The Guide | London — McLaren & Co.

If someone asked me to describe one place on this planet where I feel the most alive, my reply would be simple: London. This city has it all—history, architecture, food, style, and a "forever young" vibe for anyone who's looking. I fell in love with London when I studied abroad there during my junior year at university and—as it happens—I also fell in love with my now-husband. London holds a special place in my heart, so it's hard to put everything I adore about this dynamic city and its people into one guide, but I will do my Yankee best.

— GETTING AROUND —

If it's your first time visiting London, don’t forget to purchase an oyster card—it's your pay-as-you-go card for getting around town on London's brilliant public transport system! If you are having trouble or need to "top-up," go to any ticket window in a station. London cab drivers—or cabbies—go through extensive training and must pass The Knowledge, so you're in good hands. If you don’t have cash, just ask them to take you to the closest "cashpoint/ATM" en route to your destination.

A few apps you might want to have on your smartphone if you're planning to stay more than just a few days...

WhatsApp - to keep in touch without paying international messaging charges
Currency Converter - it couldn't hurt when spending in GBPs...
Tube Map London Underground - see if there are any delays to your journey

Now for the fun stuff...

— WHERE TO STAY —

NOTTING HILL
The Laslett - tucked away on a quiet little street, lined with Victorian townhouses, the Laslett has all the charm, style and warmth of a well-designed home in the heart of Central London.

FITZROVIA
The London EDITION - boasting luxurious interiors, the gold-gilded Berners Tavern and the best espresso martini we can find in town—this hotel has it all.

— GOOD EATS + DRINKS —

NOTTING HILL
Osteria Basilica - a wonderfully romantic little Italian spot
Beach Blanket Babylon - such a scene in this Rococo-styled bar
E&O - my fav in all of Notting Hill, delicious food and cocktails
202 - a tasty spot for brunch (and shopping!) on Westbourne Grove
The Windsor Castle Pub - the perfect place for a pint and Sunday roast!
The Electric Brasserie + Cinema - grab dinner and a movie at this date night favorite
The Churchill Arms - a "blooming good pub," famous for its gorgeous flowers
Prince Albert Pub - a short stumble away from Notting Hill Gate station
Hummingbird Bakery - my secret spot for an afternoon cupcake

KENSINGTON
Wagamama - a high street favorite for a quick pit stop between the shops
Aubaine - another great place for lunch, mid-shopping spree on "High Street Ken"
Maggie Jones - classic, cosy and candlelit
The Builder’s Arms - a "damn fine Kensington pub" off the beaten path
The Orangery at Kensington Palace - napkins in laps, it’s time for tea
Bar 190 at the Gore Hotel - a minute's walk from the Royal Albert Hall

COVENT GARDEN
Clos Maggiore - one of the most romantic restaurants in London
Masala Zone - delicious and quick Indian food, if Brick Lane is too far afield
Wahaca - a popular Mexican restaurant with tasty cocktails
Joel Robuchon - a Michelin-starred French restaurant in the heart of the city's theater district

MAYFAIR + MARYLEBONE
Chiltern Firehouse - head to the bar at this hot spot, the people watching never disappoints
Scott’s - serving up seafood, shellfish and seasonal game, it’s a Mayfair institution
The Punchbowl - Guy Ritchie's pub, dating from circa 1729
Le Boudin Blanc - find Paris in the middle of Mayfair's Shepherd’s Market and don’t miss the superb crème brûlée
La Petite Maison - understatedly elegant Mediterranean French fare

SOHO + FITZROVIA
Berners Tavern - the crown jewel of The London EDITION hotel, this grand and gilted hotel bar is my favorite
Dean Street Townhouse - tuck into traditional British fare in a historic and hip converted Georgian residence
Sketch - calling all Instagrammers, this colorful and creative setting is sure to please any time of day
Bob Bob Ricard - there's a button to call for champagne, need I say more?
Randall + Aubin - this tiny eatery is packed with character—and a glittering disco ball
Charlotte Street Hotel - pop into the hotel’s Oscar Bar + Restaurant for afternoon tea or an after-work drink

