1. Thomas Dane Gallery
Here you’ll find contemporary works from many international and local artists. This month, the gallery is hosting their first exhibition of the works of sculptor, Phillip King, to commemorate his 80th birthday.
June 5 to July 26; 3 & 11 Duke Street St James's; +44 20 7925 2505; www.thomasdanegallery.com
2. Victoria & Albert Museum
I recommend paying a visit here to see The Glamour of Italian Fashion 1945 -2014 exhibition, which looks at the key figures and organisations that contributed to the evolution of fashion in Italy.
Until July 27; Cromwell Rd, London; +44 20 7942 2000; www.vam.ac.uk
3. Sotheby’s café
Here, you can enjoy light breakfasts, lunches and afternoon tea. Chef Laura Greenfield changes the seasonal menu weekly, so your experience is always different. The café is famous for its Lobster Club Sandwich; due to popular demand this item has been a mainstay on the menu for years!
34-35 New Bond St; +44 20 7293 5077; www.sothebys.com
4. Punch Room at the London Edition
For a cosy cocktail to a soundtrack of blues, I recommend this oak-panelled bar, which is reminiscent of manor house libraries and London’s distinguished 19th-century members clubs.
10 Berners St; +44 207 781 000; edition-hotels.marriott.com
5. Masterpiece London 2014
Masterpiece London presents the finest art from prestigious international galleries alongside design, antique furniture and precious jewels. It presents patrons, collectors and visitors a varied and in-depth offering with over 150 international exhibitors showcasing GBP 1 billion worth of works from antiquity to contemporary.
This year the fair will feature many returning exhibitors such as Blain Southern, Carpenters Workshop Gallery, Chatila Jewellers, Robilant & Voenna, Galerie Mermoz, Apter Fredericks as well as new new exhibitors from across the world including Thomas Gibson Fine Art and Alon Zakaim from the UK, Swiss master watchmakers Jaeger-LeCoultre, the Netherlands’ Vanderven Oriental Art, the USA’s Fitzgerald Fine Art, to name a few.
June 26 to July 2; Royal Hospital Chelsea, South Grounds; www.masterpiecefair.com
6. Attend an auction
There are many sales being held at all of the major auction houses in June and July. They range from Impressionist, Modern and Contemporary art to Furniture and Old Masters. I recommend attending as many as you possibly can while in town - the Impressionist/Modern and Contemporary Art sales at Christie’s and Sotheby’s coincide with the fair, so it is another great opportunity to experience the energy of the art market and see some of the best works available, all in one city.
7. Claridge’s
Classic London hotel and restaurant Claridge’s is perfectly situated in the heart of Mayfair, near our offices and many of our exhibitors. It offers luxury and comfort and is renown for the impeccable service it has provided to its guests for generations. A truly glamorous London experience, this hotel has been favoured by royalty and the most distinguished international figures since its opening in the early 19th century.
Brook Street, Mayfair; +44 20 7629 8860; www.claridges.co.uk
8. Scott’s restaurant
Scott’s is an essential on the dining repertoire of celebrities and art world figures, and has featured at Masterpiece London for numerous years as part of the Urban Caprice group of restaurants. Scott’s is a seafood and champagne bar and my favourite dish is the lemon sole, with a glass of Rully Blanc white wine.
20 Mount St; +44 20 7495 7309; www.scotts-restaurant.com
9. Royal Opera House
I would also suggest taking in some opera or theatre while in the capital. In late June a highly acclaimed production of Puccini’s Tosca will be on at the Royal Opera House, one of the most stunning cultural venues in London.
Bow St, Convent Garden; +44 20 7304 4000; www.roh.org.uk
10. RHS Chelsea Flower Show
Just before Masterpiece, London presents the spectacular Chelsea Flower Show from May 20 to 24, which occupies the grounds of the Royal Hospital Chelsea before we move in.