you’re bound to have a fantastic visit. If you’re wondering where all the fun night life went that disappeared from US shores in recent years – it’s in London. From jazz clubs; blues haunts, cabaret rooms, to swank cocktail venues; London rocks with no shortage of places to enjoy this scintillating city both by day and night. After a lovely dinner – kick up your heels, folks -the night has just begun

 

 

Favorite Music Haunts
Ronnie Scotts famous jazz club on Frith Street in Soho, founded in1959 remains an internationally -renowned institution today with world-class performers. Dark wood paneling, dim lighting and cozy tables with soft rose lamps create a warm, intimate ambiance for the cool jazz. The long sceney bar is filled with aficionados grooving to the music. Everyone from Miles Davis, Ella Fitzgerald, Nina Simone, Oscar Peterson, Jimmy Hendrix, Curtis Mayfield to Zoot Sims has performed here. The club’s famous clientele has included royalty like Princess Diana to rock stars like Eric Clapton and the Rolling Stones. I was sipping Moët & Chandon Rosé at a late Saturday midnight show and people were still arriving at 1am. Be sure to book your ticket in advance. The venue usually hosts two sittings a night, in addition to the renowned late, late shows and the popular ones sell out.
ronniescotts.co.uk

 

Ain’t Nothin’ But The Blues – London’s original Blues bar with live music nightly also in Soho, opened in 1993 and is still the place in London to hear the Blues. Every evening there’s a band performing those fantastic blues classics along with weekly jam sessions. Weekdays, sets kick off with acoustic acts from 6:30pm, with the main band performing from 9pm. This very fun and funky famed London Blues venue with tables around the stage and people dancing in front of the band and by the bar has some of the best Blues Music I’ve heard since I was in the Mississippi Delta – the Birthplace of the Blues. And the Brits know how to dance the Blues and get down. No reservations; but the 9 o’clock set is popular so get here early. You’re sure to have a soul stirring blast. aintnothinbut.co.uk

 

 

London’s Secret Sexy Spy Bar/ Raffles at the OWO
Tucked away in the basement of stunning Raffles Hotel at the OWO (Old War Office) lies The Spy Bar. This actual former office of M16 agents now fashioned into a top secret cocktail lounge, atmospherically lit, cozy with burgundy accents and entrance door saying only 007 is so cool and sexy. It’s reason enough for me to cross the pond. It’s so clandestine that it requires a member of staff to lead guests to it and naturally, no photos allowed. Adding to the mystique, a real silver Aston Martin DB5, the hero vehicle from the Connery classic, Goldfinger, is imbedded in the wall above the alluring bar. This subterranean hideaway is also home to the best Vesper ever – their signature cocktail named after the James Bond character in Casino Royale, that is aptly ‘shaken, not stirred’ and ideal for inducing titillating espionage fantasies accompanied by the perfectly curated bluesy, jazzy mood music. raffles.com

 

 

London’s Highest Hotel Bar – Gong
Going from the subterranean depths of the Spy Bar to London’s towering heights, takes you to Gong, the highest hotel bar in Western Europe offering awe inspiring London views. Perched high in the sky, on Level 52 of the Shangri-La Hotel at The Shard, Gong is the perfect place for sunset cocktails and late-night drinks. This iconic bar is sophisticated with red leather chairs and marble tables and everything is designed to focus on the spectacular London panorama. The stylish clientele includes culture lovers, first timers, romantic couples, business colleagues, friends and celebrations; for many it’s their favorite London haunt. Unwind in the fabulous ambiance as you take in the dazzling cityscape while savoring vintage champagne or their fun and tasty changing themed menu of creatively crafted cocktails like Chrysanthemum, a floral delight made with Orientalist Gunpowder gin, chrysanthemum honey, clarified Citrus and champagne. gong-shangri-la.com

 

 

Fine Dining

 

 

Canton Blue at The Peninsula, London in Belgravia
My evening began with a Campari cocktail at the Peninsula’s panoramic rooftop Brooklands Bar at sunset. Next, down to Canton Blue, on the hotel’s ground floor. This jewel of a restaurant is utterly gorgeous with a maritime-inspired design, central blue porcelain fireplace, backlit ceiling panel depicting a celestial navigation map and low-lit tables. In the main room, plush booths are adorned with intricately painted Cantonese porcelain plates and cups along with silver chopstick holders. The Silk Room features bold, luxurious blue silk-draped walls and The Music Room showcases beautiful antique Chinese instruments. Canton Blue is an immersion into the realm of grandeur.

