Let’s face it, nowhere beats London come summer. Marking the season when the city truly comes alive, London’s unique neighbourhoods are a thrill with revelers, residents, market stall holders, and cabbies out in their droves. For any tourist discovering London for the first time or existing residents keen to further explore a new pocket, the essence, culture, and energy of London is best soaked up right on its very streets. And when you’re hungry or in need of a cocktail or two, knowing where to indulge in both whilst avoiding the tourist traps is often the conundrum. Serving up some House of Kip local knowledge with a mix of al fresco perfection, these hot spots are our go to’s to sit back, relax and watch the London world go by…
OSCAR BAR & RESTAURANT AT THE CHARLOTTE STREET HOTEL
As part of the Firmdale Hotels group, the Charlotte Street Hotel is one of Fitzrovia’s chicest outposts and a favourite for the media and publishing set. One of our favourite pockets of Central London, the area has an almost village-like feel with summertime one of the best times to hit it. Gracing the street of Charlotte Street, the hotel’s in-house restaurant the Oscar Bar & Restaurant is a divine little spot for some of the best cocktails (the Negronis are fantastic) and seasonal fresh food served all day. With striped monochrome awnings and a sage green exterior, the venue echoes Parisian chic for the sophistication to continue inside.
Oscar Bar & Restaurant at the Charlotte Street Hotel, 15 – 17 Charlotte Street, Fitzrovia, London W1
firmdalehotels.com/hotels/london/charlotte-street-hotel
CHILTERN FIREHOUSE
André Balazs introduced Chiltern Firehouse to the London scene in 2013. Since then, few places have measured up to the glamour and exclusivity of this now-iconic Marylebone hotel, restaurant and bar. Come summer, the restaurant terrace is one to definitely explore. Though shielded from the street, the magic of Marylebone can still be felt. Gorgeous wicker furniture and flowers adorn the space to ensure it an absolute delight for brunch or to sip cocktails all afternoon.
Chiltern Firehouse, 1 Chiltern Street, Marylebone, London W1
chilternfirehouse.com
COLBERT
Situated directly on Sloane Street, Colbert is a chic French restaurant and informal neighbourhood rendezvous spot popular with Chelsea families. Inspired by Paris’ boulevard cafés, grab a seat at one of its street-side tables whilst enjoy a morning coffee and croissant with the papers. With theatres and concert halls on its doorstep, Colbert is fantastic to grab a pre or post-theatre meal particularly under the twinkling lights of Sloane Square come evening. Stunning.
Colbert, 50 – 52 Sloane Square, London SW1
colbertchelsea.com
PETERSHAM NURSERIES
Bringing nature and elegance to the heart of Covent Garden is the sublime Petersham Nurseries – sister site of the Richmond nursery, famed restaurant and shop. Located on King Street, this Covent Garden outpost presents some of the area’s finest cuisine by restaurants La Goccia and The Petersham. Both delightfully spill out onto Floral Court – a magical courtyard filled with glorious blooms and planted trees in keeping with Petersham Nurseries’ green fingers. Alike a wooded oasis, it’s the perfect space to beat the crowds and join fellow Londoners in their glamorous after-work sojourn.
Petersham Nurseries Shop and Florist, 1 King Street, Covent Garden, London WC2E
petershamnurseries.com
Petersham Nurseries Shop and Florist is approximately 0.3 miles from H House’s The Leicester Square Apartment
BAKER & SPICE
Serving delectable, freshly cooked pastries, this on-site baker is hard to beat any day of the week. Located on Belgravia’s prestigious Elizabeth Street, Baker & Spice is a neighbourhood hotspot where locals converge over their flat whites and english breakfast tea. Often packed to the rafters, head there early to ensure a seat outside to watch the Belgravia world go by. With outposts in Maida Vale, Chelsea and Selfridges, Baker & Spice is a favourite with Londoners.
Baker & Spice, 54 – 56 Elizabeth Street, Belgravia, London SW1
bakerandspice.co.uk
SCOTT’S
Could Scott’s outdoor dining terrace be one of London’s most iconic? Quite possibly. A House of Kip favourite in the sunny afternoon, this Mayfair institution is part of the Caprice Holdings group and continues to ooze glamour since its doors opened many decades ago. Located on Mount Street, the restaurant serves up a menu of fresh market fish with an oyster bar to complete proceedings. Where celebrities and VIPs flock daily, a table outside is undoubtedly one of the most highly sought after in London. And so if here on a fleeting visit or for a dining experience to remember, be sure to book well in advance.
