Contributed By Kelly Eastwood

Destination Photography by Leila Brewster

Lifestyle Photography by Kelly Eastwood

Looking for a locals’ take on London? We’ve got you covered with The London Chatter’s edit of her home city.

It’s our job to continually scout even our most well-trodden destinations in pursuit of the latest intel, so in addition to our on-the-ground research, we partnered with local tastemaker Kelly Eastwood of The London Chatter to craft your Insider’s Guide to London. In this latest deep dive City Guide, you’ll find hand-selected spots to visit, dine, sip, shop, and shine – but first, a bit about our dear friend Kelly who is your key to the city’s tried and true, plus the brand new spots you won’t want to miss.

Meet Your Local Guide: The London Chatter

Kelly enjoys showing strong support to small and ethically minded brands, and her work is always in alignment with her advocacy for a safer, more sustainable planet.

Kelly Eastwood is the dynamic personality behind The London Chatter. As a London-based sustainable fashion and lifestyle content creator, Kelly acts as an ambassador for many British brands, including collaborations with Matthew Williamson, BA&SH, Sky, Boodles, Mulberry, Omega, Tiffany’s, Aspinall of London, Harvey Nichols, Augustinus Bader, Barbour and Net a Porter as well as being featured in GAP UK’s ‘GAP for Good’ campaign and as the face of LK Bennett’s LK Borrowed campaign. Kelly enjoys showing strong support to small and ethically minded brands, and her work is always in alignment with her advocacy for a safer, more sustainable planet. Raising awareness for both endangered wildlife and marine conservation is of particular focus, and she is currently an ambassador for both No More Plastic and Local Ocean Conservation. Kelly’s sell-out ‘Buy To Give’ collaborations, in partnerships with small British brands, both uniquely saw 100% of their profits go to wildlife and environmental projects back in Kenya, where she was raised, seeing donations of over £70,000.

We tapped Kelly to provide insights into her most beloved brands, restaurants, and small businesses across London – see below for the complete list.

The London Chatter’s Top Museums and More

• The Tower of London: A historic fortress where you can explore centuries of stories, see dazzling crown jewels, and even meet the famous Beefeaters.
• The Changing of the Guard: A unique opportunity to experience a centuries-old tradition and catch a glimpse of the British royal culture and pageantry at one of the most famous landmarks in the world, Buckingham Palace.
• Tate Modern: A renowned art haven housed in a former power station, showcasing mind-bending modern artworks that will spark your imagination and leave you feeling inspired.
• Victoria&Albert Museum: An absolute treasure trove where art, design, and history intertwine, and offer endless wonders and creative inspiration for all who visit.
• Royal Opera House: An incredible venue in London where you can experience breathtaking opera and ballet performances that truly captivate the heart and soul.
• West End: An electrifying hub where you can catch world-class theatre shows. Hot tickets include The Plaza Suite (starring SJP, no less) and The Picture of Dorian Grey (starring Succession’s Sarah Snook).
• Natural History Museum: A fascinating place where you’ll discover amazing exhibits, dinosaur skeletons, and learn all about the wonders of the natural world. Always a hit with the kids!
• Borough Market: An amazing foodie haven, brimming with delicious treats, friendly vendors, and a vibrant atmosphere perfect for exploring and indulging in tasty delights! Go hungry…
• Hyde Park Gate: A beautiful urban sanctuary in the heart of the city, and perfect for leisurely strolls with coffee, picnics, and boating. Enjoy the serene Serpentine Lake, the iconic Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial Fountain, the picturesque Rose Garden, and views of the stunning Kensington Palace nearby.

