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| „VROOMTOWN LONDON“ – THE CARWALK CAPITAL |
You love cars? - Visit London! In no other city are there so many Ferraris, Lamborghinis, Aston Martins, Bentleys and Rolls-Royce as there are in London. And no other metropolis presents them in such an extrovert and decadent way. A spectacular show of supercars, all cruising alongside the city's traditional double-decker buses and black cabs - see the action in our Classic Driver Photo Shoot... |
| SHOP HERE |
 AspreyIn the Beatles film “Help!” in 1965, John Lennon managed to spend £8,000 in two minutes. The only place he could have achieved this decadent feat, had to have been Asprey in 167 New Bond Street...more >>  Smythson For those of you wanting to escape today’s digital age of email and the internet - as if you would! - a short walk away will bring you to number 40. Welcome to Smythson of Bond St, where you will re-discover the traditional values of good writing paper, bespoke party invitations and luxury diaries and notebooks in all shapes and sizes...more>>  PickettNear to Old Bond street, and close to Green Park and Piccadilly Circus, you will find the entrance to the Burlington Arcade, right next to the Royal Academy. Opened in 1819, it’s an array of classic and modern highly-luxurious shops that’s beautiful to walk through, all under one roof...more >>  Vintage
Watch CompanyAcross the way you will find the Vintage Watch Company, believed to have the world’s largest collection of classic Rolex watches for ladies and gentlemen, currently showing more than 400 timepieces from 1915 to 1960. Due to their timeless elegance and quality, a vintage Rolex can be a real alternative to the other modern manufacturer’s products that have been designed to have a ‘classic’ or ‘retro’ look...more >>  ConnollyYour new watch will tell you there’s not much time left, so jump into a taxi and make your way to Belgravia. Just off Hyde Park Corner, surrounded by London Regency architecture you will find Connolly’s Grosvenor Crescent Mews store (the other is in Conduit St, W1)...more >>  BentleysFor those with some breathing-space on their credit card, Bentleys in Walton St will offer you a choice of unusual antiques, many of them having a motoring theme. Candice Bushnell, creator of ‘Sex in the City’, was once asked which shop she could not live without. “Of course Bentleys in London” she replied...more >> |
| GET DRESSED |
 Henry
PooleOnce the preserve of the aristocracy, it’s a well-known maxim that “There is nothing better than a made to measure suit”. Well, no question if you can afford it and a well-fitted bespoke suit is the best ‘contemporary London man’ could want...more >>  Norton and Sons Sporting If you are more of a countryman, then you must visit Norton & Sons, just next to Henry Poole in Savile Row. Not only can they completely equip you for the life as a ‘Country Squire’ you can also choose from a range of sporting guns made by Charles Hellis in the new gunroom. Whether you need a new safari jacket, or a lightweight shooting waistcoat, Norton can provide...more >>  Richard
JamesFor those less traditional - but still looking for quality - then Richard James is the one for you. The modern showroom on the corner of Savile Row and Clifford St will show you a younger and rather ‘crazier’ approach. Although Richard James “only” opened in 1992 (at least a 100 years after some of the other tailors) he’s surely brought some fresh ‘vibes’ into Savile row...more >>  Harvie
& HudsonJust over Piccadilly is another temple of ‘Gentlemen’s Tailoring’; Jermyn Street. For shirts, go and see Harvie & Hudson where their huge variety of cloth and colours can be made to measure, and also personalised with your own initials...more >>  Paul
SmithPaul Smith’s name is one of the most famous in the world. But if you want to see the company’s beautifully designed and manufactured range in the very best possible setting then we suggest a visit to the spectacular Westbourne House store in Notting Hill...more >> |
| BE INSPIRED |
 Tate
ModernModern Trends of contemporary art can be found on other side of the Thames. In the Tate Modern, the Swiss architects Herzog & de Meuron have refurbished a massive power station, in which three floors of constantly changing collections have been ordered thematically...more >>  White Cube Across the river, in London’s trendy Shoreditch area is one of the best Brit-Art private galleries, Jay Joplin’s White Cube. This really is where anyone who is anyone in the ‘modern scene’ gets together for monthly private viewings...more >> |
