a day in Mayfair and St James's for Christie's summer season

Classic British grub is served under the gaze of Lucian Freud’s Self Portrait, alongside a seasonal roster of golden-framed oils and contemporary works curated by Hauser & Wirth gallery. Mount St Restaurant is open for all servings, though its morning menu is worth a shout-out. Asparagus is seared as a side for dippy eggs, local honey is stirred through creamy porridge (a dram of whisky an optional extra) and the open-faced omelette Arnold Bennett is served with an indulgent glazed, golden top – best paired with the signature breakfast martini.   

LA-born Larry Gagosian is one of the biggest gallerists in the world – with not one but three spaces in Mayfair alone. There’s a charming gallery-bookshop inside Burlington Arcade that’s worth checking out, but it’s the double-height Grosvenor Hill spot that tends to show the most interesting works – from Willem de Kooning to Damien Hirst and Takashi Murakami.

On the menu there are sourdough tuna melts made with Red Leicester and pickled chillis, and chrome plates piled with 'Disco Fries' topped in a sesame, chilli and spring onion concoction. Filled with good looking people and a great playlist, book now for a Martini at the counter.

An historic arcade that still feels genuinely transportive. Opened in 1819 and patrolled by its impeccably dressed Beadles, the ‘Jewel of Mayfair’ was built by the Earl of Burlington as a covered passage for his wife to enjoy exclusive, crowd-free shopping. Ever a place for romantic gestures, come to be guided by artisans through collections of old-cut diamonds, cashmere, and beautifully crafted pieces that are sure to become heirlooms. 

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.

It took six French polishers eight weeks to revive the woodwork in this next-generation Mayfair boozer from Hauser & Wirth owners Artfarm. It’s part pub, part contemporary gallery, and the ceiling, painted a kaleidoscopic patchwork, offsets all the dark panelling. There are craft beers on tap – and on the wall, the latter in a work by Canadian artist Rodney Graham. A pioneer of the new breed of British publicans putting a spotlight on the bits that work and giving everything else a good scrub.

Scott's is a London classic we'll never forgo. This cushy, old-fashioned spot is by far and away one of our favourite fish restaurant in London. Order the sole and book well in advance.

Second only to the Serpentine Pavilion knees-up, the London art world’s next big bash is preview night at the Summer Exhibition. The RA’s patchwork submission-based show has been going since 1769 and is wonderfully accessible. Yet the big focus on the exhibitions means a lot of people don’t know that Michelangelo’s Taddei Tondo (the artist’s only marble sculpture in Britain) is in the permanent collection. You’ll also find next-level jamón sandwiches at José Pizarro’s café Poster Bar.