London Fashion Week, which began Thursday, runs through Monday, and there is plenty to do and see off the runways and in between showroom appointments. Grab an umbrella (it’s been raining here for weeks), slip into a pair of wellies or sturdy boots, and start exploring the ever-more-vibrant town.
What to See
‘Lucien Freud: Drawing Into Painting’
Lucien Freud’s “Girl in Bed.”
Courtesy Photo
At the National Portrait Gallery until May 4, “Lucien Freud: Drawing Into Painting” highlights the artist’s work on paper, from pen drawings to works in charcoal. A selection of Freud’s paintings is also on display, showing how he translated his portraits and figure studies to canvas. The exhibition features 12 new works from Freud’s estate, one of which depicts his daughter, fashion designer Bella Freud.
‘Chiharu Shiota: Threads of Life’
“The Locked Room,” 2016, Chiharu Shiota
Courtesy of Hayward Gallery/DACS, London, 2026, and Chiharu Shiota
London’s Hayward Gallery on Tuesday unveiled “Threads of Life,” the first major solo exhibition of Berlin-based Japanese artist Chiharu Shiota, featuring intricate and immersive woven works from floor-to-ceiling across the space. The artist said the exhibition reflects the often-hidden connections “between us, with each thread becoming a trace of our shared existence, weaving visible forms from the invisible threads of life.”
Where to Eat
Tower House
Tower House
Courtesy
A modern Mediterranean restaurant set in a midcentury clock tower by Richmond’s riverside, Tower House has quickly become the trending dining spot in this affluent part of west London. Operated by the same team behind Gold Notting Hill, its menu offers a nice balance between chargrilled meats, seasonal greens and Italian classics. The wood-roasted chicken and grilled sea trout with radicchio salad pair well with sweet roasted carrots and whipped cod’s roe dip with radish and chicory tossed in a generous amount of olive oil. The place also offers chef’s table seats for those who want to get up close with the flames.
Osteria Vibrato
Osteria Vibrato
Courtesy of Osteria Vibrato
After his cult-favorite restaurant The Laughing Heart closed in 2022, restaurateur and former opera singer Charlie Mellor has made his much-anticipated return to the eatery business with trattoria Osteria Vibrato on Greek Street in Soho. The pasta is freshly made on-site, amaretti biscuits are baked to order, and wine list comes courtesy of the sommelier Cameron Dewar. Mangia!
Richoux Patisserie and Restaurant
Richoux has returned with an all-day restaurant and patisserie.
Richoux, the heritage patisserie and restaurant originally founded in 1909, has made a comeback. Founded on Baker Street more than a century ago by the French émigré Monsieur Richoux, it has been reborn as a French bistro with all-day dining, and a menu brimming with classics. For those who’ve just stepped off the Eurostar and are already nostalgic for French food, there is croque monsieur, salade de chèvre chaud, confit duck à l’orange and steak frites.
Designed by Collective Design Studio, the restaurant is located on Langham Place, a few steps from Oxford Circus, and has a certain Belle Époque charm with wood paneling and vintage artwork on the walls. There are marble tabletops, traditional bistro chairs and navy-blue banquettes. The street facing window is a treat in itself, filled with freshly made seasonal pastries.
Where to Shop
Knwls Pop-up at the Painting Rooms
Knwls Pop-up
From Thursday, fashion label Knwls is taking over the Painting Rooms on Tottenham Court Road for a pop-up space that’s open to its community and consumers throughout the weekend. Part shop, part exhibition, the space hosted a private view of the brand’s fall 2026 collection, followed by an evening cocktail to celebrate the launch. On Friday, the brand is hosting a private Pilates class with Nike. The pop-up marked the brand’s return to London, having shown in Milan last season.
Dover Street Market London
Dover Street Market in London.
Courtesy
Dover Street Market London is ringing in London Fashion Week with a slew of new arrivals, installations, and special product launches. The fashion institution has even teamed with the British Fashion Council to present the British Fashion Council Jewelry Showcase, featuring London-based brands including The Winter House, Bleue Burnham, and The Ouze. Adding even more interest, the hot Canadian label Materiales Fecales has just opened its first space at the store.
Matiere Premiere
Matiere Premiere’s new shop in Covent Garden.
The French independent perfume house Matiere Premiere has opened its first London flagship in Covent Garden, at 31 King Street. Founded in 2019 by the perfumer Aurélien Guichard, Caius von Knorring, and Cédric Meiffret, the house is known for its ingredient-focused approach with fragrances including Radical Rose, Vanilla Powder and Crystal Saffron. The 484-square-foot space is divided into two areas: one dedicated to product discovery, the other to an olfactory exploration of the key ingredients through an exclusive selection curated by Guichard.
Where to Treat Yourself
Iced Drinks With Matcha Sleeve
Ella Snyder stars in Blank Street’s fashion campaign
Courtesy
Cult beverage brand Blank Street is offering drinks with a matcha sleeve during London Fashion Week as it will host a pop-up bar in the NewGen space at 180 Studios. The puffer concept will also roll out in London and New York with store takeovers.
Corner Shop
A look at the delicious shelves at Corner Shop, near Temple Underground station.
A premium grocer, baker, café and wine bar, Corner Shop is breathing new life into a quiet street behind The Strand and beside Temple Underground station. Run by Gus Haughton and retailer and designer Alex Eagle, the space is a high-energy, all-day eating destination with a downtown Manhattan feel. It’s open seven days, and takeaway food is prepared daily, with everything made from scratch. It has partnerships with Populations Bakery, Gelupo ice cream, Akira sushi, Mateo pasta and Sorelle flowers. It also delivers to residents at 180 The Thames, a stylish, mixed-use development, where Eagle is creative director, and to guests at the new St. Clement hotel, which is owned by Soho House founder Nick Jones.