A Day Out on Bond Street

When it comes to new-season must-haves, watching the world go by whilst enjoying an oat milk latte or viewing world-class art, there's nowhere quite like Bond Street. But where to start? Our stylish guide to the ultimate day out includes our pick of shopping and beauty experiences, cafes and cocktail hotspots. And as breakfast rolls into lunch and afternoon tea slips into cocktail hour, you may even want to make a night of it and stay in a local hotel. So, with no time to lose, let us be your trusty guide to this vibrant enclave.

For the ultimate people-watching spot, Ralph Lauren's terraced cafe, aptly named Ralph's, is hard to beat. Freshly brewed signature blend coffee, fresh juices and sweet treats will set you up nicely for a day of shopping and art-browsing ahead. Open daily and with a focus on breakfast and lunch, Claridge’s ArtSpace Café serves delicious artisan coffee, crêpes and champagne to kick start your day. For the finest breakfast pastries and the most delicious vanilla-custard-based 'torta aurora' this side of Italy, head to the Milanese outpost of Pasticceria Marchese 1824, on Mount Street. Those who take their Columbian blends seriously will also love Nkora on Old Burlington Street, which has a cool Shoreditch-coffee-shop vibe. Finally, feel the energy of Savile Row and immerse yourself in the world of tailoring as you enjoy your morning espresso at The Service.

Make your gift personal at Smythson's New Bond Street store, where highly-skilled stationery consultants are on-hand to help design your bespoke business cards and invitations or emboss a leather notebook. Trust the experts at Louis Vuitton on New Bond Street to add a personal touch to a selection of iconic leather goods with your initials, classic stripes or sticker-style designs. Meanwhile, Burberry's newly refurbished global flagship on New Bond Street is the only store where you can shop and try for size before pre-ordering Daniel Lee’s eagerly anticipated AW23 collection. Sip on a glass of champagne as you choose a piece of fine jewellery at Cartier, De Beers, Tiffany & Co... the list goes on. Get onboard Cruise 2024 ahead of the collections landing in store at Chanel, Fendi, Gucci and Alexander McQueen later this year. And when visiting the McQueen boutique on Old Bond Street, be sure to visit the special archive floor. Still wondering what to wear this season or next? For style inspiration, be sure to check out Scene on Bond.

All eyes will be on Sotheby's New Bond Street this September, where the Freddie Mercury: A World of His Own exhibition and sale, featuring art and hand-written lyrics from the superstar's private collection, is guaranteed to spark a global bidding frenzy. At Bonhams, New Bond Street, lots from Sir Roger Moore's personal collection, will come under the hammer this October. Elsewhere, the Halcyon Gallery is proud to launch its new gallery at 148 New Bond Street with the inaugural exhibition Feeding Consciousness by the pioneering British artist, Dominic Harris. There's plenty to see at the Royal Academy of Arts this year and next including individual shows by renowned Swiss architects Herzog & de Meuron and art world icon and performance art pioneer, Marina Abramović . For something a little more traditional including sporting paintings and impressionist works, head to the Richard Green galleries at New Bond Street at 33 and 147 respectively. Finally, as Art in Mayfair's 2023 edition comes to a close, you can still catch our 'in conversation podcast series' which delves into the minds of artists who took part in this annual event here.

From the stunning setting of the Palm Court to the delicious array of pretty pastries and sumptuous finger sandwiches, tea at The Ritz London is an unforgettable experience. It is also the only hotel in the UK to have a certified Tea Master, Giandomenico Scanu, who travels around the world to various tea plantations to source the finest leaves. Elsewhere, follow in the footsteps of Queen Victoria and enjoy a delectable afternoon tea at Brown's Hotel. Served in the cosy, wood-panelled Drawing Room, pillowy scones filled with fresh cream and jam and smoked coronation chicken sandwiches are best savoured with a pot of Oolong tea or a chilled glass of Ruinart Rosé. Be sure to book a table in the elegant Reading Room or The Foyer, for an iconic afternoon tea at Claridge's. Here, British specialities include Scottish poached salmon sandwiches and pastries change to reflect the fruits of the season. Meanwhile, at The Connaught, Chef Jean-Georges puts a unique twist on heavenly pastries and devilishly good chocolate fondue.

Claridge's Spa is a contemporary haven, nestled three floors below the celebrated hotel's Art Deco-inspired lobby. With swimming pool, steam rooms, a sauna and seven treatment rooms, this magical haven takes its cue from Japanese wellness culture. Menu highlights include the relaxing Japanese skincare ritual and restorative Body Detox & Sculpt, while the arrival of the Josh Wood salon is another welcome addition to this world-class hotel. Elsewhere, The Aman Spa at The Connaught with its essential oil-infused crystal steam room provides the perfect respite from the omnipresent bustle of Mayfair. Need to make a pitstop for a speedy blow dry or flawless manicure? Then make tracks for Duck & Dry's North Audley Street salon. Over on Mount Street, you'll find German skincare specialist Dr. Barbara Sturm's sleek flagship. Home to her new medically advanced skincare collection and molecular cosmetics line, the store also boasts an advanced spa menu offering exclusive treatments. Put simply, the signature facials are out of this world.

Come cocktail hour, be sure to take your seat beside the bar at legendary Italian restaurant Cecconi's. Located on Burlington Gardens, this chic Mayfair institution attracts A-listers as well as gallerists and tailors from nearby Savile Row and is the perfect spot to enjoy a classic Negroni or a punchy Picante de la Casa. Speaking of a stylish clientele, if you dream of rubbing shoulders with fashion folk, captains of industry and a cool creative crowd, then be sure to fill out the application form for private member's clubs - Annabel's in Berkeley Square and the Arts Club on Dover Street. Elsewhere, drinks in the Dragon Room of Mayfair institution Isabel on Albemarle Street are a must, while the bartenders at Mr Fogg's on Bruton Lane serve a sublime gin cocktail. For discerning tipples served by legendary mixologist Salvatore Calabrese, there's nowhere quite like the Donovan Bar at Brown's Hotel. And, if an artist-inspired cocktail in a stylish art deco hideaway takes your fancy, then the Painter's Room at Claridge's won't disappoint.

Did you know that Brown's Hotel on Albemarle Street has been welcoming well-heeled guests since 1837, or, for that matter, that it was home to the first telephone call in London conducted by its inventor Alexander Graham Bell? Fast forward to today and the hotel is brimming with contemporary touches including a stylish new Sir Paul Smith-designed suite. For the ultimate in British elegance, timeless glamour and proximity to Bond Street's global flagships and jewellers, why not treat yourself to a night or two at Claridge's? And, if old-school glamour, impeccable service and rich history takes your fancy, then it's got to be The Ritz. With its prime position on bustling Piccadilly, be sure to book a suite on the higher floors for bird's eye views of Green Park and over to New Bond Street. Another soft landing awaits at The Connaught located in Carlos Place. The relaxed ambience of its Red Room bar makes it the perfect place to enjoy a nightcap before you turn in. Good night!