24 HOURS IN LONDON WITH MANPRIYA
From her favourite breakfast spots to afternoon beauty rituals, follow a day-in-the-life of founder Manpriya Bath.
8am [Morning Walks]
I like to start my mornings walking through Kensington Gardens and Hyde Park. The Italian Gardens and Albert Monument are my favourite points to pass by. On weekends, I do a grand loop all the way around the park – from Kensington Gardens, passing by the Rose Garden at Hyde Park Corner, up to Marble Arch and back round again. A must stop on my return home is Hjem on Launceston Place, our neigbourhood coffee shop tucked away in a cul-de-sac that catches the morning sun. It’s the haunt for in-the-know locals for a coffee and their speciality – a cardamom bun.
11am [Shopper’s Stop]
For me, the charm of south kensington is its proximity to various hotspots. A short stroll takes me to Chelsea Green, where I pick up fresh fish from the Chelsea Fishmongers (who also make the best cocktail blinis). Andreas, is the local ‘grocer’ here, but think of his store as the ‘harrods’ of fresh produce. Birley Bakery is another popular spot with locals – I always end up bumping into someone I know there. They are renowned for their Tarte Tropezienne and almond pain au chocolat, but my household favourite is their Tarte Tatin.
John Sandoe Books is nearby, just off Duke of York’s Square. Don’t let the small facade deceive you. It’s a bibliophile’s paradise – overflowing with books – on every possible surface. It’s a must for jewellery, art and fashion lovers like me as they stock all the latest publications.
Another nearby pitstop is Ortiga. Their home scents are part of a permanent collection, but most people don’t know they also have an array of unique objects. These make great hostess gifts. I used to watch my mother curate our home in Delhi with objects from around the world, and I too have picked up on this, always discovering new shops and objects for my home and hosting. I love Fiona Finds on Lowndes street. It feels like you’re stepping into the apartment of the incredibly chic owner, rather than a store. She has a well curated assortment of products from all over the world, and it’s always exciting to see her latest finds.
1pm [A Spot of Lunch]
For a quick lunch rendezvous, the Oyster Bar at Bibendum is my choice. It’s a magnet for locals, the vibe is laid back but still feels luxe. I like to sit directly opposite the florist stall and admire their blooms…a true local knows, the flowers are more about the ambiance than the purchase!
A spot I really miss is Poilane’s Cuisine de Bar. The bakery still exists on Elizabeth Street and I pick up fresh sourdough bread from them once a week. Their now closed cafe by Sloane Square used to be my favourite place for a quick bite and place to catch up…
4pm [Self-care Afternoons]
On the rare days when I finish my work and errands in the morning, my favourite way to spend a ‘free’ afternoon is by indulging in some self care. I have a blow dry once every five days. I call it my therapy. I go to Hari’s South Kensington. It’s right around the corner from my house. They have so many people, and every single one of them is good, which is so rare…But I am loyal to Marvin – my stylist for over 28 years. I joke that I’ve known him longer than my husband. If you see him ask for ‘the Manpriya blowdry’!
Oblique Beauty House is another trusted spot. They have a few salons dotted over South Kensington, dedicated to different things… They are mani-pedi experts! As a South Kensington resident, there is nowhere else I would go. I recently took my mother there for the first time. She’s about as much of a perfectionist as you get, so if she’s raving about them, they really are the best…If I have a big party at night, I like to get my makeup done. I can do it myself but I prefer to get it done. I trust the professionals at Oblique to make me look like myself, but more glamorous!
7pm [Aperitivo Hour]
The Lalee at Belmond Cadogan is excellent for an aperitif before dinner. Ther Rome-Groni is a must- essentially an espresso infused negroni.
8pm [Wine and Dine]
My favourite evenings are those when I’m hosting a dinner with dear friends and family at home. Outside my house there are only a handful of restaurants in London that I go to often.
Le Colombier is one. It feels like a tucked away corner of Paris in Chelsea. It’s another gathering spot for chic locals and a far cry from those insta-trending places. The menu is refined but unfussy. According to my husband, they have one of London’s best wine lists. Order the raw prawns with mayonnaise, seared tuna with vinaigrette, and french green bean salad….
Another local favourite are the Spanish restaurants Cambio de Tercio and Tendido Cero opposite to each other. Cambio is the main restaurant and Tendido Cero the tapas bar. Both are fabulous, the menus are half traditional, half modern. It’s a chilled out crowd, again one that’s mostly locals. In summer there is a definite hierarchy to the tables: the closer you are to the street terrace, the better! If I’m in the mood for Japanese, my daughter and I love to go to Dinings SW3 or Bar de Pres in Mayfair.
