Ah glorious teenage years! After the drama of eating disorders and teenage anxiety (think I may still be dealing with the latter!) I began to fall in love with London and appreciated the perfect blend of its cosmopolitan nature fused with century old architecture and history. I had the privilege of doing my A-level’s at Westminster School, which excelled academically and constantly strived for brilliance. It’s no wonder that we attended Abbey twice a week in none other than THE Westminster Abbey, which the School was attached to. London for me was my introduction to Theatre, Art, Dance, and Clubbing! My passion for acting solidified in the West End, my academic schooling was accented with Liberal Arts and I discovered the joy of sweating and dancing till dawn! Even though London was not my “home” when we moved, it quickly became one of my favorite cities, a melting pot, a place of immense diversity in every respect. Being half Swiss/half Indian I felt I belonged more than if I were even English, as the potpourri of cultures made everyone feel like a global citizen. FAVORITES (Because I don’t live in London anymore I always call Quintessentially for new suggestions and go to www.dailycandy.com to keep up with London’s evolution) Restaurants: - Zuma (www.zumarestaurant.com) Considering London has so many amazing restaurants it’s difficult to pick my favorite. Zuma comes out tops, not only because of its buzzing lounge like atmosphere, good drinks and music but mainly due to its outstanding contemporary Japanese cuisine. If I’m in London for a few days, and can’t find anyone to go to Zuma with, I’ll go alone, sit at the sushi bar and savour the food (and people watch while I’m pretending to read), because there is no way I come to London and not eat there! It would be blasphemous! Shops: - Notting Hill is not a shop, but the entire area is littered with the most fashionable, wonderful boutiques ranging from Matches to Heidi Klein to TwentyTwelve and Joesph. Plus on a Saturday there is Portobello Market and all those little stores for one-off finds. - Harvey Nichols (www.harveynichols.com) is my haven! One stop shopping amongst new designers to the most established ones. You can always be rest assured that the buyers of HN have done their job well and presented you with the best of any designer’s collection. Accessories, cosmetics, shoes, jewelry, stationary and food produce are all available here, like they are in Harrods or Selfridges but you never have to worry about getting lost or overwhelmed in HN. Café/Bakery’s: -Hummingbird Bakery (hummingbirdbakery.com) provides London with American style cupcakes and cakes! Situated in South Kensington and Notting Hill, it is the perfect pick-me-up! - Jak’s (www.jakswaltonstreet.com) for healthy yet delicious food, organic and super fresh! Grab a quick bite or coffee at this little café on Walton Street. The friendliest staff, the freshest juices and a large variety of mix and match food and desserts. - Laduree (www.laduree.fr) is technically not a London ‘thing’ but thank the lord Paris came to London and brought with it the most delicious macaroons! I know it serves many other desserts and drinks but I have never gone past the macaroon’s; I always treat myself to 3 mini one’s, Salted Caramel, Vanilla, and Dark Chocolate (sometimes Lemon). Home Furnishing - Andrew Martin (www.andrewmartin.co.uk) Love his style, love the store, love walking in here with my mum and designing our imaginary loft apartment or beach house somewhere wonderful! Waiting to save up and buy the huge vintage playboy poster! Classic!