‘London perpetually attracts, stimulates, gives me a play and a story and a poem, without any trouble, save that of moving my legs through the streets’
Virginia Woolf
As someone who grew up in the depths of the southern English hills, I finally fell for London’s allure 2 years ago. It’s a city that never stops unfolding—and provides me an endless source of inspiration.
From sipping espresso in a west london cafe, dancing till dawn in Soho, or soaking in an exhibition at the Tate, this is a guide to my favourite ways to experience London with style and a lot of curiosity and mischief. I dive deep into chances to explore its innermost secrets with discerning types who are as open-minded in terms of history, pre-history, culture, sub-culture & cuisine as I am.
The longer I stay , the more I feel in sync with the capital’s constantly changing cultural and foodie landscapes. I’m happy to take any decisions out of your capable hands - depending on what insight you provide me. Below is a little list that should inspire us, I’ll try to update as often as I remember to.
One cannot think well, love well, sleep well, if one has not dined well.
I’m a big fan of an intentional, white tablecloth experience when the occasion calls for it, but I don’t feel sharing food should be a stiff experience. Not like others should be… Creativity, passion and incredible sourcing are the main things i appreciate when dining out - a fun atmosphere usually comes with all of that.
Darkly lit bars (for optimal fun)
The Connaught
The Occasion
The Clove Club
THE BARBARY
North-African, contemporary Make a reservation
IYOKI
West-African, 2* Make a reservation
CaractÈre
Contemporary British, Make a Reservation
A.Wong
Modern Chinese, Make a reservation
kioku by ENDO
Japanese, contemporary Make a reservation
CycÈne
Contemporary, British-Asian Make a Reservation
Planque
Seasonal, contemporary, Make a reservation
Evelyn’s Table
Rochelle Canteen
British, casual, seasonal Make a reservation
Lasdun
British, contemporary Make a reservation
My favourites - unmatched atmospheres.
tried and true.
Relaxation
Slowing down together.
Culture
Modern interpretations of Greek myths, drag theatre and a daytime exhibition is always a welcome place for our time together to start. When enquiring, let me know your tastes and I’m happy to find out what’s going something at -
Barbican
ROYAL ACADEMY OF ART
National Gallery
Saatchi Gallery
Have Eve, Will travel
Joining you away from all that we know is always a welcome prospect for me. I offer some inspiration of places on my radar for a few days' away together, most of which I am yet to visit. Maybe they‘ll be in common with some of yours?
Puglia
Few have dared to suggest this region has the best cuisine in the country – coincidentally I may have met them all. With it’s wild, rugged, coastal terrain, I might have to believe them. Why don’t we take a room at Ostuni, one of the oldest human settlements existing (and where Passion of the Christ was filmed..)or Le Alcove in UNESCO town Alberobello, explore nearby Cisternino or Grottaglie, then dine at a local trattoria or Bros’? Not forgetting to pick up a huge olive oil supply before we leave. Idyllic views of the Idriatic await, as does experiencing my enthusiastic (yet slightly lacking) Italian language skills
Tobago
I want to experience the irresistable Caribbean culture and hospitality together, sitting somewhere in the haven of a golden crescent of beach that feels like paradise with hummingbirds buzzing past… maybe at Castara eco-retreat. I know you want it too?
Mexico
South and Central America has always held so much allure for me (while I’m at it, it’s probably the closest to the States I will get to(!) Let’s get lost sampling local delicacies and Mezcalitos in Mexico city, Nayarit on the coast for a few days’ unwind, finishing with a few nights of excursions and star-gazing amongst pristine nature in the Atacama desert.
Roma & Florence
Let’s explore the roman empire together, while becoming each other’s. Pasta from places on my top secret shortlist is a must, as would be any Etruscan-focussed museum
Sussex & sW english countryside
Sussex is always a welcome retreat from the rush of London living. Let’s get lost in coastal views, winery stays (Tillingham?), and closing a warm day of woodland walking with cold pints.
Wishes
If you would like to send a kind pre or post-date gesture, or are just geographically challenged making meeting a bit difficult, a few insights into my tastes & gift cards you can tribute are:
80% single origin chocolate (i’m sweet enough)
6-10% full spectrum, THC-free cbd oil
Donations to MAP (enquire to put your donation towards time with me)
Rook Perfume my favourite cruelty-free fragrances
Bordelle lingerie..
Organic Eucalyptus tea
Dates (not from Israel)
Vintage Brazilian records, any thing limited release – my musical taste is very eclectic
Classic or Modernist literature, (special editions valued very much x)
Tomato candle from Malin + Goetz (smells like summer to me)
Rare graphic novels (especially if you know your stuff)
A cleansing ritual at my favourite facialist - email me.
A reformer pilates class subscription
Aesop or similar
Annual memberships to London galleries, venues and special places of interest
I have extremely eclectic taste in terms of literature, film and music and an exploding archival bookshelf. Feel free to delight me in something you’d like to share with me when we meet. My record and book wishlists can show what I already have my eye on…
