Ash Footwear is a worldwide brand, with Ash girls in every big city and beyond. To celebrate this, a new series on the blog will bring you guides to our favourite cities. With the Ash Footwear AW16 being called ‘London Calling’ and drawing inspiration from all things British, we thought it only right to kick off the series with a quick fire guide to the Big Smoke.

Read on for your comprehensive guide on everywhere to eat, shop, stay and visit in London…

STAY

If you’re from out of town, London has all your overnight needs covered. With hotels to suit every taste and budget,  you really are spoilt for choice. The Artists Residence is a boutique hotel with a retro feel in which no room is the same. Located a stones throw from Victoria Station, it’s also a great location. For a little more luxury, the London Edition will give you a real high end experience – Perfect for a special trip away. Head to The Hoxton for a true London feel. With locations in Shoreditch and Holborn, The Hoxton is a little taste of hipster with a side of retro luxe.

EAT

There’s no denying that choosing where to eat in London can be a little overwhelming as there is just so much choice, so we’ve whittled down 3 favourites (and a couple extras for your sweet tooth!). Sketch in Mayfair is an interiors dream, with its pink seating and David Shrigley designed crockery – This is a must visit for a cute afternoon tea. For an easy but delicious meal, track down your nearest Burger & Lobster. The clue is in the name here – They serve delicious, buttery lobster, or a juicy stacked burger. Be prepared to wait – This place doesn’t do reservations, but their cocktail list will keep you busy while you wait. For a feast for friends, Dishoom, which has outposts in every corner of the city is for you. Calling themselves a ‘Bombay Cafe’, their menu is a far cry from your average Chicken Tikka Masala – The okra fries and black dahl are a must.

Sweet tooth? The Hummingbird Bakery is a household name for a reason. Pick up a cupcake (or four) for a delicious treat. If cupcakes aren’t your thing, head around the corner to Crosstown Donuts for the new food trend du jour – You’ll find a doughnut for every taste here.

SHOP

London is one of the biggest shopping destinations in the world with stores a plenty on every corner. Oxford Street is a must visit for high street stores as well as world famous department stores such as Selfridges and Liberty. If you’re hitting Selfridges, a trend led shoe is essential for your shopping outfit. Why not pick up the black leather Erika Boots ahead of your shopping trip and do it in style. Spitalfields is a beautiful area with lots of history, boasting designer stores and heritage brands alongside vintage and independent boutiques. Dress to impress in skinny jeans and the new Dakota Boots in rich brown leather. Finish your outfit with a shearling aviator jacket. If you’re a beauty addict, Covent Garden is the place for you. With high end boutiques, this place is a haven for cosmetics purchases. There is also an Ash Footwear store in Covent Garden, which is obviously a must visit! For an almighty shopping trip, head to the far ends of the city to Westfield – Stratford for high street hits and Shephards Bush for a luxury paradise. A trip around these mammoth malls demands comfortable footwear – The Magma knit trainers are our top pick.

www.ashfootwear.co.uk