Paul Smith's Guide to London

There are so many beautiful boutique hotels in London, but I would have to say that the newly refurbished Paul Smith Grand Suite at Browns Hotel is a wonderful place to stay at. Designing the suite was a really fun project, I have hidden many surprises and eclectic design elements throughout the suite for guests to discover! Another favourite of mine is, of course, Claridge’s. My wife, Pauline, and I have many special memories there, especially around Christmas time. In 2024, they invited me to design their annual Christmas tree, it was truly magical.

I have to mention our Paul Smith shops, but particularly the one on Albemarle Street is worth a visit, not only because I work there on Saturdays, but the store offers bespoke tailoring, made to measure service, art, ceramics and of course, ready to wear clothing. This September is also special because Paul Smith has taken over The Cornershop at Selfridges, and my office has temporarily moved there! If you want to come say hi, please do so before the 19th of September. Other than our own shops, I also like a homeware shop called Labour and Wait, they have recently opened a new store in Covent Garden near my office, very convenient!

Pauline and I spend our summers in Tuscany, and I have fallen in love with simple Italian food. And of course as a Brit, I also have a soft spot for English comfort food. Jeremy King does both at his newly opened Simpsons in the Strand – one restaurant offers fantastic Italian food and the other traditional British, both are delicious! I also like 45 Jermyn Street for special occasions; the restaurant is part of the prestigious Fortnum and Mason’s.

The beautiful thing about London is that there is always so much to see and explore. My favourite museum is Sir John Soane’s Museum in Holborn; the collection of unusual objects and interesting finds is baffling. Also, there is always lots to see at the British Museum and there are so many great art galleries in central London, especially on Bury Street in St. James’s.

I am not a big drinker, but I do enjoy an occasional Kir Royale at Maison Francoise in Saint James’s. The Donovan bar at the Browns Hotel has a great atmosphere and it is a great place for getting a drink when staying at the hotel.