London Fashion Week Q&A. Four stylish locals share their favourite haunts
Yesterday marked the end of another London Fashion Week and in a tribute to our stylish capital; we’ve gathered four home-grown tastemakers to share their favourite London hotspots.
Megan Trimble, co-founder of Zanzan eyewear
Coffee & cake?
Monmouth in Covent Garden is – hands-down – the winner for the best coffee in London. Coffee with cake would have to be afternoon tea and Claridges is my favourite – it has a sense of occasion that the other great hotels can’t match.
Breakfast?
For something really lo-fi and easy on a Saturday morning, Hackney Bureau does a great veggie breakfast. I think Aussies run it, so the coffee is good too. Pizza East in Portobello does industrial portions of eggs and has plenty of free papers to read.
Dinner?
The Wolseley for the art deco glam and the visceral charge of the famous Bone Daddies in Soho for a quick ramen (with an extra egg!) and its Japanese 50s rockabilly vibe. Honest Burger in Soho for a tasty good value bite and Le Gavroche for really special occasions.
Drinks?
Last time I went to the Dorchester I shared the bar with Jermaine Jackson, Chris Eubank and an African Prince with a real leopard skin on his head! For something less glamorous, the occasional Friday night Northern Soul/Rocksteady party at The Enterprise in Chalk Farm. Or there’s The French House in Soho for Breton ciders. I like the odd cocktail in Zedel’s Bar American too.
A must-do for a short visit?
Sunday roast at the Holly Bush in Hampstead Village after a stroll around Hampstead Heath.
Max Olesker, Contributing Editor at Esquire
Brunch?
If I’ve recently come into money, The Wolseley. You can pretend you’re a character in an Oscar Wilde play, whilst stealing the cutlery (don’t steal the cutlery). If I’m hungover, then brunch at The Breakfast Club in Spitalfields. And, if I’m brutally hungover (and it’s a Sunday), then UpMarket on Brick Lane.
Dinner?
I’ve got nothing but love for Brasserie Zédel, Corbin and King’s heaving subterranean bistro. Hundreds of tables, it more or less never closes, and it’s always magnificently full. Alternatively, Hawksmoor. You know you’ve had a proper dinner when you’ve eaten at Hawksmoor, and you know that your dinner will probably have consisted of some of the world’s finest steak and too many triple-cooked chips. I’m also keen to try Dabbous – it’s heralded by everyone who’s ever been there as the best restaurant in the history of the universe.
Hidden gems?
The upstairs club bar at Quo Vadis is perfect in more or less every way. It’s a respite from the madness of Dean Street, it’s next door to the ever-fantastic Soho Theatre and you can actually hear yourself talk.
Best thing you can do for free?
The classic stuff is still very much worth doing. The Tate Modern, all the museums, The Wallace Collection, the South Bank – there’s a hell of a lot to choose from. More recently, though, critically-revered comedy producers The Invisible Dot have started offering free shows on alternate Fridays at their Kings Cross offices. They tend to only produce superb shows, so it’s a very strong bet.
Best thing you can do in London for free?
Aside from the many galleries – which we are spoiled with – my personal favourite would have to be the Lido by the Serpentine Gallery in Hyde park. Or maybe a walk along the river to Borough market where you can sample the food for free!
Drinks?
Catching up with friends by the fire at Blacks on Dean Street in Soho.
London’s hidden gems?
Loads but a favourite is Dennis Severs’ House in Spitalfields. This still life/exhibition takes you to a moment in time in an authentic 18th century Georgian house.
The most beautiful or interesting spot in the city?
I find the Georgian terraced houses throughout the city the most beautiful for sure. Interesting would have to be people watching in Soho or evesdropping over a drink in The French House. I love that place for true Soho culture.
Somewhere you’re dying to try?
Without a doubt the infinity pool in the Shangri-La hotel in The Shard. I’m pretty sure this isn’t open yet, but when it does, I want to spend the weekend there please!
Rachael Wood (on the right), co-founder of Chinti and Parker
Coffee & cake?
Ottolenghi (Notting Hill or Angel) expensive and tight on space, but well worth it!
Dinner?
The Ladbroke Arms in Notting Hill for good pub grub and Petersham Nurseries for a special occasion.
Where to woo someone?
A private viewing by candlelight at the Sir John Soane’s museum in Holborn.
London’s hidden gems?
The museum above is the best I’ve found. I also love a bar with atmosphere – try the Bassoon bar at The Corinthia hotel.
A must-do for a short visit?
Afternoon tea at The Connaught hotel in Mayfair and a visit to the Royal Opera House to see a ballet.
Where haven’t you been yet that you’re dying to try?
I can’t believe I’m going to say this, but I’m very excited about going to the new London Dungeon.
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