A Day In The Life Of A London Lady

Ever wondered what it might be like to live like a London lady? Here’s our guide to where to shop, eat, and indulge in the British capital

Sartorially sophisticated, perfectly-groomed, and with her own well-thumbed copy of Debrett’s, the London lady is a beautiful, polite creature often spotted in elegant corners of the British capital. For those looking to live a day in her Manolos, we’ve put together the ultimate Lady’s guide to London, from designer jewellery shopping at Boodles to afternoon tea Fortnum & Mason and some well-deserved pampering at our own ESPA Life spa. Go on, you deserve it.

1. ESPA Life At Corinthia London

First things first: the London lady knows that to look her best, she needs to feel her best. With that in mind, indulge in a morning of pampering at ESPA Life at Corinthia London. Get a new hairstyle from Daniel Galvin, have your eyelashes tinted for extra flutter power, maybe even a manicure or a massage, and get ready to glow.

2. Liberty

Now that you’re perfectly preened, it’s time for a spot of shopping at that most British of department stores, Liberty. Meander through the hallowed wooden halls of this elegant London shopping institution and kit yourself out in top-to-toe loveliness. After all, what would the London lady be without her Liberty print scarf?

3. Chanel At Covent Garden

You’ve got your outfit sorted, but what about the beauty regime? A London lady would never leave the house without her powder and blush so make your way over to the Chanel boutique in Covent Garden to stock up on your favourite beauty essentials, from the perfect lipstick to sophisticated shades of nail polish.

4. Café Murano

Shopping the way a London lady does it is bound make one peckish. Amble over to the chic Café Murano on nearby St James’s to sample chef Angela Hartnett’s authentic menu of Northern Italian dishes. We’d recommend the truffle arancini.

5. Manolo Blahnik

A lady can’t possibly be expected to trot around the city in any old shoe. And as every woman knows, no one rivals Manolo Blahnik when it comes to elegant and imaginative shoe design. Worship at his temple on Old Church Street, for the ultimate shoe-shopping experience.

6. Philip Treacy

But what would a London lady be without her hat? An essential accessory for any London Season event, make sure you’re sporting the latest fashions in millinery with a piece by Philip Treacy. Milliner to royalty and other stars in the celebrity firmament, who better to trust with your headwear?

7. Fortnum & Mason

A spot of afternoon tea is the quintessential ladylike pick-me-up, and nowhere does it quite like Fortnum & Mason. Opened by the Queen and festooned with Royal Warrants, the Diamond Jubilee Tea Salon is the place to enjoy traditional British scones, finger sandwiches and, of course, a flawlessly brewed cup of tea.

8. Floris London

A signature scent is something that sets a lady apart, so follow in the footsteps of the ultimate London lady, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, and find yours at the historic British perfume house, Floris. You can also go one step further and create your own bespoke scent.

9. Boodles

And finally…jewellery. The London lady doesn’t need jewels to sparkle, but she would like them nevertheless (and knows how many carats she’s worth). Find yourself the perfect piece from British fine jewellers, Boodles.

10. Tom's Terrace

Bedecked in Blahnik and Boodles, it’s finally time to relax. Enjoy a chilled glass of Champagne at the outdoor Tom’s Terrace at Somerset House and soak up the stunning views out over the Thames. The perfect finale to your day of decadence.