E2 7DJ

Tel: +44 207 739 9733www.hostem.co.uk

Multilabel menswear boutique Hostem is a combination of low-fi interiors, humble-luxe fixtures and high-end labels; the store is split into three rooms with the first housing Hostem's "essentials" offer. Labels here include Elder Statesman, Damir Doma and Adam Kimmel.

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present

140 Shoreditch High StreetShoreditchLondon E1 6JE

Tel: +44 207 033 0500www.present-london.com

Present brings pared-down preppy menswear labels to the brothel-creeper brigade of East London. With a polished concrete floor and industrial fixtures contrasting with the original store front, Present is home to Wings + Horns, Studio D'Artisan and Mackintosh. 8

Selfridges

400 Oxford StreetLondon W1A 1AB

Tel: +44 800 123 400www.selfridges.com

One of London's best-known designer department stores with one of the largest menswear departments in London. From mid-market to luxury, apparel and accessories Selfridges covers all bases, beautifully.

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YMC

23 Hanbury StreetShoreditchLondon E1 6QR

Tel: +44 203 432 3010www.youmustcreate.com

British label YMC is known for its modern, stylish and functional design, excelling at outerwear and workwear-inspired looks. The store interior reflects the brand's vintage references.

Top 10

Menswear

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Ally Cappellino

9 Calvert AvenueShoreditchLondon E2 7JP

Tel: +44 207 613 3073www.allycapellino.co.uk

Androgynous accessories that are the antithesis of the It bag, Ally Capellino's pieces are quietly branded, practical in conception and made from hardwearing leathers and fabrics that are designed to improve with age.

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Browns Accessories

59 Brook StreetMayfairLondon W1K 4HS

Tel: +44 207 514 0000www.brownsfashion.com

Browns’ first standalone accessories concept covers men's and women's styles, as well as offering bespoke and repair services. With their reputation for scurrilous editing and nurturing of new talent, you can find a healthy mix of big luxurynames alongside growing cult brands. 2

b Store

24a Savile RowMayfairLondon W1S 2XE

Tel: +44 207 734 6846www.bstorelondon.com

bStore footwear and accessories epitomise the store's notion of fashion-forward style. A directional mix of cult labels including Sophie Hulme and Opening Ceremony compliments their own collection, rightly earning bStore a reputation as one of London's best contemporary boutiques. 3

Charlotte olympia

56 Maddox StreetMayfairLondon W1S 1AY

Tel: +44 207 499 0145www.charlotteolympia.com

Current It shoe designer Charlotte Olympia opened her first stand alone store in 2010, showcasing her glamorous range of statement heels - placed artfully on plinths under spotlights and behind glass-fronted oak cabinets.

Kurt Geiger: Everything But the Dress

13 Grafton StreetMayfairLondon W1www.kurtgeiger.com

Kurt Geiger’s new Mayfair retail concept, Everything But The Dress carries a complete, head-to-toe range of footwear and accessories, from KG shoes, to handbags, hats, costume jewellery and hosiery. Kurt Geiger’s designer ranges include marc by Marc Jacobs, Chloé, Ugg, Biba, Mia and Chie Mihara; for men, there is Dries Van Noten, Officine Creative and Vivienne Westwood.4 5

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Top 10

Footwear &Accessories

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Mawi

11 Calvert AvenueShoreditchLondon E2 7JP

Tel: +44 207 923 1414www.mawi.co.ukMawi creates fine jewellery for fashion-conscious consumers, and made the choice of opening its flagship store in London’s East End – cementing the area’s retail relevance. The small shop sells both seasonal and archive Mawi pieces, often graphic and quite architectural in form.

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Mulberry

50 New Bond StreetMayfairLondon W1S 1BJ

Tel: +1 207 491 3900www.mulberry.com

Mulberry's new flagship is definitive of this much-loved British label's new lease of life as contemporary interior design meets classic, heritage accessories. Sculptural wooden frameworks encase the collections, including Mulberry icons the Bayswater and modern classic, the Alexa.

