On business in London

Traditional, stylish and quirky, London is a playground for the super-industrious, the super-creative, and depending on where you are, the super-rich. Winding streets both wide and narrow define the British capital’s landscape, a sharp contrast to the grid systems of New York or Beijing. This poses a navigational challenge for newcomers, but luckily, robust public transport systems like the London Underground make traversing town a breeze.  

Where to start

Financial services are the heart of the London economy. Characterised by steel skyscrapers and marble lobbies, The City of London (or The City) and neighbouring Canary Wharf are the primary seats of London’s finance industry. East London, however, is a creative hub with dozens of shopping hotspots like the eclectic Brick Lane and Columbia Road Flower Market. A stone’s throw from Liverpool Street Tube Station, Spitalfields Market houses dozens of food, fashion and design vendors and is the lunch destination of choice for nearby office workers.  

In contrast to the alternative character of the East, West London is paradise for those who enjoy the finer things in life. Shop to your heart’s content on New Bond Street – the epicentre of luxury retail and home to big players in art and fashion. Occupying a literal and figurative middle ground between East and West London, Soho offers something for everyone. Take a stroll down Carnaby Street or pitch up at one of the many excellent pubs on Greek Street before catching a show at the West End.  

Where to take clients

Looking to impress clients? The magnificent Mayfair could be just the place. Scott’ s is the city’s preeminent seafood restaurant, serving market-fresh fish, champagne and caviar in an elegant dining room or from street-side tables. Chiltern Firehouse hotel and restaurant in Marylebone is the place to see and be seen; paparazzi are a regular sight outside. 

Grab a midday pick-me-up at The Wren Coffee ,  a café nestled inside the airy St Nicholas Cole Abbey. After-office hours are well spent with a reservation at the Basque-leaning Spanish restaurant Brat on Shoreditch’s Redchurch Street. Whole turbot and beef rib are must-orders from its dominating open wood-fired grill. 

Where to stay

Boasting international chains and characterful independent establishments, London has a place  to stay for everyone. A classic is The Beaumont Hotel , which capitalises on the Art Deco beauty of its 1926 building with sleek dark wood panelling and cognac-coloured leather upholstery.  

Enjoy a sophisticated splash in the heated rooftop pool at The Berkeley Hote l while taking in views of Knightsbridge. Glasses of icy granita, plush loungers and parasols make for an experience befitting a five-star stay. If East London is your base for meetings during the day, The Mondrian Shoreditch offers cool, contemporary lodgings within convenient travelling distance.  

Presiding 125m over South London in the city’s tallest skyscraper is the Shangri-La The Shard . Views from the hotel’s 185 rooms and suites are an obvious highlight, but guests can also enjoy East Asian-influenced dishes and drinks at Tīng Restaurant and Gŏng Bar, the latter designed by Hong Kong interior architect André Fu. 

What to say

London has a lively after-work drinks culture. Office workers can be seen gathering in crowds outside the city’s many pubs from 5pm onwards. Break the ice by asking which local pub pours the best pint and prepare for an ensuing debate.  

What to know 

London has invested heavily in bike-sharing programmes in recent years and is now much more cycle-friendly. Santander and Lime bikes  offer convenient and affordable transport on the fly. Travellers can opt for pay-as-you-go on both services by downloading the providers’ apps.

Downtime done right 

London is home to some of the world’s foremost galleries and museums, many of which are free to enter. South Kensington is home to three of the best: the Science Museum , the Museum of Natural History and the Victoria and Albert Museum .  

South of the River Thames is the place for contemporary art. Head to the Hayward Gallery in the Southbank Centre – a marvel of Brutalist architecture. From here, a 25-minute walk along the river via The Queen’s Walk passes through numerous London landmarks and leads you to Tate Modern, a network of four galleries that house the UK’s national collection of modern art. 

Take something home 

From unique independent stores to curated experiences at luxury department stores, London shopping has everything. Harrods of Knightsbridge is a retail institution; on its ground floor, you’ll find Harrods Food Halls, an expansive food emporium selling fresh produce, handcrafted chocolate, fine wines and spirits, and delicious treats that make perfect gifts. 

Book-loving friends and family members will be over the moon when they receive a canvas bag from Daunt Books , whose Marylebone flagship is housed in a 1910 Edwardian building. Floris of London is a family-owned perfumery founded in 1730, specialising in fragrance and grooming gifts. Its two-hour bespoke fragrance experience guides you through creating your own perfume.