Where I Go: London
From the Connaught to Camden Arts Centre to the best coffee, explore the city with Hussein Chalayan MBE
From the Connaught to Camden Arts Centre to the best coffee, explore the city with Hussein Chalayan MBE
For breakfast
11-13 Exmouth Market, Clerkenwell, London EC1R 4QD
The best coffee is at Caravan.
For lunch with friends
34-36 Exmouth Market, Clerkenwell, London EC1R 4QE
159 Farringdon Rd, Clerkenwell, London EC1R 3AL
Sitting outside Moro on Exmouth Market - especially at spring time - is a joy. I also still enjoy the home cooking of The classic Pub, the Eagle in Farringdon.
For a celebration
12 Archer St, Soho, London W1D 7BB
12-14 Hillgate St, Kensington, London W8 7SR
55 Aldwych, London WC2B 4BB
The bar of Bocca di Lupo in Soho, or Mazi in Notting Hill, for Greek cooking. In the winter I enjoy the classicism of The Delaunay.
For a classic stay
Carlos Pl, Mayfair, London W1K 2AL
The Connaught in Mayfair. I especially like the bar there for its timelessness. It surpasses trends.
For one of a kind gifts
These days I mostly enjoy shopping in thrift or ‘charity’ shops. And English seaside markets.
For architectural splendour
Silk St, London EC2Y 8DS
The Barbican is a must-see. Actually, the whole route of the river Thames is the best way to see London architecturally, and historically too.
For inspiration
Arkwright Rd, London NW3 6DG
25 Red Lion Square, London WC1R 4RL
Lambeth Road, London SE1 6HZ
Rosebery Ave, Clerkenwell, London EC1R 4TN
In terms of art and museums, I love the Camden Arts Centre and the Imperial War Museum in Lambeth. I love Sadler’s Wells in Clerkenwell, and Conway Hall in Holborn, for all kinds of live events. In terms of style, in London you see all types of dressers just in the unexpected few minutes you take to go from your home to the corner shop.
For a sense of history
We need to be reminded of the maritime past of Britain. That’s what marks its connectivity to the rest of the world, and which means its so accepting of all voices now. So for me the south bank by the river is very important. On the other hand, for me, London values are very alive in Soho. These two areas are pivotal. If it had to be one spot, of course, it would be Soho: I feel I grew up there, going to Central St Martins: I consider it the heart, the core of London in every way.
For refreshing and re-charging
Regent’s Canal
Anywhere near the water. Lately I enjoy the walk along Regents Canal, starting from Islington.
For a perfect Sunday
I don’t like Sundays, so the best way to spend it would be with friends, taking a boat from Embankment to Greenwich Market.
Tickets for Frieze London and Frieze Masters 2017 are available here.
