Collagerie In The Capital

The one cultural must-see…

Stand-up at The Apollo

I love stand-up comedy, and this venue is brilliant. We go every Friday and it’s such a release after a hectic work week to just sit down and laugh out loud. There’s always a fantastic mix of comedians, it’s never the same twice, and it’s just great, great fun.

The one pub…

The Hawthorn

This is my local, and thank goodness for that. I was thrilled when it opened. It’s a proper pub, not too chi-chi, with great bar snacks — especially the anchovy toast — and it’s right across the road! There’s also a dining room at the back, which is fabulous, especially on steak night.

The one restaurant…

Dove

This is a very treaty restaurant in the heart of Notting Hill. The food is divine. I think I’ve tried pretty much everything on the menu and it’s all wonderful. It’s low-key and elegant, which I love, the service is excellent, and everything is utterly delicious. They cook only 10 burgers a day, so get in early as they are quite something. But even if you aren’t lucky enough to bag one, don’t worry — it’s all rather amazing.

The one place to shop…

Couverture & The Garbstore

I visit this store endlessly and always find something to fall in love with. The men’s selection is as good as the women’s, which is great as I have three boys, and come Christmas it’s my go-to. They stock lots of my favourite brands, many from Antwerp – and the homewares section is great too. So it’s impossible not to buy – whether it’s a little treat like a mug or something rather more spenny, like a Lemaire coat!

The one hidden gem…

The Courtauld

The Courtauld is such a brilliant gallery. I went to Barbara Hepworth in Colour this summer and the exhibition really stayed with me – I found it both thought-provoking and very moving. It was brilliantly curated, so I’m looking forward to seeing what they do next.

The one pub…

The Talli Queen

I’m disproportionately excited about a new local arriving in my neighbourhood of Shepherd’s Bush. It will be hard to beat The Hawthorn – equally adored by my fellow local, Lucinda – but I can’t wait to welcome The Talli Queen with open arms this September. Indian food mixed with good old-fashioned pub culture? Cheers to that.

The one cultural must-see…

Frida: The Making of an Icon at Tate Modern

The Frida Kahlo exhibition at Tate Modern whisked me straight back to Mexico. Beyond the images we all know so well, it’s a fascinating look at how Frida became Frida – artist, icon and endless source of inspiration. Colour, clothes, art and a lot of personality: well worth seeing.

The cocktail spot…

The Salusbury

The Salusbury is one of those places that always feels like a good idea – a proper neighbourhood institution in Queen’s Park, with ambient lighting, good music playing and just the right amount of buzz. The perfect setting for a cocktail that inevitably turns into dinner, it’s an excellent people-watching spot with a lovely local crowd; exactly the sort of place you find yourself returning to again and again.

The one shop…

Present & Correct

I’ve got that back-to-school feeling now we’re in September, and Present & Correct in Bloomsbury is so much more than just a stationery shop. I could happily lose an hour or two there, looking at things I didn’t know I needed. Everything is beautifully considered, from vintage ephemera and old-school office supplies to notebooks, stamps and wonderfully pleasing desk paraphernalia sourced from around the world. It’s nostalgic, incredibly satisfying and almost impossible to leave empty-handed.

The one hidden gem…

Handel Hendrix House

One of my favourite, slightly surreal, London discoveries: Handel and Jimi Hendrix lived next door to each other in Mayfair, a mere 200 years apart. You can wander through both homes, from Handel’s Georgian rooms to Hendrix’s wonderfully atmospheric 1960s flat. I love places that make you see a familiar bit of London completely differently, and this is exactly that – brilliant music, brilliant interiors and a very good story.

The one restaurant…

Berenjak

My love of Persian food means Berenjak in Soho is always a favourite. Everything on the menu is delicious, from the mezze-style plates to the charcoal-grilled kebabs. It’s always buzzing and perfect for dinner with friends.

The one bar…

STEREO

This is such a fun spot for an evening out, with great cocktails, live music and DJs playing late into the night. Arrive early for the live sets before staying on for a dance – and if you get peckish, the sweet potato fries are a must.

The one coffee spot…

Café 1922

Café 1922 is a lovely place to escape to for a coffee – and it also serves some of the best pastries. It’s part of The Sloane Club, a Chelsea institution with a fascinating history dating back to 1922, when it was originally founded as a venue for ex-servicewomen to stay, gather and socialise. Recently reimagined, the Club has beautiful interiors that manage to feel elegant and contemporary while retaining a wonderful sense of history and character. There are restaurants, bars, a library and tucked-away spaces throughout, all with a wonderfully relaxed, home-from-home feel. Café 1922 brings a little of that world out onto Lower Sloane Street, making it the perfect spot for a morning bite and a bit of Chelsea people-watching.