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Nicholas Kirkwood

5 Mount StreetMayfairLondon W1K 3NE

Tel: +44 207 290 1404www.nicholaskirkwood.com

Nicholas Kirkwood made a swift rise through the ranks following a short apprenticeship with milliner Philip Treacy, under the guidance of Isabella Blow, before embarking on his chosen career as a shoe designer. In no time at all his adventurous, architectural heels have become a fashion staple. 8

Darkroom

52 Lambs Conduit StreetBloomsburyLondon WC1N 3LL

Tel: +44 207 831 7244 www.darkroomlondon.com

As the shop's name suggests, Darkroom's interior is unapologetically brooding. The products are all handpicked and include an array of cult design talent including modular function bags from Borba Margo and bejewelled rope jewellery from Médicine Douce.

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Tracey Neuls

29 Marylebone LaneMaryleboneLondon W1U 2NQ

Tel: + 44 207 935 0039www.tn29.com

Known for her artistic approach to VM and display, Tracey Neuls' original Marylebone boutique feels more gallery than conventional store. Her avant-garde, and beautifully made footwear is often steeped in deep research and art-historic context, which is then reflected in how they are displayed.

Top 10

Footwear &Accessories

Absolute Vintage Boutique

79 Berwick StreetSoho London W1F 8TL

Tel: +44 201 434 1544www.absolutevintage.co.uk

For fans of vintage shopping without the dusty rifling, Absolute’s edited-down bou-tique provides a rummage-free haven of statement sequinned ponchos, second-hand Chanel totes and row upon row of leather footwear.

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Alfie’s Antiques

13-25 Church StreetMaryleboneLondon NW8 8DT

Tel: +44 207 723 6066www.alfiesantiques.com

As well as beautiful costume jewellery and awe-inspiring interiors, London’s favourite antiques market specialises in niche categories such as African & Oriental Arts and Mid-Century Modern; areal treat for bona fide antiques fanatics.

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Annie’s Vintage Costumes & Textiles

12 Camden PassageIslingtonLondon N1 8ED

Tel: +44 207 359 0796www.anniesvintageclothing.co.uk

Often raided by the likes of Donna Karan and Kate Moss, Annie’s has developed something of a cult following. A great place to unearth something truly special, the corner boutique is bursting with one-off embroidered shawls, flowing 1970s maxidresses and flawless second-hand furs. 3

Beyond Retro

110-112 Cheshire StreetShoreditchLondon E2 6EJ

Tel: +44 207 613 3636 www.beyondretro.com

Shop by colour preference or free the mag-pie within and raid the 80’s partywear. This warehouse-sized store will entice even the shrewdest of shoppers, to kiss goodbye to an entire afternoon.

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Blitz

55-59 Hanbury StreetShoreditchLondon E1 5JP

Tel: +44 207 377 0730www.blitzlondon.co.uk

Launched this summer, London’s first vintage department store stocks interiors, books, menswear, womenswear, kidswear, interiors, bikes, accessories and more. WGSN recommends the cute in-house coffee shop for a much-needed shopping break.

Top 10

Vintage

Zone 7 Style

63 Redchurch StreetShoreditchLondon E2 7DJ

www.zone7style.blogspot.com

Zone 7 Style founder Seth Bradley has been a long-term purveyor of vintage fashions, namely streetwear from the 1980s and 90s. In fact, Bradley’s archive of men’s and women’s apparel, accessories and footwear is so extensive that brands have been known to come to him for their own archive referencing.

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Guts for Garters

Cob Gallery205 Royal College StreetCamdenLondon NW1 0SG

Tel: +44 772 588 3236www.gutsforgarters.com

Art historians Rachel Chudley and Cassie Beadle have teamed up to create Guts for Garters, a beguiling new retail concept based in the basement of an art gallery. Like a group art show, each six-week stint is themed, the curators working with artists to create handmade objects, jewellery and couture fashion. 6

Marshmallow Mountain

5 Kingly CourtKingly StreetSohoLondon W1B 5PW

Tel: +44 207 434 9498www.marshmellowmountain.com

Tucked away in the heart of Soho, Marshmallow Mountain is a firm favourite among serious vintage aficionados. The cherry-picked stock strikes an eclectic, girly vibe with a medley of cute wicker handbags and leather carry cases. A great place for cheap 1980s statement pumps. 7

pelicans & parrots

40 Stoke Newington RoadDalstonLondon N16 7XJ

Tel: +44 203 215 2083www.pelicansandparrots.com

Specialising in beautifully tailored vintage pieces as well as more trend-conscious vintage clothing, Pelicans & Parrots is a great place to find weird and wonderful wardrobe staples. From a pair of 1980s electric blue ski pants, to an ostrich feather headdress, this treasure trove has become a firm favourite among the Dalston crowd. 8

Rellik

8 Golbourne RoadNotting HillLondon W10 5NW

www.relliklondon.co.uk

The love child of a market vendor three-way, Rellik specialises in vintage designer treasures from designers including Dior, Vivienne Westwood and YSL. With a huge backlog of stock that can't be squeeze onto the shop floor, ring ahead if you’re looking for something specific.

