The Hero Maida Vale
Alongside the foodie top brass, you’ll find West London’s chicest are still all scrambling for a seat at the The Hero, with its Modern House interiors and, as of May last year, hottest pub owners Phil Winser and James Gummer, of The Pelican acclaim. FTHTSI’s editor Jo Ellison took it over for her 50th, and Shrimps designer Hannah Weiland hosted a bells and whistles games night with best pal It girls Pixie Geldof, Clara Paget and Kukua Williams in November. 55 Shirland Road, W9
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The Leyton Engineer
Leyton is home to a coterie of London’s top glossy magazine editors — from Elle to Vogue. Anyone after an internship (or cover feature) would do well to be generous to any Alaia flat-wearing patrons in this locale. They have a soft spot for the beloved, “crappy” boozer The Coach & Horses, too. 265 High Road Leyton, E10
The Devonshire
Call it a cliché, but fashionistas remain devoted to The Devonshire — birthplace of “the black stuff” renaissance in the capital. Margot Robbie is supposedly a fan; however, it was top designer JW Anderson’s takeover to celebrate his Guinness collaboration that saw Alexa Chung, Joe Alwyn, Jenna Coleman, Lennon Gallagher and Ellie Bamber all pour in. 17 Denman Street, W1D
The Dog & Bell
Young south London creatives congregate here after long days toiling behind the sewing machines. Take Adam Jones, for example, who made the Deptford pub’s beer towels into vests which — after a full-pub takeover party in October — became the black and red status symbol for the SE set. 116 Prince Street, SE8
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The Mildmay Club
Friday nights spent in Mayfair’s private members’ clubs are now somewhat passé. Instead? Everyone wants to be friends with a member of the Mildmay, where Bingo Friday starts at 8pm sharp — and will cost you £7 in cash. The top east London journalists, PRs and DJs do not skip a week. 33-34 Newington Green, N16
The Raglan
Walthamstow’s newest hotspot, serving up Indian-Irish fusion, has proved catnip for top stylists and influencer Susie Bubble — as well as Miquita Oliver and her mother, chef Andi Oliver (who knows a thing or two about good food). 199 Shernhall Street, E17
The Museum Tavern
For one hour twice a year (in February and September) this otherwise unremarkable pub plonked opposite the British Museum hosts the fashion editors from every national newspaper and magazine in the UK. You’ll catch them having “a quick half” (read: two pints, three cigarettes) before the Erdem show, which takes place under the museum’s epic pillars. Great people-watching for anyone looking to see drivers’ road rage at the street-style hopefuls getting their photo taken on the adjacent zebra crossing. 49 Great Russell Street, WC1B
The Army & Navy
You’ll find the Voguettes and PR mavens sinking a few weekend pints here, when branded events and luxury supper parties slow down and everyone’s craving a laugh without frills. Complete with a sprawling beer garden and storied karaoke nights. 1-3 Matthias Road, N16
The Cow
The designers’ favourite pub. Victoria Beckham loves it, while Stella McCartney has been known to host her legendary staff Christmas parties here — where double-decker, karaoke party buses bring the likes of Sir Paul McCartney and Rita Ora to rub shoulders with members of the eco atelier. 89 Westbourne Park Road, W2
The Audley Public House
The Queen has been, yes, but Mayfair’s most central pub — handy for all those with offices in the Chic Mile — is forever packed with familiar faces. See: British Vogue editor Chioma Nnadi, Jemima Khan, Sam Taylor-Johnson, Charlotte Tilbury, etc. The posh dining rooms upstairs always play host to fashion dinners, too. Gucci has had Joe Alwyn, Ryan Gosling, Kingsley Ben-Adir and Salma Hayek all there for supper. 41-43 Mount Street, W1K
Coach & Horses Mayfair
Owner of the smartest pub real estate in town — this boozer sits next to the Hermès store. You have to walk past its front door to enter Chanel’s head office, and can’t miss it if you’ve just been shopping in Miu Miu, opposite. You’ll often find a few of the beleaguered fashion press pack enjoying a pick-me-up in the midst of meetings up and down New Bond Street. 5 Bruton Street, W1J
The Spurstowe Arms
Absolutely packed with the Salomon-shoe, Arc’teryx beanie brigade — but all of east London’s cool-kid fashion PRs, and more than a few journalists, can be found in the beer garden here (most nights of the week). 68 Greenwood Road, E8
The Fat Badger
A new go-to for former The Pelican goers — so you can expect to find the cream of the Notting Hill crop here. Tish Weinstock, Jazzy De Lisser, Lady Lola Bute, et al. Good luck getting in without a hot surname, however: it’s still invite-only, though has been known to open its doors for the odd fashion supper. 310 Portobello Road, W10
The Blue Posts
Now home to influencers, models and the last-standing locals from Old Soho. Mind people making TikToks outside. You also have a direct view of the revolving door at the garish Broadwick Soho Hotel, where stars counting Poppy Delevingne, model Lily Cole, DJ Lady Mary Charteris and actor Letitia Wright have been known to spill out. 22 Berwick Street, W1F
Lead image: Elfie wears JW Anderson T-shirt (£155, jwanderson.com) and Patrick McDowell skirt (£850, patrickmcdowell.co.uk)
Photographer: Elliott Morgan
Stylist: Sophie Paxton
Fashion Editor: Joe Bromley
Hair and make-up: Alice Theobald at Arlington Artists using Hourglass and Moroccan Oil
Styling assistants: Tilly Quon and Patrícia Barata
