When Whitehall Palace burnt down, St James’s Palace became more important for the royal family and the glamorous court. During the reign of the fun-loving Charles II many exclusive shops were established. Some shops in St James’s Street, such as Berry Bros. & Rudd, wine merchants and vintners to the King, and Lock & Co, hat-makers and inventors of the bowler hat, have been there for more than 300 years.

Berkeley Square is filled with mid-18C aristocratic town houses that were lived in by famous people such as Clive of India and Sir Winston Churchill. No 44 housed the famous night club Annabel’s that closed, only to be reincarnated two doors down in a totally different style.

All tours can be booked privately from £200 (per group) or joined as a scheduled tour from £20 (per person) – both offer curated insights, cultural gems, and a uniquely personal perspective on London.