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Top 10

Vintage

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Bistrotheque

23-27 Wadeson StreetHackney London E2 9DR

Tel: +44 208 983 7900www.bistrotheque.com

Bistrotheque - an established fashion favourite - has matured from hipster hotspot to respected restaurant. The industrial, airy dining room is often filled with creative types, and the menu is made up of hearty French bistro and English classics. After dinner, head downstairs to the famously kitsch cabaret night.

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Boundary

2-4 Boundary StreetShoreditchLondon E2 7JE

Tel: +44 207 729 1051www.theboundary.co.uk

Terence Conran's Boundary offers formal dining with a quirky edge, and stylish furnishings evoke a Prohibition-era nightclub. Cuisine is French and English, with roast dinners on Sundays. The converted Victorian warehouse also has a rooftop bar and kitchen.

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Brawn

49 Columbia RoadHackney London E2

Tel: +44 20 7729 5692www.brawn.com

Brawn is east London contemporary through and through - cheap with an undeniable upmarket slant, earthy but happening, warehouse modesty meets fancy forks. The simple yet colourful menu comprises delights sourced internationally, as well as local treats proudly found much closer to home.

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Dinner at the Mandarin oriental

66 KnightsbridgeKnightsbridgeLondon SW1X 7LA

Tel: +44 20 7235 2000www.mandarinoriental.com/london/dining/heston_blumenthal

Dinner at the Mandarin Oriental has become the London foodie’s most sought-after table, with dishes inspired by 16th century favourites including black foot pork chop, meat fruit and roast marrowbone. 4 5

Hawksmoor Seven Dials

11 Langley StreetCovent GardenLondon WC2H 9JG

Tel: +44 207 856 2154www.thehawksmoor.co.uk

London steak connoisseur Hawksmoor devotes itself to offering the perfect steak experience. The specialists use carefully selected, aged British beef presented simply and stylishly. Naturally, we love the classic cocktails in frosted, vintage glasses.

Top 10

Restaurants

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polpo

41 Beak StreetSohoLondon W1F 9SB

Tel: +44 207 734 4479www.polpo.co.ukPolpo is a small, Venetian-style bacaro where the rustic interior, with black-and-white tiles and exposed brick walls, is a cosmopolitan take on traditional Venice. The menu consists of cicheti and small delicious sharing plates. Sister venue Polpetto (with just 28 covers) can be found at 49 Dean Street above The French House. 6

Savoy Grill

The Savoy HotelThe StrandLondon WC2R 0EU

Tel: +44 207 836 4343www.gordonramsay.com

It seems that London didn’t realise how much it had missed The Savoy until the establishment opened its revamped doors and ever since then it’s been the talk of the town. The Art Deco-themed restaurant is under the watchful eye of head chef Gordon Ramsay, and classic French and British dishes are created.

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Scott’s of Mayfair

20 Mount StreetMayfairLondon W1K 2HE

Tel: +44 207 495 7309www.scotts-restaurant.com

Scott's is a seafood restaurant offering a broad menu with fish and crustaceans, as well as game in season. Oysters are a speciality and feature heavily on the bar menu. The interior is warm and stylish, reminiscent of the Bond-esque glamour of the 60s.

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Spuntino

61 Rupert StreetSohoLondon W1D 7PW

(no telephone, no reservations)www.spuntino.co.uk

Spuntino is the latest offering from the founders of Polpo and Polpetto – both WGSN favourite restaurants. Based upon the idea of a New York diner, the industri-ally designed space makes a perfect place for some Soho respite, and WGSN can’t recommend the mini burgers –otherwise known as Sliders, highly enough. 9 10

The Wolseley

160 PiccadillyMayfairLondon W1J 9EB

Tel: +44 207 499 6996www.thewolseley.com

A London classic, The Wolseley is an impeccably elegant, Art Deco throwback, which, along with its indulgent brunch menu and traditional afternoon teas, is one of the city's most refined dinner destinations. The menu is a hearty Anglo-French affair.

