OCCUPATION: Fashion designer, Temperley London
MY STYLE: Eccentric, classic but with a playful twist. My love is in the detail. We have a design signature that is quintessentially British, feminine, timeless, and effortless—all with an independent spirit.
I LOVE LONDON BECAUSE: It’s one of the most important cities in the world, heavy in incredible heritage and the energy that goes with it. London is also multi-faceted, with lots of different yet equally British areas. There is a place for everyone.
HIX
Decadent cocktails (think brandy topped with bubbly and zest) meet satisfying entrees at this critically acclaimed hotspot. The HIX name takes on various incarnations throughout town—including an oyster joint, several in-hotel eateries, and signature bars. At the Abemarle location, diners are sure to enjoy such English delicacies as Yorkshire pudding, shellfish, carved meats, and the freshest of seasonal produce. Brown’s Hotel also offers a series of exclusive meat caring master classes with Hix himself.
Zoological Society of London
Every little one has a favorite animal. Whether it’s Komodo dragons, parrots, lions, or monkeys, you’re likely to find a real-life version at the Zoological Society of London (ZSL) zoo. While the penguin beach is understandably popular in the summertime, kids will love seeing the adorable reindeer—who thrive in the chilly London winter—during the holiday season. When the zoo is especially teeming, check out the option of booking for a more intimate, “VIP” viewing of certain areas and exhibitions.
Bar Boulud
Chef Daniel Boulud has done it again—this time bringing New York’s famed Bar Boulud to Hyde Park. Enveloped in the luxury of the Mandarin Oriental Hotel, the cellar-like dining room also has its own entrance on Knightsbridge. Though many come for the acclaimed burgundy-centric wine cellar, diners will also delight in such seasonal European dishes as Dorset crab salad, grilled octopus with chorizo, and hand-cut sirloin with egg yolk and capers.
Brown’s Hotel
An easy walk from Bond Street, Hyde Park, and countless other city landmarks, Brown’s Hotel is the perfect home base for making the most out of London. Alice Temperley adores the hotel’s afternoon tea, which includes 17 different brews alongside pastries, scones with clotted crème, and light sandwich fare. And while reservations are highly recommended for tea, anyone can dart into the Donovan bar for a drink, live jazz, and the pleasure of viewing photographer Terence Donovan’s iconic works on the walls.
Victoria & Albert Museum
With a collection spanning over 2,000 years and including various media from bookbinding to fine art painting, the V&A is, undeniably, one of the best museums in the world. We especially love its collection and exhibitions of contemporary design.
The Wolseley
With former lives as a car showroom and a bank, the building was renovated yet again in 2003, resulting in its is current incarnation as London’s most decadent tea room. Marble columns, high ceilings, and the Venetian palazzo create the perfect ambiance for hedge funder business chatter. The duck confit, seven-hour lamb and steak frites are delicious for lunch, but the light teatime sandwiches and desserts are not to be missed at high tea. It’s no surprise, too, that The Wolseley gets its share of actors including, famously, Jack Nicholson.
Portobello Market
Stretching over two miles, this outdoor market has been a favorite destination in London since 1870. Six days a week, you’ll find thousands of vendors selling exotic foods and ingredients, plus secondhand goods, fashions, and other miscellaneous items. On Saturdays, you can get a good history lesson while you browse antiques from around the world.