Meet Our New Food, Culture & Lifestyle Writer, Andrea Pinto
We love welcoming new team members to The Handbook, and this week we’ve got another exciting appointment to share with you. Andrea Pinto is our new Food, Culture & Lifestyle writer, looking after everything from new restaurant openings to know, to the theatre shows you won’t want to miss. We sit down for a quick Q&A with our newest writer to chat all things London, events to bookmark and things she’s got on her radar for 2024.
Tell us about your career to date and what drew you to the food, lifestyle and culture space
While I was working as a copywriter at a small agency in Pune, India, I discovered an old copy of Condé Nast Traveller UK that I took back home and never returned (I hope they don’t read this). That was pretty much it – I knew I wanted to write about beautiful places, hotels, experiences, food and interesting people doing never-done-before things. After intensely stalking people who worked in magazine publishing I got my first job as a travel writer with Condé Nast Traveller India. An amazing four and a half years later, I moved to the UK to do a Master’s in Creative Writing from Durham University. Now I’m back in the publishing world and very excited to discover all things food, travel, culture and lifestyle in London.
Describe your perfect London weekend
A long walk on Saturday morning, (my new favourite is Clissold Park because Ducks! Deer! Dogs!) followed by some musical theatre (can’t wait to see Cara Delevingne in Cabaret at the Kit Kat Club). I’d love to end the night at a rooftop bar (I’ve heard good things about The Rooftop at The Trafalgar St James). Sundays are for brunch–Wild Thyme in Shepherd’s Bush is lovely. If I’m feeling adventurous and the sun is out I’d go outdoor swimming at Hampstead Heath for some R&R before the week begins.
What’s a restaurant you think more people should know about and why?
The best Thai food I’ve ever had (outside of Thailand), is at a little family-run restaurant called Two Point Thai in Marylebone. I have the same order every time I go – Kra Dook Moo Ob (pork spare ribs with basil and chilli).
What’s a show you’re excited to see this year?
I’ve booked tickets to see Romeo & Juliet (starring Tom Holland) on my birthday this year. I can’t wait to see what Jamie Lloyd will do with this timeless story. Also, although Holland is my favourite Spiderman, I’m excited to see him back on stage.
How do you find out about new and fun things happening in London?
Signing up for all mailing lists, obsessively scrolling through social media, eavesdropping at cafes to find out where people are going next (everyone in London is always going somewhere) and also by asking all my friends (and some strangers) repeatedly and annoyingly, “Do you know any new and fun things happening in London?”
What’s something you’re on the lookout for right now?
Great outdoor classes for the summer (dancing/yoga/aerial) for my required dose of cardio (that doesn’t feel like cardio) and sunshine. On menus, I’d love to see how F&B and sport are going to mingle this summer. Interesting new tennis-inspired pop-ups for Wimbledon? Paris Olympic-themed cocktails? Let’s wait and see.
Lastly, what do you do for fun?
I love outdoorsy things to do, and as much as I like living in London, it’s nice to get out, too. Hiking in the Lake District, horse riding in Brecon Beacons and learning to row in Durham have been some of my favourite outdoor experiences in the UK.
