Discover Meghan Markle’s London: Stay, Shop, Pamper, and Dine
Since Meghan Markle moved to the UK, the California native has been carving out her own path in London. Instead of the traditional royal haunts, the former actress favors buzzy eateries, stylish shops, and modern pampering spots. If you’re heading to the city, here’s how you can bring some of that Markle sparkle to your trip.
Where to Stay
Dean Street Townhouse
Meghan is a big fan of the private members’ club Soho House, which boasts a number of boutique hotels in London. You’ll find the glamorous Dean Street Townhouse in the beating heart of Soho, with just 39 rooms for an intimate stay full of proper English character. Meghan is said to have had her first date with Prince Harry in the hotel’s plush dining room, and the couple loved the chic interiors so much they are believed to have hired Soho House’s interior designer, Vicky Charles, to decorate their new home in Frogmore Cottage. Rooms start from £250 per night.
Grosvenor House Suites
On the luxury end, Meghan has described this Mayfair hotel as ‘my favourite property I’ve ever stayed at’. The spacious serviced apartments overlook Hyde Park and are a short hop from Kensington Palace, where Meghan and Harry used to live. The hotel offers 130 rooms, including four suites and four penthouses, along with an on-site fitness centre and spa services, making it no surprise the new royal was smitten. Make the most of the apartment’s kitchen with a grocery trip to the nearby Whole Foods, where Meghan has been spotted browsing the aisles. Apartments start from £795 per night (penthouses from £9000 per night).
Where to Shop
Fortnum & Mason
Established in Piccadilly in 1707, this fancy department store is known for its speciality teas, decadent hampers, and signature turquoise bags, making it a must-visit for any royal fan. It holds royal warrants from the Queen and Prince Charles, signaling its royal approval after supplying groceries to the family for many years. Meghan and Harry gifted Fortnum & Mason’s Royal Blend tea to a local family during their Australian tour, and an Instagram snap from Meghan’s makeup artist revealed she serves the brand’s chocolate truffles to guests.
King’s Road
Before her wedding, Meghan picked up designer swimwear from the King’s Road flagship of UK label Heidi Klein, which counts Sienna Miller and Jennifer Aniston among its clientele. Located in Chelsea’s posh shopping strip, you’ll find a variety of upscale boutiques and a number of Meghan’s preferred high street brands, including Reiss, Jigsaw, All Saints, and & Other Stories.
Ilapothecary
As she prepared for the birth of her first child, Meghan made a visit to this Notting Hill store to browse the organic skincare and wellness products. From hand creams to eye serums and face scrubs, there’s plenty of beauty treats to choose from. All are made using natural ingredients, focusing on healing and combating stress. The store also offers a variety of treatments, including mother-to-be massages and digital detox facial therapy.
Where to Pamper
Nails and Brows
This trendy Mayfair salon offers bespoke nail and brow styling, and became a grooming go-to for Meghan during her time in London. Prices start at £25 for a file and polish and £30 for a brow tidy, while Meghan’s preferred ‘Audrey Brow’ treatment costs £50.
Sarah Chapman Skinesis Clinic
The facialist behind Meghan’s wedding day glow is highly sought-after, so expect a long waiting list for appointments. However, her team of therapists at the clinic in London’s upscale Sloane Square are available to provide a variety of facials, peels, and eye treatments. The Skinesis technique includes a unique massage incorporating ‘tapping, pinching, and knuckling’ to brighten and lift the face, starting from £150. For a more affordable option, the LED light therapy rejuvenates skin and alleviates damage, starting from £40.
Where to Eat
Bocca di Lupo
This popular Italian restaurant has been serving rustic regional food for over 10 years and is a favorite among West End theatre-goers and foodies alike. Meghan was frequently seen dining here before becoming a royal, and has reportedly visited in disguise since joining the Firm. Bocca di Lupo’s elegant marble bar and mood lighting create a romantic atmosphere. The acclaimed wine list and menu draw long queues of patrons, making it wise to book in advance if possible. The menu offers a variety of pastas, grills, and seafood, catering to every palate, with dishes ranging from £6 to £29. If you can’t secure a table, check out the restaurant’s delicious gelateria Gelupo nearby, famed for its unique flavors.
Chucs
Another Italian option, Chucs is a West London group of restaurants with locations in luxe Harrods, the Serpentine Gallery, and Notting Hill, where Meghan enjoyed lunch with her new press secretary this year. The interiors evoke a sense of yachting holidays on the Riviera, and the garden terrace is perfect for al fresco dining on sunny days. The menu features rich pastas, classic pizzas, and hearty meat dishes alongside healthier options. While the prices can be steep (starting at £18 for pasta mains and £33 for truffle pizza), if you’re looking for a royal meal that isn’t too formal, this is a great choice.
Violet Bakery
The American baker Claire Ptak received the prestigious task of creating Harry and Meghan’s royal wedding cake. The couple opted for a fresh lemon and elderflower sponge with fluffy buttercream icing instead of a traditional fruitcake. You can sample Ptak’s seasonal flavors at her bakery in Hackney, which serves savory dishes and brunch alongside baked goods like banana bread, butterscotch blondies, and her famously indulgent cupcakes.
