Home is… Notting Hill. I love that it’s always buzzy and has so many cute little restaurants, boutiques, and little vintage and antique stores. Plus it's a 15 minute walk to Hyde Park which is my favourite route to everywhere.
Where do you go to relax?
Ideally to the beach, but as that’s a far-flung hope, it’s usually to a gallery, to see a band play, or often just hanging out at home with the dog.
Your favourite brunch spot is… North Audley Canteen usually has something to suit all moods. Another place I really like is Granger but it has to be out of hours because of the queues. Fortunately, I’m a very early riser.
Best place for cocktails?
I’ve recently reintroduced tequila into my life and Bodega Negra is always fun. I love Laylow in Notting Hill too, which has a great community vibe.
“I’m generally inclined to be a hermit but the best inspiration also comes from being out and about, paying attention to the weird and the revolting. ”
Deborah Lyons
Favourite London discovery?
Apparently there are seven noses on various buildings around Soho. I’ve seen a couple of them but haven’t yet taken the time to find them all. I love these sorts of little obscurities, London is layered with stories and history.
On a Sunday you’ll find me… at Pilates and avoiding people where possible. although I’ll break from tradition for time with my closest friends.
If I’m in need of inspiration, I head to… Libraries and museums. I’m generally inclined to be a hermit but the best inspiration comes from being out and about, paying attention to the weird and the revolting.
First thing I do when I get back to London from a trip abroad is… retrieve and walk my dog and then have a long hot shower. I love travelling but spend the first 30 minutes on a plane cleaning the area around me and eyeballing anyone who coughs.
If I need a coffee hit I head to… I actually weaned myself off coffee with matcha and then pretty much off both but I drink a huge amount of tea and try to make that at home to save on take-out cups and plastic. I make an exception for coffee when I’m in Paris though, which is good everywhere and I couldn’t get by without it.
For a girls night, we go to… Most of my best friends, like me, like to eat. Our most recent girls night was a pasta feast at Bancone and recently I went to Folie’s in Soho with a few friends, which was great.
What do you love most about living in London? The amount of parks and green spaces. I think that’s what I missed most when I lived in New York. London has an amazing balance of trees to city. We're very lucky with the incredible galleries and exhibitions we have here too. Also the tea... I could forgo all other meals for a proper afternoon tea.
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