There’s nothing quite like a girls’ weekend in London. Whether you’re coming from elsewhere in the UK, flying in from Europe or beyond, or are a Londoner but planning something special for your gang – London is the gift that just keeps on giving.
It feels like every week there’s a new cocktail bar boasting a fresh concept or independent eatery opening in London. As for hotels – with hundreds of design-led places to rest your head, this city knows how to show you and your girlfriends a good time. But where to start?
For groups of three or more, this is your detailed, dream itinerary for a girls’ weekend in the Big Smoke. We’ve got tips on where to stay (specifically hotels with ample space), the coolest new restaurant openings – as well as old favourites – that always please the crowd, plus creative hubs, art galleries, and late-night entertainment like live music and burlesque.
Consider this your cheat sheet to planning a knock-out trip for your best friends; whether it be a hen party, special birthday or just a city break, we’ll save you hours of scrolling.
Wake up at … Ham Yard Hotel
If you’re looking for somewhere to get your beauty sleep while travelling with a group in London, you’ll need a pad that’s got bags of space, multiple bathrooms and somewhere to pop a bottle. And Firmdale Hotels stands out. This boutique chain spans eleven, extremely luxurious home-from-homes across London and New York, founded by duo Kit and Tim Kemp. You’ll no doubt have walked past the picturesque sage-green façade of Charlotte Street Hotel, where celebrities can be spotted enjoying a morning coffee on the terrace, or grabbed a pre-show cocktail at Haymarket Hotel, which sits on the edge of Theatreland. Indeed, in central London, you could say that Firmdale wears the crown, with Kit Kemp’s vision for design its jewel. But, what makes Firmdale ideal for group trips is the wide selection of room categories, with each hotel eschewing the standard small, medium and large, for long-stay apartments, two-bedroom suites and wow-worthy wrap-around terraces.
For a girls’ weekend in London, we can’t resist Ham Yard Hotel. Find it in the corner of Covent Garden, on the edge of Soho – the location is second to none. Not only are some major must-dos on your doorstep, including Dover Street Market and the Royal Academy – but we love that it’s close enough to pop back between perusing gallery walls and dinner reservations. Speaking of rooms, Ham Yard is home to four luxurious two-bedroom suites which means there’s plenty of room for everyone, as well as giant bathrooms, an abundance of sofas and outdoor space. The Terrace Suite is particularly jaw-dropping; located on the top floor it has floor-to-ceiling windows, a private terrace and killer view, as well as decadent details like princess canopies over beds, a bespoke headboard appliqued by fabric artist Natasha Hulse, striped wallpaper and a huge, stand-alone tub. If you’re planning more than a few nights away, investigate the apartments which include small gardens, state-of-the-art kitchens and homely comforts for longer stays.
But, first, coffee at … Algerian Coffee Stores
For coffee lovers, this is the real-deal. Buried in the busy heart of Soho, Algerian Coffee Stores first opened its doors in 1887 and its red-and-white striped façade has been an iconic fixture of Old Compton Street ever since. The same family have been its guardians since 1946 and, now in their third generation of coffee purveyors, maintain a prevailing attitude: clearly summed up as you step inside, on a sign that says: “no inflated prices, no seating, just a pure caffeine shot.” All their coffee is freshly roasted twice a week and spans house blends, single-origin and limited-editions: buy a cup right there or stock up on a bag to take home, alongside specialist chocolates, confectionery and some teas. In the short time you’ll spend here, the door won’t stop swinging as every kind of character you could imagine pops in for a steaming cup of Joe. It’s a real insight into the wonderful melting pot that is Soho, and it feels like a well-kept secret.
Take a stroll at… Bermondsey Street
Looking to do something a little different with your girls? Swap the well-trodden paths of Covent Garden or Shoreditch with a more underrated spot for extra cool points. Bermondsey Street, on a historic corner between London Bridge and Borough, is a mix of cobbled pathways, listed buildings and old warehouses, painting an atmospheric picture in the heart of the city. With nearly 600 small businesses in the area it’s the perfect place to mosey, merging boutique stores, wine bars, authentic pubs and an arts offering that would rival any other postcode in London. Speaking of which, a visit to White Cube is a non-negotiable; this legendary gallery was founded in 1993 and played a huge role in the up and coming of artists in the early 90s, having been a consistent favourite space of Tracey Emin.