The London Chatter’s Fave Spots To Dine: London’s Hottest Restaurants

• Bacchanalia: Opulent extravagance and a feast for all the senses with flamboyant Greco-Roman dishes and showstopping interiors featuring five statues designed by British artist Damien Hirst!
• Bar des Prés: An intimate Franco-East Asian restaurant inspired by 1950s Paris by acclaimed chef Cyril Lignac.
• Café Cecilia: A pared-back, industrial-style restaurant with a modern bistro feel, founded by Max Rocha. Order a side (or two) of Guinness Bread, always.
• Gold: A vibey, Modern-European neighbourhood restaurant and late-night bar in the beating heart of Portobello Road. Perfectly executed and always holds back tables for walk-ins.
• HIDE: Scandi-luxe style at Hide, Ollie Dabbous’ Michelin-starred urban oasis with views across Green Park. Oh, it also has the largest wine list in Europe…cin cin!
• Rochelle Canteen: Housed inside a former bike shed, this firm foodie favourite serves seasonal dishes led by chef Margot Henderson OBE, which still feels like a well-kept secret.
• Quo Vardis: Regional, seasonal, and thoroughly British. This historic Soho restaurant has a colourful past and a timeless allure.
• Jeru: A high-end, eclectic exploration of Middle Eastern cuisine in the heart of Mayfair under the helm of esteemed Head Chef Roy Ner.
• Circolo Popolare: A sunny Sicilian trattoria in the heart of London’s lively Fitzrovia district from the fun-focused Big Mamma group. Say “SÌ!” to a slice of their signature Lemon Meringue Pie.
• COYA: Vibrant atmosphere and delicious Latin American cuisine. The Holy Guacamole and the Pisco Sours are a must!
• Mister Nice: A glitzy Mayfair eatery with the charm of a local Parisian bistro. J’adore their Cucumber Martinis.
• Mount St. Restaurant: Exceptional British cuisine and £50m worth of fine art displayed across every inch of the walls. Their hero dish, the lobster pie, is fit for a King (who incidentally, visited last year…)
• Jikoni: Inspired by immigrant cuisine, this fantastical vegan-friendly fusion of Asian, African, and Middle Eastern cuisines comes from food writer Ravinder Bhogal. One dreams of Jikoni!
• Andrew Edmunds: Modern European menu served at candlelit tables in a snug 18th-century townhouse. This is the ultimate date-restaurant.
• The River Café: For years, The River Cafe has remained one of London’s most iconic restaurants and a breeding ground for some of Britain’s most recognisable chefs. It’s a favourite for buzzy celebrations.
• Mazi: Peerless, Upbeat Greek hospitality. A neighbourhood gem.
• Trullo: Seasonally focused restaurant in Islington.
• Zēphyr: A new, quietly stylish favourite offering a plethora of interpretive Greek feasting dishes.

The London Chatter’s Spots to Sip

• The Pelican: The prettiest of pubs – which at weekends finds the prettiest of people queueing round the block for their pints and pies. Pre-book, friends!
• The Cow: A legendary pub on Westbourne Park Road, created by Tom Conran in 2005. Enjoy Guinness, oysters, and celeb spotting.
• The Coach & Horses: Cosy and characterful, one of the most historic pubs in Soho dating back to 1731.
• Experimental Cocktail Club Chinatown: Exceptional cocktails and a slice of East London cool nestled away behind a battered old black door in Chinatown.
• Mr Fogg’s Tavern: Eccentric and stylish, this bar is themed on the explorer’s London home; Filled with weird and wonderful Victoriana, and boasts an excellent selection of 19th-century cocktails.
• Fortnum and Mason: Epitomising the sophistication of Afternoon and High Tea in all its splendour, their Diamond Jubilee Tea Salon (named in honour of Her late Majesty Queen Elizabeth who formally opened the room) serves a host of sweet and savoury delights, and a range of incredible tea blends recommended to you by expert ‘Tearistas.’
• Anya Café: A nostalgic, quintessential British caff in the heart of the Anya Hindmarch’s retail wonderland serving classic reinvented treats (it’s the smiley iced buns, for me!)

The London Chatter’s Fave Hotel F&B Standouts

• Prêt-a-Portea at The Berkeley: Nibble on an orange sablé Victoria Beckham jacket and cinnamon blondie Prada handbag at this catwalk-inspired afternoon tea… A firm favourite with fashionistas with a sweet tooth.
• Vesper Bar, The Dorchester: But first… A Martini. With film-star good looks, enjoy timeless cocktails at this James Bond-inspired bar.
• The Red Room at The Connaught: Nestled, rather thrillingly, through a velvet-curtained doorway from the Champagne Room, this intimate space showcases exceptional wines and red-hued works by female artists.
• The Coral Room at The Bloomsbury: A vibrant, grand 1920’s 1920s-style salon bar in the heart of Bloomsbury, designed by the acclaimed Martin Brudnizki with walls adorned by English artist Luke Edward Hall.

The London Chatter’s Vetted Brands To Shop IRL

• Missoma: Seasonless recycled gold and silver jewellery that can be stacked and layered for a new look, every time
• Rixo: Vintage-inspired, hand-painted clothing; Think, floral-print dresses, flowy skirts, and lace-trim pyjamas.
• Varely: Dynamic, understated activewear for modern-day, multitasking women.
• Beulah: Elegant, quintessentially British luxury womenswear with a social conscience. Beulah provides employment for trafficked and vulnerable women and runs charity activities to support victims of trafficking through the Beulah Trust.
• Penelope Chilvers: Designed with a go-anywhere do-anything mantra, Penelope Chilvers’s traditionally handcrafted footwear and accessories are made to fall in love (and stay in love) with. It helps that it’s a favourite of the Princess of Wales!
• Anna Mason London: Softly confident, strongly feminine classics and showstoppers, all housed in Anna’s beautiful Belgravia-based Atelier.
• With Nothing Underneath: Laid back, classic, effortlessly cool shirts — just like the woman who wears them.
• Haley Menzies: Where more is definitely, more. Think, eclectic silk dresses, maximalist knits and statement blouses for refined rebels
• Strathberry: Timeless, luxury leather handbags, designed in Scotland and handcrafted in Spain.
• Temperley London: British bohemian decadence personified. Exquisitely crafted, ethereal womenswear.
• Chinti and Parker: Head-turning, impeccably crafted cashmere classics – long-haul essentials.
• MATCHESFASHION: A five-storey townhouse in the heart of London’s Mayfair, showcasing a stunning edit of their 650+ established and emerging menswear and womenswear designers.

