I have worked in the luxury world for over a decade and through my job – especially my current one as Executive Editor Harpers Bazaar – I have been fortunate to experience some of the finest bars, restaurants, shops and hotels that central London has to offer.
Together with The Platinum Card® from American Express, I have highlighted some of my favorite destinations in the capital, so you can treat yourself to the finer things of life on your next trip to the biggest city in the world.
Where to shop: Browns
I shop mostly online, so when I walk into a store, it’s about the experience – something Browns understands.
The boutique fashion retailer opened its new flagship space in a lovingly restored Grade II listed building on Brook Street earlier this year. This unique fusion of modern and historical also runs through its clothing edits with pieces by both new designers and established brands.
OLIVER HOLMS
OLIVER HOLMS
In addition to luxury fashion, this store also boasts a zero-waste restaurant, green patio, treatment room, private shop floor, secret cocktail bar, immersive art space and concierge. Sustainability and circularity information are further enhanced by a charitable donation service that benefits charity and a restoration service that helps breathe life back into your belongings.
Platinum card members will receive membership rewards® points for every £ 1 spent on purchases. These points can then be converted into perks (think long-haul flights or gift cards to eg Selfridges and Harrods). American Express also gives you 30,000 Membership Rewards points when you spend £ 4,000 on purchases in your first three months as a new Platinum Cardmember.
Where to eat: Gymkhana
Gymkhana is on many foodies bucket list – and with good reason. The family-run restaurant has had a Michelin star since 2014, thanks to its excellent blend of classic and modern Indian cuisine. Customers walk from Dover Street and into the residential mansions of Kolkata on the ground floor as they descend a mirrored staircase leading you to an elegant underground space inspired by North Indian architecture – complete with two private dining vaults, perfect for more intimate (or extravagant) dinners.
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The food, it goes without saying, is second to none. My personal favorites are Partiala-fried chicken and garlic raita, duck-egg bhurji with lobster and Malabar paratha and Goan shrimp curry. Take your time and enjoy each bite (just ask for a doggy bag if you can not finish it all).
Platinum card members can enjoy specially reserved tables in American Express’s Global Dining Collection restaurants, which can be found at major destinations around the world – from West Hollywood’s Cecconi’s to Hakkasan Dubai to (you guessed it) London’s Gymkhana.
Where to drink: The Savoy
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The five-star Savoy Hotel is perhaps best known for its adjoining theater, fine restaurants and luxury suites (which is currently one designed in collaboration with Gucci), but it is also home to one of my favorite cocktail bars.
Quietly hidden towards the back of the building, the Beaufort Bar offers an extensive drinks list in sumptuous black and gold surroundings; low-key minimalism this is not. In fact, the space is about the art of performance: The bar is located on Savoyen’s former cabaret stage, while the menu is inspired by the history of magic through the ages and offers an impressive selection of cocktails, wine and spirits, among others. the world’s oldest rum, which sells for 12,000 pounds per. shot.
OLIVER HOLMS
OLIVER HOLMS
American Express Platinum card members will receive several incredible benefits when booking hotels in the American Express’ Fine Hotels + Resorts collection. From early check-in and guaranteed check-out at 16.00 for room upgrades (if available) and free breakfast during your stay, these perks will make traveling a pleasure.
Where to stay: Beaverbrook Town House
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Beaverbrook Town House is the elegant town sister to Surrey’s country house in Beaverbrook. A new addition to the capital, the townhouse – just off Sloane Square – opened its doors in September 2021 and has quickly established itself as one of London’s smartest destinations. Its desirability is enhanced by its exclusivity; the boutique property has only 14 suites, each named after an iconic London theater (I lived in The Old Vic).
If you step out of your beautifully designed suite, head to Sir Frank’s Bar, named after Beaverbrook’s creative director Sir Frank Lowe, curator of the hotel’s unique and many works of art, collectibles and historical treasures, and relax with one of its signature cocktails .
OLIVER HOLMS
OLIVER HOLMS
Book your visit to London with your American Express Platinum card and enjoy access to a 24-hour travel and lifestyle concierge who can help you organize your itinerary or arrange any last-minute travel changes throughout your stay. It also could not be easier to get around as card members receive a monthly credit of £ 10 which can be used on Addison Lee cars.
For more information and to apply, click here. Annual fee £ 575. Terms and conditions apply.
If you prefer a card without any rewards, other features or a card membership fee, an alternative is available – Basic Card
For complete terms and conditions for The Platinum Card, please visit americanexpress.co.uk/platinum
Full details of travel protection terms and conditions can be found at americanexpress.com/uk/insuranceportal
New card membership offer is only available if you have not had a personal American Express card signed up for Membership Rewards within the previous 24 months. If you have had a personal American Express card registered for Membership Rewards within the previous 24 months, you will be entitled to all other card benefits except the welcome offer.
The 30,000 Membership Rewards bonus point will be awarded to your account once you have been approved and you have spent and charged £ 4,000 within the first three months of the card membership. Card membership begins from card approval.
Terms and Conditions apply to all Membership Rewards points earned and redemptions. Full terms and conditions can be found at americanexpress.com/uk/mr-terms
American Express Services Europe Limited is authorized and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority
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