Anyone longing for a luxurious minibreak should look no further than London. The city is famed for its high-end shopping options and the finest of dining experiences, and is synonymous throughout the world with the very idea of luxury.
Indeed, a weekend in England’s capital offers a chance to live like royalty, even if just for a few days. Here’s a curated guide on how to spend the ultimate indulgent weekend in the British capital; our quintessential luxury weekend in London.
Friday: Arrival, Accommodation & Shopping
Begin your most opulent of London weekends by checking in to one of the city’s premier luxury hotels. London’s luxury accommodation options range from timeless classics like The Savoy and The Ritz to contemporary offerings such as Shangri-La The Shard, each with their own distinctive character but all offering world-class service. These hotels set the tone for a weekend of extravagance and provide the perfect launchpad from which to indulge.
Once you’re settled in, head out for some high-end retail therapy. Organise a chauffeur from London Luxury Travel to take you shopping in style. Head to Bond Street, New and Old, which is London’s luxury mainstay and where global luxury brands like Cartier, Tiffany, Gucci, Burberry, Dior and Chanel all rub shoulders.
Then, it’s onwards to Selfridges and Liberty London – you can’t leave London without purchasing a luxurious silk scarf from Liberty as a souvenir.
Next, to Knightsbridge, home to an array of exclusive boutiques and designer stores, including the world-renowned Harrods and Harvey Nicols. Don’t forget to pick up an outfit for the evening while you’re there!
Once you’ve changed into your new (no doubt designer) clobber, start the evening with a pre-dinner tipple at Dukes; their martinis are legendary and, as quoted by the New York Times, “one of the world’s best”. One will be quite enough, trust us.
All lubed up and hungry, it’s time for a gastronomic adventure at a Michelin-starred restaurant. Choosing a restaurant for dinner is certainly tricky here, as London is home to a whopping 74 Michelin-starred restaurants, but some of our favourites include KOL, Ikoyi and Clove Club. Do be prepared to book a month or two in advance to secure a table at these hottest-tickets-in-town.
For a fancy meal with a decidedly British twist, consider Lyles, Dinner by Heston or the Dining Room at the Goring. Or, for a more laid back experience, then The Harwood Arms is the only Michelin-starred pub in London. Decisions, decisions.
Saturday: More Culinary Delights & Cultural Exploration
London loves brunch, so it would only be right to indulge in this in-between meal. Start your Saturday morning with a splurge at one of the more fancy brunch spots in town.
Sketch’s The Parlour is a popular spot for brunch and is also one of the quirkiest venues in London. Housed in a Grade II listed townhouse designed by English Architect James Wyatt in 1779, Sketch boasts a rich history that includes serving as the headquarters of the Royal Institute of British Architects and as Christian Dior’s London atelier.
Alternatively, The Chiltern Firehouse is popular with celebrities and you may even spot a Royal there nursing some scrambled eggs and a Bloody Mary.
Personally, we just love The Wolseley for a leisurely though luxury brunch. This iconic all-day cafe-restaurant in London’s most expensive part of town offers an upmarket take on the Full English.
Walk off your brunch by immersing yourself in London’s rich cultural scene all afternoon. Visit the National Gallery or the Tate Britain, both housing impressive collections of artwork from around the globe. These iconic galleries offer a serene escape from the bustling city and provide an opportunity to appreciate masterpieces from renowned artists.
That brunch may start to feel like a distant memory after an overload of culture. So, it’s back to the hotel for a leisurely change before a prix-fixe dinner and a show. Indeed, you can’t come to London without dressing up and going to the West End for a spectacular theatre performance. From classic plays at the Royal National Theatre to dazzling musicals in Leicester Square, London’s theatre scene is vibrant and diverse.
Post-theatre, unwind at a prestigious bar such as The Connaught Bar or The American Bar at The Savoy, both known for their world-class cocktails and refined ambience.
Read: How to make the most out of your trip to london
Sunday: Leisurely Exploration
Spend your Sunday morning in bed with room service. There is, after all, nothing more luxurious than breakfast in bed. Then it’s time to call your driver so you can be chauffeured around the city and take in iconic sights like Buckingham Palace, the Tower of London, and the London Eye. A luxury car service not only provides comfort and convenience but also adds a touch of glamour to your sightseeing experience.
Of course, no luxury London weekend would be complete without the quintessentially British tradition of afternoon tea. Here’s our pick of some of the most opulent afternoon teas in London:
The Ritz: Head to the Ritz for a Michelin-starred afternoon tea experience at one of London’s most revered fine dining institutions.
Arguably one of the best afternoon teas in London, the experience comes with a selection of 18 premium loose leaf teas and freshly made cakes, scones and sandwiches from their Michelin starred kitchen, all enjoyed under the glittering chandeliers of this most famous London establishment.
The Savoy: Regularly voted as one of the best afternoon teas in London, the afternoon tea experience at the Savoy will amaze you even before any tea has passed your lips. This is because it all goes down in the world famous hotel’s Thames Foyer, a glass domed atrium that boasts incredible natural light and a convivial spirit to match it. In the centre of the room, a pianist sets the elegant yet playful tone beautifully.
Sketch: If you didn’t make it to Sketch for brunch, then consider it for afternoon tea. Indeed, afternoon tea instead. Indeed, this very British tradition at Sketch is a deeply luxurious affair. Here you’ll be waited on hand and foot by a tea specialist and your champagne will be dramatically long poured for show and spectacle. Oh, there’s also a caviar man on hand to serve, well, caviar to you.
The afternoon tea at Sketch is unlimited, meaning you can request as many savoury sandwiches and sweet pastries as you can manage – come hungry.
Conclude your weekend with a leisurely stroll through one of London’s beautiful parks. Hyde Park or Regent’s Park are perfect spots to relax, reflect on your weekend, and perhaps start pondering over your next luxury getaway – how about Iceland?
Can we come with you next time?