Hailing from the sunny beaches of Sydney, Hermione moved to the big smoke at the end of 2013. In those five years she’s set up two successful businesses, with a new venture just recently launched. The woman is a literal tornado of energy. In the interest of full disclosure Hermione is my cousin, but that doesn’t mean she isn’t one of the most fabulous people running around London at the moment. Her fine jewellery line Atelier Romy is a beautiful collaboration between herself and the talented master Goldsmith Sabine Roemer. Their pieces are luxurious and feminine but at affordable prices and have graced the wrists and necks of London’s glitterati as well as Sydney’s who’s who. As a former accessories buyer I can whole heartedly say I’m (obviously) a fan. Hermione also founded her blog hermioneolivia.com 3 years ago which serves as a visual diary of her looks, doings in London as well as her travels. If you’re into style and travel, it’s a good read for you. And if that wasn’t enough Espie Roche, a leather and exotics accessories brand and her newest venture launched in March this year. So, without further ado let’s see what Hermione recommends for a stellar weekend in London.
Where to stay:
I’m a huge fan of the Firmdale Hotel Group, designed by Kit Kemp. When I visit a city I like to pretend I live there so for this reason, I would suggest Number Sixteen in South Kensington to fully integrate yourself into the city as if you’re a local.
If you’re looking for luxury and have money to spend, I would head to the Berkeley, the Mandarin Oriental, The Lanesborough or Claridges.
If you’re looking for something cool and would prefer to spend your money on experiences, The Ned has amazing rooms that are offered at a range of prices to suit your budget.
Day 1: WEST LONDON
Eat: Start your day with coffee and breakfast at Granger & Co. Pavilion Road, nestled just behind Sloane Square. I’m bias being Australian but I do think it’s one of the better cafes in central London.
Shop: Easy to wander up to Harrods and Harvey Nichols at Knightsbridge from breakfast, before wandering in to Mayfair to the super stores before on to Selfridges at Oxford Street.
Drink: Having shopped away the afternoon, stop at Sketch for a drink and make sure to take one of the most insta-friendly snaps in London in the David Shrigley Gallery (more commonly known as the pink room).
Do: Go to Buckingham Palace and watch the changing of the guards – I know it’s touristy and kitsch but it’s fun and it takes me back to my childhood.
Day 2: CENTRAL LONDON
Eat: Breakfast at Dishoom, Lunch at Cecconi’s and dinner at Park Chinois.
Drink: If it’s a sunny day, head to the Alfred Tennyson for a drink in the sunshine. Make sure to have a drink before dinner at Mr Foggs Residence in Mayfair.. It’s around the corner from Park Chinois and has very quirky interiors.
Shop: I love wandering down the Kings Road on a Saturday morning, before stumbling into the Duke of York Square markets for a bite to eat with friends. I usually have a duck roll or empenadas. Live like the locals!!
Do: Wander from St Paul’s over Millenium Bridge to visit the Tate Modern… walk down the Thames, past the London Eye and to Big Ben at the Houses of Parliament.
Day 3: NOTTING HILL!
Eat: Notting Hill Gate has a great little Greek restaurant called Mazi, as well as a little Japanese place I frequent called Eat Tokyo – both are on Hillgate Street. Otherwise try The Shed or wander down Portobello to The Electric Diner, or the Electric Members Club if you’re a Soho House member.
Drink: Hit a PUB!! You’re in London after all. I love the Ladbroke Arms, as well as the the Cow and the picturesque Churchill Arms – all in Notting Hill.
Shop: On Westbourne Grove at boutique stores like Joseph, Maje and Matches.
Do: Walk through Notting Hill’s Portobello Markets, picking up little momento’s and taking in the ultimate London day.