Top 10

Restaurants

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The Boundary Rooftop

2-4 Boundary StreetShoreditchLondon E2 7JE

Tel: +44 207 729 1051www.theboundary.co.uk

Located opposite Shoreditch House, The Boundary Hotel offers an equally stunning rooftop bar and restaurant. Guests recline in deep set arm chairs to enjoy a cocktail or the simple yet delicious menu of BBQed meats. An open fire and cashmere blankets are offered to ward off the inevitable London chill.

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Bungalow 8

St Martin's Lane Hotel45 St Martin's LaneCovent GardenLondon WC2N 4HX

Notorious for its surveillance style exclusivity and old school attitude to its A-list regulars, Bungalow 8 is the younger sister to Amy Sacco’s infamous New York venue of the same name. Housed in the disco glass exterior of the St Martin’s Lane Hotel, the cocktails are dizzying.

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Experimental Cocktail Club

13 Gerrard StreetSohoLondon W1D 5PS

Tel: +44 207 434 3559www.experimentalcocktailclublondon.com

Hidden behind an unassuming paint-chipped doorway in bustling Chinatown lies two floors of unpretentious decadence. Cocktails are expertly mixed by the charming and very personable Coco – whose Louisiana accent(by way of Berlin) is enough to make anyone order another round.

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Loungelover

1 Whitby StreetShoreditchLondon E2 7DP

Tel: +44 207 012 1234www.lestroisgarcons.com

Owned by the creators of the baroque-kitsch restaurant Les Trois Garçons, this East End nightlife spot has become a Shoreditch institution. Housed in a former meat-packing factory moments from Brick Lane, Loungelover is an eccentric antidote to 90s minimalism, favouring a flamboyant décor of velvet drapes and surreal artwork. 4 5

The Mayor of Scaredy Cat Town

12-16 Artillery LaneSpitalfieldsLondon E1 7LS

Tel: +44 207 078 9633www.themayorofscaredycattown.com

Lately, you can’t swing a cat in East London without falling into a new speakeasy venue. The latest is situated beneath Spitalfields new Breakfast Club, via a Smeg fridge. The vibe is all exposed brick, kiwi fruit cocktails and bad/good 90’s music.

Top 10

Nightlife

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The Nightjar Bar

129 City RoadShoreditchLondon EC1V 1JB

Tel: +44 207 253 4101www.barnightjar.com

East London’s much-loved dive bars are being joined by more sophisticated sisters. For those in need of a connoisseur’s cocktail in a cut martini glass, WGSN loves the Nightjar, a discreet, speakeasy- style lounge hidden down a basement behind an unmarked door off Old Street. 6

Shoreditch House

Ebor StreetShoreditchLondon E1 6AW

Tel: +44 207 739 5040www.shoreditchhouse.com

This infamous member’s only warehouse space is crammed to the rafters with hip London untouchables. Once the people watching has run its course, lounge at the rooftop bar, jump into the pool or stay in one of the club’s exclusive - and actually very reasonably-priced rooms. 7

The Book Club

100 Leonard StreetShoreditchLondon EC2A 4RH

Tel: +44 207 684 8618www.wearetbc.com

Housed in a former Victorian warehouse, The Book Club combines social and cultural events with late night drinking. Creative minds gather in this Shoreditch space to listen to the eclectic and diverse sounds, from 60s soul to contemporary indie tunes. Food is served daily.

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The Box

11 Walkers CourtSoho & CarnabyLondon W1F OED

www.theboxsoho.com

Legendary New York nightclub The Box has touched down in London with all the lights, luxe and extravagance you would expect from this notorious nightspot. Offering cabaret and burlesque with just a touch of freakish charm, a visit certainly makes a night to remember. The cocktails are delicious and the clientele are chic to boot. Make sure you book to ensure entry to the hippest spotin town – for now.

