TRAVEL GUIDE | CABANA TRAVEL | CABANA MAGAZINE

London-based New Zealand-born fashion designer Emilia Wickstead opens her coveted London address book, sharing “a wonderful hidden treasure”, her favorite restaurant for river views and pre-theatre drinks, and her go-to market for antiques and salvaged treasures.

BY EMILIA WICKSTEAD | CABANA TRAVEL | 28 JUNE 2024

Emilia's Favorite Park: Hampstead Heath 

My Favourite Restaurant: Lasdun, National Theatre

I love Lasdun at the National Theatre, named after the building’s architect, Denys Lasdun. The food is fresh, sharp and elegant, and I love the location on the river and that can have dinner before a catching a show. I love the sleek and modern architectural interiors made up of mahogany, chrome and black marble and the white table cloths. There’s a New York feel to it, and they make the best martinis.

My Favorite Park: Hampstead Heath

I love to take a walk around Hampstead Heath, which is where my husband, Daniel, and I used to go when we were dating.

My Favorite Museum or Gallery: Thaddaeus Ropac

Thaddaeus Ropac in Mayfair is one of the most beautiful galleries in London. I’m obsessed with spatial design and the layout is truly impressive. They have an excellent curation of art and I love discovering new artists there.

Emilia's Favorite Restaurant: Lasdun. © Lasdun, images by Maureen M. Evans.

My Favorite Pub: The Pelican

I visit the Pelican in Notting Hill for a cosy pub lunch or dinner. It is local to my studio, the food is delicious, and I love the relaxed atmosphere. It is a modern version of a pub executed extremely well.

My Favorite Café:  Supermarket of Dreams

I pass by Supermarket of Dreams on Holland Park for a takeaway tea. They always have a great playlist in the background.

My Favorite Market: Kempton Market

I love visiting Kempton Market for antiques. One of my favorite pastimes is restoring antique furniture, adding my own bespoke touches to create something new.

Emilia's Favorite Market: Sunbury Antiques Market in Kempton Park. © Sunbury Antiques

My Favorite Hidden Treasure: Choosing Keeping

Choosing Keeping in Seven Dials is a wonderful hidden treasure for old-world stationary. I am obsessed with collecting beautiful painted wrapping paper, envelopes and scissors and like to stock up when I’m in the neighbourhood.

My Favorite Shop: Jessica McCormack

The Jessica McCormack townhouse in Carlos Place is one of the best stores in London. It is owned by my dear friend, Jessica, and is full of art, live fireplaces, and inspiring design details.

My Favorite Place to Stay: The Connaught

I adore The Connaught. The rooms are so old world and cosy.

My Favorite Thing to Do in London:

I love discovering communal gardens, which to me feels like something unique to London. Gardens are some of London’s best kept secrets and they can be found in the most unexpected places.

Emilia's Favorite Gallery: Thaddaeus Ropac. Installation view and exterior of Ely House © Robert Rauschenberg Foundation, photo by Eva Herzog. 

- - - - - - - - - -

LONDON CITY GUIDE

Discover London's myriad charms, straight from the address books of our Editors and Big Cabana Family insiders, with an early July release of our upcoming London City Guide, launching this Fall 2024. You’re in for a real treat from hidden house museums and lovingly curated collections, secret gardens, textile emporiums, atmospheric restaurants, and more. Secure your limited edition copy below.