Horological Hero Justin Hast’s Guide To London

In this edition of ‘On The Town’, we’re thrilled to welcome back a familiar face in the pages of Boss Hunting and B.H. Magazine – Mr Justin Hast. 

Described on more than one occasion (probably by us) as “the watch lover’s watch lover,” Justin continues to ply his trade as a photographer, writer, and brand consultant in the world of horology. 

Despite an already Herculean workload – now including a podcast, co-hosted alongside former Hodinkee editor Stephen Pulvirent – we’re delighted to report he’s somehow managed to find time to cover another subject as dear to him as a Laurent Ferrier annual calendar: London.

A bona fide local by lived experience, Justin moved to the UK capital from South Africa some 30 years ago. In his words: “It was immediately clear that when it came to culture, education, and accessibility of travel, [London] wasn’t going to be a bad place to be.”

The watch honcho’s latest tip for exploring the city? E-bikes. “I’ve found I see and feel the energy of the place in a whole new way,” he explains.

“Cycling around, you fall in love with sights and structures that might otherwise have gone underappreciated – all while avoiding bothersome emails and text notifications.” 

Discover Justin’s London travel guide recommendations below.

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Stay

Coworth Park, Sunningdale

“Part of The Dorchester Collection, it goes without saying that this place ain’t cheap,” Justin observes jokingly. “But, it’s incredibly beautiful, calming and  in Ascot on the outskirts of the city – the ultimate choice for some peace and quiet after a busy day.”  

He also describes the hotel’s signature spa & wellness facilities as “a triumph”: detached from the main property amid 240 acres of greenery, complete with its own subterranean lap pool.

Eat & Drink

The Service and Cecconi’s, Mayfair

Conveniently situated less than three minutes walk from one another in plush Mayfair, Justin recommends The Service and Cecconi’s – for coffee and lunch respectively.

The former is an exciting “lifestyle concept” café located on No 19 Savile Row: making astute use of its surrounding neighbours with a range of tailoring pop-ups, fashion exhibitions, and the occasional book signing.

Meanwhile, a short walk down Bond Street, you’ll find Cecconi’s: the original location for what is now a London-wide institution, specialising in Northern Italy cuisine and tableside flair.

On The Town Tip: “Make sure to ask for the chicken Milanese,” says Justin. “It’s not on the menu but my God it’s a treat!”

Riva, Barnes

Handily located at the northeastern edge of Richmond Park (it’s about a 12-minute cycle from the park’s centre), you’ll find the “quaint village” of Barnes – an area that Justin frequents for Riva, one of London’s legendary Italian eateries.

Named for chef-proprietor Andrea Riva, the specialty here is the cuisine of Italy’s Lombardy region: think boldly flavoured risottos, beef carpaccio, lashings of shellfish and toast points covered in lardo.

“[It’s] insanely elegant,” says Justin. “A very traditional place with a lot of soul. It was also a favourite of the late great critic A.A. Gill. Order basically anything off the menu here and you can’t go wrong.”

Fifty Cheyne, Chelsea

A neighbourhood institution, No Fifty Cheyne has been delighting residents of Chelsea since 2019: following a year-long conversion from brasserie to grillroom & cocktail bar.

Justin is a fan of Cheyne’s “insane” quality of large-joint cooking: whether that’s Beef Wellington or a formidable two-kilo tomahawk steak.

On The Town Tip: Cheyne opens seven days per week, but per Justin, “Sunday lunch is a must.” Keep your eyes peeled for Chef Iain Smith’s ‘limited edition’ roasts.

Shop

Trunk Clothiers and Perfumer H, Marylebone

When it comes to retail therapy, Justin recommends beginning your excursion on Chiltern Street, which is home to a myriad of exceptional independent brands and third-party retailers. 

Look out, in particular, for Trunk Clothiers: Mats Klingberg’s tightly curated edit of the best menswear labels from Europe, the USA, and Japan.

Additionally, Perfumer H across the road specialises in the best of independent British perfumery. The brand’s ‘laboratory’ (also often used to hold olfactic masterclasses) is a leisurely 10-minute stroll from Chiltern Street.

Drake’s, Gaziano & Girling, and Bond Street, Mayfair

Begin your tour at the Savile Row end of the district: making a point to duck into Drake’s flagship store, where you’ll find designer Michael Hill’s beautifully dishevelled take on “relaxed menswear classics.” 

For a very fine pair of shoes made in the Northampton style, Justin’s recommendation is to visit Gaziano & Girling. Across the way from Drake’s, this is the only point of sale for Gaziano able to process the full range of the brand’s footwear orders – including its exclusive bespoke offering.

Rather than teeing up any one single shopping destination for watches, Justin takes the view that it’s simply best to stroll down Burlington Arcade: before going from one end of Bond Street to the other.

“My preferred ‘window shopping’ tour involves Vacheron Constantin, Hermès, IWC, AP House, Panerai, and the auction house Bonhams,” he offers.

On The Town Tip: Be sure to make an appointment at Club 1755 – Vacheron Constantin’s sprawling members’ club-inspired digs. Justin’s advice? “Be sure to book an appointment ahead of time.”

Play

Battersea Park and Battersea Power Station, Wandsworth

Explore two of southwest London’s most recognisable landmarks on foot: beginning with a mosey around Battersea Power Station.

This former coal-fired power station is now home to over 150 different shops, eateries and leisure venues – retaining much of its early 20th-century Art-Deco décor. “On a clear day, a trip up one of the old turrets, for a killer view of the city, is a must,” says Justin.

“Follow this up with a walk through Battersea Park. London comes alive in the summer in a truly special way, and it’s the parks where you’ll appreciate this change most acutely.”

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