If you have ever had the pleasure of visiting England’s great capital city, it should come as no surprise that London has an endless parade of wonderful things to see and do; theatre shows in the West End, designer shopping in Mayfair, artisanal business in Camden market, a string of world-renowned luxury hotels, and so much more.
And then, just when you thought London couldn’t get any better, it did. This year there are a host of new and exciting businesses, activities and ventures opening up all around the city and, guaranteed, there is something perfect for you.
Peruse over our top five visitor attractions in London this year, and if you find yourself wanting to add a little extra excursion to the beginning or end of your trip, Stasher offers safe luggage storage for your bags while you take in the luxuries of the city.
Dominique Ansel Treehouse
Famed pastry chef, Dominique Ansel, renowned for his invention of the sensational Cronut, has just this month opened his very own elegant bistro in the heart of Covent Garden. Ansel’s latest affair sees his passion for pastries spread across a two-storey bakery-meets-bistro.
Lovers of pasta, pies, baked breads and desserts can enjoy a quick snack to go from the bakery downstairs, or they can take in the treehouse-like decor of the upstairs bistro if they are after a sit down meal.
From baked mussels topped with homemade garlic parsley butter breadcrumbs, to chicken liver mille feuille with mandarin syrup and brown butter, to crème caramel, this sumptuous bistro is a must-visit, and a must-taste this year.
Woolwich Works
On the bank of the River Thames in the borough of Greenwich, the Woolwich Works site, which has been in redevelopment for several years, is set to be officially opened this year.
Five landmark historic buildings have undergone a multi-million pound restoration to create a 15,000sqm complex housing theatres, concert venues, rehearsal and dance spaces, offices, and restaurants and cafes.
The globally recognised theatre company, Punchdrunk, is just one of a huge collection of local, national and international artists to make Woolwich their home this year along with Europe’s first BAME orchestra, Chineke! Orchestra. What better way to spend an evening than at a show-stopping performance in a historically and architecturally outstanding venue.
The Retreat at The Londoner
Who doesn’t love a day of luxury pampering? Premiering in June this year, the Londoner is Leicester Square’s newest and most luxurious addition, and with this addition comes an urban sanctuary for pampering: The Retreat.
Located underneath the iconic square, a subterranean haven awaits you with private poolside cabanas, a state-of-the-art gymnasium, an exclusive beauty salon and barbershop for some hair and nail TLC, personalised spa treatments and remedies, and even a selection of natural, detoxifying juices and snacks suited perfectly for a day enjoying London’s newest luxury pamper spot.
Fotografiska
With an official launch date yet to be confirmed, but expected this year, Fotografiska will be London’s largest permanent photography gallery. Housed in east London’s White Chapel Building, Fotografiska is no ordinary museum, it is an international fusion of world-class photography, an innovative restaurant and bar, and a platform for education and conservation.
By using the power of photography, this avant-garde business strives to raise awareness within people about sustainability and communicate the ideas of a conscious world. The Fotografiska experience combines flavour, scent and art in a unique and compelling manner to create an environment resting on the foundations of innovation, inspiration, inclusion and sustainability.
Once opened, visitors can mindfully enjoy exhibitions from legendary photographers such as Annie Leibowitz, Sally Mann, David LaChappelle and Helmut Newton, and a menu of high quality, healthy foods and drinks, all the while learning how to consume and produce more consciously.
The Guardsman
Opening its doors to the public in the spring of this year, The Guardsman is one of London’s new luxury hotels. With a lavish location in Buckingham Gate, near St James’ Park, this new-build offers an exclusive and intimate experience across 53 rooms and six residences and a service tailored entirely to your needs.
A drawing room, library, dining room and bar are at your disposal with a changing menu featuring the finest and most seasonal dishes and, of course, an unbeatable location right in the heart of Westminster.
