Constantin R & Lawrence VH

A classic addition to the Basel dining scene has to be Restaurant Kunsthalle. With splendid views of the terrace and garden, tuck in to some seasonal Basel specialities. Hearty, comfort food at its best. 

Set within a five-storey Georgian townhouse, stepping into Offer Waterman feels uncannily like walking into your quintessential London dream house. A beautiful space paired with an astonishing collection of artworks, the temporary exhibitions on show are just exquisite. Catch the works of David Hockney, William Turnbull, and curations by the likes of Jonathan Anderson. 

Parisian art dealer Almine Rech’s Grosvenor Hill space opened with a Jeff Koons exhibition. And while she may now be married to Pablo Picasso’s grandson, the art world influence is entirely her own. With a speciality in minimalist perceptual pieces, Rech also represents “master of light” James Turrell and the otherworldly work of John McCracken. A gallery at the cutting edge of the commercial scene.

Formerly a nomadic gallery, Maximillian William found a bricks-and-mortar home for its programme of emerging talent in 2019. The work here is all about fostering a mixed community of voices with a wide range of perspectives, and this extends to its regular series of talks. Grab a coffee at Kaffeine or breakfast at Rovi, and then start a day of gallery-hopping here before working your way over to Mayfair to visit some of the city’s heaviest hitters.

Sandeep Garg has to be the most forward-thinking newsagent in London. His Chiltern Street shop is a magazine fanatic’s dream, stocking all sorts of niche publications you couldn’t even imagine. After a glow-up from Gabriel Chipperfield (son of David) there’s now a reading room and cool events space in the back where independent publishers and niche zines clamour to launch their titles.

Set within a Georgian Mayfair townhouse, Maison Estelle is designed to be homely - or as homely as one of the most luxurious, and exclusive members's club can be. Dine, drink, and dance in style. 

With design inspiration borrowed from the classical, ever-so luxurious Parisian apartments, Victoria Vogel and Harif Guzman have kitted this exclusive club in velvet upholstered booths of a rich burgundy, and frescoed ceilings. Drink the night away, nibble on caviar, and dance in one of the most luxurious spots Mayfair can offer. 

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.

One of the oldest countryside retailers in the game, Holland & Holland has been selling the sort of tweed caps and coats that are left in the boot room for generations. More recently it’s been brought up to date (and possibly even into the city) with collections from the late model Stella Tennant and artist Hugo Guinness. A timeless British address with a keen eye for craftsmanship.