These Are London’s Best Kept Secrets

Are there still secrets left in London? Surely not, as it’s one of the most visited cities on the planet. And yet: on a recent trip to the English capital and Windsor, I found myself discovering many new—or rather old—destinations, so shrouded in secrecy I would never have found them on my own.

For instance, have you ever been horseback riding on the Long Walk of Windsor Castle? I certainly hadn’t—and as an editor at FASHION, I’ve been to the UK my fair share of times. There’s only one company in the country allowed to operate carriages in the Great Park—Windsor Carriages — and they’ve been in business since 1849.

Then there’s the Spy Bar, hidden in the basement of Raffles London at the OWO. Housed in rooms once used by MI5, the speakeasy is only open to hotel guests. Like the most exclusive spots, photography is strictly off-limits. But with cocktails themed around 007 and other real-life agents, it’s a singular experience—capped off with a clever souvenir: a sticker that’s black when placed over your camera lens, but turns white the morning after.

So how exactly did I discover these undercover gems? Enter American Express Travel. While I’ve never been one to wax poetic about financial institutions, Amex leans more lifestyle than ledger. Their travel network is, frankly, absurd—7,500 concierges scattered across 23 countries, over 1,300 airport lounges overflowing with an excess of champagne and a Fine Hotels + Resorts collection so chicly curated it feels like it comes with a dress code.

For one week, I was an honorary Amex Platinum cardmember. That meant access to 24/7 travel and lifestyle consultants, free-flowing red wine at the Plaza Lounge in Toronto’s Pearson airport, early check-in at the Fairmont Windsor Park (a godsend after the overnight flight!), and a complimentary breakfast for two. But more to the point, it meant doors (and occasionally velvet ropes) opened with ease.

Below, I’ve rounded up a few of my favourites. After all, the best secrets are worth sharing.

Where to Stay

Raffles London at the OWO

Sometimes it’s okay to play favourites—especially with Raffles London at the OWO. Once steeped in military history (OWO stands for Old War Office), its lavish redesign is more likely to conjure images of royal grandiosity than spy shepherding. Think ten-metre-wide aisles draped in red-coat-inspired curtains, immersive pictorial wallpaper framed by crown moulding and a Cinderella-worthy staircase swirling around a stargazing crystal chandelier. And as a American Express Platinum cardmember, you can get early check-in, late check-out, a $100 USD hotel benefit and a room upgrade upon arrival. Royal treatment indeed.

Where to Shop

Liberty London

While many department stores are in the midst of a meltdown, Liberty London continually seems to defy the odds. Housed in a Tudor Revival gem, its iconic façade is as much an experience as the shopping inside. Skip the Loewe Puzzle bag (just for a moment) and head to the third-floor haberdashery, a crafty corner dating back to 1875. The DIY-minded will find a myriad of fabrics and crafts alike, but for the rest of us, it offers a feast of singular souvenirs sure to impress even the pickiest of pals.

Where to Eat

The Drawing Room at Raffles London

Can you even consider yourself an Anglophile if you don’t partake in high tea? We certainly don’t think so. If you can secure a reso (shoutout to Amex’s 24/7 concierge!), head to the Drawing Room at Raffles London for the afternoon tea service—a decadent lunch experience that is as much an exercise in indulgence as it is a step through time. As part of the new “Secrets and Spies” menu, each pastry (of which there are many) is inspired by a legendary agent. The raspberry truffle? A nod to Odette Sansom, the “delicate” Special Operations Executive in France. The strawberry-ginger tart salutes the fearless Polish spy Christine Granville. And the maple-pear treat? An homage to Vera May Atkins, whose codebreaking and recruitment skills helped shape James Bond’s iconic ‘M.’

Where to Unwind

Aire Ancient Baths London

For those days when the London crowds go from charming to alarming, subterranean spas can provide a much-needed blip of respite. Housed in the double-height brick vaults of a Georgian-era building, Aire Ancient Baths takes its inspiration from ancient Roman, Greek and Ottoman bathing rituals. There are hot baths, cold plunges and a float tank, plus a beautifully scented steam room. But what truly makes this a one-of-a-kind experience is the use of hundreds of flickering (real) candles lining all the rooms and corridors. Relaxation at its finest.

Where to Caffeinate

V&A Café

No trip to London is complete without a stroll through the Victoria and Albert Museum. But here’s a fun fact you might not know: it’s home to the oldest museum café in the world. The Gamble Room, named after its designer James Gamble, opened in 1868—16 years after the gallery itself. Today, it’s as vibrant and dazzling as ever, with colourful ceramic walls, intricately carved columns and three stunning light fixtures that steal the show. Sure, you might find a better coffee elsewhere, but honestly, the architecture alone makes it totally worth the price of a cappuccino.

What To Pack

Burberry Lightweight Jacket

As per its reputation, rain is almost guaranteed when travelling to the UK. Balance quintessential British style with weather-proof function with this Burberry windbreaker. The check means it's Mayfair-approved while the polyester will keep the elements at bay.

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Church’s Mary Janes

Since being acquired by Prada in 1999, Church’s has seriously upped its style game. Pay homage to its 400-year history, while also staying true to one of 2025’s biggest trends with these Nappa leather studded mary janes.

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Polène Cyme Tote Bag

London is a city for people on the go! Make the most of your sightseeing by packing all your belongings in this Polène tote bag. It will effortlessly fit everything you need for the day while protecting your valuables with a large zippered pocket.

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