Lady LUX

The Olympic games may have officially taken over London for the third time, but that doesn’t mean that’s all the city has to offer. Aside from the usual tourist attractions of Buckingham Palace, the London Eye, Big Ben and Topshop, this famous cultural city prides itself for fashion-forward shopping, award winning restaurants and inspirational arts. LadyLUX highlights ten incredible places to visit in London.

LadyLUX via Selfridges

Selfridges
London’s famed department store, Selfridges boasts a vast assortment of designer brands and is home to one of the largest shoe departments in the world. Selfridges is celebrating the Olympics with a “Big British Bang” that includes in-store displays by Stella McCartney, Olympics survival backpacks and The Greatest British Shop filled with exclusive limited edition items by British designers. A special concept store is also available to celebrate the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee.

LadyLUX via Boxpark Shoreditch

Boxpark Shoreditch pop-up mall
A retail revolution, Boxpark Shoreditch is the world’s first pop-up mall. Based in the heart of East London for the next five years, Boxpark strips and refits shipping containers to create unique, low cost, low risk “box shops.” There’s a mix of fashion and lifestyle brand stores, galleries and cafés. Don’t expect to find any high street retailers at this progressive mall.

LadyLUX via Browns

Browns

Browns has been a legendary London boutique since 1970. Created by Joan Burstein and her husband as a small boutique, Browns offers personal service, a unique shopping experience and cutting edge brands. Burstein is credited with discovering such talents as John Galliano, Alexander McQueen, Hussein Chalayan and Commes des Garcons.

LadyLUX via LN-CC

LN-CC
LN-CC is a hidden tunnel-like basement store located in Dalston. The artistic concept was created by John Skeleton, Daniel Mitchell and renowned set designer Gary Card. Despite its tunnel-like characteristics, the store boasts 6000 square feet and features seven unique concept rooms offering designer labels, underground Japanese women’s and men’s brands, an exhibition space and a private club.

LadyLUX via Spencer Hart

Spencer Hart
For the men, Spencer Hart is a sleek and modern store that offers luxury bespoke tailoring. Created by Nick Hart, the brand has established itself as a top tailoring service with an impressive celebrity clientele. The store opened its doors in September 2011 and features concrete flooring and a retro furnished seating area.

LadyLUX via National Portrait Gallery

National Portrait Gallery
The National Portrait Gallery showcases the world’s largest collection of personalities and faces from the late Middle Ages to the present day. Guests can experience important British figures, musicians and film stars in different types of media including painting, sculpture, photography and video.

LadyLUX via Design Museum

Design Museum
Located on the River Thames, the Design Museum offers inspiring insights into the world of design with exhibitions on fashion, architecture, furniture, graphics, products, transportation and digital design. The museum also hosts a variety of talks, family activities and includes a café.

LadyLUX via Wagamama

Wagamama
First opened in 1992, Wagamama has become the UK’s most popular chain of award-winning, Asian-inspired noodle restaurants. Modeled after Japanese ramen bars, the menu offers starters, main meals and desserts. Orders are taken on electronic handhelds and zapped to the kitchen by radio signal where it is immediately cooked.

LadyLUX via Dabbous

Dabbous
Ollie Dabbous, former head chef of Michelin star restaurant Texture, opened Dabbous as his first solo venture. The restaurant inspires with an industrial chic dining room and promising European cuisine. A stylish downstairs basement specializes in seasonal cocktails.

LadyLUX via Back in 5 Minutes

Back in 5 Minutes
Hidden away behind a designer clothes shop on Brick Lane, Back in 5 Minutes is a new restaurant and private dining room. Part of the Disappearing Dining Club, the restaurant seats 30 guests on three tables to celebrate unique styles of dining, proper food and superb drinks.

Read more London 2012 Olympics coverage.

Tagged in: travel, london, guide, city guide, shopping guide, selfridges, wagamama, restaurant guide, browns, national portrait gallery, ln-cc, boxpark shoreditch pop-up mall,