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The Nest

36 Stoke Newington RoadHackneyLondon N16 7XJ

Tel: +44 207 354 9993www.ilovethenest.com

Located beneath a derelict furniture store on the cusp of hipster Dalston, The Nest plays host to an array of gigs and club nights covering every genre of music from disco to grunge. The decadent basement has plenty of room for both dancing and lounging in one of the intimate booths, decorated by various local artists. 10

Top 10

Nightlife

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Charlotte Street Hotel

15 Charlotte StreetLondon W1T 1RJTel: + 44 207 806 2000www.firmdale.com

The lovely Charlotte Street Hotel's rooms are furnished in a modern, English style - we love the cosy drawing room with its log-burning fireplace, reminiscent of a luxury townhouse. Outside, buzzing Charlotte Street is lined with bars and restaurants, and the shops of Oxford Street are around the corner.

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Dean Street Townhouse

69-71 Dean StreetSohoLondon W1D 3SE

Tel: +44 207 434 1775www.deanstreettownhouse.com

Soho House Group's pared-down London lodgings are set inside a beautifully restored Georgian townhouse. Rooms come with hand-painted wallpapers, upholstered antiques, roll-top baths and rainforest showers. The restaurant's walls are lined with contemporary art; it's easy to while away a few hours tucking into a Sunday Roast. 2

St pancras Renaissance London Hotel

Euston RoadKing’s CrossLondon NW1 2AR

Tel: +44 207 8413540www.marriott.co.uk

This stunningly restored hotel, adjacent to a King’s Cross railway station, is housed in a Victorian Gothic building. Designers worked closely with English Heritage conservationists to retain the building’s original identity and the highlight is a stunning staircase. 3

Rough Luxe

1 Birkenhead StreetKing’s CrossLondon WC1H 8BA

Tel: +44 207 837 5338www.roughluxe.co.uk

Glamorously DIY, this 19th century townhouse hotel is right next to King's Cross station. You'll find a combination of rough and raw surfaces next to luxurious textiles, top-quality beds and contemporary art. And with just nine bedrooms,you’re guaranteed to get guesthouse service with luxury attention to detail. 4 5

Russell’s of Clapton

Chatsworth RoadClapton

Tel: +44 797 666 9906www.russellsofclapton.com

This lovely, relaxed B&B is perfect for intrepid travellers who want to savour life in a real east London neighbourhood. Each of the five guestrooms is cosy and stylish, but the best is the home style comforts - chilling out on the sofa in the living room with a cup of tea, chatting to Annette about the best local places to discover.

Top 10

Hotels

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The Soho Hotel

4 Richmond MewsSohoLondon W1D 3DH

Tel: + 44 207 559 3000www.sohohotel.com

This hotel is situated in a quiet enclave just off Soho's Dean Street. In-room amenities include perfumer Miller Harris toiletries; while the buzzy Refuel bar and restaurant's contemporary art makes the most of the interior. The hotel's two plush drawing rooms are ideal for meetings. 6

The Boundary

2-4 Boundary StreetShoreditchLondon E2 7JE

Tel +44 207 729 1051www.theboundary.co.uk

Each of the Boundary's seventeen rooms, studios and suites are a design lover's dream, with interiors inspired by the Bauhaus and Eileen Gray. There’s an acclaimed restaurant, bar and ground floor café (the Albion) and its all located just steps from the galleries, restaurants, and boutiques of Shoreditch.

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The Savoy Hotel

The StrandMayfairLondon WC2R 0EU

Tel: +44 207 836 4343www.fairmont.com

The restored Savoy has got five-star, vintage glamour in spades. The art collection, murals and Deco artwork are a treat for the eyes, while display cases hold memorabilia revealing the hotel's legendary history. Rooms are luxurious and the decadent Beaufort Bar - a dimly lit vision in black velvet and gold, is well worth a visit. 8

The Town Hall Hotel

Patriot SquareShoreditch London E2 9NF

Tel: +44 207 871 0460www.townhallhotel.com

A grand hotel in the heart of quickly gentrifying Bethnal Green, where inside no two rooms are the same, but all follow a retro-Scandi aesthetic. There's a sleek pool and gym, and a stylish bar and fine-dining restaurant, Viajante. London Fields and Broadway Market are just a 10-minute walk away. 9 10

W London

10 Wardour StreetLeicester Square London W1D 6QF

Tel: +44 207 851 3228 www.wlondon.co.uk

Inside London’s first W hotel, it’s pretty hard to resist sipping a cocktail in the glamorous lounge with views overlooking the buzzing crowds below. Pulling out all stops on the service front, guests can make use of a 24-hour concierge, and the allure of the Away Spa, sauna and steam rooms are sure to tempt.

