London has long been held up as the pinnacle of diversity – a city that feels more like a collection of small towns than a homogenous whole. Cross over from west to east, and you would be forgiven for thinking you’d travelled to an entirely different town. This is why it has been held up as one of the world’s most happening and vibrant cities, with residents regularly quoting Samuel Johnson’s assertion that “when a man is tired of London, he is tired of life.” Because of the sheer amount of things to do and see, navigating London can often be a daunting prospect for visitors. Fortunately, Masterpiece London CEO, Nazy Vassegh, knows the city like the back of her hand, and has the key to the most interesting hotspots in all the boroughs.
London has long been held up as the pinnacle of diversity – a city that feels more like a collection of small towns than a homogenous whole. Cross over from west to east, and you would be forgiven for thinking you’d travelled to an entirely different town. This is why it has been held up as one of the world’s most happening and vibrant cities, with residents regularly quoting Samuel Johnson’s assertion that “when a man is tired of London, he is tired of life.” Because of the sheer amount of things to do and see, navigating London can often be a daunting prospect for visitors. Fortunately, Masterpiece London CEO, Nazy Vassegh, knows the city like the back of her hand, and has the key to the most interesting hotspots in all the boroughs.
VICTORIA & ALBERT MUSEUM
Vassegh also has a soft spot for the Victoria & Albert Museum, because of its impressive collection of decorative art. “I never tire of visiting this beautiful museum,” Vassegh explains. “It is one of London’s greatest cultural treasures.”
Cromwell Road, London SW7 2RL
+44 20 7942 2000
SIR JOHN SOANE’S MUSEUM
Although she favors modern and contemporary art institutions, Vassegh’s top architecture spot is the Victorian-era Sir John Soane’s Museum in Lincoln’s Inn Fields, surrounding which you will find London’s traditional legal district: a collection of barristers’ chambers, the nearby Royal Courts of Justice, and the world-famous Inns of Court. “Built by the renowned neo-classical architect John Soane,” Vassegh says, “the beautiful building and its interiors have remained intact since the time of his death in 1837.”
13 Lincoln's Inn Fields, London WC2A 3BP,
+44 20 7405 2107
SCOTT'S
The Lemon Sole at Scott’s, a seafood restaurant and champagne bar on Mount Street, is a must have, according to Vassegh, which she recommends be complemented with a glass of Rully Blanc. “Scott’s is an essential on the dining repertoire of celebrities and art world figures,” she muses.
20 Mount St, London W1K 2HE
+44 20 7495 7309
THE PROVIDORES AND TAPA ROOM
109 Marylebone High Street, London W1U 4RX
+44 (0) 20 7935 6175
THE ARTS CLUB
Having spent more than 23 years in the London art world – first at Sotheby’s, then as an independent consultant and CEO of Masterpiece – it is only natural that Mayfair figures as one of her favorite neighborhoods. It is one of her preferred destinations for eating, specifically The Arts Club on Dover Street, which makes Vassegh’s list “for their elegant atmosphere, great drinks and consistently fabulous menus.”
40 Dover Street Mayfair London W1S 4NP
+44 020 7499 8581
With its décor inspired by English Cubism and the Irish 1920s, The Connaught Bar at the Connaught Hotel, is “effortlessly chic” and has an artistic vibe, Vassegh feels, while she also favors the Radio Rooftop Bar at the Hotel ME London, a tenth-floor spot offering panoramic views of the capital: “a perfect location for a cocktail on a warm summer evening.”
THE CONNAUGHT
Carlos Place, Mayfair, London, W1K2AL + 44 (0)207499707
ME LONDON
336-337 The Strand, London WC2R 1HA
+44 808 234 1953
CLARIDGE’S
Vassegh favourite spot to stay is Claridge’s. “A truly glamorous London experience, this hotel has been favored by royalty and the most distinguished international figures since (its) opening in the early 19th Century,” She explains.
49 Brook St, London W1K 4HR
+44 20 7629 8860
Vassegh’s favourite area of London is Borough Market, both for the gastronomy as well as the atmosphere. “Interacting with all of the people in the market makes for a lively Saturday afternoon and leaves you inspired to cook up something different,” she says. Laidback yet always buzzing, Borough Market remains one of the top food destinations for Londoners. Wandering through the market, you may chance upon a cuisine you’ve never tried before – a good way to keep city dwellers on their toes. “Sampling all of the delicious delicacies as you go along is also part of the fun,” Vassegh adds.
8 Southwark St, London SE1 1TL, United Kingdom
+44 20 7407 1002
Vassegh’s taste in London-style shopping, another much-touted reference point for the city, is a slightly more eclectic mix of east and west London. She picks both haute couture fashion house Prada, and Start, an east London boutique on Rivington Street: “a go-to place for finding that special designer piece.”
PRADA
16-18 Old Bond Street
+ 44 2076475001
START
42-44 Rivington St, London EC2A 3QP, United Kingdom
+44 20 7729 3334
REGENT’S PARK
And when the vibe gets overwhelming at times, the city offers solace too, she feels. “London has lots of great hideaways when you need a break from the hustle and bustle.” It is easy enough to disappear into anonymity in the midst of London’s medieval streets, but Vassegh’s favored spot for peace and quiet is Queen Mary’s Garden in Regent’s Park. “Located right in the centre of the park, the rose gardens here are some of the most magnificent I’ve ever seen.” Among Vassegh’s favourites also are the Battersea Park and The Chelsea Physic Garden, but head to Victoria Park on the bank of Regent’s Canal for a glimpse of east end charm.
