The Metropolitan London
London, United Kingdom [view map]
Local restaurants
Italian fine dining and superb martinis are to be had at Brunello at the Baglioni Hotel (+44 (0)20 7368 5700). Lovers of Japanese cuisine should put Zuma on Raphael Street (+44 (0)20 7584 1010) top of their list – and remember to book ahead. The Enterprise on Walton Street (+44 (0)20 7584 3148) is a cosy gastropub serving delicious British fare. Maggie Jones in Old Court Place off Kensington Church Street (+44 (0)20 7937 6462) has been a favourite for years, serving hearty English and modern food at a reasonable price. Their three-course Sunday lunch is filling and fantastic.
Local bars
The infamous Boujis on Thurloe Street (+44(0)20 7584 2000) is where the fashionable Kensington crowd flock. Get past the CCTV door inspection at Apartment 195, hidden away on King’s Road (+44 (0)20 7351 5195), and sip a cocktail on one of the bashed-up leather sofas.
Diary
Late March Oxford and Cambridge Boat Race (www.theboatrace.org). Mid-April London Marathon (www.london-marathon.co.uk). Late May Chelsea Flower Show (www.rhs.org.uk/chelsea). Late June Wimbledon LTC (www.wimbledon.org). July-September The Proms (www.bbc.co.uk/proms). August bank holiday Notting Hill Carnival. September Open House Weekend (www.londonopenhouse.org). Mid-October–early November The London Film Festival (www.lff.org.uk). 5 November Bonfire Night, aka Guy Fawkes.