MY DESIGN CITY
London is a progressive city—things are constantly changing, you get to meet so many people from different walks of life, and the vibe is just amazing.
FAVOURITE RESTAURANT
Clos Maggiore in Covent Garden is the most romantic restaurant in the world for me. But perhaps, it’s because my then-boyfriend, now-husband brought me there for our first date, so this place is truly special. Dining in the conservatory with hanging flowers and a glowing fireplace, especially when it’s winter, is lovely.
FAVOURITE BUILDING
I love the St Giles Court. It’s multifaceted, differing in orientation, height, colour, and the way it looks under natural light is a great urban London highlight.
FAVOURITE HAUNT
Shoreditch used to be quite grimey but with its vintage shops and cool finds, it’s trendy now. If it’s a Sunday, head to the fresh flower market on Columbia Road.
ADVENTURE TIP
Explore London by walking around without Google Maps—or a real map for that matter.
SPECIAL EXPERIENCES
Go up The Shard at dusk and experience London’s epic view. There’s also a weekly silent disco up there on Saturday nights, as well as other events such as Sky-High Yoga and film screenings, with the best 360˚ view you can ever have of London.
BEST PLACES TO VISIT
If it’s your first time in London, be sure to hit the touristy spots to have an overview of the city. But if you’re up for some heavy walking and would like to experience the beautiful English gardens that people speak of, head to Kew Gardens, and to the Kew Tree Top Walkway, which I had a hand in with the design team while working with Marks Barfield Architects in London.
TRAVEL ESSENTIALS
A camera, a book, and a scarf in case it gets windy.