The one neighbourhood to explore…

Wimbledon Village

This is one of my favourite places for a relaxed weekend wander. Start with a coffee at Hagen, then explore the lovely mix of independent boutiques, cafés and restaurants before heading over to Wimbledon Common for a long walk. It’s the perfect way to spend a slow weekend morning.

The one new discovery…

Kawan by Uncle Roger

Kawan by Uncle Roger in Chinatown is my latest discovery and such a great spot for Malaysian food. The menu is packed with comforting, flavourful dishes that are perfect for sharing.

The one restaurant…

Bocca di Lupo

How could I not choose Bocca Di Lupo? Everyone in the office must be tired by now of hearing how much I love it!

The one bar…

Blackhorse Wines Taproom E17

I hardly leave Walthamstow and the surrounding area these days – exception gladly made for Bocca di Lupo. This place has delicious wine on tap, DIY crisps and DJs at the weekend. What more could you want?

The one cultural must-see…

Live music at Troxy

I’m always up for seeing live music, the most recent being Geese at Troxy. It’s such a cool venue and, in a previous life, has been a cinema, a bingo hall and even a rehearsal space for the Royal Opera. It’s worth a visit for the building alone – although preferably with a very good band on stage.

The one neighbourhood to explore…

Walthamstow

I choose Walthamstow, but of course I’m partial. My perfect day starts with a stroll through the market, nibbling on a pastry from Weirdough, followed by a browse at Public Knowledge Books and the William Morris Gallery gift shop. I’ll spend the rest of the afternoon at one of the wine bars or breweries near Blackhorse Road. And when hunger inevitably strikes, the pizza at It’s Not Big Dough is delicious – please forgive all the dough-based puns, I didn’t come up with them! – before I end the day with a movie at the local cinema.

The one new discovery…

Arvo

Arvo sauna near Walthamstow Village is my latest discovery. Treat yourself to an ice cream from Chunk Provisions afterwards – you’ll have earned it after all that sweating.

The one restaurant…

St Clement

I absolutely love St Clement. It’s one of the best new additions to London, with delicious food, great drinks and a wonderfully buzzy atmosphere. There’s something about the urban setting and energy that reminds me of being back in my native New York City, which makes me love it even more.

The one bar…

Dukes Bar

For me, it has to be Dukes for a martini. It’s such a London institution and there’s something wonderfully old-school about settling in and watching my favourite tipple being made tableside.

The one hotel…

Six Senses London

This is such an exciting addition to the city. Set within the beautifully restored former Whiteley’s department store in Bayswater, it brings the brand’s signature focus on wellness into a distinctly London setting. I love how they’ve brought the outside in, filling the entrance with trees and greenery, and combined with the heritage architecture and thoughtful interior design, it delivers genuine sense of escape in the middle of the city.

The one cultural must-see…

The Bayeux Tapestry at The British Museum

I’m dying to get my hands on tickets to see the Bayeux Tapestry, which has arrived at the British Museum. To have the opportunity to see something so extraordinary, with nearly a thousand years of history behind it, feels incredibly special – definitely one of those cultural moments that is not to be missed.

The one place to shop…

Grays Antique Market

This place is a treasure trove and always my first destination when I’m gift-shopping for loved ones (or myself). You never know quite what you’ll discover. I have fallen in love with so many special things I’ve found there – from antique jewellery worn by Hollywood stars in the Twenties, to cut-crystal jars with coloured guilloché enamel lids (that I now collect). Definitely my top recommendation when you’re on the hunt for something truly unique and timeless.

The one coffee spot…

Debbie Jo

Debbie Jo in West London is my coffee pick. It has that warm, neighbourhood quality I always look for and I love the Question of the Day they pose. The sourdough bread is out of this world, so be sure to get there early before it sells out.

The one neighbourhood to explore…

Greenwich

We always love taking the riverboat to Greenwich for a day out at the weekend. The journey there is part of the experience and gives you such a different perspective on London. We love to explore the museums and market, have lunch at The Trafalgar, then walk through Greenwich Park and up to the Observatory. All round, it’s the perfect London day out.

The one new discovery…

Tennis in London’s parks

My new discovery is playing tennis in London’s fabulous parks. There’s something so special about being able to book a court, pick up a racket and play while still being right in the middle of the city. It’s become one of my favourite ways to enjoy London.