You can also check out the brightly-hued Fashion and Textile Museum with exciting exhibitions and one-day courses on stitching and pattern making, which could be something to anchor your trip around. When hunger comes a-calling, of-the-moment lunch or dinner spots include rustic tapas restaurant José which combines exposed-brick walls with authentic Spanish tiling, or French eatery Casse-Crôute, which feels a little bit like having dinner at a friend’s house. Fancy a casual bite? Head to Maltby Street Market which, while not totally under-the-radar, offers a more local feel than the close-by Borough Market. Hidden under a set of 19th-century railway arches, find a mix of artisan food stands selling cheeses, meats and wines, alongside oysters, toasties, Asian cuisine and tapas, all of which can be enjoyed on the go.
Make lunch reservations at… July
© Safia Shakarchi
It doesn’t matter how often you visit London, there’s always something new to taste and, this year, in the heart of buzzing Fitzrovia, it’s July. Opened in 2024, this eatery was founded by oh-so-cool couple, French-Swiss food writer Solynka Dumas and German Julian Oschmann, after the pair met while living in the same apartment building in Berlin. Not only does the restaurant share their names (it’s a blend of the two, how cute!), it also brings together the cuisines of their homelands, focusing on the Alsace region where France, Germany, and Switzerland meet. While July has the primest of locations, found smack-bang in the middle of Charlotte Street, the vibe is distinctly neighbourhood. The layout feels intimate and groups of four or six will feel most at home towards the back of the space, in a small dining room characterised by a charming wall mural by friend of the brand and artist Orfeo Tagiuri. The decor is on-trend but with cosy, homely details which reflect the founder’s original inspiration of supper clubs and a love of hosting friends.
© Safia Shakarchi
To start things off, order a bottle of low-intervention wine as part of a selection curated by sommelier Honey Spencer, and peruse the menu with some obligatory cold cuts and cheese. The menu nods heavily to traditional themes from the Alsace, often featuring contemporary takes on dumplings, terrines and tarts, with lashings of cream, butter, garlic and cheese. Dishes are split into nibbles, starters and mains, but if sharing is your thing, it’s totally possible and with good-sized portions, a couple of large plates can work for a small group. While the menu changes weekly, previous feasts have included a succulent half chicken with creamy, long potatoes and cavolo nero, as well as crispy lamb belly with anchovy dauphinoise and pickled radicchio. Even if you don’t usually have a sweet tooth, save room for a dessert: freshly baked madeleines dusted with icing sugar and finished with blackberry compote, or tangy grape sorbet, served in vintage coupes and topped with bubbles.
Make lunch reservations at… Bistrotheque
A fantastic roast is a rite of passage for anyone spending a Sunday in the capital. If the city had a ‘national dish’ this would be it, with Londoners considering their recommendations on where to get the best roast beef and Yorkshire puds a closely guarded secret. We love Bistrotheque; one of Hackney’s chicest restaurants with a 20-year legacy. Co-founded by David Waddington and Pablo Flack in 2004, the space has become iconic for its simplicity. Positioned on the first floor of an old factory building, the dining room is white-washed and flooded with natural light, courtesy of period windows. Clean-cut tables dressed in blanched cloths create an effortless aesthetic – topped off with a baby piano. To understand the context around Bistrotheque you should know that it has been ‘the’ hangout for London’s coolest crowds for decades, hosting the likes of Alexa Chung, Vivienne Westwood, and Tracey Emin at fashion parties – and by the rest of us, as a favourite haunt. But, the vibe isn’t pretentious; cast an eye across the busy space on a Sunday afternoon and you’ll see groups of stylish friends laughing loudly and enjoying the hard-to-beat menu, soaking up the relaxed ambience.
On Sundays there’s only one thing for it: the Sunday roast featuring a melt-in-your-mouth ribeye with a soft, moreish pile of braised beef, accompanied by a blooming Yorkshire pudding and sides of crispy roast potatoes, seasonal greens, and topped off with a silver gravy dish filled with horseradish cream with a real kick. Ask the team to recommend the perfect red wine. But it’s not only roasts: the food menu also offers European-inspired, straight-forward dishes done indulgently well. Long-standing favourites include steak tartare finished with a perfect yolk or the half Peruvian chicken, roasted to perfection and served with green sauce.
