Since I discovered Maison Assouline last April, this marvel of a lifestyle store/bookshop/collectors’ dream has become one of my favourite places in London. Showcasing French luxury at its best (and here I’m not talking about overly displayed logos and inflated prices, but of rarity and sophistication), this beautiful building, designed by Sir Edwyn Lutyens in 1922, houses a magnificent collection of rare books, vintage treasures, hard-to-find “curiosities” and lovely gifts. In brief, a place reminiscent of the Arts Deco library of a wealthy world traveller and collector, gifted with exquisite taste, which is well worth the visit. read more