Ditch the tourist crowds and head to these up-and-coming neighborhoods that three stylish locals call home.
“My wife and I live in Barnsbury, just north of King’s Cross. It’s basically an 18th-century village within the city: tree-lined streets; elegant Georgian terraces. I love to sit in the lush green park at the center of Lonsdale Square. The neighborhood is set to be a new style hub: Central St. Martins art school, which Mike Leigh and Stella McCartney both attended, just moved to a new campus here. Large Glass (392 Caledonian Rd.; 44-20/7609-9345), an art space that hosts convivial openings, is a must, as is the Booking Office Bar (pictured; Euston Rd.; 44-20/7841-3566; drinks for two $30) at St. Pancras station, which is now a Renaissance hotel. It’s grade-one Gothic splendor, this vaulted room with paneling all the way around.” —Ben Evans, director, London Design Festival
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“Marylebone is my favorite neighborhood. Head to the quirky Wallace Collection (Manchester Square; 44-20/7563-9500), a 19th-century private house turned museum. Some works are presented in secret: you have to push back curtains and open drawers. Next, stroll Marylebone High Street, a chain-free strip with interiors stores such as Nordic-skewing Skandium (86 Marylebone High St.; 44-20/7935-2077) and independent bookstore Daunt Books. I always end up at Rococo Chocolates for their thin dark-chocolate wafers infused with violet, ginger, or cardamom.” —Maureen Paley, director, Maureen Paley Gallery
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“World’s End, the boho-chic western tail of King’s Road, in Chelsea, was the focal point for Swinging London. It’s a real mix: little old ladies who’ve lived there for 60 years; old chaps in velvet jackets swanning along with dogs; moms with Bugaboo strollers. Bea’s of Bloomsbury (370 King’s Rd.; 44-20/7242-8330; tea for two $6) is a cozy spot for tea. The antiques auctions at Lots Road (71 Lots Rd.; 44-20/7376-6800) are another treat—you never know what you’re going to find. It might be an alligator made of bronze or a pair of 1950’s chairs. My husband and I love the hearty Tuscan suppers at La Famiglia (7 Langton St.; 44-20/7351-0761; dinner for two $100). Zucchini flowers and pasta pomodoro—that’s what I always have.” —Alannah Weston, creative director, Selfridges
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