Liberatti's Tailored Tour of London

I just realized that one year ago at Easter,  the Liberatti team landed in London. Time flies.

London became an instant favorite destination. It’s an incredible global city, and for those who share our love of tailoring and culture, here are our top London experiences to explore! We would love to hear about your favourite places! 

Resting places

We chose Piccadilly as our base. Not only is it located in the very heart of the city but it’s right next to the happening Soho and elegant Mayfair – a buzzing vibe versus a sophisticated atmosphere. This turned out to be an excellent decision with an incredible amount right on the doorstep, within easy walking distance.

We would follow a street, turn a corner and there would be something new..Savile Row or Sothebys.

Discovery favours location and in Piccadilly you’re off to a flying start.

For accommodation with zing we suggest:

Either Airbnb – we went for small and simple digs, but cosy and extremely well positioned in the heart of the Piccadilly action. Despite its location right on top of the Circus, it was completely sound proof and secure. Fine for 2 people but would take no more than this.   Sandro was an excellent host. View listing. 

Next time though we plan to stay at The Soho Hotel. (Shown above)  Yes, it’s a little further from Piccadilly but just five minutes from Oxford Street and the individually-styled rooms fizzle with colour and panache.

For something more chilled, you might like the Hotel Café Royal whose doors open straight onto Regent Street. This is old school service meets modern luxury.

Savile Row

Unable to resist a trip to the mecca of tailoring, Savile Row was top on our tour list. The home of bespoke gentleman’s tailoring, the Palladian buildings ooze with history, culture and of course the texture of so many different fabrics.

Galvanized we couldn’t resist tracking down Kathryn Sargent, the street’s first female tailor. After rising through the ranks, Sargent opened her own ateliers, No. 6 Brook Street, Mayfair, in 2012. And we were delighted to note that she pairs her own gorgeous tailored jackets with understated blouses and statement scarves.

Jermyn Street

Next stop, Jermyn Street, St James’s, and a cornucopia of traditional shirt and shoemakers. We took inspiration from the brogues, which were very much to the fore(foot), alongside the sharply folded pocket squares adorning the suited fronts of shop-window mannequins. Functional tailoring with style.
Jermyn Street, the London home of the UK’s premier Northampton shoemakers, also presents the finest crafted footwear made from the highest quality leather. The result is pure comfort for your feet.

Assouline’s  ~ Books, Brandy and Bouquets

After our whistle-stop tour of London’s atelier-central, we couldn’t resist down time at Assouline’s Swans Bar in Piccadilly. Not only can you get your special edition rebound, but you can also kick back with a glass of something special.
Not far away and right next to our accommodation, is Waterstone’s Bookstore over several floors. Stunning! Undoubtedly Waterstone’s is the largest one-stop book selection London. If they don’t stock it, then the title is sadly out of print.

We, however, prefer something altogether more intimate and Assouline’s is the perfect contrast.

Liberty of London 

Refueled at Assoulines, and beating the pavements once more, our next visit simply had to be Liberty’s Oxford Street store, a client of Liberatti Scarf Rings.

The term ‘department store’ really does not do Liberty’s justice – it’s a tudor emporium of luxury;  a kaleidoscope of colour and pattern. We are mesmerized by the architecture and beauty of the shop. The fabric selection held me transfixed for a good hour alone. And a stop at the Cafe for a hot soup in a quirky dining room with mismatched crockery, was very Liberty.   

Fortnum & Mason 

Wandering back towards Piccadilly, Fortnum & Mason reels us through its doors with its Easter Windows.

The Food Hall lures us into sampling delightfully irresistible chocolates, biscuits, cheeses and confectionery.

Though not featured here, I particularly loved the menswear department and my travel companion Mr Bullock stocked up on handkerchiefs, socks and delicious West Indian Lime cologne from the renown purveyors, Geoffrey Trumper.

Alfies Antique Market

Always in search of markets, vintage shopping and antiques, we set off the next day to Marylebone andAlfies Antique Market.  It was an easy walk from the station actually about 10 mins.
(TUBE: Marylebone Station underground and British Rail): Bakerloo Line (5 mins)

This is London’s largest undercover antique market. Well worth a visit, ideas are gleaned from the 75 dealers selling everything from jewelry to vintage apparel, watercolours to porcelain and amazing mid century furniture.

The place is awash with people bustling through the tastefully selected items for sale. You can even rest between dealers and grab a coffee at Alfies delightful rooftop cafe. 

Sotheby’s

It was with great excitement that we discovered another cultural mecca, Sotheby’s, New Bond Street.

By happenstance they were previewing a major collection of Picasso ceramics and a few photographs of his life, just prior to holding the auction. Many of the beautiful ceramics would sit well in my home, but we didn’t bid. Next time.

Not always the first place for a tourist destination, but do put Sotheby’s on your list. There’s always something new to see.

Coffee and Cafe Culture 

Swinging by Carpo – for the best coffee in London – we nab a caffeine hit and stock up on nuts, dried berries, and a final morsel of fine chocolate before heading back to our cosy and warm accommodation.

Your tailored tour?
What would you add to your perfect London visit? Or maybe you prefer a different city. Where would you recommend? Nicola x