5 Reasons Our Travel Editors Are Planning to Visit London Right Now

London's blend of tradition and innovation continues to captivate even the most seasoned travellers, with fresh experiences constantly emerging across the English capital. From the theatre production you shouldn’t miss to indulging in the timeless elegance of high tea rituals and discovering hidden vintage bars, our editors and writers share the coolest new reasons to visit – or revisit – the iconic city.

Kioku by Endo

The new Kioku by Endo restaurant is perched atop Raffles London at the recently opened OWO development in Whitehall – the site of the Old War Office – and is just an eight-minute walk from the iconic Big Ben tower. It’s the ideal place to soak in classic London views – the Houses of Parliament, Westminster Abbey and the river Thames – albeit with a distinctive Japanese twist. The vibe is sleek and minimalist, which lets the food take centre stage. For lovers of Japanese cuisine, the menu crafted by chef Endo Kazutoshi is a knockout. It celebrates seasonal Japanese ingredients and features everything from delicate sashimi to an expertly seared Wagyu tarashi served with ponzu yuku gel. Try it for yourself and enjoy world-class cuisine while looking out over quintessential London landmarks right outside the window.

Matt Hopkins, Senior Branded Content Editor

My Neighbour Totoro

Do yourself a favour and catch My Neighbour Totoro the next time you’re in London’s West End. The Royal Shakespeare Company has taken the beloved Studio Ghibli film and turned it into something magical – imagine giant puppets (there’s a massive Totoro and even a glowing, flying Catbus) that bring the story to life in the most enchanting way. It’s the kind of show that leaves both kids and grown-ups with wide eyes and full hearts. Running until March 2026 at the Gillian Lynne Theatre – on the corner of Drury Lane and Parker Street in Covent Garden – the production is whimsical, tender and utterly transporting no matter how many times you’ve seen it.

Karla Courtney, Travel Writer

Mandarin Oriental Mayfair

There is so much happening in London right now, including some new hotel openings I'm excited to check into during my next trip. Located in Hanover Square, a neighbourhood renowned for its historic architecture, upmarket boutiques and fine dining in the heart of the city, Mandarin Oriental Mayfair is top of the list. It’s the first time in over a decade the area has welcomed a new-build luxury hotel. The property’s 50 rooms and suites are decked out in custom UK-made furniture and hand-painted de Gournay wallpaper. In the basement, you’ll find the moody Michelin-starred Korean-meets-Japanese fusion restaurant, Dosa by Akira Back.The rooftop houses a swish bar with views that stretch as far north as Hampstead Heath. For the perfect retreat after a day of shopping, head straight for the underground spa with its sauna, vitality pools and biohacking treatments.

Genevra Leek, Editor in Chief, Qantas magazine and Travel Insider

High Tea at The Ritz

A visit to London should always include an elegant afternoon tea experience – and there are plenty of classic, contemporary and even themed options available. Fans of the Netflix television series Bridgerton will want to pop into The Lanesborough in Knightsbridge, just south of Hyde Park, and in Marylebone, the Nobu Hotel London Portman Square’s afternoon tea is inspired by the Japanese tradition of hanami. There’s even a mobile option aboard a vintage red London bus run by Brigit’s Bakery, which departs from Victoria Coach Station or Trafalgar Square and visits landmarks such as Westminster Abbey and St James’s Park, and plies you with gin and tonics and gin-infused treats along the way.

For the ultimate experience, The Ritz London in Mayfair – the only hotel in the UK with a certified Tea Master – hosts its decadent afternoon tea in The Palm Court while the resident pianist plays in the background. A 13-minute walk away, Claridge’s is home to another refined offering – best enjoyed after joining one of the hotel’s monthly Art Deco tours, which run until September 2025. From Mayfair, burn off the sweet treats by taking the 12-minute walk to the eclectic Carnaby Street shopping precinct in Soho – the birthplace of swinging London in the 1960s – and retrace the steps of The Beatles, The Rolling Stones and style icons Brigitte Bardot and Elizabeth Taylor, who were all regular shoppers in the area.

Katrina Holden, Associate Content Director

A vibrant new bar scene

Like many European cities, London dances the line between its storied past and the present. One great example is the new wave of “listening” bars opening their doors across the city, where immersive music listening experiences meet with old-world glamour and modern tastes. From the pioneering Spiritland in King's Cross to Hackney's bar-meets-restaurant Bambi, these fascinating bars draw inspiration from Japan's intimate jazz kissa watering holes and have state-of-the-art sound systems and enviable record collections. After all, the best accompaniment to a crisp, ice-cold martini is a soulful melody. 

If you're spending most of your time in the city centre, check out Farringdon newcomer Space Talk, a four-minute walk from Farringdon station. The retro-futuristic fit-out – including a sunken DJ booth, a curved walnut and steel bar and adaptive lighting – is eye candy for interior design lovers. Meanwhile, its small Japanese-style snack plates (think salmon nigiri, scallop maki rolls and tuna tartare) and an emphasis on the audio experience make it the ideal place to unwind after exploring the city.

Melanie Colwell, Senior Campaigns Editor

Qantas Travel Insurance FAQ

What type of travel insurance do I need for the UK?

A Qantas Travel Insurance International Comprehensive policy can help protect your trip overseas. This policy can cover you for things like emergency overseas medical expenses, cancellation costs and if your luggage is accidentally lost or stolen. For frequent travellers, Qantas Travel Insurance also offers an Annual Multi Trip policy which covers you for an unlimited number of trips within Australia and overseas in a 12 month period (max limit of 45 days for each trip).

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A Qantas Travel Insurance policy covering an international trip generally includes cover for overseas medical expenses, trip cancellations, lost or stolen belongings, rental car excess and travel delays. For more detail, please visit the website.

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When should I buy travel insurance for my trip?

It’s best to purchase travel insurance as soon as you book your trip to ensure you’re protected against unforeseen events that may arise before you depart.

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SEE ALSO: Read Before You Leave – London