Exploring London, England on an uncharacteristically sunny day.

Part 1: Bright Lights, Small Cars, Gay Clubs & Big Cities: What’s New in London

I like heading to the new, next and undiscovered just as much as, perhaps even more than, most people. A slight sense of danger, the unknown or my being the first to explore a destination strikes my intrigue even more. It’s the proverbial bragging rights that we all like to share time to time with our friends and in our social circles over dinner back in our hometowns.

But no matter how much I travel or experience the world, I am always humbled by it’s vastness and variety of people. The more I travel, the more I realize there is so much more to see. Just because I’ve been to a well-known city multiple times and call New York City home, doesn’t mean that I am hip to all that’s going on in each city out there. So I take great care in planning my travels and asking locals and friends for their expert advice. And because of this careful curation from trusted loved ones, I discovered what’s old is new again in old world favorite, London, England. It doesn’t matter how often you are lucky enough to go visit; this global hub appeals to every type of traveler. And if you’ve been so fortunate to “see it all”, I challenge you to try one of our below London recommendations. Maybe just throw on a costume to jazz it up a little. You’ll be all the rage on Instagram.

A photo opp outside the Langham Hotel.

1. ZZZZZ…Where to Stay

–  The Langham has the best hotel bar in London, Artestian, even if it does have purple leather sofas. A great crowd that only gets larger and more prestigious as day wears into evening. The menu offers everything from gourmet sliders to dim sum.  And if you need anything, and I mean anything, Dovi, The Langham’s guest relations specialist will be there to tell you even before you know that you need something. If you are a gym rat like me, you will love the indoor pool and equipment, set below their spacious spa. The Langham is set on the famous Regent Street, moments away from every major shopping destination from Selfridges to Liberty, the picturesque Regent’s Park to Soho. You’ll live like a well-to-do local here.

The sexy sauna (and pool in the background) at ESPA life. Photo Credit: Corinthia Hotel.

– Corinthia is not only one of the chicest hotels I’ve had the pleasure of sleeping in, but the spa, ESPA Life, is the sexiest you’ve ever laid eyes (or your tense back) on. The buzzy restaurants range from artisanal British cuisine (Northhall) to modern Italian (Massimo Restaurant) and also attract a local crowd for both cocktails and dinner to compliment the international hotel crowd. As a self-proclaimed product whore, I will mention that the hotel offers ESPA Life amenities in-room, one of my absolute favorite hotel brands. And it must be noted that after a chilly, undoubtedly rainy day running around London, the heated bathroom floor is a much appreciated luxury.

Northall Bar at the Corinthia Hotel. Photo Credit: Corinthia Hotel.

– New and noteworthy: While I didn’t have time this visit, the new Rosewood Hotel quite close to Covent Garden, come highly recommended. The property opened on October 15, 2013.

Local produce and tasty cocktails in a casual, vibey atmosphere is worth a second visit.

2. MMMMM…Eating and Drinking

– The Michelin Star bistro trend leaks over the Atlantic to London at Chef Paul Hood’s Social Eating House on No. 58 Portland Street. The team sources local produce and lists in miles on the back of the menu how far your food has traveled, so even Americans know how far your lamb chops traveled to your plate. Portlandia lovers would be proud! The menu is mouthwateringly delicious, the atmosphere casual and vibey at the same time, that we found ourselves eating there twice on our short trip. If you are hosting a private dinner and/or just heart a good chef’s table experience, inquire about Employee’s Only in the basement. Don’t forget drinks upstairs at the bar affectionately known as The Blind Pig while you wait for your impossible-to-get reservation, or “booking” as they say in London.

– In September 2013, Berners Tavern opened with much acclaim by Chef Jason Atherton at The Edition by Marriott. Everyone, and I literally mean everyone, says this is hands down the HOTTEST restaurant in London. Following the farm-to-table trend, Berners Tavern boasts contemporary British fare in a comfy atmosphere. If you aren’t lucky enough to score a ressie, the lobby bar of the hotel is also worth checking out.

