Afternoon tea at Ritz London.
Photo: Courtesy of the Ritz London
Francis Sultana Curates Ultimate Guide to London
The tastemaker shares his personal favorites in his chosen city for entertaining, shopping, art, and more
Francis Sultana. Photo: Kate Martin Courtesy of Francis Sultana.
For interiors and furniture designer Francis Sultana, art is always central to the work—which includes a vast array of residential, commercial and hospitality projects around the globe. From his atelier in leafy St. James’s, Sultana creates collections of limited-edition and bespoke furnishings and textiles for private clients as well as historic U.K. institutions including Spencer House and The National Trust. A proponent of supporting artisanal craft, Sultana incorporates handwoven fabrics, natural stone and exquisite straw marquetry by makers from across Europe, and specifically, the U.K., into his understatedly luxurious environments.
The Malta native is firmly rooted in London where he sits on the Victoria & Albert Museum’s Advisory Council and serves as co-head of the Cultural and Social Affairs Committee of the Serpentine Galleries. In addition, Sultana is an ardent supporter of the Design Museum and MICAS—the Malta International Contemporary Art Space—that is set to launch later this month within a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Valletta and promises to highlight the country’s dynamic cultural landscape.
With Frieze London and Frieze Masters (October 9-13) opening next week, here is a look at some of the tastemaker’s favorite finds throughout the capital city this fall.
Sultana has become very support of the Royal Academy of Arts. Photo: Fraser Marr, Courtesy of Royal Academy of Arts
What are your favorite neighborhoods now?
I live and work in the West End, so I have it all right here in Mayfair and St. James’s; culture, restaurants, shopping, parks, and more. Chelsea is another favorite; it’s the essence of London with quiet, tree-lined streets and shops and cafes. I’m not a Notting Hill person…
On exhibition at the Royal Academy of Arts, In the Eye of the Storm Modernism in Ukraine, 1900–1930s. Photo: David Parry, Courtesy of the Royal Academy of Arts
Are there cultural highlights that are under the radar?
I’ve started to become very supportive of the Royal Academy; I rate the exhibitions and all the programming very highly and it’s right in the heart of London. I like the idea of the RA being more accessible to an even wider audience. For something small and special, Sir John Soane’s Museum which was the neo-classical architect’s former home in Holborn, is worth a visit. His collections of antiquities, paintings, sculptures, and architectural models are outstanding. The Young V&A is a wonderful place for children in Bethnal Green in East London. It specializes in objects for young people, and everything is designed to spark creativity.
Yayoi Kusama's Everyday I Pray for Love at Victoria Miro Photo: Courtesy of Victoria Miro
Are there galleries that you favor?
Of course, there are many of the same names across the international art scene, so I really favor ones that are one of—or maybe one of two—and can’t be found in multiple cities. White Cube is so quintessentially U.K., and although they have a gallery in New York, it is distinctly British. Thomas Dane Gallery is another favorite in my neighborhood, along with Victoria Miro in North London. I follow the arts programming here very closely, so that I know who is showing what and when.
Sultana is fond of At Sloane's exquisite interiors. Photo: Courtesy of At Sloane
Sultana recommends At Sloane in Chelsea is for younger guests. Photo: Courtesy of At Sloane
Where do you recommend friends stay?
I typically suggest my old favorites: The Ritz, The Connaught, The Dorchester, and The Lanesborough, but I recently visited the all-suite Emory at the edge of Hyde Park, and it is lovely and so serene. I met the general manager who showed me the beautiful suites and I ate at Jean-Georges Vongerichten’s ABC Kitchens which was excellent. For younger guests I recommend Chiltern Firehouse which always has a vibrant scene, and At Sloane in Chelsea is another relative newcomer with beautiful interiors by François-Joseph Graf and a stunning, library-like restaurant.
The Arts Club. Photo: Martin Morrell, Courtesy of The Arts Club
Strawberry almond tart at The River Café. Photo: Courtesy of The River Café
Squid with red chilli at The River Café. Photo: Courtesy of The River Café
Afternoon tea at the Ritz London. Photo: Courtesy of The Ritz London
Where is your go-to places for entertaining?
I am a fan of members clubs, and Oswald’s, The Arts Club, and 5 Hertford are my favorites. In terms of restaurants, I love the new Arlington—it used to be Le Caprice – for its lively atmosphere and excellent cuisine. Cecconi’s is another Mayfair classic and I’m liking Gaia which is just opposite The Ritz—so again, right near my home and office. I’ll go here and just order appetizers which make an entire meal. For a classic that is worth the trek to Fulham, I highly recommend The River Café. The room is warm and casual, but there is a real sense of occasion—and the Dover sole and wild mushroom risotto are outstanding.
Sultana says the all-suite Emory at the edge of Hyde Park is serene. Photo: Courtesy of The Emory.
Jean-Georges Vongerichten’s ABC Kitchen at The Emory. Photo: Courtesy of The Emory.
Sultana recommends Jean-Georges Vongerichten’s ABC Kitchen at The Emory. Photo: Courtesy of The Emory.
Are there shops that are noteworthy now?
All my favorites are on Jermyn Street in St. James’s. From Turnbull & Asser where I’ve had my shirts made for 30 years, to very British brands including Emilia Wickstead and Redem, you’ll find so much within a small area. Also in Mayfair is Grays Antique Market which is just a stone’s throw from Claridge’s, but people seem to overlook it. This is a wonderful place to spend an hour browsing for jewelry, watches and objet d’art.
Ruination at The Linbury Theatre. Photo: Camilla Greenwell, courtesy of Royal Opera House
What is the best time to visit?
There are two best times: right now, during the fall art shows and fairs, before everyone heads to Paris, and in mid-June through early July. At that time, the city is vibrant with art, sports, theater, the Serpentine party, and on and on. I also love the time leading up to the holidays—all of December—when London is festive and beautiful, and the holiday period in general.
A ballet performance at the Royal Opera House. Photo: Tristram Kenton, Courtesy of The Royal Opera House
Any live performance—theater or music—that you recommend now?
I am a huge fan of the theater and the opera, and I see every performance of the opera and the ballet at the Royal Opera House in season. My tip for visitors: unlike other big cities, you can often get tickets at the last minute or even the day of, so it’s worth checking online. I like musicals, too, and the next thing I am seeing is The Devil Wears Prada which was my niece’s choice, not mine! And don’t miss the contemporary dance that’s on at Sadler’s Wells where you can often see work by the talented choreographer Matthew Bourne. Theater at The Old Vic, too…the thing about London is that with so many good things on, you’re spoiled for choice.
Cover: Afternoon tea at Ritz London.
Photo: Courtesy of the Ritz London
