Everything the Luxury London team has been loving this month
We’re embracing autumn in the capital with a roster of new restaurants and wardrobe staples
There’s a chill in the air that signifies that autumn has officially arrived in London – and we’re not complaining. The new season heralds in cosy evenings trying London’s most delectable restaurants (see two of our favourites below) and reorganising our wardrobes to cater for those morning frosts and evening sunshine. Discover everything we’ve been obsessed with this September below.
Cordelia Aspinall, Branded Content and Shopping Writer
The restaurant: Bob Bob Ricard, Soho
It’s no secret that Bob Bob Ricard is one of London’s go-to foodie institutions, so when it collaborated with Idris Elba to serve up his deliciously bubbly Porte Noire Champagne alongside its signature dishes, I had to book a table. The famous pies are worthy of the hype; the mashed potato alone is worth going back for; and the champagne was crisp, refreshing, and every bit indulgent. This is fine British comfort food, elevated.
The sleepwear: Chelsea Peers Enchanted Glade pyjama set
There’s something about a matching pyjama set that makes me feel chic while chilling out. Chelsea Peers’ new Enchanted Dreams collection is ethereal, magical and wonderfully comfortable. Cut in an oversized fit and adorned with a mystical arrangement of butterflies, dragonflies and songbirds, alongside vibrant hearts, moons and foliage, this set caught my eye immediately.
The jacket: French Connection Mali looped fringe jacket
Autumn called and declared it officially jacket season. This French Connection design does far more than just keep me warm and cosy; it brings drama and attitude to any outfit I layer it over. Weekend brunch? I’ll fling it on with my T-shirt, jeans and boots. Sophisticated cocktail party? I’ll pair it with a mini skirt or dress and some killer heels.
Zoe Gunn, Digital Editorial Director
Campanelle
The restaurant: Campanelle
In my line of work I often find myself fielding restaurant recommendations – and the request I get more than any other is for good City of London restaurants for business lunches (that aren't Hawksmoor). Located on Billiter Street and, by some magic of modern engineering, both inside a glass skyscraper and a listed building that was formerly a bellmaking factory (hence the name) and the home of the London Shipping Exchange, Campanelle serves what I'll call an 'international Italian' menu. Yes, there are Italian classics such as langoustine arancini, monkfish ravioli, caponata, and zucchini fritti, but you'll also find buttermilk chicken waffles and baked eggs at breakfast, and grilled sirloin steak at lunch and dinner. A crowdpleaser for even the pickiest of clients, then.
The home workout gear: Onyx Fitness
While I was as pleased as the rest of us to get back to the gym after lockdown, the ease and effectiveness of home workouts have stuck with me, and you'll still find me doing mat Pilates on my living room floor a couple of times a week. The secret to getting real results? Good equipment. I've recently discovered Onyx, a British fitness brand offering high-quality resistance bands, stability balls, mats and weights that are not only hard-wearing but look so good you won't want to banish them to the under-stairs cupboard.
Home workout set
The beachwear: Blackbough Swim
If, like me, your favourite time to escape to the beach is in late September or early October, I have good news: lauded Filipino brand Blackbough Swim has just launched in the UK, bringing with it a modern, youthful and undeniably eye-catching approach to holiday dressing. Think brightly patterned skirts and dresses primed for the beach club, daring cut-out one pieces, and high-rise bikinis perfect for minimising tan lines. This Aspen swimsuit will be first in my suitcase.
Aspen swimsuit
Annie Lewis, Deputy Digital Editor
The sunglasses: Bloobloom Actress sunglasses
I’m not particularly adventurous with sunglasses. In fact, for most of my adult life I have relied on one pair (trusty round Ray-Bans, to be precise) – until now. French brand Bloobloom has been on my radar for a little while, founded in 2018 and now with several outposts across the capital, spanning Soho to Shoreditch. It prides itself on its handcrafted spectacles and sunglasses, as well as offering customers free, walk-in eye tests with in-house opticians and on-site repair services. I wanted something slightly more dramatic for the new season so opted for the square-framed Actress shape in diorite and haven’t looked back.
The transitional pieces: Hannah Artwear
One of Australia’s most coveted fashion brands, Hannah Kraus founded her eponymous label in 2017 to combine her two greatest passions: art and fashion. Each piece is custom designed and crafted by artisanal Aussie partners who use hand wood-block printing, embroidery and natural dyeing techniques. Perfect for the transitional period as the weather cools, the Ari trousers are rendered in a blush heavy cotton twill in a flattering straight leg style while the linen Gabriela shirt is perfect for layering. Pair together and add a sweater vest when the temperature drops for the ultimate autumnal outfit.
The autumn staple: Paige Alfie Cropped Wool Jacket
Paige’s AW25 collection is a masterclass in seasonal dressing – and, for me, the hero piece has to be this gorgeous oat-hued jacket. Lightweight and perfect for layering, it’s crafted from structured 100 per cent wool which lends a boxy fit. Size down to avoid it being oversized, and pair with Paige’s cult soft denim jeans for a casual but put-together look.
Read more: The Interiors Edit: The best new buys for an instant home makeover
