Traveling with my husband on some of his work trips has become a most enjoyable way to see some of my favorite destinations. I feel incredibly fortunate to have the flexibility to join him – it turns what would be an ordinary week into a bit of an adventure. While he’s attending meetings, I have the chance to explore new places on my own, soaking in the sights, sounds, and flavors at my own pace. It’s the perfect blend of shared experiences and solo discovery, and it works well for us. After a few visits to London I thought I would compile a list of my favorite spots and hidden gems in London’s West End. It’s an area that I tend to spend a lot of my time in while there. We first came to London back in 2007 and conquered all the major sights and touristy spots that are a must if you’ve never seen them (I always picture Chevy Chase shouting out, “Big Ben…Parliament!”). So, if this is your first time visiting London, this is probably not the post for you. But for seasoned visitors like me, you may be looking for something new to try. The West End is one of my favorite areas of the city, so I hope you find this post helpful in planning your next trip!

Shopping

Liberty – Not only is it a luxury fashion and homeware store, Liberty also has its own fabric line and a haberdashery (perfect for crafters like me). Oscar Wilde once said, “Liberty is the chosen resort for the artistic shopper.” It is a very unique shopping experience and worth a pop in.

The Royal Arcade – This beautiful Victorian arcade has been on Old Bond Street for over 140 years. It’s a mix of independent boutiques and luxury brands and a beautiful arched passageway for architecture lovers.

Daunt Books Marylebone – Daunt is one of my all-time favorite bookstores and I always make it a point to stop in and look around, always having purchased at least 1 or 2 books. I love the atmosphere here – it feels like an indie bookstore mixed with someone’s personal library. The staff is very nice and helpful and you can buy one of their chic book totes as a souvenir.

Heywood Hill, Ltd. – Another favorite bookstore of mine is Heywood Hill. They have new and rare books set in a lovely old townhouse with properly creaky floors. The staff is really great here, too. A couple of years ago Paul gifted me their “year of books” subscription. It’s the perfect gift for the book lover in your life.

Selfridges – I try to avoid Oxford Street as much as I can (too touristy and has a bit of a Times Square feel to me), but I do love going into Selfridges (I just enter on the Duke Street side). I’m a fan of luxury department stores and this one fits the bill. I love their food hall and often I’ll grab some takeaway and head for the park.

New Bond Street – I much prefer a stroll down New Bond Street. It’s the home of luxury shopping and is a nice wide street with beautiful buildings. 

Mount Street – Luxury boutiques, restaurants, and galleries line both sides of the street with beautiful buildings. Winston Churchill once lived at No. 105. It’s one of my favorite strolls.

Hedonism Wines – Maybe the best wine shop I’ve ever stepped foot in. The selection is massive and there is no shortage of apron-clad staff to assist with any and all imbibing needs. 

Outdoor Areas

Berkeley Square – I like Berkeley Square for its giant trees that dot the expanse of grass and its many benches throughout. 

Grosvenor Square – I really enjoy taking my lunch here on a nice day. There are lots of spots to sit and read or just bask in the sun.

Mount Street Gardens – What I love about this garden is how it feels private and tucked away, like a secret garden almost. 

Brown Hart Gardens – While walking down the street you can almost miss these gardens because they are elevated. This is definitely what I consider a hidden gem. It was built upon an electrical substation and is accessed from a set of steps. Once there you’ll find benches and flower boxes with a very tranquil feel.

The Regent’s Park – One of the Royal Parks, Regent’s is a really nice big park. Queen Mary’s Rose Gardens is one of my favorite parts of this park. It is in the south end of the park and has an amazing amount of roses on beautifully landscaped grounds.

Eating & Drinking

Farm Shop – I really enjoyed lunch here and will definitely come back. The main level is a farm produce shop with local fruits, breads, eggs, cheese etc. as well as a butcher shop. Downstairs is the wine bar/restaurant where we had lunch. The wine list is impressive, the food quite delicious, and the atmosphere rustic and cozy. 

Mercato Mayfair – If you love a good foodhall then you’ll enjoy Mercato Mayfair. It’s located in an old church and has a variety of restaurants serving different cuisines. There are multiple bar areas to grab a drink

Coach & Horses Pub – A pub lunch is one of my favorite things, and this is one of the most beautiful. It dates from the 1700s.

Afternoon Tea at The Langham – I had one of the best afternoon tea experiences I’ve ever had at The Langham. The Palm Court is a stunning space and the service is quite pampering. I recommend spoiling yourself and enjoying a long afternoon tea with a glass of bubbles.

La Fromagerie – Located on a small side street just off the Marylebone High Street is this artisan cheesemonger, café, and store offering modern European cuisine.

Lina Stores – I love Lina Stores for an easy Italian lunch or dinner. The dining room is really fun and they even have a deli for takeaway. I really enjoyed getting a pasta duo and taking it to Grosvenor’s Square. If you’re dining in, I recommend the Affogato – they do it right.

The Ivy Cafe Marylebone – I’ve never had a bad experience at any of the Ivy Collection restaurants. The Ivy Cafe in Marylebone has whimsical decor with great food and a few tables on the terrace. I love the relaxed sophisticated vibe.

The Ivy Asia Mayfair – Another culinary delight in The Ivy portfolio. We tried many things on the menu and loved each one. The pork belly and sweet & sour shrimp were some of the best we’ve ever had.

Paul Rothe & Son – Definitely a hidden gem, since 1900 this family-run delicatessen is home to some truly incredible sandwiches and soups. It has a cozy cafe lined with jars of marmalades, jams, and chutneys inside or you can do takeaway. 

The Mayfair Chippy – One of the best fish and chips shops I’ve been to. It’s quite popular so a reservation is highly recommended. You can order cod or haddock and everything is fried perfectly.

Bombay Bustle – Visiting London almost demands going for great Indian food. I really enjoyed our dinner here, set in what feels like a vintage train car. Everything was so delicious. I loved the Awadhi Murgh Biryani – the chicken was so tender!

Mr. Fogg’s Residence – Of course my librarian heart loved it here! This cocktail bar is like stepping into the home of Mr. Phileas Fogg, the protagonist from Jules Verne’s Around The World in 80 Days. It is decorated with all kinds of oddities and treasures from his adventures, and the cocktails are whimsically themed and expertly crafted.

H.R. Higgins – On a rainy or cold day, head downstairs to their cozy cafe and enjoy some truly great coffee. On the main level is a retail shop (I went home with a bag of beans) and a takeaway counter. They’ve been brewing amazing coffee since 1942!

Ole & Steen – I enjoy the baked goods here as well as the coffee. It has a corner that gets sun on a nice day and makes for a good people watching spot. 

Ottolenghi – This is a casual all-day deli which also has great pastries, baked goods, and coffee. I love the Marylebone location for its wide street-facing window. The orange scones with butter and jam are so good!

Hagen Espresso Bar – Another favorite coffee spot and it is right by Daunt, so you can grab a cup and browse the books.

31 Below – Another great spot for coffee or breakfast while waiting for Daunt Books to open (it’s right across the street). I enjoyed the avocado toast and cozy ambience. On a nice day they have a few tables outside and it’s a chic stop for cocktails in the evening.

What are your favorite spots and hidden gems in London’s West End?

As always, thank you for reading! 

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xo – Erin

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