Live like a local

Our ‘little black book’ of places to visit in London

April 04, 2022

London is filled with hidden gems. Here, our concierge team, Jeremy Dawson, Stuart Aubrey, and Paul Lewington from The Dorchester and Alina Scheid and Jasmine Rawlinson from 45 Park Lane, allow us a glimpse into their favourite spots across London.

Chelsea Physic Garden

One of London’s most restorative green spaces, Chelsea Physic Garden was founded in 1673 by The Worshipful Society of Apothecaries to cultivate medicinal plants. Hidden behind the high walls of what is one of Europe’s oldest and most beautiful botanical gardens, you’ll find an oasis of nearly four acres of magnolia trees, lavender, and medicinal herbs. Plants were harvested here during the First World War to treat soldiers, and today the collection continues to support the production and research of medicinal plants. Open every day except Saturdays.

66 Royal Hospital Rd, SW3 4HS

Dover Street Market

Founded in 2004 by Japanese fashion designer Rei Kawakubo and her husband Adrian Joffe, worldwide brand Dover Street Market has revolutionised the shopping experience. Placing independent labels and runway designs from Louboutin, Jimmy Choo, Victoria Beckham and Acne, alongside multi-sensory art installations, this unique fashion emporium is renowned for its experimentation. Echoing a vibrant community spirit and eclectic atmosphere, in the words of Kawakubo, Dover Street Market is a “beautiful chaos.”

18-22 Haymarket, SW1Y 4DG

We take great pride in getting to know our guests and suggesting personalised recommendations to offer them a unique perspective of London. Whether they are first-time visitors in search of iconic sights or regular guests looking for hidden gems, we’re here to unlock this wonderful city for them.

Jeremy Dawson

Concierge Manager at The Dorchester

Hot Stone in Fitzrovia

Award-winning restaurant, Hot Stone, uses quality ingredients prepared in traditional Japanese Ishiyaki style, involving a heated stone brought to the table, making for a fun evening with friends. The highlights are sashimi and sushi, and you can also order certified Kobe beef, served by only seven restaurants in the UK. Chef Padam Raj Rai has worked in kitchens in Kotetsu and Kathmandu as well as in some of London’s most iconic Japanese restaurants. Hot Stone tends to get busy on the weekends, so it’s best to book in advance.

3 Windmill Street, Fitzrovia, W1T 2HY

William Morris Gallery

The William Morris Gallery is housed in the designer’s former family home in a scenic park setting in north London. The Georgian house is the only public gallery devoted to the designer, craftsman, conservationist and socialist. Through a plethora of over 10,000 objects, including stained glass, ceramics, metalwork and even upholstery designs for the Titanic, you can gain a privileged insight to the work of the Victorian entrepreneur. You can also play a simulation where you run Morris & Co. as William Morris himself.

Lloyd Park, Forest Road, E17 4PP

Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Club

Launched in Soho in 1959 by the East London saxophonist Ronnie Scott, this eponymous Jazz Club has been the place to be seen and heard in London for over 60 years, hosting jazz icons from Ella Fitzgerald and Miles Davis to Wynton Marsalis and Kurt Elling. Head upstairs to the more intimate Ronnie’s Bar for the ‘late late’ show, which sees some of the UK’s most renowned jazz stars take to the stage, whilst Wednesday nights are when you can discover up and coming stars as well as established names, such as trumpeter Mark Kavuma and saxophonist Rachael Cohen.

47 Frith St, W1D 4HT

There’s so much on the doorstep of The Dorchester and 45 Park Lane. Explore the hidden gems of Mayfair or head further afield to delve into London’s afternoon tea traditions and pretty garden squares.

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