A London
Love Affair
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
I fell for London’s allure 2 years ago. It never stops unfolding.
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.
From sipping espresso in a West End cafe, dancing till dawn in a Soho jazz bar or soaking in an exhibition at the RA or independent gallery or theatre at the National Gallery, I provide below a constantly updated guide to where we can get continually intoxicated by London together.
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Invite me to any, or suggest your own preference or recommendation - i’ll hold you to it.
Dimly lit bars (for optimal fun)
tried and true.
EVELYN’S Table
Unsurpassed food pairings, including a mostly Basque non-alcoholic Kombucha option. 7 seater counter. Make a reservation
Rochelle Canteen
Seasonal, casual, amazing produce. Make a reservation
CycÈne
Contemporary, an actual true love of mine Make a Reservation
NOBLE ROT
Soho, Mayfair or Holborn. Unreal wine list, like going through your wino grandad’s cellar. Seasonal casual, contemporary Make a reservation
Lasdun
British, contemporary Make a reservation
The Dinner Occasion
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
Relaxation
For those in need of me in a relaxing staycation setting….
Whatever you are in the mood for, I’m your enthusiastic and willing accompaniment to a sumptuous evening show in the West End or ‘must-see’ exhibition that’s caught your eye.
Modern interpretations of Greek myths, to a daytime exhibit, or even a stroll and Afternoon Tea, any of these are welcome settings for us to get acquainted. Let me know any/all your tastes and I’m happy to select and make something fitting to our plans!
Cultural social dates
BIG WIGS:
Serpentine, Gagosian, Barbican, National Portrait Gallery, Royal Academy of Art, Saatchi, National Theatre, Duke of York Theatre
LITTLE known:
House of Annetta (Spitalfields), Fitzrovia Chapel, Dilston Gallery, AI. Gallery, 32. St George (Mayfair), Safehouses 1&2 (S.E. London), The Hill Garden & Pergola (Hampstead), Kenwood House, Eltham House (for Art-Deco fanatics)
I also adore FMTY dates worldwide, the righteousness of meeting for the first time in a place removed from all that we know.
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. Taking 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, we’ll be breathing the romance of antiquity. Idyllic views of the Idriatic await, as does experiencing my enthusiastic (yet slightly lacking) Italian language skills…
Mexico city
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.
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.
ST LUCIA
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?
Wishes
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..
Selfridges Gift Card
Organic Eucalyptus tea
Vintage records – my musical taste is very eclectic
Classic or Modernist literature, (special editions valued very much)
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
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 on my wishlist.
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…
My desired booklist is here.