| EAT THIS |
| AT NOON |
 ZumaIn the country that brought the world fish and chips, roast lamb with mint sauce, and Christmas pudding, you may be forgiven for believing it’s not possible to eat tasty food that’s low on cholesterol and high in style. Try Zuma in Raphael Street, Knightsbridge...more >>  San Lorenzo Not far from Zuma, in Beauchamp Place, is San Lorenzo where people-watching the rich and famous while enjoying a dish of pasta might quickly become a hobby. You can't find out whether Liz Hurley and Hugh Grant are sharing a salad, or Gwyneth Paltrow and Chris Martin enjoying a lasagne unless you go in...more >>  Smiths
of SmithfieldAt Smiths of Smithfield meat-eaters will discover a small paradise, while vegetarians and skinny fashion-models might find the overflowing platters on massive oak tables too much. At “SOS” you get the best crunchy belly of pork with mash and green sauce, the juiciest burger with Old Spot (a traditional breed of English pig) bacon and cheese...more >> |
| AT NIGHT |
 Blakes
RestaurantIf you are staying at Blakes you must take a few steps downstairs to the basement where you will find one of the best, and most mysterious, restaurants in town. The ‘Opium Den’ atmosphere and design of the restaurant continues the theme from the rest of the hotel - but even more so, with a heady mix of exotic bird feathers and Chinese prints on the walls...more >>  Como Lario So you’ve spent a day in town, and need some replenishment before hitting the London nightspots. You’ve a choice - the easy option of clicking ‘zero’ for room service, or trying to be a little creative and visiting one or two of our favourite restaurants...more >>  HakkasanThe Christian Liaigre-designed glamour-catacomb in Northern Soho-land, Hakkasan, is almost from another world. Think a Tarantino-esque film set with subdued nightclub lighting, set deep underground. Entry is granted by a man-mountain doorman standing at an innocuous street doorway, you descend the grey-green stone staircase into a large dining room...more >> |
| DRINK LOADS |
 Blue
Bar Every large metropolitan city has bars and lounges. London is no exception and has a variety of night-spots, in most of which you can have an unforgettable time. We choose three “hot-spots”, which let you to relax and soak up London’s versatile nightlife...more >>  Macanudo If you are into cigars, or just enjoy the smell and atmosphere of a cigar lounge, than the Macundo Fumoir at Claridges is a must-do. Not only have they got a selection of all the well-known Havanas, but also the rare and milder Mancuno...more >>  Lounge
Lover For the more-modern and trendy, the Lounge Lover is the place to go. The combination of lounge and bar is a work of art, but not fixed in any particular style. Run by the same people as the restaurant ‘Les Trois Garcons’, the Lounge Lover is based in an old warehouse...more >> |
| SLEEP THERE |
 BlakesWhether on business or pleasure, London offers many things to do, and there are only 24 hours in the day. Shops, restaurants and art galleries are great to visit, but at some point you need a break. Spending a night at one of these hotels, where you can relax and enjoy the best service without missing out on the London ‘buzz’...more >>  Halkin Moving towards Belgravia and Knightsbridge you will find another prestigious hotel - The Halkin. Described as an ‘oasis of silence, relaxation and comfort’, it offers an escape from London’s busy streets. The four floors are decorated in different colours to symbolise the four elements of nature; fire, water, earth and air...more >>  The
ZetterThe trend-setters amongst you should reserve a room in the ‘designer hotel’ The Zetter, situated in one of London’s up and coming areas, Clerkenwell. Passing through stylish bars and galleries you will get to the entrance hall and walk through spectacular sliding glass doors into a reception area enlivened by a chandelier made of pink glass lilies...more >> |
| Advertisement TOP LONDON DEALERS |
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Nicholas