 

And the refined cuisine perfectly compliments the interior splendor. The dim sum are a must, so tasty and textured; the lobster and caviar combo danced on my palate. Equally delectable, the prawn, scallop, Iberico Pork and king crab with cuttlefish were vibrant with a gorgeous consistency. The Peking Duck carved tableside was quite theatrical and as I had heard, it was extraordinary – juicy, crisp and ever so flavorful – the best I’ve had. Roasted pork belly was luscious, cooked to perfection. Other favorites include steamed Seabass and Wagyu Ribeye with black bean sauce. All paired with The Peninsula’s excellent own label champagne. There’s also the chic Little Blue Cocktail Bar, if you want to keep the night going. It’s hard to leave paradise. peninsulahotellondon.com

 

 

London’s Elevated Indian Cuisine
London has always been recognized for its excellent Indian Restaurants but I was so impressed at the level that this popular cuisine has been further refined. Here are 2 of my favorite places.

 

Amaya Restaurant, opened in fashionable Knightsbridge to wide acclaim in 2004 and has been Michelin-starred since 2006. Dining here, it’s easy to see why. Amaya continues to evolve and innovate to this day, reinventing Indian cuisine. This stylish and lively eatery with a theatrical open kitchen that houses the tandoor, tawa and sigri grills, the three cornerstones of grilling techniques in India, has been a trailblazer for delivering exciting, refined modern Indian food, beautifully presented. My gastronomic journey included: deeply flavorful black pepper chicken tikka; melt in your mouth Tandoori salmon; Tandoori broccoli with ginger and yogurt, raita with pomegranate, spinach tikki with spiced figs to die for, tantalizing biryanis, amazing breads, fantastic chutneys, and more. Everything was spiced to perfection, with vibrant yet subtle, complex flavor- so exquisitely tasty and original. It’s amazing that grilled food can be so juicy. And the lychee martini with hints of rose was sublime. amaya.biz

 

Chutney Mary, located in exclusive St. James has been lauded as a trend-setting landmark fine dining institution showcasing authentic regional flavor with refined technique since its debut in 1990. The popular and fashionable Michelin Guide Restaurant has attracted royals, rockstars, politicians and Wimbledon champions. Elegant interiors feature glamorous Indian accents including fetching art on the walls and chic Pukka Bar where you can savor the ultimate saffron martini before entering the stunning dining room. Chutney Mary’s menu features inspired dishes from India’s various regional areas. The artful combining of authentic flavors, reinterpreting traditional recipes and using innovative techniques creates the elevated cuisine that’s also a feast for the eyes. Some of the many stand out dishes include: rich, gorgeously textured Scallops in Mangalorean Sauce, coconut, mango, kokum, tumeric; flavorful, vibrant Bay of Bengal Wild Prawns; succulent, bold Lamb chops with chillis, ginger and lime; oh so flavorful Tandoori artichoke hearts; aromatic, perfectly spiced Pulao and Carrot Halwa Soufflé with pistachio & rose petal Ice Cream that’s light, fragrant, and luscious. chutneymary.com

 

 

The Great London Theatre
And that famous London Theater we all adore. I saw Oscar nominated actress Rosamund Pike at the historic National Theatre deliver what has been called a Rock Star Performance in the searing drama Inter Alia from the team behind Prima Facie that appeared on Broadway. Following a sold-out run, it’s playing a limited engagement at London’s Wyndham’s Theatre in the West End starting March 19th 2026. I also saw the hilarious ‘Comedy About Spies’ at The Noel Coward Theatre that made a delightful compliment to The Spy Bar. The highly anticipated brand new Capital Theatre in West London debuts in 2026 with a production of ‘Dirty Dancing’ adapted from the classic film. Visitors can purchase money and time saving theatre tickets here:
www.visitbritainshop.com/us/en/theatre-shows

 

 

Accommodations
While London has many top 5-star properties, the fabric and character of this exciting city is truly exemplified in some of its outstanding luxury boutique hotels. Here are some favorites:

 

 

The Londoner
The 5 star Londoner Hotel, a member of preferred hotels, opened late 2021, self-styled as the world’s first super boutique hotel. It’s centrally located on Leicester Square close to Covent Garden, but step inside and you feel like you’ve entered another world. I call it ‘the happy place’ because the hotel is designed with nods to British humor at every turn and there are many fun venues. The swanky lobby has that warm relaxing home away from home vibe; interiors exude space and light everywhere.

 

With 350 rooms and suites, accommodations range from the opulent Tower Penthouse duplex suite with panoramic views to signature and junior suites, king and deluxe rooms, many with floor to ceiling windows and spacious bathrooms, Miller Harris toiletries and Toto washlets. Interiors are luxurious, sleek and modern done in neutral palettes with arresting art in guestrooms and public areas sure to elicit smiles. I loved passing the humorous photographs lining the walls of the hotel corridor before turning the crystal knob filled with gold leaf to enter my sanctuary. The hotel’s coveted Residence offers a private space for hotel guests only, that’s delightfully tucked away.

