OCCUPATION: Founder of Bodas
MY STYLE: My mother is Danish, so I have always been fanatical about light—be it candles in the winter or sunlight in the summer. I like to be outdoors and active, and I’m a big believer in comfort and style going hand in hand. Beauty comes from being comfortable in yourself, from the inside. Clothes have to inspire, and adapt to your life. I love to wear heels but absolutely cannot during the day!
I LOVE LONDON BECAUSE: We have great schools, great parks, and a great community of young families. There is a lot of choice—a wide variety of people live here from all sorts of backgrounds and nationalities.
Aubaine
Casual, fashionable, and just a bit romantic, Aubaine serves simple Mediterranean cuisine and French pastries. We love the Kensington location’s floor-to-ceiling windows with views of the neighborhood’s bustling High Street. And when the holidays roll around, be sure to try the bûche de Noël.
Wild at Heart
18 years ago, Nikki Tibbles left her job in advertising to follow her dream: to start her own florist’s shop, and a luxurious one at that! Today, Wild at Heart has grown into a nationwide delivery service, with prime real estate in both Harrod’s and Liberty.
Bodas
Bodas loungewear is known for extra-flattering lines and comfortable cuts in supple fabrics (all t-shirts are made with the softest Supima cotton). Where color is concerned, Bodas garments tend to be neutral (bronze, pink, black, and white are palette favorites)—making all the lingerie, underwear, and sleepwear sexy in a subtle way.
Cowshed
All of Cowshed’s plant-based products are free of petrochemicals, so whether you stop in for a quick fix (the Speedy Facial) or a complete overhaul (the Cowgroom), you’re sure to leave the Portland Road sanctuary feeling groomed and nourished at this so-called “rural retreat in the city.”
Legoland Windsor
This theme park is dedicated to all things Lego. Kids can pan for gold in exchange for prizes at the Pirate Goldwash, operate diggers at Legoland’s construction school, or take a ride on the Viking’s River Splash. For a meal in the midst of it all, check out Pirates BBQ, where the German bratwurst and kettle chips hit the spot, especially when paired with frozen treats from the Ice Factory!
Ottolenghi
All the dishes on Ottolenghi’s daily-changing menu are prepared simply from scratch, healthy, and bursting with flavor. What’s more, the eatery offers a variety of cooking classes through the Leiths School of Food and Wine. Make a reservation early, as classes are known to fill up months in advance!
Pizza East Portobello
The ciabiatta-style crust and wood-fired taste of East Portobello pizza might explain the restaurant’s constant crowd. We love the buffalo mozzarella, tomato, and basil pizza for the kids, not to mention baked garlic bread and hot cinnamon sugar donuts. The original Shoreditch location also features a private 18-person dining room, and a patio. “Great for watching the Portobello crowds go by,” says Anna Singh.