Top 10

Hotels

Vintage therapy at Blitz

Shoreditch is firmly established as London’s vintage shopping destination, and its thrift stores are great for a bargain, but not great for inspirational retail spaces. Blitz earns its place on our top ten, however, by being London’s first vintage department store. It’s a huge two-storey space on Hanbury Street, divided into proper departments: accesso-ries, womenswear, menswear, vinyl records, etc. It also has a cute cafe with upcycled furniture from our other East London favourite, The Dog and the Wardrobe.

Blitz55-59 Hanbury StreetShoreditchLondon E1 5JP Tube: Liverpool StreetTel: +44 20 7377 0730 blitzlondon.blogspot.com

Stay somewhere new: 45 park Lane andThe Renaissance

The Dorchester Collection extends its portfolio with 45 Park Lane - a new boutique-sized hotel with all the classic Dorchester Art Deco signatures. The hotel will also host Wolfgang Puck's first European steakhouse, Cut.Across town in King's Cross, the recently reopened Renaissance Hotel features a vast, glass-topped lobby, a spectacular Gothic exterior, and an interior colour scheme inspired by local history (Barlow blue is named after the railway station's engineer, and deep Midland red is named after the Midland Railway company). The highlight, however, is the grand staircase. If your budget doesn't stretch to check-in at the Renaissance, try the Booking Office bar and restaurant, which is ideal for casual dinner or drinks. More serious foodies should try chef Marcus Wareing's restau-rant, offering a sophisticated take on classic British comfort foods.

45 park Lane45 Park LaneMayfairLondon W1K 1PNTel: +44 20 7493 4545www.45parklane.com

Museum of Everything, Selfridges

The Museum of Everything fits so neatly into its Primrose Hill home, filling a warren of rooms with an eccentric, obsessive collection of art and inspiration, so it's hard to imagine the ultimate patrons of outsider art stepping into the commercial world of Oxford Street. However, in time for London Fashion Week, the museum launches Exhibition #4 at Selfridges, taking over the windows and lower-ground Ultralounge with its unique approach to curation. Highlighting the work of art studios working with adults with learning difficulties, we expect nothing less than brilliant visuals and ambitious artworks.

The Museum of EverythingSeptember 2-October 25Selfridges400 Oxford StreetLondon W1A 1ABOpen: Monday–Saturday, 9.30am-9pm, Sunday 12-6pmEntry: freewww.museumofeverything.com

The Renaissance HotelSt Pancras Renaissance London HotelEuston RoadLondon NW1 2ARTel: +44 20 7841 3540www.marriott.co.uk

Talent spot at the London College of Fashion boutique

London College of Fashion launches its first retail concept this season, with a temporary home in Kingly Court - an established retail hotspot for new talent and young fashion entrepreneurs. The store will feature new designs from recent and more established graduates, with prices from a very affordable £5, which will buy you a limited-edition, signed item that comes with its own story of authenticity.

London College of Fashion ShopSeptember 9-281.3 Kingly CourtLondon W1

The House of Annie Lennox, Victoria & Albert Museum

The V&A goes for a 1980s revival with this unexpected, but not unwelcome, look inside the wardrobe of Eurythmics co-founder and soloist Annie Lennox, bringing together her best-known performance outfits, awards, photographs and personal memorabilia. Lennox was known for her androgynous style, which feeds into themes of gender neutrality explored in WGSN’s Radical Neutrality macro trend.House of Annie LennoxSeptember 15–February 26 2012

Victoria & Albert MuseumCromwell RoadLondon SW7 2RLTel: +44 20 7942 2000www.vam.ac.uk

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The House of Annie Lennox

Alternatively, live out some Absolutely Fabulous fantasies at the Ninety Eight Bar& Lounge, where the luxe-kitsch decor would do Patsy and Edina proud.

