Postcard from London
We say that someone from the Local Foreigner team is always on the road, visiting destinations across the globe - but we really mean always. Our monthly Postcard takes you along for the ride, and this month, we're writing from London.
The British capital has one of the best hotel scenes in the world, with everything from cozy, jewel box townhouses to sleek new high-rises from some of the most high-profile global brands. The city is a must-visit for history buffs, art lovers, theater fans, and those who just like a good pint in a charming, old-world pub, and it works as a stopover in the middle of a long-haul, a starting point for an itinerary through Europe, or a standalone destination. The combination of familiarity and the charming quirks of Briticisms means London is a city we never need an excuse to revisit.
A place that can feel like the center of the universe and a quaint little neighborhood all in the same minute, London is a city of infinite personalities. Steeped in history, but also on the cutting edge of contemporary culture, the city oscillates between old and new with admirable flair. Walk through its neighborhoods to experience the depth of its character: somewhere between Mayfair’s posh and Hoxton’s grunge, Westminster’s heritage and Brixton’s character, you’ll find the London you were looking for.
A waxed Barbour jacket
Your favorite team's football kit
A sense of humour (with a "u")
Raffles London at The OWO
Originally built in 1906 on the site of Henry VIII's Whitehall Palace, the Old War Office is a masterpiece of Edwardian architecture. Winston Churchill was one of thousands of people who worked in the building during World Wars I & II, and Ian Fleming was said to have been inspired by the building's resident spies when creating Bond. The storied halls are now home to the new Raffles London at The OWO, the heritage brand's first property in the UK. Come for the nine restaurants and three bars (including Guard's Bar, which serves the signature London Sling); stay for the impeccable corner suites named for legendary female spies. | View the hotel
The Dorchester
Surprised to see London legend the Dorchester listed as a new kid on the block? Probably means it's time for a return visit. The address, situated in prime position overlooking Hyde Park, has been completely renovated from top to toe, with chic new details like the Martin Brudnizki-designed Vesper Bar (after all, 007 wakes up in a suite at the Dorchester on his 45th birthday.) While common spaces are decked with art and a healthy helping of glitz, the new rooms have more than a dash of sophisticated English country house. The property was originally opened in 1931 with the stated goal of being "the perfect hotel;" almost a century later, it's fresher and more vital than ever. | View the hotel
Brown’s Hotel, a Rocco Forte Hotel
Smack dab in the center of London's posh and picturesque Mayfair, Brown's has been a go-to retreat for royalty, presidents, and literary giants for hundreds of years - in fact, it holds the distinction of being the capital's oldest luxury hotel. It's the unique combination of pride in history and commitment to keeping things current that is the Brown's signature - a perfect example can be found in the first-floor Sir Paul Smith Suite, a bright, art-filled accommodation designed for the hotel by the eminent British fashion designer. The room's door handle has been replaced with a brass banana, in a typically charming and cheeky nod to Rudyard Kipling's The Jungle Book, which was written in the hotel. | View the hotel
The Berkeley
The Maybourne Group has an enviable portfolio of London properties, and the Berkeley is the cool, contemporary sibling to stalwarts Claridge's and The Connaught, and newcomer neighbor the Emory. Just steps from Hyde Park, the rooms at the Berkeley are bright and airy, decked out in soothing neutrals and sleek, pale woods. Many options have floor-to-ceiling windows and/or terraces, with views out to the brick facades of surrounding Knightsbridge. The hotel's rooftop pool (open air when the glorious British sunshine peeks out) and amenities like kid-sized robes make this an especially good choice for families; downstairs, don't miss technicolor cocktails in the Blue Bar, or the impeccable Goûtea, pâtisserie master Cédric Grolet's twist on afternoon tea. | View the hotel
The Emory
The Emory opened the doors to its 60 suites on April 4, just around the corner from The Berkeley in Knightsbridge, and inside, visitors will find the first London outpost of Jean-Georges Vongerichten's ABC concept.