Picture perfect: a bit of museum gazing at Tate Modern.

– Black Sheep: A traditional farm-to-table restaurant that is always packed. Read: ressies needed. Perfectly situated on The Thames for lovely views of the city both day and night, seated next door to The Globe for theatre goers and less than a five minutes walk to the Tate Modern for the artists or admirers in all of us.

Big lights…we found America across the pond at Tate Modern.

– In the Soho neighborhood, Dean’s Street Townhouse and Café Boheme continue to be two oldies but goodies. Always a fun scene for cocktails or supper (regular or late hours) and the food never disappoints.

– Lima: Perhaps my favorite meal, not only in London, but since I left Peru. Departing from the fresh feed cattle of its farm-to-table counterparts, Lima offers light and lively Peruvian cuisine. Award winning Lima-based Chef Virgillo nailed it with Lima, and it’s not just my opinion, he was just awarded a Michelin Star. The restaurant opened Summer 2012 and combines the Japanese, French, Spanish, Italian flavors, making his culinary combinations uniquely Peruvian. The drink menu is equally inspiring, and for a bit of humor and deliciousness, try the Cuento del Diablo (the devil cocktail). The vibe is laid back, almost beach home casual, a nice change of pace from the old world Michelin star restaurants.

The scallop ceviche at Lima, one of my favorite spots to eat in London.

– Imli Street: You can’t visit London without catching an Indian meal. Soho’s Imli Street, which the restaurant is either creatively or conveniently named after, is a perfect shared-plate pooh-pooh platter (read: small dishes) of Indian deliciousness. The menu is slightly Westernized (apply: a tad less spicy), and is a perfect trendy spot for a late lunch or dinner. Imli Street is always buzzy and has a nice wine selection.

Kristina Cook is all smiles for the Indian cuisine and rose at Imli Street.

– Boulestin: For a taste of the formal French-inspired menu order the Cassoulet de Toulouse (according to Food&Wine: there are innumerable versions of cassoulet, most are based on a stew of white beans and various forms of pork. The dish gets its name from the pot it’s traditionally baked in, the cassole). The artwork, menu and service transport you to, well, France. Quaint, lovely and delicious. Located just on Saint James Street.

– The Ivy: In my humble opinion, the bizarre practice of private clubs is having yet another major resurgence in London. It never went away here, but is infinitely more pronounced, and there are plenty of options beyond Soho House, like The Ivy. “Members only” isn’t just the pastel jacket you rocked in the 80’s, it also stands for– you must know someone who knows someone who belongs to obtain access. The drinks are delicious and the price of a cocktail closely mirrors what you’d expect to be outrageous at a place you pay to belong. The crowd is definitely chic with a dash of snob and the outdoor space is absolutely lovely.

– Area Club: A gay club isn’t the type of venue I typically frequent with my boyfriend on a Saturday night, but I have to say for a New Yorker, London closes down a bit early– and Area Club didn’t stop. Beautiful people, great music, stiff drinks and heck, they pass out silver glitter wigs— no matter which way you swing!

3. OHHH…Unique Experiences

– I don’t care what you say, London is warmer than NYC, especially this winter. It might rain, but it’s not a sleeting rain and likely five minutes later it will be sunny and 10 degrees warmer. As a runner, I often find myself jogging through St. James’s Park and Kensington Gardens, but this visit, I discovered seemingly every square inch of the more locally occupied, less crowded and vastly green The Regent’s Park. While the zoo is small by American standards, it’s worth a gander. Make sure to check out the fountains, rolling sporting fields filled with local child athletes and the Open Air Theatre, Britain’s only professional and outdoor stage.

Paul Gauger and Michaela Guzy shamelessly singing along at The Bodyguard.