The Mayor of Scaredy Cat TownThe Breakfast Club12-16 Artillery LaneSpitalfieldsLondon E1 7LSTel: +44 20 7078 9639www.themayorofscaredycattown.com

Nighty Eight Bar & Lounge98 Curtain RoadShoreditchLondon EC2A 3AFTel: +44 20 7729 0087www.ninetyeight-bar-lounge.com

The Nightjar129 City RoadShoreditchLondon EC1V 1JBTel: +44 20 7253 4101www.barnightjar.com

London Design Festival

Overlapping London Fashion Week is the ever-inspiring London Design Festival, which grows in stature every year. Officially running from September 17-25 there are one-off events, performances, installations, exhibitions and retail pop-ups showcasing the best of contemporary design and innovation.We'll be checking out the work of Danish design studio avantGarden, who will be creating a multi-textured world based on the theme of morality; Nobrow's presentation of Ben Newman's cute, geometric mask prints and the dramatic, floor-filling REDDRESS installation by Aamu Song where a scarlet gown created from 550 metres of fabric will fill York Hall in Bethnal Green. See the website for the full events schedule.www.londondesignfestival.com

Fashion portions

Polpo and Polpetto creators Russell Norman and Richard Beatty appear to be on a winning streak when it comes to trendy, ultra-popular eateries. Their latest, Spuntino, unashamedly pays homage to New York's Lower East Side faux-bohemian diners, from the industrial interior to the eternal pouring of coffee jugs. The burger is the pièce de résistance: platters of mini burgers - known as sliders - with fillings ranging from beef patty to spiced mackerel. Perfect, fashion-sized portions.

Spuntino61 Rupert StreetLondon W1D 7PW(no telephone, no reservations)www.spuntino.co.uk

Retail safari

Selfridge’s is a must-visit, this year even more so, as the Museum of Everything takes residency (including a Shop of Everything), plus the first UK concession of Scandinavian high street sweetheart, Monki, as well as the launch of Beyonce's glam-streetwear label, House of Deréon. For fast-fashion US style, Forever 21’s three-storey Oxford Street flagship. Escape the screaming teens with a trip to Kurt Geiger’s new Mayfair retail concept, Every-thing But The Dress, carries the footwear and accessories ranges.For luxury accessories and VM, head to the new Fendi store on Sloane Street, which will open to coincide with the start of Fashion Week. The label has invited students from the RCA to create window and in-store displays inspired by Fendi's heritage, incorporating upcycled materials.

MonkiSelfridges400 Oxford StreetLondon W1A 1ABOpen: Monday–Saturday, 9.30am-9pm, Sunday 12-6pm

Everything But the Dress13 Grafton StreetMayfairLondon W1www.kurtgeiger.com

Spuntino London Design FestivalEverything But the Dress

Forever 21360 Oxford StreetLondon W1C 1ABwww.forever21.com

Fendi181 Sloane StreetLondonSW1X 9NEwww.fendi.com

New retail destination:Calvert Avenue

East London cafe Leila’s Shop has long been one of our favourite weekend brunch spots, though it may prove more difficult to get a seat thanks to Calvert Avenue’s recent influx of independent boutiques. Ally Capellino has kept Leila company for some time, and now it is joined by statement jewellers Mawi, and directional accessories and interiors boutique Luna & Curious. Watch this space for more openings, as Redchurch Street nearby starts to look a little oversubscribed.And if the queue for Leila’s gets too much, check out our new favourite blog on the fine art of brunching, East London Mornings. It's an artist’s (and brunch aficionado’s) view of too many mornings spent sipping cappuc-cinos in East London’s finer establishments.

Mawi11 Calvert Avenue ShoreditchLondon E2 7JP Tel: +44 20 7923 1414www.mawi.co.uk

Luna & Curious24-26 Calvert AvenueLondon E2 7JPTel: +44 20 3222 0034www.shoplunaandcurious.com

The speakeasy lives on

Last season we highlighted the Nightjar as one of our favourite new bars, and its gin teapots, complete with dry ice and dainty teacups, still rate highly, so check it out.Our latest love is the brilliantly named Mayor Of Scaredy Cat Town, which you enter through a Smeg fridge located inside the popular Breakfast Club on Artillery Lane. This prohibition-style haven, with its exposed brick walls, butcher's tables, church candles and deep armchairs, is the perfect place for a Singapore Sling.