LONDON TOP 10

10. French Sole
If you are looking for that perfect pair of very stylish, stunning and super comfortable shoes, add a visit to French Sole to your itinerary. Situated in a small corner in the heart of the very classical and warm Marylebone Village and also in the very fashion alive Chelsea just Off Sloane Square is French Sole the Shoe boutique famous for ballet flats, ballet pumps, ballerinas and other eclectic footwear by shoe designer Jane Winkworth. So kick off  the heels and get ready to take London on with a bounce in every step! You will be noticed in flats too!!

61 Marylebone Lane
London, UK W1U 2PA
or
6 Ellis Street, Chelsea
London, UK SW1X 9AL
Tel: 020 7486 0021
Website: www.frenchsole.com

9. Other Criteria
If you haven’t heard enough of Damien Hirst already, here’s a little more. It’s the Other Criteria - founded as a publishing company, more popular and recognised as a merchandising company owned by Damien Hirst, Frank Dunphy and Hugh Allan. The flagship store near Sothebys in New Bond Street and a recently added new store in Marylebone promises a collection of limited editions and multiples, clothing, jewellery, photographs, posters, prints and books from many emerging and established artists including Damien Hirst, Sarah Lucas, Banksy, Phillip Allen, Peter Blake and many more. A visit to the flagship store promises a treat to the eye and a little damage to the pocket.

36 New Bond Street
London, UK W1S 2RP
Tel: +44 (0)20 7629 5800
Website: www.othercriteria.com

8. The Hummingbird Bakery
If there was heaven, it might taste this good. The cupcakes with buttercream icing are to die for. Started in Portobello Road in 2004, with another one in South Kensington. Group this with your hunt for the perfect bargain in Portobello market.

133 Portobello Road, Notting Hill, London W11 2DY
Tel: 020 7229 6446
Website: www.thehummingbirdbakery.com

7. Afternoon Tea at the Connaught in Mayfair
A visit to London is incomplete without a grand afternoon tea. On the top of this list is the Connaught hotel, discreetly grand integrating luxury, style, legacy and art. It’s Espelette restaurant with very large windows and promising sunshine, when London weather permits, is a delight. You cannot go wrong with their afternoon tea and champagne menu which offers a selection of classic afternoon tea favourites coupled with some very unusual, creative flavours – the chocolate cake with marinated orange in balsamic vinegar and wasabi cream sandwiches are a mouth watering example. Even if you are alone, enjoy the afternoon tea with a book to distract you from looking out into a perfect London life.

The Connaught
Carlos Place, Mayfair, London UK W1K 2AL
Tel: +44 (0)20 7499 7070
Website: www.the-connaught.co.uk

6. Royal Ascot
Even if you are not into horse racing, this is a punt that can’t go wrong for every fashion believer. The Royal Ascot is the world’s most famous race meeting, dating back to 1711. The royal family arrives each of the 4 days in a horse drawn carriage, undoubtedly one of the most important events in the British social calendar. The fun is in the dress code. For the royal enclosure a strict dress code must be followed - men must wear full morning dress including a top hat and ladies must not show bare midriffs or shoulders and must wear hats. Now how often do you see ladies wearing hats, one of the most elegant accessories with extensive room for creativity. Look gorgeous and grand, enjoy a stylish day and live like a queen even if it’s only for a day!

Ascot racecources
Wooded countryside adjoining Windsor Great Park
London, UK
Website: www.ascot.co.uk

5. Amika
If you don’t shake a leg in the most cosmopolitan city in the world, where else would you? With plenty of choices to choose from, on my list is the chic and uber cool Amika. Located in High Street Kensington, and attracting the super elite gliterratti of London and in London. Opulent but not pretentious with the perfect blend of debauchery and class pursued with indulgence for a great evening. The three rooms –Chandlier Bar with a gothic theme and the main dance floor, the Champagne Room for members only and the gorgeously white Cocktail Bar are the definition of the surroundings you want to be seen at and with. Home to some of the best DJ’s playing RnB and more upbeat Balearic dance vibe of house music and classic dance tunes. So where are your dancing shoes?

63-65 High Street Kensington
London, UK W8 5SE
Tel: 0871 971 5485
Website: www.amikalondon.com

4. Tate Modern
For anyone with the remotest interest in modern and contemproary art, Tate Modern is the Mecca. Created in the year 2000 from a disused power station in the heart of London, Tate Modern displays the national collection of international modern art. The collection represents all the major movements from Fauvism on. Be prepared to enticed and seduced by masterpieces from Picasso and Matisse to one of the worlds finest museum collections of Surrealism, including works by Dal, Ernst, Magritte and Miro. Dive into the interpretations of American Abstract Expressionism in works by Pollock as well as the nine Seagram Murals by Rothko. Admire or question or even attempt to understand the abstract art by Naum Gabo, and an important group of sculpture and paintings by Giacometti. Be romanticised in the world of Pop art, by Lichtenstein and Warhol, Minimal art and Conceptual art. A must, you will be inspired and intrigued.

Bankside, London, UK SE1 9TG
Tel: 020 7887 8888
Website: www.tate.org.uk/modern

3. Sloane Square
Worship the religion of shopping? Try and lose yourself in the proximity of Sloane Square, a small hard-landscaped square on the boundaries of the very fashionable Knightsbridge, Belgravia and Chelsea. The square lies at the east end of the trendy Kings Road and at the south end of the more conventionally smart Sloane Street linking to Knightsbridge. You can go in any direction and you will only discover treasure. Be adventures, there is much more than you can imagine, may be Louboutins or Pucci or Prada or the small corner boutique with the rarest handbags.If nothing catches your eye – stumble into Harvey Nichols and Harrods, it will complete the journey. A walk into paradise and money can buy. It is for Alice in Wonderland.

Sloane Square
Nearest Tube: Sloane Square or Knightsbridge
London, UK
Website: Wikipedia.org

2. Hakkasan
Stylish and chic surroundings, fabulous cocktails, exquisite food promised with a stunning crowd. Hidden in a corner in Soho, is Hakkasan the best chinese restuarant in town. Impress your clients, friends or family, or that very special one. Try the sweet sesame balls, if you are the adventurous kind. Do book in advance for a great dinner or lunch. Only for the acutely in vogue! Enjoy an awesome evening with great food and a touch of class.

8 Hanway Place
London, UK W1T 1HD
Tel: 0871 2238002
Website: www.hakkasan.com

Hilton Hotel, 22 Park Lane
London W1K 1BE, United Kingdom
Tel: 44(0) 20 72084021
Website: www.galvinatwindows.com