London has officially been recognised as the world’s cultural capital. Here’s where the locals like to play

Words by Zara Richards

Do: Barbican Conservatory, Central London 

Perhaps one of the best kept secrets in London. The Barbican has long been loved by architecture-inclined individuals for setting the benchmark for what brutalist design can be, but did you know within this concrete oasis hides a lush conservatory? Take five from the City’s pace in this verdant rainforest home to over 1500 species of plants. Best of all, it’s totally free to visit – a rarity in London – you just need to reserve your spot!  

@barbicancentre

Stay: St. Clement, Central London

This soon-to-be-opened Thameside hotel loosens the collar on luxury design to create a space that’s akin to your stylish friend’s expertly-designed home. It’s the brainchild of Soho House founder Nick Jones, who brings a fresh perspective to what home-away-from-home living should be. Each room in this 90-bed hotel is functional (think cabinetry that actually fits your suitcase, state-of-the-art amenities, a mini bar that’s included in the room cover) and designed with your holiday in mind, with custom board games, weights and yoga mats in every sun-filled suite.

St. Clement opens in September

@st.clementlondon

See: The 90s: Art and Fashion, Tate Britain

Edward Enninful OBE – cultural magnate and former British Vogue editor– reflects on one of the UK’s most defining decades in Tate Britain’s next exhibition, The 90s: Art and Fashion. Style and substance collide in this showing that encapsulates the optimism, freedom and rebellion that made high art come face-to-face with underground culture. Featuring works from the era’s Young British Artists – Steve McQueen, Damien Hirst, Sarah Lucas – and fashion’s luminaries – Vivienne Westwood, Alexander McQueen and John Galliano – The 90s: Art and Fashion is a must for the creative and cultured.

October 8, 2026 – February 14, 2027

@tate 

Eat: Zēphyr, Notting Hill

In our eyes, a trip to London is incomplete without a visit to Notting Hill. Of course, the borough’s vintage offering makes it a must for the fashion curious (see: Portobello Road Market for quirky grabs or Rellik for a refined, curated collection), but lately the West’s food scene is hard to beat. Take zēphyr: the stylish, Greek-inspired haunt that’s convivial by design. Expect bold, chargrilled flavours balanced by modern-mezze finishes in these plates to share: wild prawns drizzled in XO oil and zesty lemon; spiced lamb cutlets; a summer tomato salad; and ouzo sorbet to close. Bookings recommended.  

@zephyrnottinghill

Play: Bar Crispin, Soho

Meet Bar Crispin: an intimate part-bar, part-restaurant where seasonal small plates and low intervention wine define the mood. The pocket-sized venue lends itself to long conversations, elevated by its playful, cosmopolitan offering. Think harissa-kissed trombetta courgette fired over coals and cooled with a cumin yoghurt; monkfish crudo on a bed of blood orange and chilli; and gooey crab rarebit that feels every bit comforting as it does indulgent.

@bar_crispin

Shop: Dray Walk, Shoreditch

Heed our advice: avoid Oxford and Regent Street if you can. Yes, the big brand names reign supreme on these famous strips but the tourist congestion means they are also chaos. Instead, we recommend you turn to Shoreditch, specifically Dray Walk, where you’ll find some of London’s coolest, independent boutiques. Peachy Den is the label hanging in every It Girl’s wardrobe at the moment, while Goodhood offers up one of the best curated shopfloorsthis side of the hemisphere (everything from Damson Madder to Gimaguas and Tabi Footwear).