ADVERTORIAL • September 2023

Is this London’s loveliest postcode?

There’s nowhere better for a frequent flyer to step out than in the one-of-a-kind neighbourhoods of Regent Street and St James’s, London

Separated by just a short stroll, the former is all about flagships and firsts – the latter, meanwhile, is the pinnacle of traditional elegance. Since they both cater to essentially every mood and interest, here’s all you need to plan the ultimate day (or night) out in central London this autumn...

Shop and stroll

Enjoy a wander through historic St James’s, home to many of the Royal Family’s preferred vendors and suppliers. These include Floris perfumes (Marilyn Monroe and Winston Churchill were customers), Turnbull & Asser shirtmakers and John Lobb shoemakers (a favourite of Frank Sinatra) – all of which hold Royal Warrants. Jermyn Street (the heart of St James’s) is said to have the most Royal Warrants of any single street in the country: a testament to its enduring reputation for quality.

A corner of culture

Ready for your culture fix? Admire iconic exhibitions at renowned art institution the Royal Academy of Arts (right) or encounter visionary masterpieces by emerging artists at The Centre for British Photography or White Cube. Finish your venture picking up a coffee table book at acclaimed luxury bookshop Maison Assouline before an evening stroll through St James’s Park, the oldest Royal Park in London.

Walk the mile of style

Legendary Regent Street has catered to everyone from Marie Antoinette (who wore jewellery from Mappin & Webb) to Prince William (whose cologne of choice is from Penhaligon’s). Now, you can join this glittering guestlist with a stop at trend-setting fashion retailers such as Michael Kors, Anthropologie and Mulberry. Or, why not go to Charles Tyrwhitt, who has been dressing Londoners in sublime, high-quality suits for decades. Finally, no trip to Regent Street is complete without a tech-fix at the flagship Apple store.

Find time for some TLC

Start your morning strong with a workout class at Third Space or a free class at Gymshark (they host up to 30 free classes each week) before unwinding with a well-deserved pamper session with a signature massage at Sofitel’s SoSPA (right) or a relaxed Scandi-style therapy at Nordic Balance Health Club and Gym. Pause for a nourishing pick-me-up full of green goodness – a smoothie at Joe & the Juice or a matcha latte from The Gentlemen Baristas will hit the spot. Top off your health kick with some self-care and a purchase at Aesop or D. R. Harris & Co.

Feast on culinary delights

Unleash your inner foodie as you explore the culinary wonders of Regent Street and St James’s, from cosy cafés such as Hagen and Old Spike Roastery, to traditional restaurants The George and The Beau, to Michelin-starred dining at Alex Dilling at Hotel Café Royal or Sabor on Heddon Street (book a seat at the counter for the ultimate Spanish experience). Give in to a tempting afternoon tea in the calming surrounds of the The Stafford or satisfy your sweet tooth with a brimming mug of cocoa at Ergon or Hotel Chocolat.

Treat yourself to a tipple

Watch the twinkling lights of Regent Street and St James’s from rooftop bars or find an intimate corner for a romantic date: there are plenty of both to go around. Indulge in a signature martini at DUKES Bar or sip contemporary creations from innovative mixologists at Aqua Kyoto. Or you might prefer to guzzle London’s best craft beers in a traditional cosy pub like The Wigmore or The Starman. And be sure to take home a bottle or two of Berry Bros & Rudd’s finest wines before you call it a night.

Settle in for a spectacle

Make memories with the little ones at Hamleys, the biggest toy shop in the UK, or watch the ceremonial Changing of the Guard at St James’s Palace. Strap in for a showstopper in Haymarket, where His Majesty’s Theatre and Theatre Royal Haymarket serve up the best shows in the West End. Book yourself a front-row seat at Regent Street Cinema – the birthplace of British cinema – or catch some live music at Quaglino’s.

Follow @regentstreetw1 and @stjameslondon for more ideas for your ultimate central London trip. To find Regent Street inspiration, click here. To learn all about St James’s, click here.

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This article has been tagged Advertorial, Destination