We know you've not gone anywhere but your energy, your essence, your spirit: we've missed it. With half the Daisy team still working from home, we've loved slowly returning to the city one by one. As a London-based brand, we thought we'd share with you what we've been missing and what we're looking forward to in the coming weeks. We know not everyone's ready to return to dining indoors or being packed like sardines on the Central line, but it looks as though this year's lockdown has meant that summer 2021 is officially back ON. We're sharing a Daisy day out in London—that you can navigate on two feet and two wheels.
24 hours In London With Daisy
Oh, London...
Morning
We begin our journey in the north, on rugged Hampstead Heath, for a bracing dip in the Kenwood Ladies Pond (not before grabbing our obligatory caffeine fix at The Nook in Hampstead village).
If you've not been before, it's one of the most serene spots in the city, and you'd struggle to find a more revitalising way to begin a jam-packed day. Unlike almost any other activity right now, there's no pre-booking required. But, if you've trekked all the way there early doors (the first session begins at 7 am), it might be work securing a spot.
Brunch
From Hampstead, hop on a bike and head West, through the gorgeous tree-lined neighbourhoods of Belsize Park and St John's Wood, and onto Daisy's local haunt, Notting Hill. Whilst you'll often find us ordering in from Ottolenghi or Daylesford (god bless Deliveroo) if we're heading out, Farm Girl is the spot. Two words: strawberry pancakes. Tucked between the multicoloured houses of Portobello Road, this leafy courtyard cafe is one of West London's worst kept secrets for a good reason.
Wander your way along the eponymous road, browsing all imaginable bric-a-brac. Portobello Road, usually alive with a steady throng of shoppers and stall-owners selling their wares, felt eerily empty during the midst of lockdown. We're so glad it's back and in full swing. Here you can find anything from mix-and-match china, silverware by the bunch, and antique jewellery boxes.
Take a walk or a cycle through Hyde Park. London's largest, in the summer, it's a gorgeous place to spend an afternoon. Take in the colours and smells of its famous rose garden or, if like us you've desperately been craving some culture, book a slot at The Serpentine Gallery's James Barnor exhibition. A celebration of his acclaimed photography career, spanning six decades, documenting black culture from London to Accra and just about everywhere in between. Entry is free.
Lunch
Come out the other side of Hyde Park, and you pretty much walk slap bang in Harvey Nichol's. We launched our third Estée collection here in 2019, so this place is very close to our hearts. Not to mention we are so overdue for some retail therapy. Pop over to the jewellery department and show us some love, won't you?
From Harvey's, it's a 30-minute walk through town to Soho, another once-lively corner that feels reassuringly vibe-y yet again. And, one of our favourite Soho spots, Kiln, is officially back open. Though it might be some time until we can travel there, Kiln delivers a taste of late-night Bangkok that will keep our wanderlust in check. At least until after lunch. If you can book a table, do it. If you can't, their counter space is reserved for walk-ins. No luck at Kiln? Jump in line at Dishoom or Kingly Court has plenty of restaurants to choose from, no booking needed.
Afternoon
Did we mention London's best-smelling department store, Liberty's, is on your doorstep? It would be rude not to pop our noses in, right? Then it's onwards and upwards for a post-prandial drink at The Nest to raise a toast to the city we've missed so much. Located on the 17th floor of The Treehouse, this eco-friendly hotel is a masterclass in biophilic design that we can't get enough of – not to mention those wrap-around views. A perfect spot for a cocktail. Cheers to that!
Late
Next, you can hop on the Victoria Line from Oxford Circus and head south, down to the end of the line or get on your bike once again and cycle to Brixton. This is not a drill: we're here for live music. Not before we've taken a walk around 'The Village' as it's known to locals. An undercover treasure trove of independent shops, restaurants, and cafés, our top picks include Leftovers for vintage finds, Rachel and Malika's for African and Indian homewares, and Studio 73 for original work from London-based artists. Brixton's also one of the best places in London to spot street art. A couple of our favourites include murals or the late, great Bob Marley and David Bowie. Head over to POP Brixton for some local flavours and rum cocktails at Caribe. Then it's onto Brixton Courtyard, who have a host of nights running every weekend throughout the summer, and quite frankly, we couldn't be more excited.