Mandarin Oriental Mayfair
Mandarin Oriental already boasts a big London address on Hyde Park, but their new opening on Hanover Square in Mayfair promises discretion and access to Soho's buzzy dining and nightlife.
Private Scone Making Lesson + Afternoon Tea
Enjoy a private and interactive scone making masterclass in a stylish kitchen of one of London's finest venues. You will be met by an expert chef and enjoy light refreshments on arrival, before being provided with your apron to learn how to create the perfect scone - a significant and delicious part of British afternoon tea! After baking, you will have the opportunity to try your creations and taste some further elements of afternoon tea to end your experience.
Upper River Thames by Private Boat
On arrival at the Windsor riverside, board your privately chartered motor launch for a leisurely cruise along the upper River Thames. Watch the English countryside pass you by as you enjoy a delicious picnic basket stocked with treats for your light lunch onboard. Your charming skipper will be able to tell you all about this glorious area as glimpsed from the river.
Natural History Museum Hidden Treasures Scavenger Hunt
The collection that forms London's magnificent Natural History museum began in the 17th century, and comprises some 80 million items within five main collections: botany, entomology, mineralogy, paleontology, and zoology. Highlights housed in what was built as a "Cathedral to Nature" also include historical collections, with specimens collected by Captain Cook and Charles Darwin. With your guide, you will take part in a fantastic Scavenger Hunt to reveal all its hidden treasures; the winning team will receive a prize at the end of the Hunt.
The Thomas Cubitt Pub Belgravia
Located in one of London's most exclusive and picturesque neighborhoods, The Thomas Cubitt Pub Belgravia is known for serving elevated and modernized British favorites like fish and chips and roasted lamb leg with mint sauce. The sophisticated interiors will make you want to linger with wood paneling, fireplaces, an oak bar, and French doors. | See the restaurant
NOPI
The brainchild of Yotam Ottolenghi, NOPI is a brasserie with a twist. Shareable plates are creatively based on Mediterranean, Middle Eastern, and Asian flavors, a surprising combination that's made to feel effortless. The ground floor of the restaurant has a formal feel, while the basement is more informal, with long tables looking into the open kitchen. | See the restaurant
The Gallery at Sketch
You've probably seen Sketch's pink interiors on your Instagram, but in 2022, the Gallery was given a marigold makeover by artist Yinka Shonibare and designer India Mahdavi. Sure, Sketch is sceney, but the French-inflected menus are the substance behind the style. | See the restaurant
The Lanesborough
The soaring atrium ceiling at the Lanesborough Grill illuminates the pale blue walls and vibrant yellow velvet setees; fun, colorful menus change frequently, often in partnership with of-the-moment pop culture phenomena like Bridgerton. Make sure to say hi to resident feline Lilibet on your way out. | See the restaurant
Gymkhana
London boasts some of the most authentic Indian restaurants outside of India, perhaps the most luxe version of which can be found at Michelin-starred Gymkhana. Feast on classic curries and tandoor-fired meats in an opulent colonial dining room alongside power lunchers and London socialites - you never know who you might see here. | See the restaurant
The Barbary
Opened in 2016, The Barbary restaurant explores the rich seafaring history and culinary treasures of the Barbary coast. Bringing traditional North African dishes to life with fire around its horseshoe counter, the Barbary offers sensational fair ranging from land dishes of chicken shawarma and pata negra to sea caught harma octopus and earthy plates of cauliflower jafa and fattoush salad. | See the restaurant
The Union Jack
It takes less than five hours to travel from London to Edinburgh by train. While London Town is sprawling and meanders along the Thames, Edinburgh's setting is hilly and centered around its imposing castle.
The Continental
It's the classic first trip to Europe for a reason: connecting London and Paris with the rite-of-passage Eurostar. Add Rome to the itinerary, and you've hit three major players in one fell swoop.
King's Cross to Kruger
Stopping for a weekend in London en route to South Africa offers a fabulous contrast, and what's better than a trip that takes you from Elephant and Castle to actual elephants? Non-stops from London to Johannesburg make the combo a snap.