 

Light, airy and stylish, Whitcomb’s at the Londoner delivers impressive Mediterranean inspired cuisine, including a pre-theatre menu. Some of the tasty dishes include: rock oysters, salmon carpaccio, linguine, rigatoni and Dover sole. 8 at The Londoner, the discrete rooftop bar enchants with the Izakaya lounge offering Japanese delights and terrace with crafted cocktails and stunning skyline views. Top off your evening at the Stage, the glamorous Champagne Bar that also hosts live music performances. For ultimate indulgence, The Retreat at the hotel, an oasis of wellness, has a pool, private cabanas and full service spa. thelondoner.com

 

 

The Pelham
The 5-star Pelham London, part of Starhotels Collezione, is a luxury boutique hotel in the heart of South Kensington with the feel of a handsome British townhouse. It’s ideally located across from the South Kensington tube station and close to Victoria & Albert Museum. This charming property showcases eclectic design with vibrant color palettes and classic home comfort.
The hotel’s 52 bespoke rooms and suites all have individual style and design with their own antiques, furnishings, paintings and fabrics, creating a distinct personality. Mine had a four-poster bed, antique chandelier, a fireplace and black marble bathroom with Penhaligon’s toiletries and tub that called out for indulgent soaks. Accommodations ranging from King and junior suites, deluxe rooms and others have richly patterned headboards, drapes and upholstery with handsome wallpaper and floor to ceiling windows that enhance the light, airy feel. Supremely comfortable Simmons beds with the softest plush linens are great for drifting off to dreamland.

 

Breakfast is served at La Trattoria, an atmospheric space with striped red and white walls adorned by colorful paintings that humorously evoke the world of Vaudeville. Michelin-starred chef Alfredo Russo, presents a personal take on traditional Italian cuisine here for lunch and dinner. There’s no better place for a traditional British tea than in an English townhouse in London. And the Pelham’s renowned tea features a luscious pistachio tiramisu and an optional glass of bubbles. The hotel has plenty of cozy spots to relax and unwind or socialize. These include the regal Drawing Room, with large windows facing Cromwell Place, grand mirrors and wood paneled walls. My favorite is the Library with its posh red loveseat, ornate framed photos and fireplace. With the feel of an English Club, it’s the perfect place to savor their sublime aperitvo. starhotels.com

 

 

The Franklin
The 5-star Franklin, part of Starhotels Collezione, is an elegant and luxurious boutique hotel with thirty five stunning rooms and suites nestled in the heart of Knightsbridge, a short walk from Harrods. With its enviable location overlooking lush Egerton Gardens, The Franklin offers an unrivaled serene, refined escape. This gem of a property combines the elegance of a Victorian townhouse and the magnificence of an Italian palazzo with Parisian flair and that’s very romantic. Guests enter a sleek, posh residence like front hall and drawing room with charcoal colored walls, mirrored panels, black and white marble floors and hexagonal marble tables with comfy chairs for the check in. It feels more like a warm and inviting private home than a hotel.
My sumptuous Garden Suite was done in varying color palettes of rich grey, with fetching velvet furnishings, arched mirrors, a wrought iron four-poster bed, dark grey and gold lampshades, floor to ceiling windows and French doors with sweeping curtains opening out into a balcony overlooking the verdant gardens sprinkled with pear trees and manicured flowerbeds. All the rooms are exceptional with the best linens, marble bathrooms with top luxe amenities and everything to make your stay glorious.

 

Michelin-starred Chef Alfredo Russo serves up inspired modern Piedmont cuisine at esteemed fine dining Franklin Restaurant amid silk ikat-patterned furnishings, Venetian églomisé mirrors and Egerton Garden views. I relished exquisite pasta with crab that was a complex masterpiece followed by poached salmon fillet with green apples bursting with flavor along with a lovely Nero wine from Puglia. Breakfast here was also a delight, with pastries served in an attractive birdcage and scrumptious, coconut porridge with pineapple.

 

The Franklin Bar with mirrored walls and velvet chairs makes a great pre-dinner cocktail stop; the Emerald Parlor is tres chic and the Hammam is so relaxing. Me, I love meandering about in those rapturous gardens. starhotels.com

 

How To Go: British Airways offers daily direct flights from major US cities to London. Business Travelers can use their premium lounges at various airports to relax and dine before boarding if they prefer to sleep for the entire flight.
www.britishairways.com

 

 

For more information: VisitBritain.org