For Mr Andrew Roberts, travel is a way of life. Or it used to be, anyway, before the seismic events of 2020 forced him to take an unexpected break.

“I’ve had a bit of a hiatus,” admits the automotive communications consultant, who, if it hadn’t been for Covid-19, might have spent the past 12 months jetting around the world in service of a client roster that includes names such as Jaguar Land Rover, Hyundai and Bugatti. Instead, just like the rest of us, he’s been adapting to the challenges of working from home.

But a new dawn is on the horizon, and with the steady progression of the vaccine rollout comes the hope of a return to something approaching normality. Roberts, for one, is keeping his fingers crossed. “I’m very much looking forward to getting back to it,” he says.

A member of MR PORTER’s Style Council, our global directory of the world’s best-connected men, Roberts is the go-to guy if you need a recommendation in his hometown of London. But when it comes to his own travels, he’s more than happy to take someone else’s lead.

“When you’re travelling in an unfamiliar city, you don’t want the hassle and uncertainty of finding somewhere good to eat and to stay,” he says. “What you want is security and peace of mind.” That’s why he never leaves home without his Platinum Card.

“I couldn’t do without it,” Roberts says, emphasising not only the Membership Rewards® points he earns – one point for every £1 spent – but the array of travel-friendly benefits, too, “It’s knowing that I don’t have to worry about travel insurance because I’m already comprehensively covered, wherever I go. It’s knowing that I can arrange every detail of my trip through the Platinum Concierge, and that the hotels and restaurants I visit will be up to a certain standard.”

When planning a trip, Roberts also makes sure he chooses from American Express’s Fine Hotels + Resorts® properties, a hand-picked selection of premium hotels from around the world, knowing that he can benefit from added perks, such as guaranteed late checkout and potential room upgrades. And the stress of navigating the airport? With his Platinum Card, Roberts can access more than 1,200 airport lounges in 130 countries and take a guest, too.

Ultimately, he says, being a Platinum Cardmember all comes down to one thing: convenience. “It’s just one less thing to think about.”

If he looks set to return to his globetrotting ways in the autumn, for now, at least, his feet are planted firmly in London. It’s where his heart lies, too. “Of all the cities I’ve been, London is my favourite,” he says. Roberts prefers to navigate the sprawling metropolis by cab, aware that, as a Cardmember, he can earn up to £10 credit every month when he travels with Addison Lee. Not only that, but as a passenger he’s free to watch the city go by. “London’s a city that doesn’t stand still,” he says. “It has an incredible diversity of culture. I’ve lived here for my entire life and I feel as if I still haven’t scratched the surface.”

Read on to hear more from Roberts, including a few key recommendations for visitors to his home city this summer.

“Marylebone. I used to live on Riding House Street, so Marylebone High Street was my stomping ground for a long time. It’s full of character, it doesn’t feel too corporate or developed, and the shops and restaurants are great. Fischer’s, a Viennese café from Chris Corbin and Jeremy King, is a real favourite of mine. Orrery is an established spot, understated and discreet; and Chiltern Firehouse comes recommended, too.” As all three restaurants are part of American Express’s Global Dining Collection, Roberts can book through Platinum Concierge, who can help him secure a specially reserved table.

“I love Giorgio Armani. The brand has reasserted itself as the benchmark of casual tailoring. That easy, relaxed look really appeals to my own sense of style. I don’t think one should look over-tailored or over-styled; I would say that often the most stylish people are the people who firstly have their own look, and secondly, don’t look like they’re trying too hard.”

“I’m very fond of IWC. I bought my first watch from the brand just over 20 years ago, a UTC pilot’s watch from 1989. The brand has a very focused collection and it updates its designs in a way that feels like an evolution, rather than a revolution. They’re quite imposing pieces to have on the wrist, but there’s a purity of design that really appeals.”

“London’s full of beautiful shops, but I must admit that I do love shopping at MR PORTER. What it really comes down to is convenience, security and peace of mind. Being presented with this curated edit of fantastic designers and knowing that someone has already put a lot of time into it, makes it so much easier to find what I’m looking for.”

“London is the kind of place where you can dine at the very best restaurants, but you can also have a wonderful time just sitting in the park and watching the world go by. Especially now, in the height of summer, and particularly after Covid, you can really just appreciate the simple things in life.”

Whether you’re dining out in London or jetting off on a far-flung holiday – whenever the next opportunity might be – The Platinum Card from American Express is your ticket to fuss-free reservations at some of the best restaurants in the world. Book your table at a Global Dining Collection restaurant through the Platinum Concierge, which has access to specially reserved tables for Cardmembers.

If you’re planning to treat yourself to a new watch or suit at MR PORTER, shop with American Express to earn one Membership Rewards point for every £1 you spend. Points can be redeemed on almost all items on your Card Statement and never run out, so you can save up and exchange them for flights on your next globetrotting adventure. New Cardmembers who join between 12 August and 2 November 2021 can earn a welcome bonus of 60,000 Membership Rewards points – that’s enough for a return flight from London to Asia – when they spend £6,000 in their first six months of Cardmembership.

For more information and to apply for The Platinum Card, click here.

Annual Fee £575. Terms and conditions apply.

If you’d prefer a Card without any rewards, other features or a Cardmembership fee, an alternative is available – the Basic Card. Go to americanexpress.com/uk/basic-card/ for more information. Applicants must be 18 or over. Approval is subject to status and terms and conditions apply.

The 60,000 Membership Rewards bonus points will be awarded onto your Account if you are a new customer and you have applied after midnight GMT 12 August 2021 and before midnight GMT 2 November 2021 and once you have been approved and you have spent and charged £6,000 within the first six months of Cardmembership.

Membership Rewards points are not earned on balance transfers, cash advances, American Express travellers cheque purchases, foreign exchange, fees and interest charges for returned payments, finance charges, late payment and referral charges, fees/charges including joining, annual and Membership Rewards fees. Membership Rewards Terms and Conditions apply to all Membership Rewards points redemptions. Visit membershiprewards.co.uk/terms

Global Dining Collection reservations are based on a first-come, first-served basis. In the event of a reservation cancellation, the Cardmember will be subject to the restaurant’s cancellation policy, which will be communicated to the Cardmember by Concierge at the time of booking. For full Terms and Conditions, please visit americanexpress.co.uk/platinum

Travel Protection is subject to enrolment. Full details of Travel Protection Terms and Conditions can be found at americanexpress.com/uk/insuranceportal

For full terms and conditions of The Platinum Card, please visit americanexpress.co.uk/platinum

Promoter: American Express Services Europe Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.