Get your culture fix … Studio Voltaire
Studio Voltaire in Clapham is one of the city’s coolest creative hubs – and a spot that doesn’t get mentioned enough. It began life in 1994 when a collective of artists and creatives sought out an old tram shed on Voltaire Road, looking to transform it into a space that they could gather, create and work. Since then, it’s grown into one of the UK’s leading not-for-profit arts and education organisations. A lofty, industrial space, across its spanning walls you’ll find long-running exhibitions, artist’s film showreels and a packed events calendar, with everything from live performances to panel discussions.
Studio Voltaire has also partnered with The LOEWE Foundation so be sure to look out for related events and exhibitions. One of the best things about this gallery, though, is its 360-approach to the visitor experience with an on-site shop, House of Voltaire, packed with artsy gifts, books and textiles, as well as in-house restaurant run by Crispin. You’ll probably know Crispin from its Spitalfields restaurants or smaller site in Soho, and with this partnership the team have brought their culinary expertise into the heart of the gallery, serving up classic, seasonal dishes for lunch and dinner, Wednesday to Sunday. The menu showcases small and independent growers with dishes like grilled cod with mussel sauce and pickled fennel alongside chicken leg with borlotti beans and nduja. Book yourself a table after a few hours spent browsing the current works, and you’ve got yourself a perfect London afternoon.
Clink teacups at … Sketch
Just off Regent Street, you’ll find an inconspicuous townhouse with all the hallmarks of the Regency period. Step over the threshold, through the large, cream-toned stone doorway and it’s akin to Alice, tumbling her way through the looking glass. Inside, you’ll find an eccentric compilation of bar, restaurant and cafe, which take their cues from the worlds of art and design with bold, colourful design concepts which have made the venue world famous. So, if you’re looking for somewhere unique to enjoy one of the capital’s most traditional refreshments, spending a few hours at Sketch is an experience in itself.
Inside, the Glade, with its floral wallpaper and foliage underfoot is supposed to feel like an enchanted forest, and the Parlour turns heads with neon lighting and custom-designed textiles. The Gallery is where you’ll raise a teacup: for years, the space was known for its monochromatic scheme which saw India Magdavi drench the walls in a sweet shade of pink and artist David Shrigley create a set of works for the walls. Recently, though, the Gallery received a complete makeover, recovering walls in a metallic copper paper by De Gournay, bringing in sunshine yellow hues across furnishings and welcoming artwork from British-Nigerian artist Yinka Shonibare. The effect is a glow which seems to emit from the heart of the room with walls shining and reflecting under the illumination of lights. A stunning setting for afternoon tea, sit down to the sounds of a live classical string trio and order a glass of Champagne, poured from a height.
Check out the events calendar at… Amie Wine Studio
Instead of making typical reservations for drinks or dinner, think out of the box when it comes to planning your girls’ trip, and look at events, cultural calendars and workshops, too. An insider tip is to try Amie Wine Studio in Belgravia’s Eccleston Yards. Amie Wine launched in 2020, founded by partners in business and in life, Abbie Roden and Will Sandbach, and instantly went viral not only because of the taste of its south-of-France rosé, but because of its concept of on-trend design and a drink created by friends, for friends.
Since then, the brand has been one to watch and opened a wine bar slash events studio in West London which has a packed events calendar. On any given week you might find flower arranging, candle painting workshops, supper clubs with some of the coolest chefs on Instagram and even art exhibitions, making Amie Wine Studio somewhat of a cultural hot spot. Of course, wine is at the centre of what they do and so rest assured whether you’re critiquing art or learning to style a bouquet, they’ll be plenty of vino. And, if you fancy just popping in for a glass, the studio also runs as a bar day-to-day.
