Inside Our Style Editor’s London Handbook

Living in London, we’re spoilt for choice, so I’m going to be cheeky and share three of my faves from different areas. First up is Wild Swans, founded by Caroline van Luthje. It is a literal treasure trove of the coolest Scandi brands, from Ganni to Baum und Pferdgarten. Located in Chiswick, it’s a stone’s throw from a studio I’m based at regularly, so the lure is strong, but over the years, I’ve found plenty of gems online.

Another fave is The Mercantile London, based in Spitalfields Market. Every time I pop by, there is something new and gorgeous, like my latest fashion find, The Tiny Big Sister. Oh, and enough Tees to feed my obsession… think A.P Caribbean, Damson Madder and Leon & Harper.

For something unique, I will always rely on London’s independent boutiques.

Finally, more local to me, is White Feather. You’ll find it in the pretty enclave of Herne Hill, between Brixton and Dulwich. This little independent store stocks many of my go-to labels from Soeur and Stine Goya to Bellerose and American Vintage. I can’t seem to leave without something… even if it’s a pair of Le Bon Shoppe socks or a Roen scented candle.

Introduced to me by a super stylish pal, I was instantly hooked. LAMP LDN LIVING is like actual joy. Specialising in works by independent artisans, this fabulous store is an eclectic array of colour and creativity. Get ready for your home glow-up.

Clementine Plate

Harlie Brown Studio, £75

It’s got to be the Soho Home Studio on the King’s Road. Order a coffee, take an indescribably comfy seat and let the interiors fantasy begin. I mean, you’re surrounded by beautifully made, vintage-inspired homewares, so if you’re fantasising about a hotel-like home, this is the place to be.

My fave department store

Liberty London: hands down, the best place to mooch. Just slipping through the iconic entrance, you feel decadent. Every floor is brimming with the best in design, supporting both the established and emerging creatives. Even the smallest of purchases feels like luxury when it comes in a Liberty gift bag.

My perfect last-minute gift shop

Whether it’s for a friend, a colleague, a grandparent, or even myself, Maison Curate has me covered. It’s a wonderfully calming gallery-style boutique full of carefully curated goods, including luxe cushions, bouji baskets, and trinkets.

Over a decade ago, on a trip to see my aunt and uncle in Portsmouth, New Hampshire (highly recommend, btw), I discovered an amazing place called Book & Bar. A place where you could not just find a novel, but hear live music, listen to poets, all while sipping on a local IPA or easy Malbec. What a genius idea, I thought. I think I should do the same back home… I didn’t. But former journalist, Tom Rowley, did. He opened Backstory in Balham and, in doing so, created a haven for book-lovers, students, and freelancers like me. It’s cosy, offering not just the latest publications, but coffee, cocktails and wine. Plus, an added bonus, the team are possibly the most well-read folk you’ll ever meet.

Backstory is all about words, wine, and bringing people together.

Hyde Farm is more than a local coffee shop; it’s part of the community. London often has a reputation for being cold, possibly isolating, but this South London spot proves otherwise. Always hello, always a familiar face, always teaming with dog walkers, mums and their babies, post-run friends – it’s a place bringing people together. Yes, to gather, but also to enjoy rich Italian coffee, melt-in-your-mouth pastries, and, when the sun comes out, the creamiest gelato.

Not just known for its coffee, but also impeccable Italian produce from Puglia.

Run by one of the hardest-working couples, Ivan and Alicja (they are always there) have created something truly special. More often than not, I grab my latte and go, but to sit in the sun under the Hyde Farm awning is akin to letting the world slow down. Also, after a long day, nothing beats a spontaneous meet-up and indulging in a glass of fizz or their signature Negroni.

Best wine bar

Lower Wine is everything I want it to be. Candlelit, laid-back, and deliciously intimate, with an impressive collection of the finest wines. My friends and I have been known to lose hours in the cellar, sipping on rich reds, devouring deli-style nibbles and tuning out the noise.

Best date night spot

Admittedly, I’ve not been on a date here, but I have been to a girls’ lunch and a birthday dinner. Hear me out, though. One Club Row is the perfect romantic fusion of a Parisian bistro and New York speakeasy. Sitting above the edgy streets of East London, it has an air of both mystery and seduction. Soft lighting, whispers of jazz and mouthwatering delicacies, but for me it’s all about the martinis.

This has been years of research… or eating! I love my Sunday lunch, but have never found one that beats a home-cooked version until recently. The Canton Arms welcomes the raucous crowds of family and friends; it’s warm, inviting and feels like an extension of your own dining room.

Set in the heart of Stockwell, this buzzy corner pub is alive with all walks of life and generations. You will arrive thirsty and leave full, with a smile on your face. Not only will you be won over by the atmosphere, but the deservedly award-winning food – Salt Marsh lamb shoulder, Guinness and rosemary Dexter beef shin, moules marinière and wild garlic butter – plus the draft beers, ales, homemade cocktails and organic wines. I’m already thinking about my Sunday plans…