The London Chatter’s Vetted Brands To Shop URL

The following small businesses have London roots but are available online only!

• Rae Feather: The ‘it’ beach accessory brand, best known for her famed hand-painted monogrammed basket bags loved by fashion experts across the globe.
• London Velvet: Their handcrafted and initialed luxe canvas beach bags and oversized corduroy weekenders are ultra-chic and designed to last a lifetime.
• Marfa Stance: Effortlessly cool, sustainable outerwear that can be adapted as the seasons change.
• Lisou: Stand out from the crowd in Rene’s beautifully bold silk pieces which are always worn best when colourfully clashed together. In partnership with One Tree Planted, Lisou plants five trees across four continents for each purchase made.
• Kalita: Glamourous, but wonderfully unfussy resort wear that will take you from a beach-shack lunch to evening aperitifs (and wherever else your night may take you…). A generous 10% of all Kalita’s annual profits go to the Blue Marine Foundation to help sustain our oceans.
• Ssevety + Mochi: Design-led, consciously kind denim brand.
• Cloe Cassandro: Impossibly chic beachwear in hand-batiked silk chiffon fabric.
• Hansine: Versatile, bohemian-infused resort wear designed and produced in London.
• Herd: Beautiful, considered knitwear, aiming to revive the sustainable tradition of sheep farming and wool processing in England.
• Yosuzi: A go-to for striking sunhats, hand-created from 100% Iraka palm straw and finished with whimsical, handwoven trims. Each purchase supports vulnerable Guajiro Children in Venezuela.

The London Chatter’s Picks To Shine: Services to Look and Feel Your Best

• AIRE Ancient Baths London: Unlike any other spa experience in London today, AIRE has you enter via an 18th-century terraced house (that was once the home of Peter Pan author JM Barrie), to literally wash your cares away in an underground labyrinth of steaming, healing baths lit entirely by flickering candles.
• Dryby: A stylish haven away from the busy Oxford Street shoppers…Upstairs for blow-dries, downstairs for nails.
• Dr. David Jack Clinic: A pioneer of ‘tasteful tweakments,’ Dr Jack is an aesthetic doctor and surgeon, renowned for his minimalistic and integrated approach to skin rejuvenation. His Korean Glass Facial is also beyond incredible, removing tension that you didn’t even know you had!
• Hershesons: A one-stop beauty shop spanning 5,000 square feet, housing a great array of hair services and third-party treatment collaborations with a co-working space and FarmGirl café.
• Taylor Taylor: A chic hair salon within the iconic and stylish Liberty department store.
• FACEGYM: A fitness class for your face! A quick, non-invasive facial workout that sculpts, tones, and lifts the forty forgotten muscles of your face to help you look taut and youthful ahead of any special event.
• Pilates in the Clouds: Focus on your alignment high in the sky at this super exclusive, appointment-only Pilates studio. The far-reaching city views will make your soul soar.
• Pricc Acupuncture: For those in need of a quick ‘accu-high’ pick-me-up, Pricc combines centuries-old healing practices with modern customer service. The perfect place to reset and rebalance.
• E-Pulsive: Time poor? Visit one of the E-Pulsive studios (or have a trainer visit your hotel) for an innovative 20-minute EMS workout that offers the same results as a 90-minute high-intensity gym class!
• Bamford Wellness Spa: This beautiful South Kensington yoga, pilates, and meditation studio is inspired by the tranquil sanctuary of Daylesford Farm, and offers a range of practice from Vinyasa to Yin, accommodating all levels.
• MinaLee London: Mina’s bespoke holistic facials harness the power of Ayurveda to provide a luxurious, unforgettable treatment that gives incredible results. Book in advance, her magic hands are in demand.
• Glow Bar: Head to your private pod with a pal, plug in your playlist, and get your glow on, in what is the ultimate sweat sesh! Immunity, circulation, and radiance-boosting, this is such a welcome warm winter treat. Drink plenty of water.
• Psycle: Fun and engaging, these high-intensity, immersive workouts are part spin, part body conditioning, and part mediation. Shoe rental is included in the class price and the immaculate changing rooms are lavishly equipped.
• Guerlain Spa at Raffles: Lavish pampering personified – Guerlain has designed a suite of holistic spa treatments exclusively for Raffles London (in the historic Old War Office), capturing the essence of England and all its energy. The 27,000 sq ft haven, featuring a 66-foot pool and nine treatment rooms, is open to day guests.