Where Tradition Never Stands Still
London has a way of making centuries of history feel entirely contemporary.
One morning begins beside Tower Bridge, another with coffee in Mayfair before the boutiques open. Afternoons disappear between galleries, beautiful neighbourhoods and long lunches, while evenings belong to candlelit restaurants, rooftop tables and some of the world's finest hotels.
Each part of London has its own character. Mayfair is polished and discreet, Chelsea feels residential and composed, Notting Hill is colourful and charming, while Soho comes alive after dark.
The landmarks deserve to be seen, but London becomes even more interesting when you leave enough time to simply walk and discover what lies between them.
This is London, the Levart way.
LEVART RECOMMENDS
Ideal Length
4 to 5 days
Where to Stay
Mayfair • Knightsbridge • Chelsea • South Kensington
Best Time to Visit
May to June • September to October
Perfect For
Fashion • Hotels • Dining • Shopping • Art • Architecture
EXPERIENCE
London Before It Wakes
Start early at Tower Bridge, when the Thames is still quiet and the streets have yet to fill. Walk along the river towards St. Katharine Docks before continuing into the city for breakfast.
It is worth setting the alarm a little earlier. London feels completely different before everyone else arrives.
A Morning in Hyde Park
Pick up a coffee and enter Hyde Park from the Mayfair side. Walk towards the Serpentine and continue into Kensington Gardens.
It is a simple way to begin the day and a welcome contrast to the energy of central London.
Brunch at Where The Pancakes Are
For brunch, head to Where The Pancakes Are at Battersea Power Station. The menu is built around pancakes, from sweet classics to more generous savoury plates, and the setting makes it easy to combine breakfast with a morning exploring Battersea and the Thames.
Afternoon Tea at Claridge's
Few London traditions are as enjoyable as afternoon tea, and Claridge's remains one of the most beautiful places to experience it.
Allow enough time to enjoy the sandwiches, warm scones and pastries without rushing into the next reservation.
London From Above
Book SUSHISAMBA Heron Tower around sunset. Located high above the City, the restaurant combines Japanese, Brazilian and Peruvian influences with panoramic views across London.
Arrive while it is still light and watch the city slowly illuminate over dinner.
EXPLORE
Mayfair
Mayfair is one of those neighbourhoods best explored without a strict itinerary.
Begin around Mount Street, continue through Grosvenor Square and make your way towards Bond Street and Burlington Arcade. Between them are galleries, beautiful hotels, historic buildings and many of the world's leading fashion houses.
Notting Hill
Visit Notting Hill in the morning, before Portobello Road becomes busy.
Explore the colourful streets around Westbourne Grove, stop for coffee and wander beyond the main road into the quieter residential streets. This is where much of the neighbourhood's charm remains.
Chelsea
Spend an afternoon around King's Road before walking towards the quieter streets surrounding Cheyne Walk.
Chelsea feels noticeably calmer than central London, with beautiful townhouses, independent boutiques and cafés that make it easy to stay longer than planned.
Marylebone
Marylebone offers another, slightly quieter side of central London.
Walk around Chiltern Street, explore its independent shops and continue towards Marylebone High Street for coffee or lunch.
EAT & DRINK
Carbone
The London outpost of the famous New York restaurant brings its Italian-American classics to Grosvenor Square.
The interiors, atmosphere and Mayfair location have made Carbone one of London's most sought-after dinner reservations.
SUSHISAMBA Heron Tower
For dinner with a view, SUSHISAMBA remains difficult to beat.
Go around sunset, enjoy the sushi and stay as the London skyline changes around you.
Mount St. Restaurant
Located above Mount Street, Mount St. Restaurant combines British cooking with an impressive collection of contemporary art.
Its Mayfair location makes it particularly good for lunch between Hyde Park and an afternoon around Bond Street.
Dishoom
Inspired by the old Irani cafés of Bombay, Dishoom has become a London favourite.
The atmosphere is relaxed, the interiors have plenty of character and the dishes are best ordered for the table and shared.
The Connaught Bar
End an evening in Mayfair at The Connaught Bar.
The room is intimate, the service beautifully considered and the tableside martini has become one of London's most recognisable cocktail experiences.
STAY
Claridge's
Few hotels represent London quite like Claridge's.
Its Art Deco interiors, Mayfair location and remarkable history have made it one of the city's great addresses. Even if you are staying elsewhere, afternoon tea offers the perfect excuse to visit.
The Emory
Overlooking Hyde Park, The Emory offers a much more contemporary interpretation of London luxury.
The architecture is modern, the atmosphere private and the location places Knightsbridge, Hyde Park and Mayfair within easy reach.
The Twenty Two
Located on Grosvenor Square, The Twenty Two brings a more fashionable and playful atmosphere to Mayfair.
Its richly designed interiors and social scene make it particularly interesting for travellers drawn to fashion, design and London's nightlife.
SHOP
London remains one of the world's great shopping cities.
Begin on Mount Street, continue towards Bond Street and Burlington Arcade, then visit Selfridges or Harrods.
For something more directional, make time for Dover Street Market.
Leave enough space between shops for coffee, lunch and the places you discover along the way.
THE LEVART EDIT
If we had only a few days in London, we would stay at Claridge's and spend our mornings walking between Hyde Park and Mayfair.
We would have brunch at Where The Pancakes Are, save an afternoon for tea at Claridge's and book Carbone for one of our evenings.
Another night would be reserved for SUSHISAMBA, arriving before sunset so dinner begins in daylight and ends with London illuminated below.
And before leaving, we would return to The Connaught Bar for one last martini.
As for the photograph we would take home? A black cab somewhere in Mayfair, preferably just after the rain.
FIVE DAYS IN LONDON
DAY ONE
Begin at Tower Bridge before walking towards Borough Market and St Paul's. Spend the afternoon around Covent Garden, see a West End show and finish with dinner in Soho.
DAY TWO
Start with coffee and a walk through Hyde Park, then explore Mount Street, Grosvenor Square, Bond Street and Burlington Arcade. Spend the afternoon at Claridge's before dinner at Carbone.
DAY THREE
Spend the morning in Notting Hill, exploring Portobello Road and Westbourne Grove before continuing towards Chelsea and King's Road. Return to Mayfair in the evening for cocktails at The Connaught.
DAY FOUR
Have brunch at Where The Pancakes Are and explore Battersea Power Station before enjoying a slower afternoon. Towards sunset, head to SUSHISAMBA Heron Tower for dinner overlooking London.
DAY FIVE
Spend your final morning around Marylebone and Chiltern Street before returning to Mayfair for lunch and any last shopping. If the weather allows, finish with one final walk through Hyde Park.
THE LEVART PERSPECTIVE
The London we love most is rarely found by rushing from one landmark to another.
It is in Mayfair early in the morning, when the streets are still quiet. It is an afternoon tea that lasts longer than expected, a townhouse discovered down a Chelsea side street or the view from a rooftop as the first lights begin to appear across the city.
London has no shortage of famous hotels, celebrated restaurants and addresses everyone wants to visit. They are part of its appeal, but the moments surrounding them are often what stay with you.
The black cab home after dinner. A walk through Hyde Park. Coffee on a cool London morning with an entire day ahead.
Perhaps that is why London never really feels finished.
There is always another neighbourhood, another table and another reason to return.
The Art of Travel.