Christie’s is the defining cultural institution of St James's, with its revered premise on King Street. Since 1766, it has led the art-world charge; its highly-anticipated auctions span more than 80 departments of art and luxury, it has sold the majority of single-owner collections in history, holds the record selling price for an artwork at auction, and provides globally renowned expertise. Beyond the sales calendar, Christie’s opens its doors for cutting-edge exhibitions, events, and exciting talks – all good ways to get a feel for the significance of this major player.

Spread across two Georgian spaces on Duke Street, this contemporary gallery has a habit of showing the kind of exhibitions people end up talking about for weeks later. The programme pairs heavyweight names like Cecily Brown, Steve McQueen and Lynda Benglis with modern voices and tightly curated shows. Recent displays have ranged from Paul Thek paintings curated by Jonathan Anderson to Luigi Ghirri's striking travel photographs. 

When chef Matthew Ryle arrived on Duke Street in 2021 his contemporary French menu was a runaway success. At lunch the lofty space is full of art dealers negotiating over Comté gougères and plates of rotisserie chicken. Don't skip pudding, which arrives in trolley form: a stack of drawers neatly filled with madeleines, macarons and mousses. Its easy-going sibling in Borough Yards is another good lunchtime spot for croque monsieur flatbreads and French onion soup.

Turnbull & Asser has been ruling the roost of well-tailored shirts since it opened in St James in 1885. It moved to its current Jermyn Street location in 1903. King Charles has been wearing the classic button-downs since he was a boy and awarded the makers his first royal warrant in 1980. For something more bespoke, pop to the Bury Street outpost around the corner.