Just a quick one today because my parents are in London for a few days and I’m spending some time with them. Here’s an iPhone shot of the Stella McCartney shop on Fulham Road. An interesting combination with the homes above it which look like (possibly ex-) council flats.
Listen to a Londoner is a weekly interview with a Londoner – someone who lives in this city, born here or elsewhere. If you want to be interviewed, email littlelondonobservationist@hotmail.co.uk. Always looking for new volunteers.
Marguerite O’sullivan with daughter Zia
Marguerite O’sullivan lives in West Kensington with her 4-year-old daughter Zia.
She is currently a freelance writer and publishes her own blog Mythreefootstylist.
LLO: What brought you to London three years ago?
MO: I came over from Australia with my daughter to accompany my then partner who was working on a UK film project.
LLO: You recently completed a voluntary internship with the award-winning GAIL’s Bread, one of the few remaining independent bread shops in the UK. Why should we stop in? What have they got to offer?
MO: Wow, that is a hard one; there are so many delicious treats on offer! If I really had to choose it would definitely be GAIL’s amazing chocolate brownies. I would recommend anyone to stop by GAIL’s to experience true artisan food that not only tastes great but (because it’s all handmade and free from all the nasty stuff) is healthy too.
LLO: What are your other favourite independent shops in London?
MO: Their Nibs is great for stylish children’s clothing; Yates Buchanan has great vintage accessories; The Cloth Shop has the most unusual array of contemporary and vintage European textiles.
LLO: Tell us about your blog, My Three Foot Stylist.
MO: I’ve always had an interest in design, textiles and style which I inherited from my mother; because I also have an interest in scribing, it seemed natural to put the two together in a blog. I gave it that title because my 4-year-old daughter has taken to styling me each morning!
LLO: What’s the best thing about living in your postcode?
MO: The gorgeous parks, including Holland Park and Kensington Gardens, the child-friendly cafes and the quirky shops.
LLO: Who are your favourite London-based designers?
MO: Margo, which is great for stylish but original pieces; Petra Boase, for eclectic framed prints and T-shirts; Stella McCartney, whose current line of children’s clothes for GAP is stylish yet affordable.
LLO: Describe your perfect London day.
MO: I’d start by heading to GAIL’s on Portobello Rd for a dairy-free muffin and fresh OJ; I’d then wander down to Portobello Green market to nab a bargain. Weather permitting; I’d then make my way to Grand Union canal for a leisurely walk towards the gorgeous Cafe de Ville restaurant in Little Venice where I would stop for a light supper as the sun sets.
LLO: Working in the food industry, can you recommend a few favourite London restaurants?
MO: If I had my choice I would eat at L’etranger every week, but with a 4-year-old child to cater for, my usual haunts are GBK and Prezzo because of their wonderful children’s offerings.
LLO: What’s your favourite London discovery?
MO: The little park and stream near Station Road in Barnes.
LLO: If I had one day in London and wanted to wander off the beaten path, where would you send me?
MO: I would direct you to Richmond Park for a spot of deer spotting followed by a picnic at Pen Ponds.
Thanks Marguerite!
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