Mee Situated in Ravenscourt Park, West London, Aston Martin specialist Nicholas Mee Ltd usually carries a comprehensive stock of quality post-war models from DB4 to V8. Having spent several years running Aston Martin Lagonda's own central London dealers, Nick is one of the country's foremost experts on the marque. The in-house workshop carries out servicing, maintenance and performance-enhancements across the range. Aston Martin V8 Volante |
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Aston London Just over Chelsea Bridge, by Queens Circus roundabout, lies Aston Martin service and sales expert Peter Stratford's company Aston London. Peter sells post-war cars, with a leaning, if anything, towards the archetypal straight-six DBs from 4 to 6, and in particular the convertible Volantes. He can also service all cars and carry out restorations. DB5 Volante short chassis |
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The Chelsea Workshop Set amidst some of the most expensive property in London is The Chelsea Workshop. Rolls-Royce and Bentley specialists of long-standing, the busy workshops can service most models from the Crewe era of both marques as well as selling cars as up to date as the new Bentley Continental GT. Bentley Turbo 4x4 Estate |
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Joe Macari A skilled racing driver, Wandsworth-based Joe Macari specialises in Ferrari and other performance cars. Ferrari 360 Modenas are always in stock (many of them LHD) and at the moment Joe also has several classic Ferraris available including F40, 288GTO and a rare 250 Pininfarina Cabriolet. 288 GTO |
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Classic Automobiles Worldwide On the south side of London, just over the river from Fulham and Chelsea, lies the showroom of Classic Automobiles. Bentley and Rolls-Royce have a strong presence in the stocklist, but the company also sells many Aston Martins and Italian exotica such as Ferrari or Maserati. Bentley S3 Cabriolet |
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Taylor and Crawley Open by appointment only, Taylor and Crawley may well have the most expensive selection of cars for sale in London. Owned by the man who sold McLaren F1s when new, the company can always show at least one 'pre-owned' car in its stocklist as well as the crème de la crème of classics such as Ferrari's immortal 250GT SWB or AC Bristol. McLaren F1 |
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Straight Eight London Another stalwart of the London prestige and classic car scene, Straight Eight are part of the group of companies that also own official Bentley dealerships in the New Forest and Exeter. The London showroom concentrates on exotic luxury cars, many of which LHD, from Mercedes-Benz, Rolls-Royce, Bentley and Aston Martin among others. Aston Martin DB4GT |
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Christie´s International Motor Cars Christie's hold regular sales at their office at the Jack Barclay Showroom in Vauxhall, South London, within sight of the River Thames and the Houses of Parliament. The next sale will be on the 7th of December 2004, one of the early entries being a 1980 Lancia Beta Monte Carlo Turbo GpV racing car. Lancia Beta Monte Carlo Turbo Group 5 |
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Silver Arrows Michael Lavers' Putney-based Silver Arrows is known worldwide for specialising in classic Mercedes-Benz from 190SL to probably the last 'handbuilt' cars, the W124 coupés and convertibles. The Stuttgart marque is renowned for its quality and if looked after properly can give years and years of service. Pagoda |
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Paradise Garage Literally 'round the corner' from The Chelsea Workshop, the Paradise Garage is an established part of the London motoring scene. Having moved from Clapham in the last couple of years, the company has a tradition of selling a mixture of classic cars with many pre-war cars included with a mix of Ferrari, Aston Martin, Jaguar and Alfa Romeo from the 1950s, '60s and 70s. Zagato |
| SERVICE |
| Copyright: All articles in LondonInside and in the Classic Driver Magazine subject to Classic Driver copyrights. Classic Driver UK Fountain Court 2 Victoria Square Victoria St St Albans Herts AL1 3TF United Kingdom telephone +44 (0)1727 884650 telefax +44 (0)1727 884800 e-mail: contact@classicdriver.com Responsible content: Steve Wakefield (Director). |