Listen to live music at… Zedel’s
If you’re not familiar with Zedel’s, where have you been? This French institution in the heart of Piccadilly Circus was established back in 1915, originally as part of the Regent Palace Hotel which, at that time, was the largest, and one of the most glamorous hotels in Europe. While the space has changed over the years, its interiors have rightly-so stayed the same, and today are a stunning example of early 20th-century elegance with pink marble, elaborate ceiling cornicing and golden accents. Over its three floors, Zedel’s covers a typically Parisian cafe; cabaret club; cocktail bar, and the main restaurant. Entertainment is the order of the day here, making it a brilliant place to bring friends and do something a little different.
The Crazy Coqs bar serves up all sorts of live performances including comedy routines, musicians across the worlds of classic, folk, jazz, funk and more, as well as burlesque. You can slip inside the circular room with a cocktail in hand and wait to be delighted, as the red curtains part and the next number comes on – it’s like going back to the Golden Age. But, if lots of nattering over dinner is more your thing, we love that live music is played every single evening in the main dining room. How many restaurants in London can say that? Surrounded by historic Art Deco features you can enjoy a traditional French menu of everything from garlic-tossed snails and steak with frites, to a floating island dessert finished with crushed pistachios, while the house band croons in the background. Plus, the in-house team offers a celebration cake service with freshly-baked Victoria sponges and chocolate gateaux made to order, complete with your own message. For birthdays and hen parties, it’s the finishing touch to a fabulous night.
Make dinner reservations at…Bottarga
Impress your friends by booking one of the hottest new openings in West London for dinner; Bottarga, little sister to the already much-hyped Zēphyr and latest project to come from Pachamama. Bottarga ticks all the boxes for getting your best pals together from Instagram-worthy interiors to tasty sharing plates and a rich, cosy atmosphere that encourages hours-long conversations. The restaurant’s concept hinges on Greek dining and is inspired by nostalgic summers spent eating and drinking across the country’s many islands. In this restaurant, the Pachamama group have done their best to bring you warm, Aegean flavours against a backdrop of textured walls, rustic wooden furniture and oh-so-aesthetic cafe curtains.
Get started with a selection of mezze, amongst which there are a few crowd pleasers already like the pepper, anchovy and Amfisa olives gildas and courgette tempura, as well as crudo like bluefin tuna and sea bass in lemon dressing. Smaller plates are complemented nicely with something a little meatier from the butcher selection. The lamb belly is a total must-try finished with Greek Easter seasoning, as is the lemon chicken with a fragrant thyme emulsion. For dessert? Indulgence looks like the chocolate burnt cheesecake with salted caramel chocolate, but don’t miss out on the orange pie with kumquat and orange cream. Can we have a moment for the cocktails, too? Kick things off with a strong-as-they-come Negroily which mixes gin, mastiha, vermouth, bitters and olive oil, and finish with a kafe martini which blends coffee, rum, coconut and blueberry.
Get ready for a night of burlesque at…The Ned
For a girls’ weekend, The Ned is heaven sent. Housed within a magnificent, early 20th-century building which was formerly a Midland Bank headquarters, it dazzles guests with handsome, green-marble columns, soaring ceilings and a central bandstand with live music, where on Saturday evenings you’ll find guests taking a spin or two. Pulling together a mix of venues, from Cecconi’s Italian restaurant to the 1920s-esque Nickel bar, it’s the ultimate place to let the good times roll. Go for a drink and soak up the vibes, but if you want to do something extra special, book a table at the subterranean jazz club, The Parlour.
Here, sumptuous, velvet cocktail chairs almost disappear in the low-lit room, headed by a small stage where a jazz band tinkles in the background, warming up the crowd before the main acts. Throughout the evening you can expect a varied mix of performances including a comedic host, soulful singers, tap dancers and burlesque artists, who will wow you with their costumes, talent and wit. With short breaks in between there’s time to have a natter before the next act comes on, capturing your attention all over again and giving an immersive feel to the evening. The food menu is also expertly designed, so you’ll love indulging in crowd-pleasing favourites like Dover sole in brown butter, succulent Venison Wellington or, our favourite, the whole lobster thermidor cooked in indulgent parmesan, brandy and English mustard for a total show-stoppper. While The Parlour’s impressive selection of sparkling wine totally fits the mood, don’t miss out on signature cocktails like the Parlour Boulevard which mixes Woodford Reserve, Punt e Mes, Campari and strawberry for a rich, heady finish.
Lead image credit: Sketch in Bloom 2025
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