Yahoo News Where Thoroughly Modern Milly likes to eat, shop and take in culture in the capital
Self-proclaimed singer, fashionista, writer, eater and arts enthusiast Milly Kenny-Ryder – otherwise known by her blog and Instagram moniker ‘Thoroughly Modern Milly’ – has recently added ‘author’ to her list of job titles.
Teaming up with her designer husband, Simon Lovell, and photographer brother, Gabriel Kenny-Ryder, Milly has written a trio of travel books, known collectively as the Weekend Journals.
Comprising guides on Cornwall and Provence, the most recent edition is entitled ‘London’ – an insider’s scoop on where to eat, sleep and shop in the city, peppered with enticing imagery that truly celebrates the diverse, bustling and thriving city in which the trio live.
But what inspired Milly to write such a guide? And where are her favourite places to eat, shop and just while away a weekend?
We caught up with Milly to find out.
What inspired you to write the book?
Weekend Journals is a family team made up of my husband Simon, my brother Gabriel and myself. It was a departure from my digital life and work, and a way to showcase special weekend destinations through a physical book that we hoped people would want to own and keep.
We started the venture two and a half years ago with the idea that each book would be about an area of the world that the three of us really care about: Cornwall (where Simon’s family are from) was first, followed by Provence (where Gabriel’s and my family are originally from) and now London, where we have all grown up and lived our whole lives.
Who should buy it?
It’s quite rare to find a London guidebook produced completely by Londoners. And though we want it to be a useful - and beautiful - aid to first-time visitors, I hope it will also inspire seasoned locals to explore different places in their home city.
If you’ve never been to London where should you head to first?
The markets are the heart and soul of London; Columbia Road, Portobello and Spitalfields all come alive at the weekend. London is so big with so much in every neighbourhood I recommend picking a few areas and really getting to know them well.
Your top 3 favourite London restaurants featured and why?
My list of favourite restaurants in London is forever changing. In this book I wanted to showcase eateries that are consistently serving delicious food, are atmospheric and aesthetically interesting, but most of all that I look forward to visiting days in advance.
For local, seasonal fare and service with a (big) smile I head to Llewelyn’s in Herne Hill. It’s one of the only restaurants in my area that I return to time and time again.
Hélène Darroze at the Connaught and Core by Clare Smyth are my “go-to”s for indulgent, special and delicious fine dining. Both are by strong female chefs (with two Michelin stars each) and I really admire the food they create and the kitchens they run.
For creative cuisine I adore Roganic, it’s a Michelin star restaurant in Marylebone by Simon Rogan and has the most brilliant, reasonably-priced lunch menu, perfect for any midweek occasion.
You’re a coffee addict, which three spots should you give a try?
London has one of the best coffee scenes in the world, but some of the more recent additions are a bit style-over-substance. The places I love concentrate on the quality of their coffee while caring about their customers and the design of their space.
Story Coffee is perfect for a quiet afternoon caffeine kick, Coleman Coffee Roasters is a tiny chic cafe in Waterloo serving the most delicious coffee, and Ozone is great for morning meetings with a pour-over or for a hearty brunch with friends.
Which shops are a must visit from the book?
I’m a self-confessed stationery addict and have found my mecca at Choosing Keeping. It is the most magical emporium of speciality stationery from all over the world, handpicked and carefully curated by shop-owner Julia.
For clothes, Margaret Howell is a wonderfully British staple, that champions British tailors and suppliers and makes clothes that make you feel and look good. For a real treat I pay Lyn Harris at Perfumer H a visit; her library of fragrances is a haven for scent lovers.
What currently excites you most about London?
I travel a lot so a weekend in London is a rare treat.
We are so lucky to have so much free art and culture available to us and somewhere like the Wallace Collection always delights and surprises me.
For my work I crave trips to all the new restaurants, shops and hotels, but on a weekend off I find myself returning to familiar favourites; a Sunday at Columbia Road Flower Market followed by lunch at The Marksman is pretty much my perfect day out in the capital.
