Welcome to London
Sharing three of my favorite spots after one year of living in the UK.
Relocating during a pandemic was far from ideal. There were no celebrations on either side of the pond, but we felt settled in London more quickly than expected. Maybe it was all the time we spent in our flat during the nationwide lockdowns or the momentum of living in survival mode during a global crisis. Perhaps it was all those walks around our neighborhood or the furry addition to our family. But as Ernest Hemingway wrote in The Sun Also Rises, his novel about American and British expats, London began to feel like home “gradually, then suddenly.”
All that time at home also sent me into nesting overdrive. I did a lot of shopping to make our flat feel like a safe, complete space. I was also on the lookout for some new regular haunts to update my wardrobe and keep up my beauty regimen. I’m thrilled to share my first roundup of three spots I’ve come to know and love.
It’s good to be home.
1. Adam Reed Salon (1 Fournier St, E1 6QE)
The thought of starting my search for a hairdresser once again had me stressed (especially once I saw the prices). But throughout my research, one salon kept popping up on every list of the best places to take your tresses in London: Adam Reed. Adam is one of the country’s most famous hairdressers and also one of the founders of Percy & Reed. Located right across from Old Spitalfields Market in East London, the vibe of his salon is casual and unpretentious. Creative Stylist Paul McVeigh helped me find my “true color” this past year and I could not be happier.
I’ve missed dressing up. A lot. I’ve been accumulating a closet full of “fun things” over the past year, desperate to break out of my sweats and hit the town. One of the sites I’m constantly surfing is Wolf & Badger, which began in 2010 as a shop in Notting Hill. Founded by brothers Henry & George Graham, this is the place I first discovered brands like MEEM Label among their collection of independent designers. Beyond fashion, they also carry a wide array of beauty products and home goods. They have a second location in NYC, connecting two of my favorite cities.
3. MADE.COM
As someone who has moved many times and called many apartments home, I can say with certainty your first year living in a new place—wherever that may be—will always cost you more than you planned. As you’re unpacking and settling into your new place, the list of things you need just seems endless. One of the places I found several items for our new home is MADE.COM (previously featured here). I adore the vibrant colors and clean lines of their products, which cater to both mid century and Scandi sensibilities. This TV stand, lamp and desk have all found homes in our flat.
Something to think about …
Every city is full of stories. And ghosts. One way to walk (and perhaps live) in the footsteps of those who once called London home is to look out for the Blue Plaques that adorn the former homes of significant historical figures all around town.
Last week on MIDDI …
