London-based jewellery designer and Urbanologist Tessa Packard, shares with U her 'favourite London gems'

Boundary Hotel's roof terrace

The fabulous roof terrace at cool East London hotel, The Boundary, is such a great place for summer dining and drinking. It offers the most amazing 360-degree views over East London and the open fire pits allow you to sit outside no matter what the British weather has to offer. They also have the most delicious lobster and chips on the menu.

Poule au Pot

What I love most about French restaurant Le Poule au Pot is its ability to offer the perfect seasonal setting all year round. A Belgravia institution for as long as I can remember, the restaurant is one of the cosiest and most romantic places to be in the winter months, with their roaring fires and excellent wine list. During the summer, there is nothing more magical than sitting out on their terrace in the piazza of Orange Square, where you’ll feel as if you’ve travelled to a tranquil Provencal town square. If you’re a fan of snails, they offer some of the best in London.

Star Tavern on Belgrave Mews

This award-winning pub is as old school as you can get and always full of eccentric characters - so perfect for a people watcher like myself. It’s located on a very pretty cobbled mews, away from the hustle and bustle and is great for catching up with old friends. Not many are aware but it was also the tavern of choice for the great British train robbers who used the pub as a location to plot their heist, making it all the more fascinating a venue.

Oliveto

I can honestly say that Sardinian restaurant Oliveto in Belgravia offers the best pizza in London and is one of my favourite places to meet friends or family for a simple yet delicious lunch or dinner. The restaurant is always buzzing with people, day and night and the atmosphere there, as a result, is electric. I’m a huge fan of restaurants that transport you back to their country of origin through the food they offer and Oliveto does just that.

5 Hertford Street

One of the most important things for me when it comes to London venues are whether or not they’re dog-friendly. Luckily for me, private members club 5 Hertford Street in Mayfair couldn’t be more accommodating on this front (the owner is a dog lover and you’ll frequently spot his dogs wandering loose about the rooms) and I’ll often bring my daschund Smartie with me there for meetings or lunch appointments. They always spoil her senseless with bowls of delicious meat from the kitchen, so it’s a struggle getting her to leave - for both of us, the club is very much a home away from home. The new roof terrace is the perfect place to while away a sunny day over one of the many delicious cocktails on offer.

Tessa was born in Brazil but grew up and resides to date in London where she is Founder and Creative Director of her eponymous fine jewellery label Tessa Packard London. Launched in 2013, the brand has become internationally recognised for its eclectic bi-annual collections which celebrate both individuality and storytelling. 

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