Priya Ahluwalia’s Fashionable Guide to London
The fashion designer shares her top to-dos for the British capital, and her hometown.
The thing about London, of course, is that everyone has their places. The best spot to get a cheap pint. The best view of Big Ben. The best vintage store to snag a pre-owned Chanel flap. You get the idea.
For Priya Ahluwalia, the founder and creative director of British brand Ahluwalia, her favourite unique things to do in London are an extension of her ethos: celebrate diversity and honour her Indian-Nigerian heritage. A fine dining twist on West African cuisine. An independently-owned menswear mecca. A scalp treatment in Kensington and so much more.
Keep scrolling to see more of the unique things to do in London, courtesy of Priya Ahluwalia.
Where to eat
Akoko
“Akoko in Fitzrovia is incredible — they do a fine dining twist on Nigerian and West African food. It is definitely a restaurant that you go to for a special occasion but it’s very worth it.”
Where to caffeinate
E Pellicci
“My favourite cafe is Pellici’s on Bethnal Green Road. It is an Italian, family-owned business, the family is so friendly, the food is amazing and the portions are huge.”
Where to stay
The Twenty Two
“The Twenty Two on Grosvenor Square is a lovely boutique hotel. The lounge is gorgeous and the staff are very friendly. The Londoner is also beautiful if you want to stay in a busier tourist area, the indoor pool is stunning.”
Where to shop
Htown
“Htown in Shoreditch is my favourite boutique. It stocks an eclectic mix of menswear garments and lifestyle items such as candles. They often host very cool events with people from all different walks of life attending.”
Where to get pampered
The Spencer Clinic
“In recent years I have been very into looking after my scalp specifically so I go to The Spencer Clinic in Kensington for trichologist appointments. It’s great because the team there are experts in scalp health and treatments, the experience is always very relaxing whilst also educational.”
Where to unwind
The Spa at Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park
“I once went to the spa at the Mandarin Oriental and that was out of this world. A real bucket list experience.”
What to wear
Ahluwalia
“When it’s cold in London everyone layers up. Statement coats often become a key part in everyone’s wardrobe to keep warm whilst also wearing an interesting look. The Kholi coat is a great piece for that. You can wear multiple layers underneath whilst also making a nice sartorial statement.”
This article first appeared in FASHION’s November 2024 issue. Find out more here.
Annika Lautens is the fashion news and features director of FASHION Magazine. With a resumé that would rival Kirk from "Gilmore Girls", she’s had a wide variety of jobs within the publishing industry, but her favourite topics to explore are fashion sociology and psychology. Annika currently lives in Toronto, and when she’s not interviewing celebrities, you can find her travelling.
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