THE SOUTHBANK + EMBANKMENT
Gordon’s Wine Bar - there's usually a full house at London’s oldest wine bar
Oxo Tower - a great view of the London skyline with live music

ON ALMOST EVERY HIGH STREET
EAT - chains are located on most every high street and are easy, fresh grab-and-go foods
Pret A Manger - another no frills place to dine and dash, or grab and go
Marks + Spencer - or "M+S" has easy-to-grab food, wine, flowers, gifts, clothing and home supplies

— MUSEUMS —

There is no shortage of historical sights around London, to be sure. If it's your first time visiting and your days are limited, you should try to visit at least one of these: the British Museum, The National Gallery, The National Portrait Gallery and the Tate Modern.

If time is on your side, then I'd highly recommend adding The Victoria & Albert (V&A) Museum, The Natural History Museum, the contemporary Saatchi Gallery, and the galleries at Somerset House to your itinerary. I know, I know. That's a lot of museums. Here's a locals tip: don't spend hours trying to see every inch of the place. If you're in the area, grab a tea or coffee and peruse just a few galleries in the museums to get a sense of the art, artifacts and the incredible architecture of these mighty buildings.

For those still reading—clever you—I saved the best for last. The Wallace Collection is magnificent. And Free. It's just behind Selfridges, and if you only have 15 minutes to spend in this enchanting townhouse, here are the collection highlights you shouldn't miss.

— SHOP 'TIL YOU DROP —

Just like the museums, there are a few must-see "historical establishments" on any serious shopper's list:

HARRODS
When you're at Harrods, steal yourself away from coveted English brands like Stella McCartney, Mulberry, and Charlotte Olympia, and take time to peruse the food hall because it is this store's crown jewel. Aberdeen Angus steaks, Parisian macarons, mouth-watering confectionery, teas from far off lands. You get the idea. Each month, Harrods publishes the store guide if you're interested to plan ahead.

SELFRIDGES
This is my go-to department store in London. Not too crowded, not too sparsely stocked—it's for the window shopper, the trendwatcher, the out-of-towner, the local and even the bargain hunter. Check their website for the dates of their summer and winter sales.

LIBERTY
Oscar Wilde once said, “Liberty is the chosen resort of the artistic shopper.” Built in 1924 from the timbers of two ships, Liberty was designed to feel like you're eyeing fashions, baubles and gifts in a home. Treat yourself to one of Liberty's exclusive and iconic patterned fabrics or scarves.

If time permits, Harvey Nichols and Fenwick are worth a visit too.

There are a handful of streets to wander at your leisure around Londontown...

THE KING'S ROAD
Hop off at the Sloane Square Tube stop to wander the King's Road, which has all the high street brands and a few boutiques I adore. For my own clothing, I always try to pop into the Shop at Blue Bird, Maje, The Kooples, Sandro, Reiss, and Whistles. If I'm looking for homeware or an exquisite gift, Brissi and William Yeoward are the perfect stops. This map of all the store fronts is pure gold.

NOTTING HILL
If you find yourself in Notting Hill on a Friday or Saturday, you've timed everything just right to go antiquing on the famous Portobello Road Market. There are serious crowds, so bring your elbows. If you're looking to escape the hustle for a respite or bite, there are boutiques and brunch spots aplenty. Make your way to Westbourne Grove (store map here) to shop beautiful high-end designer threads at Joseph, and luxe leather goods at Smythson, in addition to other high street favorites. The tree-lined Ledbury Road is home to the gorgeous childrenswear shop, Marie Chantal, and designer-duds-filled Matches. For a bite on the go, The Grocer is the most lovely little shop I ever did see. Oh, and what's a trip to Notting Hill without a stop at the made-famous-by-the-movie Notting Hill Bookshop.

MAYFAIR
With a bit of help from my effortlessly chic sister-in-law, my husband chose the lauded British designer Solange Azagury-Partridge to find the perfect engagement ring. The former creative director of Boucheron, Solange has a bold style all her own, somewhere between rocker and refined.