london

As Curated by Voyager Voice, Anya Hindmarch

I spent most of lockdown at my home in London. It was a pretty special time with three of my five kids home and a chance to regroup and enjoy being at home for once. We all worked incredibly hard during this time - the kids were either working or home schooling and I was running the business. We worked on two incredibly important charity projects – we used our logistics and supply chains to make washable gowns for the nurses at The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity as well as making ‘Holdsters’ for all the ICU professionals to wear. London was so quiet and felt like a village. No planes, no cars and we all got to know our neighbours and shopped locally. Aside from the terrible tragedy that is the pandemic, it was a strangely magical time and a reset and one I feel we will never get again (hopefully…)

Anya Hindmarch in her studio by Yuki Sugiura

Anya Hindmarch Voyager Guide to London - Voyager Voices - Voyager Club

WHERE TO STAY...

Claridges is old school perfection in every way. I had my 21st birthday in the blue drawing room there. It is always spoiling and just best in class.

The Goring is also a very old school British institution. It’s family run and full of Palace top brass having meetings in the bar as it is so close to Buckingham Palace.

Or a room at the Chelsea Arts Club on Old Church Street in Chelsea for a properly London experience but you have to be a member to do so. This very special club was founded in 1891 by a group of artists living and working in the area. It is so authentic and bohemian and always has a slight air of mischief about it. It has an incredible tradition of painting its exterior before one of its legendary parties.

The Goring, London photo credit vogue.com

WHAT TO DO…

Exploring the John Soane museum after hours with a candle lit tour. This is the former home of neo-classical architect, John Soane. It holds many drawings and architectural models of Soane's projects, and a large collection of paintings, sculptures, drawings and antiquities that he acquired over many years.

Tucked away beside the River Thames, Chelsea Physic Garden is the oldest botanic garden in London and houses around 5,000 different medicinal, herbal, edible and useful plants.

If you are lucky enough to be able to gain access, the Royal Academy drawing schools are beautiful. Founded in 1769 they are the longest established art school in Britain and have the most incredible life drawing room. You can really feel the history.

WHERE TO EAT…

Nothing beats breakfast (or in fact any meal) at the Wolseley, not only are the food and service always perfect, but it has the most incredible interior. It was original built as a lavish car showroom before being turned into a bank and has the most amazing original high domed ceiling and monochrome geometric marble flooring.

I also love the River Café for its delicious Italian cooking and perfect location by the river. And anything that Stevie Parle turs his hand to – most recently Flora at JOY at Portobello Dock (also by water but this time the Grand Union Canal)

Sunday Lunch or tea at Petersham Nurseries in the greenhouses amongst geraniums is always lovely on a sunny day and Moro in Exmouth Market is an all time favourite for its Moorish cuisine.

Last but not least one of London’s hidden gems – the green Cabmans Shelters. Only official black taxi drivers are allowed inside but the rest of us can buy the best bacon sandwich and mug of builders tea from the hatch.

WHERE TO SHOP…

I am a big fan of independent, specialist shops. I often visit Daunt Books and John Sandoe books. I can get lost for hours in either of these.

For the same reason I have this strange fascination with the yacht chandler, Arthur Beale. And that’s not because I am a sailor! It’s so nice to see stores like this surviving against the internet. It looks old fashioned, and that’s part of it’s appeal, but has stock that is as useful now as it ever was. It sells everything from ships bells and reels of rope to books and boots and life jackets.

I have a very special Bespoke shop on Pont Street. It’s a real one off and has my wonderful craftsman based in a workshop there so that customers can see things being made. The shop sells beautiful pieces for women, men, home and travel that you can have your own handwritten messages and drawings embossed into. It’s also the home of my beautiful Walton luggage collection.