There is something to be said for that magical moment when you first arrive in your hotel suite, freshen up and then head straight out to explore the local area. In and around Bond Street, there's no shortage of places to wine, dine, shop and view groundbreaking art this April. Our carefully curated guide is all you need to while away the weekend in style.
Friday Evening…
Drop your bags at any of Bond Street's many luxury hotels and prepare to be wowed. At The Beaumont Mayfair, Brown Hart Gardens, stay two nights or more and get 20 per cent off. Book the most unique suite in the hotel, ROOM designed by the artist Antony Gormley, which is the only habitable sculpture in the world. The hotel is also home to Le Magritte Bar, which serves cocktails worthy of a place on a gallery plinth.
Check in at Brown's Hotel, 33 Albemarle Street, and head straight for cocktails in the atmospheric Donovan Bar before sitting down to dinner in its contemporary British restaurant, Charlie's at Brown's. Guests at The Connaught, Carlos Place, can get cosy in the softly lit Connaught Bar, where director of mixology, Agostino Perrone, has created a zesty array of cocktails and mocktails. At Claridge's, Brook Street, the hotel's iconic Fumoir Bar serves signature negronis and Claridge's fried chicken should you prefer to stay put for the evening.
Saturday Morning...
A hit of caffeine and a freshly baked croissant is the best way to fuel a busy day of shopping and culture ahead. For a taste of Milan right in the heart of Mayfair, head to Pasticceria Marchesi 1824, 117 Mount Street. Alternatively, order the full English breakfast at Cecconi's, 5A Burlington Gardens, before heading across the road to Burlington House to see Brasil! Brasil! The Birth of Modernism at The Royal Academy of Arts. Running until 21 April, expect bold and colourful works from a raft of pioneering 20th-century artists. Or simply pull up a chair and linger over a coffee at Ralph's, 1 Bond Street.
Saturday Afternoon...
Time to shop. Looking for a colourful spring scarf? You'll find plenty of options at Hermès, 155 New Bond Street. For lightweight shirtdresses there's Jil Sander, 134 New Bond Street, while Fendi, 141 New Bond Street, has some of the best new-season bags. Elsewhere, Alessandro Michele's debut collection for Valentino, 39 Old Bond Street, is bursting with pretty pastels. With April showers ever present, a new trench from Burberry, 21-23 New Bond Street, will keep you dry. Prepare to be dazzled by Bond Street's world-class jewellers; Graff, Tiffany & Co, Cartier... and later, meander through the historic Royal Arcade, home to chocolatier du jour Charbonnel et Walker at no.1, and British perfume house Ormonde Jayne at 16-28.
Saturday Evening...
A cool hangout and Michelin-starred restaurant is never far from Bond Street. For something that's out of this world, The Ritz London, 150 Piccadilly, has just launched its new Biodynamic Forces Through the Alchemy of Plants and Planets cocktail menu. Served in its iconic Rivoli Bar, these novel tipples are made with biodynamic botanicals that are connected to the Earth's fire signs. For cocktails high in the skies, ABar's rooftop terrace at the Mandarin Oriental Mayfair, 22 Hanover Square, is hard to beat. Akira Back, also housed here, offers the chance to dine at the chef's table and watch culinary theatre play out. Lastly, Amazónico, 10 Berkeley Square, transports diners on a journey along the Amazon with bold flavours and a jungle-inspired décor.
Sunday Morning...
If art is the order of the day, then immerse yourself in the beautiful Claridge's ArtSpace Café, located on Brook's Mews, and order a savoury crêpe and crisp glass of champagne, before heading to the adjoining ArtSpace. The space is currently hosting Perrotin gallery's first London exhibition featuring the French artist JR. Elsewhere, the Halcyon Gallery, 148 New Bond Street, is exhibiting a collection of artworks by the singer-songwriter Bob Dylan. Next, head to Maison Diptyque's beautiful Bond Street store, home to its fragrance collections and a new immersive exhibition: a celebration of Orphéon, the legendary 1960s Parisian jazz club, which explores how music and scents interact through a sculptural reinterpretation of the genre’s iconic brass instruments. Finally, stroll from Bond Street to nearby Cork Street and discover pioneering contemporary galleries including Alison Jacques, at number 22 and Stephen Friedman Gallery at 5-6.
Sunday Afternoon...
Don't forget to factor in some pampering before you head home. The Zelens Classic facial at the Langham London's Chuan Body and Soul Spa at 1C Portland Place, will hit the spot. The Biltmore Mayfair, 44 Grosvenor Square, has partnered with Omorovicza's Mayfair Institute to bring you an indulgent spa treatment at a preferred rate. The hotel's new Easter Afternoon Tea is also too good to resist. Alternatively, try the new London Calling Afternoon Tea at Brumus Bar & Restaurant at Haymarket Hotel, 1 Suffolk Park Road. Menu highlights include the dark chocolate and orange Big Ben and Trafalgar Square Victoria sponge. The Haymarket has also teamed up with Blue Badge guide Kate Wignall on a specially curated guest walking-tour of the area, which comes with an illustrated map and QR-linked audio guide.