Scott’s, 20 Mount Street, Mayfair, London W1
scotts-restaurant.com
E & O
A sexy restaurant, cocktail bar and late-night haunt that typifies the Notting Hill scene. Set moments from Portobello Road, E & O is teeming with locals every night of the week. Serving up some of the area’s finest Asian fusion cuisine, the exclusive venue hugs the corners of Blenheim Crescent and Elgin Crescent with tables and seats outside. The bar alone worth a visit whether to sample one of their famous Pornstar Martinis or a can of Red Stripe. In summer, the space opens out to the street for drinkers to mingle whilst perched on its benches and seat boxes. Guaranteed to provide a tantalising night, the atmosphere is second-to-none and undoubtedly one of our favourites.
E & O, 14 Blenheim Crescent, Notting Hill, London W11
rickerrestaurants.com/e-and-o
E & O is approximately 0.2 miles from H House’s Notting Hill Apartments
CAFE BOHEME
Slap bang in the middle of London’s Soho is Café Boheme. As part of the Soho House group, Café Boheme sits pretty under the iconic members club to offer a sexy, French-inspired restaurant for all to enjoy. When it’s hot, the tables outside offer non-stop viewing pleasure as locals, workers, theatre and club goes wind their way through Soho. As creature of habits, we love nothing better than one of their croque monsieurs washed down with a glass of champagne outside. A fantastic spot to head pre theatre, we recommend also timing a visit with when their schedule of live music is on.
Café Boheme, 13 Old Compton Street, Soho, London W1
cafeboheme.co.uk
Café Boheme is approximately 0.4 miles from H House’s The Leicester Square Apartment
BLUEBIRD CHELSEA
A favourite for Sloane Rangers and Chelsea’s elite, the Bluebird Chelsea is one of Sir Terence Conran’s most-iconic outposts. Housed within a former fire station, the imposing building grants a very excellent outdoor terrace space where diners can enjoy sumptuous breakfasts, lunches and dinners in between shopping sprees or for cocktails before painting the town red. Popular throughout the year, the terrace takes on different personalities from hosting a Wimbledon pop up come summer where huge screens grace the space during the entire tournament. Or, in winter when a winter wonderland takes over the terrace. When in the area, the Bluebird Chelsea is not to be missed. Tip, order their Bloody Mary!
Bluebird Chelsea, 350 King’s Road, Chelsea, London SW3
bluebird-restaurant.co.uk
Bluebird Chelsea is approximately 0.3 miles from H House’s The Chelsea Cottage and The Chelsea Apartment
Harry’s Dolce Vita
With Harrods one of Knightsbridge’s star attractions, a visit to this very upmarket pocket of London is a must. A hive for tourists, dining in Knightsbridge can sadly be hit-and-miss unless in the local know. Unbeknown to many yet opposite the world’s most-famous department store on Basil Street is Harry’s Dolce Vita. Oozing glamour and sophistication, Harry’s Dolce Vita is an authentic Italian restaurant with a very fancy outdoor space that brings the flavour of 1950s elegance to the streets of Knightsbridge like no other. Expect Italian classics such as linguine vongole, aubergine parmigiana and insalata caprese paired with an extensive cocktail and wine list to quite literally make your mouth water.
Harry’s Dolce Vita, 27-31 Basil Street, Knightsbridge, London SW3
harrysdolcevita.com
BIBENDUM
Saturday on Brompton Cross is a west London tradition with a visit to this institution a must. Located in one of Chelsea’s most-upmarket pockets, the Bibendum building or Michelin House, is a spectacular Art Deco building that houses spaces to dine, drink and shop. Currently occupied by French chef Claude Bosi, Bibendum’s famous Oyster Bar has remained over the years. With iconic status, west Londoners love nothing better than a trip to this neighbourhood haunt with one of the hottest seats just outside the main building. Sheltered from the sun, old school tradition is served up a treat with glorious champagne and oysters on ice. Bliss.
The Oyster Bar at Claude Bosi, Michelin House, 81 Fulham Road, Chelsea, London SW3
bibendum.co.uk
The Oyster Bar at Claude Bosi is approximately 0.7 miles from The Chelsea Cottage and 0.6 miles from The Chelsea Apartment