– Living in NYC you’d think I had my fair share of shows, and while I am mildly embarrassed to admit it, I grew up in the 80’s and 90’s…which is synonymous with both loving to dance to and trying sing along with Whitney Houston.  So of course, I was pumped to go check out The Bodyguard— which hasn’t even come to the good ol’ US of A yet. The acting itself left a lot to be desired, but damn, can those people sing. If you are a closet case lover of Whitney as I am, go check it out. You’ll be humming, “And I……eeeeeI, will always love youuuuuuuu, my darrrrrrling youuuuuu….” for days and perhaps breaking out in a little 1987 drunken dance rendition of “Oh I Want to Dance with Somebody”.

Liberty London, the place to shop in London.

– Shopping: it’s endless. But you can’t miss Liberty with its traditionally old world architecture, with the freshest of trends in design. I don’t care for department stores, but this place carries every luxury brand, from everywhere. It’s not just men’s and women’s fashion—clothes, shoes, accessories, jewelry, stationary and flowers—but they also carry vintage watches, purses, hats and clothes. I even had an order from a friend who knits to visit their department for “Liberty Squares”. I don’t knit, or sew and I don’t judge those that like pastels, but even I will admit, the sewing section was both endless and “cute”.

Love in the club at Ministry of Sound.

– Ministry of Sound: for the EDM (electronic dance music—I also did not know what this phrase meant less than a year ago) set or those that just like to cut a rug to some fun music in the night time, visiting MofS is like the mecca of all party going. Opened in 1991, it’s been going strong since. Major DJs come year round to rock out the various rooms of this iconic dance haven. Threatened to be closed down on multiple occasions, MofS fans and fanatics have kept the party going. Check out upcoming sets here.

A stretch of the colorful (and legal!) graffiti on Leake Street.

VRRROOOM…Transportation

– Traffic. It sucks. Always, forever and especially in London—LAer’s chime in. You can try navigating the Tube, or walk (your feet will hate you after a few hours), get rained on, take an outrageously expensive taxi OR book a SmallCarBigCity Mini Cooper via Mr. Aristotle. They run multiple tours across the city or can customize as you go. Our driver shared many similarities with Austin Powers and we were conveniently in costume – perfect for photo opps in front of all of London’s iconic monuments. We even learned off tidbits such as: Leake Street is the only place in London it’s legal to graffiti, and it’s also the place used to transport dead bodies out of the city. According to our cheeky driver, the loved ones who accompanied the departed were offered “spirits” (aka cocktails) to help them cope with their loss…who knew?

SmallCarBigCity tour in the sunshine and costumes!

– Train Travel: And what says old world romance like train travel? London’s renovated St. Pancreas station screams old world charm, with modern travel efficiency. There is literally no faster way unless you have your own jet to arrive in Paris just a 2.5 hour ride away on Rail Europe.

AA lounge access…and comp drinks!

– Flights: And not to dis on American carriers, but let’s face it, the Asian and Middle Eastern airlines left us in the dust several years back. I will hand it to American (I haven’t flown them by choice in over a decade), their new aircraft is extremely well done, the menu pretty good for airline food (maybe not yet Qatar Airways, but getting there) but I was most impressed by the service, hands down the best I’ve had on an American carrier in years. American brought a little bit of the nostalgia and glamour back to international travel, even if we were just puddle jumping. I was sad to learn that my American Express platinum would no longer gain me access to the OneWorld lounges after March 22, 2014 and that their partnership was moving to CitiBank— they have a great mileage deal for signing up for their cards now. So if you are paying the fee strictly for airport access, you may want to re-explore your options, or add another card to the mix. United also stopped allowing the American Express Platinum Card access.  American flies non-stop to London six times per day from NYC airports.

I may have worn a 60’s inspired headscarf in London (Liberty’s of course), but next week in Paris, I trade in my beret for a Twerk & Go.embroidered stocking cap (purchased at Colette)- and if you are silently judging me as outrageous, my response… “yeah babbbby”.

Iconic London has plenty new to offer.