This illustration is from Stéphanie Unger @stephanieunger on Insta 

London is my heart. There is definitely something in the air in L city that would make a girl feel free. Bold statement but in my mind, women are more free in London: different shapes, colors, styles, hairstyles, tattoos, piercings. This is Freedom & No Judgment Wonderland. This is the place for uber creative creature such as my friend Laila. Always stylish, always in the known, always working on multiple projects. Like for example right now, although she is managing a gallery full time, she is working on a supa dupa project  (more on that this fall). When I first arrived she shared all her addresses and tips. It’s your turn to enjoy her London.

 

Since when do you live in London?

I live in London since the past 9 years. I spent my first year in West London “ Gloucester road” then moved to East London; Brick lane which I spent one year. I live now in Hoxton/ Shoreditch since the past 7 years.

 

What makes London so special?

It’s a vibrant city full of surprise and opportunity. It has also very good museums, theater, live music, comedy show. The good thing in London too, is that’s it’s cosmopolite and very multicultural.

 

What is your most memorable moment as a  Londoner/local?

One of my memorable moment it might sound a bit cheesy but it’s a nice walk on a Sunday afternoon at Kew Gardens.

I love this place!  It’s a magical place: full of trees and beautiful gardens. It’s the perfect place to relax and to energize your mind. I can spend days in this place surrounded by nature.

 

Your favorite restaurant/brunch/pub:

During the week I like to have my lunch at “ Franzè & Evans” Italian Delicatessen on Redchurch St (Shoreditch)  they have yummies breakfast and overall very tasty food.

 

 

I have also discovered a new place a month ago “The Curtain” it’s a membership creative place. They do have a nice restaurant, Redhooster ( American food )  rooftop with swimming pool and awesome cocktails. I like the Flower Market on Columbia road every Sunday.

 

Your favorite clothing/beauty shop:

I love vintage so naturally, I like going to Old Spitalfields Market on Thursday afternoon. You can always found very cool gems at a good bargain. I don’t generally go to Beauty shop. I use natural products from Dalston market on Ridley Road: mostly natural shea butter coconut and almond oil.

 

Your favorite bookshop/museum/music venue:

My favorite bookshop is Foyles in Tottenham Court. They have a very large selection of books and it’s a great space well set out. They also have a really nice cafe and teas on the 5th floor. You can browse, sit, eat and read forever!

 

One of my favorite museums is Victoria & Albert Museum in South Kensington .There is so much to see and what a range of exhibits – it is simply mesmerizing!!!  What is very good in London too is the fact that most of the museums are free. So there is no pressure if you can’t see the exhibition there will always be another time.

 

Give us 5 hotspots right now including restaurants, shoppings, clubbing:

Kew Gardens  ( Beautiful trees and gardens).

Notting Hill Vintage Market ( Friday only).

Eat Tokyo ( Japanese food in Soho).

Southbank Centre ( Royal Festival Hall, BFI)

La Bodega Negra ( Old Compton St in Soho).

Somerset House ( outdoor live music events summer only).

Barbican Centre ( theater, live music, cinema).

 

What is the best with Londoners?

They’re  polite & friendly and open minded people.

Give one word that describes your relationship with the city:

Creative hub