Emma Becque

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.

Another one to add to the list of Soho House's incredibly cosy stays. Redchurch Townhouse is not only in a prime location, that's before even mentioning Cecconi's just downstairs, but it also oozes with comfort and luxury.

The founder of this artisan leather goods brand was inspired by his grandmother – a friend of Ernest Hemingway – and her travels during the 1930s and 1940s. Black-and-white photographs of her hang in this simple showroom, which sells jewel-toned bucket bags, Panama hats and luggage tags. Pop downstairs after a purchase to make the most of the in-house monogramming service.

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.

Horace Walpole's architectural masterpiece, Strawberry Hill House has quite literally gone down in history for its striking Georgian façade and gothic interiors. Only a short commute out into the suburbs of London, take a wander through the gardens before venturing inside the house.