Greater London spans some 650 square miles (roughly the size of two New York Cities), so trying to find the best restaurants, shops and sights can feel like searching for a needle in a haystack. Save yourself the time and effort, and check out Lloyd Lee’s expert tips on where to:

Buy something exquisite

Connolly

41 Conduit Street
+44-020-7439-2510
connollylondon.com


“This leather goods shop is run by the gentleman who owns it, who is passionate about what he does. It’s not about buying a brand; it’s about buying quality.”



Hold a breakfast meeting

The Wolseley

160 Piccadilly
+44-020-7499-6996
thewolseley.com


“When you go for your 7:30, you see all the business guys in suits. Then you leave at 9:00 or 9:30, and the fashionistas come in. The whole place turns over, and you get a much more fashionable, cool crowd.”



Enjoy a cocktail

Zuma

5 Raphael Street
+44-020-7584-1010
zumarestaurant.com


“It’s Rainer Becker’s flagship restaurant—terrific Japanese with serious air, and a sexy bar dropped right in the middle of the action.”



Catch a great view

South Bank

Southern bank of the Thames, between Westminster Bridge and Blackfriars Bridge

“Take a cab down Waterloo Bridge at night. Stop on the south side and turn around. Be sure to bring your camera.”


Go for a jog

Hyde Park

royalparks.org.uk

“Having miles of packed dirt to run on, surrounded by manicured gardens, open park and waterways, is perfection.”



Work out

The Third Space

13 Sherwood Street
+44-020-7439-7333
thethirdspace.com


“If you’re hard-core, it’s got one of those hypoxic chambers where you can decrease the oxygen for serious training.”



Order takeout

Itsu

multiple locations
itsu.co.uk


“When working late, I typically order sushi in. Itsu does a very nice job. They’re everywhere.”



Find great Chinese food

Four Seasons

84 Queensway
+44-020-7229-4320

“It’s this charming little dive of a place, but it is legendary amongst the Asian community.”



Indulge in an authentic curry

Tayyabs

83-89 Fieldgate Street
+44-020-7247-6400
tayyabs.co.uk


“The best Pakistani food, and it’s cheap!”



See and be seen

Cipriani

23/25 Davies Street
+44-020-7399-0500
cipriani.com


“I prefer discreet places but, if you really must be seen, Cipriani elevates it to an art form. As for food, always order the special of the evening.”



Stay out all night

Victory

55 New Oxford Street

“Hedges and Butler creator Youcef Aden’s newest club. There’s no sign; it’s hidden away. The best underground house club. Period.”



Get away from it all

Istanbul, Turkey

“Extend a visit to London with a weekend in Istanbul. It’s seaside, teeming with exotic culture and only four hours away. The new W Istanbul is my favorite hotel on the Continent.”

For more insider London advice, Lloyd Lee takes an even closer look at London from the eyes of an expat.