SLOANE STATIONERY CITY GUIDE — LONDON
They say when a man is tired of London, he is tired of life. We tend to agree (yes, we are biased!). We couldn’t resist talking to three 3 London visionaries to reveal some of their favorite spots to eat, shop and play in the city. Read-on, stay-cationers, for some London inspiration:
Olivia Roussel
A true Londoner who claims to be battling against FOMO in a city that never sleeps, Olivia is a long-time friend who oversees Net-a-Porter.com's French print and digital copy. Olivia gives us her insider take on the best things to do, see, and experience in London:
Where to go for a walk?
Walking along the Thames from the South Bank all the way to the Design Museum is unbeatable for views of of the city’s main landmarks. You can also stop before the Design Museum and end your walk in foodie paradise Borough Market, or at the White Cube on Bermondsey street.
For more greenery, cross Hyde Park from Bayswater and check the Serpentine and Sackler Gallery along the way, then walk past the Albert Memorial towards the Natural History Museum and Victoria & Albert Museum.
For a quintessentially British stroll, the Chelsea Physics Garden with its flower and vegetable gardens.
What to see?
Kew Gardens during orchid season.
The Wallace Collection on Manchester Square.
The John Soane Museum: you can do a candle-lit visit the first Tuesday of each month.
Leighton House after a stroll in Holland Park.
Where to eat and drink?
J.Sheekey, a London institution at the heart of the West End.
La Petite Maison for delicious Mediterranean French food.
The Dock Kitchen, with a visit of Tom Dixon’s shop downstairs.
Mazi for the best Greek-with-a-twist in town.
Petersham Nurseries for lunch in an enchanting greenhouse.
Drinks: Shoreditch House by the pool; Frank’s Cafe in Peckham for Campari with cool kids and unbeatable views; Mark’s Bar in buzzing Soho.
Where to shop?
It doesn’t get more British then Liberty’s.
The Conran Shop on Marylebone High Street or Sloane Avenue.
For books, Daunt’s or small favourite Lutyens & Rubinstein.
The Cross in Holland Park for a taste of hippie chic.
Scarlet and Violet for flowers.
What is special about the city?
London is a grower, made of villages and not always easy to navigate – but give it time and love and its incredible melting pot and creativity will make you forget about the weather!
Your secret formula for the perfect thank you note?
Swift, quirky and themed: I collect postcards from around the world and always send them the next day. Hand-delivered makes it extra special.
Yosuzi Sylvester
Yosuzi is the talented, jet-setting, and inspirational founder and creative director of YOSUZI, a newly launched collection of hats that celebrate the native myths and cultures of South American tribes.
Perfect day in London?
When the sun shines over Southbank from the Tate to Royal Festival Hall and the Hayward. It's hard to find a more beautiful promenade when looking over the river to the Houses of Parliament and St. Paul's Cathedral.
What to see?
Gallery hopping in Mayfair! London has some of the best commercial galleries in the world with most of them concentrated in Mayfair.
Where to go for a walk?
Peaceful walk through Kyoto Gardens followed by an ice cream and stroll through Holland Park.
Best restaurants?
Lately Kitty Fisher restaurant...its enchanting, the food is great without trying too hard. Also Inaho on Hereford Rd is a very cosy and authentic Japanese. And then there's Chiltren Tavern and Firehouse .... great dirty martinis!
What is special about the city?
London's diversity, beauty, architecture and how the city's charm is reflected in its people.
One of YOSUZI'S SS '15 hats, the 'Ani' hat
Fatemeh Afshar
Fafy moved to the UK at the age of 4. Having always had a passion for food and design, starting a Cafe/Deli was the obvious choice for her. Fulham Tarts opened in 2014 and proved a huge success, with 2 more in the pipeline for 2015. Always impeccably dressed, this mother of 2 and ultimate hostess shares her London secrets with us.
The perfect day in London:
A cold but bright winter day in December like my wedding day! London is great over Christmas, so festive and full of life with the advantage of being quiet.
What to see: A musical. We are so lucky to have the best shows in the world here. There's undoubtedly something for everyone!
I also love going to visit Ripleys Museum in Piccadilly with my children, it's quirky, exceptionally inspiring, and above all we always have a real laugh when we go!
Where to go for a walk: I adore Hyde Park! Take a football, turn off your phone and wallow in the huge space right in the middle of an exceptional city.
Best restaurants:
Fulham Tarts, of course! We opened the first Fulham Tarts at the beginning of the year and it continues to go from strength to strength. We are now in the process of adding a deli!
I also love Rasoi for great Indian food and Kateh for Persian food! And of course Mosimann's on West Halkin Street.
Where to shop:
For food, I would go anywhere with our head chef, Carlo. He is drawn to the best ingredients and makes me try everything! For beautiful clothes and accessories, Oscar de la Renta! For shoes, Manolo Blahnik and for gifts Sloane Stationary of course!
What is special about the city?
The architecture which is truly incredible and the friendliness of the people which is so often underestimated.
Your secret formula for the perfect thank you note?
Mmm, good question. For me, it's all in the pen and the sincerity of what is written. When it comes from the heart it will always be perfect. For an extra special touch, an envelope lined with flat, scented flowers would be a bonus!
A notebook you wish SS would create...
One to write my children’s ludicrous quotes in! So hilarious, yet often so wise and simple. For those who take life too seriously I think keeping a notebook of children's quotes is a necessity! It puts life into perspective.