I always thought London and NYC were like sisters. From the same family; expensive, cosmopolitan and full of history. But one sister is a messy wreck (NYC) while the other does her homework and respects her curfew (London). But what happens when the naughty sister takes the angelic one for a spin? Read below for the top spots in London according to a New Yorker.
Words by: Margaux Bang
EAT
BAMBI BAR
Tucked away in a cozy corner of Hackney, this vinyl-bar-turned-trendy-restaurant is worth the visit. The food is above any expectations one might have given London’s reputation as a not-so-foodie European city. Great spot to go for dinner on a weekend night before a French disco party in the hip and artsy area of London.
ZÉphyr Notting Hill
As a New Yorker who is a frequent visitor of the Astoria food scene and an adept to Kiki’s in LES, my standards regarding Greek food are high. I will admit that when I first went to Zéphyr, I was a bit skeptical, given the abundance of what seemed like awkward first RAYA dates. While the crowd may not be as cool as Kiki’s and the pricing closer to that of Milo’s, I was in seventh heaven when I had my first bite of the Crispy Potato Terrine. While you’re in one of the cutest areas of town, might I suggest you head to the Westbourne or the Cow afterwards for a quick pint?
Violet cakes
There is no shortage of cute bakeries in London but my all time favorite is Violet Cakes. Try going on a sunny day (as rare as they come in London) as the bakery has great outside seating. While going all the way east might sound like a long journey, I suggest you go on a Sunday and take a stroll along the Columbia Road Flower market. If you’re lucky enough, you might run into IT-girl Iris Law, who is a frequent visitor of Violet’s and likes to sit on the terrace studying Japanese while eating one of the delights of the day.
DRINK
RED ROOM at the connaught
If only to get a glimpse at the gorgeous Louise Bourgeois mural, the Red Room is worth the wait in line. Perfect spot to drink a fancy (and pricey) cocktail and be surrounded by pure splendor. This is how I want my future daughter’s room to be decorated btw!
ANABEL’s MAYFAIR
This would not be a guide about London if it did not include at least one private member’s club. Since London is the shy, well-behaved sister, she likes to stick to the people she knows best. The London scene takes a bit longer to integrate because a lot of it happens behind closed doors. While Anabel’s might not be to “coolest” it is one of the most beautifully decorated places in London. If you know someone who might take you, worth going just to check out the women’s bathroom.
LOTUS BAR
Alright, time to get back East. Bringing you to Lotus Bar, which is the London equivalent of NYC’s Reception bar. If you like carefully crafted cocktails and ambient bars that give off Sofia Coppola “Lost in Translation” vibes, you have found your place.
DO
ELECTRIC CINEMA
An old theater turned into a Soho House-owned cinema filled with lush velvet sofas, a great wine selection and delectable snacks you can enjoy while watching an all-time classic. I rarely go to the movies abroad but this one might be worth your while.
THE WALLACE COLLECTION
Seeing Fragonard’s The Swing in person has a much stronger effect than the Mona Lisa in my humble/ Art History- major opinion. If there is one museum you should check out while you’re in London, it’s this gorgeous estate-turned museum which houses one of the world’s most iconic Rococo paintings. Entrance is free and they offer complimentary guided tours by eccentric tour guides who might be a bit rococo themselves. If the lush decor gets to your head and you want to take it a step further, might I suggest you go for high tea in their pink courtyard?
SHOP
If you want to look like the mom in Saltburn or any posh British lady who wishes to be perceived as an artist-type (but lives in a pastel-colored brownstone in Notting Hill), you might want to get yourself a piece of jewelry from Pipa Small. This is the kind of jewelry that a Montauk/ Brooklyn Heights mom would rejoice in wearing at her Art Gallery opening.
AnNIe’s Ibiza
The prices are on the higher end, but nothing that will scare away a New Yorker. If only to play dress up, Annie’s Ibiza is filled with some of the most gorgeous vintage gems one can find (equal one month’s worth of rent in Brooklyn). You might also purchase new items, like a penny lane Charlotte Simone coat. The girls who work there look like they are straight out of Madonna’s The English Roses book a might convince you to spend your rent money on a babydoll dress!
