Parisian-born, celebrity fashion stylist Laetitia Tomasso, shares with U her most stylish London hangouts...

It’s very hard to pick my 5 favourite places in London as things change constantly and my top 5 changes from month to month. So after much deliberation here’s my timeless top 5 which may be occasionally supplemented.

The Ivy Chelsea Garden in the King’s Road is one of my favourite restaurants, preferably in the terrace on a sunny day or wrapped under a blanket in the conservatory in winter especially when it’s dark outside for a magical atmosphere. The food is equally exceptional and they perhaps have the best priced Champagne in London. My personal favourites are the house Champagne and the Arancini to start with followed by the salmon or chicken with the truffle chips and some greens. The flourless cake of the moment (usually chocolate or cappuccino) is the ultimate treat!

My spa of choice is at the Spa at the Bulgari Hotel and Residence. I actually love everything at the Bulgari: Rivea by Alain Ducasse, the bar, the afternoon tea section by the fireplace with complimentary candy bar to pick from, everything is divine. I’ve picked the spa as there’s nothing like it in London! The swimming pool and resting area are divine with the gold tiles in the Jacuzzi and the lounge beds in the resting area. The couple suite is the perfect location to enjoy for the most indulgent private massage by expert therapists.

There are a lot of great spots to indulge a very British afternoon and as a French Londoner my vote has to go for the iconic Claridges. The experience is superb and makes the 6 month waiting list worth it! The selection of teas, sandwiches and cakes is excellent and refined and it’s almost made better by the pianist serenading diners while they’re enjoy their afternoon tea. Another plus, especially as a stylist, is that is an occasion to dress up. The fashion at Claridges equals the excellence of the food and the service.

My museum of choice is the V&A for the quality of its temporary exhibitions and periodic fashion lectures but also the less known free exhibitions. The rooms are perfectly curated and my personal favourite treat is the free tours offered by the museum. Arrive at 2pm on Saturday at the reception desk and follow their perfectly trained tour guide to discover a room that you never even thought of visiting. Private tours make a huge difference when visiting a museum and the passion of the V&A staff make the experience unforgettable.

As for shopping. Ironically, I do not shop … at least not in the common sense. My shopping sessions are more fitting experiences where I arrange for a curated selection of suitable outfits and accessories to be sent from the warehouse or other location to be sent to the VIP suite of a store or their private styling locations. There are no anonymous browsing sessions in crowded stores carrying heavy bags but fitting sessions in an immaculate and luxurious oversized fitting room, filled with pieces especially selected for you whilst sipping a glass or two of the finest Champagne! So my favourite shopping spot is the Matches Private Suite or the store in Marylebone High Street. The Store at the Bluebird, Moda Operandi’s private mews, Joseph on Sloane Street and the Boutique are coming close but I’m only allowed 5 favourite spots!

Ask me again in 6 months time and there may be some changes!

Laetitia is a regular at London, Paris and Milan Fashion Weeks Laetitia styles her private and celebrity clients along with fashion editorials, music and TV projects. The latest addition to her range of styling services; from personal style consultations, to wardrobe detoxes and home styling, is her Bespoke and Custom Made service which offers the ultimate in luxury.

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