How to Survive London Weather

London could just possibly be the most frequented destination in the world. It is central for connecting flights to most European destinations, it offers a world-renowned hub for all things fashion and lifestyle, and it provides travellers with a sense of historical influence married with a contemporary counterpart.

London is cool.

However, its notorious weather cycles often play a part to many locals simply wanting to “get the hell out!”

London, you can also be cruel.

So, if getting away is simply not an option, or you actually find yourself heading to the Old Smoke, we’ve curated the perfect guide to surviving London’s weather.

The Rainy Day

As those rainy days keep many Londoners indoors, the London EDITION will unequivocally appease this notion, as it is truly the ultimate hotel worth staying in for. This beautiful landmark hotel offers guests a luxury experience, with boutique blends through thoughtful and intuitive design; the London EDITION is truly a home away from home.

With excellent dining and nightlife in a space that boldly brings together the past with the present, you seriously won’t want to leave the hotel – perfect for those drizzly London days.

Rooms are simple, yet immaculately designed, offering quaint finishes. With oak floors, wood-panelled walls and custom finishings, the room is transformed into a cabin-like retreat. Bathrooms are spacious, and decked out with the best amenities a hotel can offer; custom-made Le Labo bathroom toiletries with a signature scent, exclusive to all EDITION hotels.

It is this very scent that fills your nostrils, inducing a feeling of nostalgia; a time gone by, perhaps. The history savoured in the four walls surrounding you is exquisite, and the vintage lobby will have you feeling like you’re walking onto a set of Boardwalk Empire!

Downstairs, you’ll find the incredibly chić Berners Tavern, a former ballroom-turned restaurant, that has kept its historical roots but now married with modern sophistication. Playing host to one of London’s most sought-after restaurant reservations, Berners is a haven for celebs and influencers alike to dine and enjoy seasonal, contemporary British cuisine, prepared by Michelin-starred chef Jason Atherton and his team.

After-dinner drinks never looked so fancy, as you take your seat from Berners Tavern to the Punch Room, where you will be greeted to a modern reincarnation of London’s 19th-century private clubs. The reservations-only Punch Room draws guests to an intimate space away from the Soho crowds.

The bar, paneled in fumed oak, focuses on its namesake with 30 specialty punches including the signature gin-infused EDITION  house punch with jasmine tea and oak moss – a must-try!

Nestled in the affluent suburb of Soho, the London EDITION has a concierge team offering a wealth of knowledge, who will go to extreme lengths to ensure each guest experiences a comfortable and memorable stay at the London EDITION.

The Sunny Day

Although a rarity, a sunny day in London is quite simply delightful. So, why not opt for a leisurely stroll? Not only does London offer some of the best city parks in the world (Hyde Park and St. James Park), but walking parts of London is sometimes the best way to explore the city.

Our pick: a walk from Shoreditch (the equivalent of ‘Fitzroy’) through to London’s financial district (although somewhat bland) can offer tourists a world of opportunities. As little do many know that 27 Poultry, an old bank from the exterior, has been completely converted into a 5-star hotel/members’ club, with nine restaurants, indoor & rooftop pools, a gym, spa and hammer.

Welcome to The Ned.

As you enter the historical building, you are immediately treated to two of the nine restaurants on offer. As your hunger builds from all your walking, we highly recommend taking a seat at Cecconis; a slice of Italy in London’s CBD. From espressos, classic breakfast dishes and wood oven-fired pizzas, to lobster spaghetti and veal Milanese, Cecconi’s is open for service morning, noon and night.

You’ll find that there is truly something for everybody here. From the fussiest eater to the self-professed foodie, eating at Cecconis is a must.

Starting with an antipasto platter and Aperol Spritz is obligatory, and deciding between one of the freshly-made pastas comes highly recommended.

Soho House founder, Nick Jones, adds The Ned to his impressive list of properties, with the exclusive and somewhat ‘unknown’ location opening earlier this year.

“The CBD is as busy as Soho and much better looking; it’s the capital’s engine room for commerce but also has more than its fair share of culture for one square mile. And – like New York’s own Financial District – it’s developing at a rapid pace,” Jones said.

Definitely, worth the visit, we say.

The Windy Day

Wind. What is it good for? It makes the summer heat unbearable; the winter chill unimaginable. But nonetheless, it’ll show you up time and time again. In London, it ain’t no treat.

So, we recommend scheduling a shopping day to beat those windy blues.

Our recommendation, as a men’s-focused lifestyle publication, would be to venture to Savile Row. Albeit outdoors, this is a MUST visit, if not once.

Have a chat with expert tailors, who have been preserving the fine art of men’s British tailoring for centuries. Huntsman tailors is a sure favourite, playing inspiration to the latest ‘Kingsman’ franchise.

And if department stores are more your thing, well then Harrods is a no-brainer. Filled with levels of designer, street, and contemporary fashion brands, Harrods makes do as the perfect haven for escaping the notorious London weather, giving you the r&r you well and truly deserve.

Here at The Tailored Man, London is definitely a favourite city of ours, and it never ceases to amaze us. From new restaurant openings to the latest cocktail bar, London should be on your radar, despite what the weather may tell you.