[intro] Rather than face the daunting Heathrow transfer on our way home from Spring Market in Paris - this trip we decided to embrace the opportunity for a quick London stay. After our last appointment we hopped on an afternoon train and arrived at our hotel just in time for cocktail hour. Here’s our guide for a jam packed 48 hours in Londontown.[/intro]

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[pullquote]"The Beaumont Mayfair exudes London Art Deco elegance."[/pullquote]

A stay at the Beaumont is almost a reason unto itself for a London visit. It's a very special experience - as if traveling back to the 1920s Mayfair for a sojourn at a very fashionable private club. And drinks at their perfect little bar, Le Magritte, are the best way to start any evening.

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[pullquote]"I dream of Jamavar." [/pullquote]

It is an every trip must for incredible Indian food in a chic Mayfair setting. The menu is a tightly curated mix of dishes you know and ones worth discovering.

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[pullquote]"Pastry perfection at Farm Shop."[/pullquote]

Farm Shop is the perfect stop over for a well-crafted Flat White and a sublime Jelly Donut. Their pastries never disappoint and their fancy food assortment always inspires.

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[pullquote]"The collection of Middle Eastern antiquities and the sun filled solarium studio were highlights of our visit."[/pullquote]

I love a small museum - especially one in a residence. We had been anxious to check out Leighton House - home to Victorian painter Lord Frederick Leighton. The museum features paintings, drawings, and sculptures by the artist and his contemporaries. But the main attraction is a fabulous collection of Middle Eastern tiles and antiquities.

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[pullquote]"Department stores in America are having a tough go - most feel like ubiquitous mausoleums to the past. But in London Department stores are alive and well and evolving."[/pullquote]

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After a quick lunch at the Fifth Floor Cafe at Harvey Nichols (I obsess over the Chicken Club and Jim loves the Caesar Salad), we were eager to check out their new merchandising strategy where (like us) they bring fashion, home and beauty together in artful colorful displays spanning the first floor. Lots of inspo to be had.

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[pullquote]"Next we headed next door to Harrods to see the city block long span of first floor windows imagined as if the mannequins were sitting first row at Fashion Week. Very clever."[/pullquote]

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We quickly raced through Liberty where we always find a lot of beauty inspiration - and their downstairs scent bar was incredibly well done - arranged by fragrance notes vs brand. And of course Jim wanted to go to Selfridge's and see the gigantic water cooler in the center of a huge Thom Browne shop-in-shop celebrating the launch of his ASICS collab.

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[pullquote]"Noble Rot is so much more than just a neighborhood wine bar."[/pullquote]

Before heading to dinner in Notting Hill we popped into Noble Rot Wine Bar on Lamb's Conduit. Both their setting and the street are incredibly charming. We intermittently stock their magazine when we can get it.

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"Sally Clark's Notting Hill restaurant has been a London must for us for nearly 20 years."

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Clarke's is another long time favorite for us. Sally Clarke is the Alice Waters of England and her menu is always perfectly reflects that ethos - seasonal ingredients simply prepared with artful flourishes. The room is generally filled with well-heeled Londoners so it always makes for an elegant experience where one feels like a local.

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[pullquote]"I doubt Lady Mary would approve of the Bacon Roll - which I find to be a terrific small indulgence."[/pullquote]

I love settling in with my laptop and catching up on morning emails in the breakfast room at The Beaumont. It feels a bit like I might be a guest at Downton Abbey. But I doubt Lady Mary would approve of the Bacon Roll - which I find to be a terrific small indulgence.

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[pullquote]"Trunk Clotheirs' take on understated mens fashion always impresses as do the sandwiches at Paul Rothe and Son."[/pullquote]

There was a time for a final cruise around Chilltern Street where we saw our friends at Trunk Clothiers and Sheerji News Agents. The Monocole store and Labour and Wait are also favorite spots.

And we had just enough time for a stop at Paul Rothe and Son for exquisite sandwiches packed to-go for our taxi to Heathrow, where the direct flight home was seamless and stress free.

For more information about any of the recommendations see our London Travel Guide Here.

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