Not sure about you girls but I’m thinking London is hooooot right now. So hot that I want a brand new LA inspired wardrobe! Wandering down Bond Street on a sunny shopping spree, where can a fashionista go when hunger strikes? Many of the restaurants are already fully booked in this prime Mayfair location. Never fear, Mona is here!
1. Submerged under Wolf and Badger and next to Victoria Beckham, you will find Raw Press. This is the place to go to indulge in healthy goodness but still squeeze into those skinny pants in the changing room afterwards. Cold pressed juices range from fun and fruity to lean and mean. Ask for a salad box and load up, these are not the boring salads you have had a million times before, they are rammed with flavour. Did I mention anyone who turns their nose up at your spending will never find you here? You can thank me later!
2. Sometimes, I just want a bowl of pasta. But not any old pasta, I want it hand made and so fresh it slips right down. Casa Di Stefano on Dover Street delivers and much more. I step into the pale blue and white restaurant and it takes me back to holidays in Santorini. Ravioli, papadelle, tagliatelle….you can have it all. And the best part is they are very generous with truffle! The quintessential Roman pasta dish, cacio e pepe, is hard to find as although it is simple (cheese and pepper) it is deceptively difficult to execute. Casa Di Stefano delivers this dreamy dish to perfection! As long as you don’t turn up with all your entire family, you should be able to walk in and get a table. In the worst case scenario, sit at the bar and treat yourself to a glass of prosecco whilst the pasta boils.
3. If you are shopping for a special occasion, stop by Park Chinois which is Alan Yau’s newest venture. This 1930s Shanghai style joint is like stepping back in time. Enjoy a light (or not) dim sum lunch with an extra large side of glam. At night, a jazz band plays until the wee hours but lunch-timers, order a cocktail or even the champagne afternoon tea for the glitziest dejeuner this side of Cannes. Take your mum, take your boyfriend’s mum, take their mums too.
4. This is the wild card. If you are shopping on Regent Street or near Carnaby, head inside Kingly Court and upstairs until you see Le Bab. “Kebabs” you say! I can smell your outrage….but listen up. These aren’t just any kebabs. These are gourmet kebabs made by chefs who trained at Le Gavroche and were hired by chefs who worked at all the best Michelin starred restaurant in London. My favourite is the spicy BBQ paneer, which combined with the sweetness of beetroot puree and crunch of crispy onion, is pretty much heaven. Beg/ sob/ demand a table by the open kitchen. These chefs are fascinating to watch.
5. Finally, if you head to the beast that is Selfridges, don’t forget to stop by Helmsley & Helmsley’s cafe which is tucked behind the swimwear on level three. The Helmsley’s are the sisters that brought us spiralizing and all its goodness so you can eat here and still shop for bikinis afterwards! Go for a “hardcore green juice” and signature paradise bar. Personally, I’m all about the breakfast though – egg white frittatas and a matcha latte make for the ultimate girlboss wake up and slay. After your healthy fix, don’t forget to stop by the Snowflake Gelato bar downstairs in the Food Hall before you step back out in the sunshine.
Any Questions or Tips to add?