August Recommends: London

Tell us about yourself 

Richard, I’m the COO at August. I love creating great spaces where people enjoy themselves. Whether it’s restaurants, co-working, or villas, it’s always the same goal for me. I always want to build an amazing place and make sure everyone has a fab time. 

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Tell us about your history with London

I have been in London for about 30 years, I’ve always lived right in the heart of the city, and I’ve only ever walked to work. I’ve probably lived in about 4 different homes in London and I really can say I’ve walked all the streets, I don’t like the idea of missing out ‘above ground’. I never go too far east or too far west…or too far north or too far south actually, I love the centre! I’m not the best to talk to about the super trendy up-and-coming places, I’m very old-school. 

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And where do recommend someone to stay when in London? 

Mayfair, if someone is coming to visit London, you have to do it properly. It’s glamorous, international and bougie. You want to be able to explore ‘real’ London too, but in my opinion, it’s the perfect base. My favourite hotel is Claridges, full stop! 

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If you had to choose one restaurant to dine at in London, where would it be and why? 

Everywhere I suggest isn’t based on just the best drinks or the best food or the best interiors - it’s about the whole vibe of a place. I’ll often suggest the Wolseley. It encompasses what London is, it’s busy, it always has a crowd, and it’s quintessentially ‘London’. It feels like it’s in the heart of the city. 

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And beyond this restaurant, what are some of your top picks for food & drink, and why? 

Well, obviously you have to go to my old restaurant, Bob Bob Ricard and have LOTS of champagne. I’m currently going quite often to Chinatown, a friend of mine has the best recommendations around there. The new Claridges restaurant is a favourite of mine. Trattoria Brutto is the best Italian in my opinion, it’s an old friend of mine, it’s authentic Venetian food and you can’t beat it, it’s amazing. It’s not expensive, just great quality. 

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Is there an activity that you think everyone must do when in London? 

Honestly, I really like a walk, as simple as it sounds. Take the route down the Southbank River. You get great views as you venture down the route and you can see all of the typical ‘tourist’ monuments. Make sure you stop halfway along Waterloo Bridge and take in all of London, it’s my favourite view, it will never get old. The London parks are all gorgeous. I personally love Regent’s Park and the brilliant flowers in all of the beds, almost feels like you’re not in the city. Then walking all the way up to Primrose Hill where you get exceptional views looking back across. London is the best city for walking, I will always recommend people walk and try and get to know the neighbourhoods. 

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‍Outside of London, where is your must-visit for a day trip? 

Cambridge. And go punting! Get yourself some champagne. If you can’t punt yourself, get a chauffeur punt and go down the river. It’s the prettiest city in the UK, and a perfect escape from the city. I’d take a Pophams picnic and just enjoy! 

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Who is your local hero, and why? 

Probably my friend Jeramiah, he seems to know everyone in London and if I ever need a table, I’ll always pick up the phone and he’ll sort it. Richard Vines is also an interesting one, he’s a food critic and he has fantastic taste. I tend to trust his opinion on what is (...or isn’t) good so I like to get his opinion on new places. 

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What's your favourite thing about London? 

I think it has to be the diversity of the city, everyone can find their place here. It’s a welcoming city and full of every type of character you can imagine. The landscape here is forever changing and it’s always an exciting place to be. 

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When you're not in London, is there anything that instantly transports you back or evokes a memory? 

London is so many different things to me so it’s a tricky one to answer. But you can never go far wrong with a glass of champagne, it’s not necessarily specifically a London thing but it’s certainly very me.

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