Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. Therefore, TT_ invites locals and creatives to share their most cherished places at their favorite destinations. Today: a LONDON city guide through the lens of APRIL WAN, FASHION FEATURE EDITOR at PUSS PUSS MAGAZINE. Cover image: courtesy of April Wan
A Chinese Canadian, April Wan spent most of her childhood attending an American international school in Shanghai. Knowing herself from a young age, she always found herself in her mother’s closet, dressing up with her wardrobe. “I saw it as her armor,” Wan fondly recalls. “Since then, it’s been my goal to pursue a career in the fashion industry, which is what I’m doing now. Upon finishing my degree at the London College of Fashion, I landed an internship at PUSS PUSS Magazine, which later turned into a Fashion Feature Editor role.”
Also, read: TOP 5 BEST WELLNESS HOTELS IN LONDON
LONDON THROUGH THE LENS OF APRIL WAN
It was 2017 when Wan visited London for the first time. “It was extremely gloomy and windy that trip, and my mum and I did not pack for the weather. Six years in London now, and I’m still not dressing for the weather, haha.” Besides being a fan of the city, the London College of Fashion mostly sparked her interest in moving to London. “I originally planned to attend school in New York, but an energy in London captivated me. Don’t mark my words, but New York is where cool people are, and London is where cool people are made.”
“DON’T MARK MY WORDS, BUT NEW YORK IS WHERE COOL PEOPLE ARE, AND LONDON IS WHERE COOL PEOPLE ARE MADE.”
April Wan
Despite usually being described as “always-on” and “buzzing,” Wan finds it easy to stay sane. “It’s easy to find balance in London. If I’m overwhelmed by work or social settings, I can always walk in one of the gorgeous parks. My favorite is Hampstead. Wear wellies if you’re planning on taking a walk there.”
LONDON CITY GUIDE
After living in London for seven years, Wan knows the city by heart. London turned out to be the ultimate surrounding for personal growth. “I moved here alone into a flat at 18, and it was a hard transitional period for me. I feel like I raised myself into early adulthood, and it makes me proud when I think back to how far I’ve come.”
Also, read: THE BEST LUXURY AND WELLNESS HOTELS IN BARCELONA, SPAIN
BEST NEIGHBOURHOODS TO GO STRUTTING
“Marylebone! There are cafes to catch up with friends at and Daunt books for a browse.”
LONDON’S BEST COFFEE BARS
“Fabrique is amazing. The first time I went to one of their cafes was back at university, and I became obsessed with their cardamon buns! The Monocle Cafe on Chiltern Street is great for a Sunday afternoon people-watching session. And when at Arome Bakery, you must try their signature pastry, the Honey Butter toast. Also, a super cute pastry chef works in their Covent Garden location!”
BEST RESTAURANTS IN LONDON
“Saltine is a small plates modern European restaurant in Highbury, and the food is great to share! ASSA offers the best Korean food I’ve ever had in London! I highly recommend ordering the Budae Jjigae, which is perfect for the grim winter weather. Furthermore, Trullo is my ultimate Italian spot, but getting a reservation is difficult. It serves the most authentic Italian food I’ve tried in London. Try to grab a place in one of their booths downstairs—they’re so cozy and perfect for date night!”
BEST BARS IN LONDON
“Oranj has a casual and elevated atmosphere. If you get hungry, they’ve got delicious small plates and top-tier orange wine. You can find me throwing back Pickle Back shots here on a Friday at High Water. Furthermore, I’m mainly at Twenty Two every weekend with my girlfriends! It has a fabulous interior and top-tier dirty martinis.”
BEST NIGHT CLUB
“The Twenty Two!”
WHERE DOES THE FASHION CROWD GO FOR A DRINK?
“I would say any bar in Dalston; my favorite is High Water on Stoke Newington Road.”
LONDON’S BEST BRUNCH SPOTS
“Opso serves Greek food that seamlessly soaks up the previous night’s vodka. The George is a private members club, but I had to include it because everything on the menu is mouth-watering. At last, Jolene in Newington Greens is a must-go. In the summertime, grab a seat by the floor-to-ceiling windows; it’s a central character moment. The menu changes, so it is a perfect monthly go-to.”
WHERE TO SHOP IN LONDON
“I mostly shop online nowadays but love to browse vintage stores on the weekend’s post-brunch. Reign Vintage’s owner only sources items from Italy, and I can’t recommend this store enough! A few years back, I found a Gianni Versace brown leather coat in new condition here. The items are reasonably priced, which doesn’t happen at most vintage stores here. Next, Lover’s Lane sells great pieces – they are to die for! – and so are the prices. I love window shopping, though! I’ve found a gorgeous Roberto Cavalli dress that cost me a month’s worth of my paycheque. At last, Past Trash is opening a new store soon, so be on the lookout for that! I find most of my summer pieces here, perfect if you’re looking for additions to your holiday wardrobe.”
BEST PLACE FOR PEOPLE WATCHING
“Chiltern street, no doubt.”
WHERE DO LOCALS GO?
“Maris Cafe in Hammersmith or the Abingdon in Kensington.”
ONE THING NOT TO MISS…
“Manoush for the best late-night chicken shawarma wrap and lemonade.”
